Please welcome this week’s guest Julie Lessman for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey?
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
–John 3:30
How have I seen God work in my writing journey?
Well, let me put it this way—despite the fact that I’ve put on five extra pounds over the summer, the Scripture above is not talking about shedding body weight, although heaven knows I need to. Nope, today I’m talking about the latest lesson God has taught me on my writing journey, which is about “dieting” of another kind. A spiritual diet where the ME in the equation has to shrink to let HIM become more—in my life and in my writing. To take a backseat on the bus and let God take the wheel, because heaven knows HE is far more qualified to steer us to the peace, joy, and contentment we all long to have.
I won’t lie to you—I’m a very aggressive driver, which is why it’s probably a good thing that these days, I mostly let my husband cart me around. You know, “Driving Miss Julie”? You see, by nature I have a lead foot (tempered by speed limits, I assure you) and can switch lanes faster than Mario Andretti, sometimes on two wheels. So I’m pretty sure my blood pressure (and that of anyone driving with me or around me) is higher than normal when I am behind the wheel. Heck, the last time my husband even let me drive was when he had a colonoscopy and had no choice, a procedure he swears was far superior than my driving.
Regrettably, I’m inclined to agree. By the time I get home from driving somewhere, I’m usually stressed and hyper and going a mile a minute, which for a CDQ (caffeinated drama queen) is NOT pretty. But … it’s the strangest thing. When my husband is behind the wheel, I am suddenly relaxed and content and able to read or chat as if I’ve been tranquilized (I know, hard to imagine, isn’t it?). And that’s when God finally got my attention with that still small voice:
“Julie, step away from the wheel.”
Excuse me?
“Lay it down,” the gentle thought came, brimming with love.
I swallow hard. “Uh … lay what down, Lord?”
A quiet pause, as if God were waiting for me to finally listen. “Your hopes and dreams. Your need for control. Your need for approval. Put it on the altar, Julie, and step away from the wheel.”
Gulp. “But you don’t understand, Lord—I have books to promote, emails to answer, comments to write.”
“Give me the keys, Julie—now.”
I blink, visions of my daughter wrestling the car keys from my hands when I turn 65, like she always threatens to do. My palms begin to sweat as I stall. “I don’t understand, Lord—what keys?”
“The keys to your career. Lay them on the altar like Abraham did and walk away.”
A shiver travels my spine as “The Abraham Factor” looms large in my mind, something my main hero Bram Hughes introduces to my subordinate hero Logan McClare in book 3 of The Heart of San Francisco series, Surprised by Love
. And something I knew God was calling me to do the minute I penned that scene as follows:
Bram propped elbows on the arm of the chair and steepled his hands, staring out the window over Logan’s shoulder, the gloom of night the perfect backdrop for the subject he broached. “You see, I’ve learned the hard way that when it comes to the most precious things in my life, the safest place to keep them is in God’s hands. To trust Him to do for them and me the very best thing.” His eyes met Logan’s. “No matter what that is.” He expelled a wavering sigh. “Because if I love someone—really and truly love them—I’ll always want to give them God’s best, not mine.”
Rising from his chair, he nudged Logan’s cup of coffee toward him before he picked up his own. “Abraham loved his son fiercely, waited decades for God to honor His promise to give him a son in the first place. And then one day, God—Abraham’s ‘friend’, mind you—asks him to lay that precious son on the altar and give him up. Sacrifice him—just like that. And you know what?” Against his will, tears glazed Bram’s eyes as his gaze locked with Logan’s. “That man didn’t balk or miss a beat. Nope. Because Abraham’s trust in God was so strong, he actually told his traveling companions to ‘abide ye here and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship, and come again to you.’” Bram shook his head, overwhelmed as always at the strength of Abraham’s faith, the certainty that somehow, someway, God’s best would prevail. “And you and I both know what happened, Logan. God stayed the knife in Abraham’s hand, giving him his son back because of his remarkable trust.”
“Trust,” Logan whispered in a low drone, “the very reason I’ve lost Cait.”
Bram nodded, his tone quiet but sure. “And the very thing that will help you find God in a way you’ve never experienced Him before. He wants you to trust Him, Logan, to put your love for Mrs. McClare on the altar where God can do with it what He wills for your good and hers. And whether He stays your hand or not, your sacrifice of obedience will be rewarded with more peace and joy and hope than you ever believed possible.”
Logan’s brows dipped, the deep wedges indicating his skepticism. “And you really believe that?”
Bram smiled, remembering his own lack of faith before God had proven it true. “I do.”
And you know what? So do I. Deeply. Which is why I finally took my hands off the wheel this year and gave the keys to God. A God Who not only knows the direction to my ultimate peace and joy, but can guide me there while I sit relaxed in the back seat, enjoying the ride.
Driving Miss Julie, if you will. And you, too, if you’ll let Him.
So … what do you need to put “on the altar”? Because there’s plenty of room in the back seat …
Hugs,
Julie
BIO:
Award-winning author of “The Daughters of Boston” and “Winds of Change” series, Julie Lessman was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. She has also garnered 17 RWA and other awards and made Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers’ Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. Contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or Pinterest or by signing up for her newsletter.
l FREE DOWNLOAD on my debut novel A Passion Most Pure, American 
Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Book of the Year with 570 five-star reviews.
$3.99 SALE (or FREE on Kindle Unlimited) on Julie’s Irish Christmas love story, A Light in the Window—winner of three awards, and here’s the video to give you a peek. —ALITW Video
Only $2.99 each for two brand new Christmas novella collections from the Seekers called Hope for the Holidays. The historical collection features novellas from Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, Myra Johnson, and Ruth Logan Herne, while the contemporary collection features novellas from Marcy Connealy, Mary Connealy, Audra Harders, Sandra Leesmith, Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe, and Missy Tippens.
Hearing about how you turned everything over to God and trusted him with your (i’m sure) sometimes chaotic life makes me think about mine. I don’t have books to write or emails to answer, but the very thought of turning over the very little control I have scares me more than just a little. I know that I don’t have many physical things to turn over to God like book writing or precious time. The control I clutch so very tightly in my grasp is of my thoughts and my feelings. My emotions and beliefs. You can’t visibly see them, but I realize that I need to turn those over to God so that I can be blessed in the way I desire to be. And like Bram said, they are safest with Him.
Hey, DANA, yes, that’s a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way — trusting God with my career AND corralling my thoughts and feelings. His Word says take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and I think as human beings, we all struggle with that. But the good news is that in our weakness HE is strong, per Paul’s words in the Bible, so no matter how many times we fail at this, His strength carries us through.
Thanks for coming by, my friend, and GOOD LUCK in the contest!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie, thank you for sharing your journey with us. You’re a blessing to me as well as many others. Turning over every aspect of our lives to the Lord is never easy, but I know when we do the rewards are more than we can ever imagine. Thank you for being a bright shining star to so many of us. Love ya. Kristena
Aw, KRISTENA, thank you SO much for hosting me on your blog — it’s been a blessing to me, as are you!
Hugs,
Julie
I can definitely relate to this. It’s so hard to turn it over to God and let Him have control of everything. Thank you for sharing your story with us…it’s so inspiring!
Hey, HANNAH, thank YOU for coming by to read my “journey,” and I think that’s a universal struggle for all of us human beings — letting God have control of our lives. Sometimes we succeed at this, but mostly we don’t. The good news is God loves us no matter what. 🙂
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
JULIE
This can certainly be a tough thing to do as I know from experience but as Julie said, putting something in God’s hands is the best place to put it. I need to always remember to put God in the driver’s seat. 🙂
COURTNEY!!! Sooooo great to see you here, my friend — thanks for coming by, and here’s hoping it nets you a win!!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I love Julie’s books, and they have inspired me so much. I appreciate her honesty! Life isn’t easy, and so many things can cloud us. Julie has a way of writing to clear some things up for me. What a blessing!
Aw, KATE, thank you SO much for your sweet comment — it blesses me more than I can say. And I’m pretty big on honesty because what you see (or read) is pretty much what you get with me — sometimes too my detriment because at times I can be a little too open and honest for this industry. But … I am what I am, and it is what it is, so I appreciate readers like YOU who appreciate the out-there honesty in me. 🙂
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
I have some similar things I need to leave on the altar. It’s hard to know with book promotions, writing and editing other manuscripts at the same time, and managing social media just where the line is between God’s will and self will. So that’s a daily struggle. You’ve been a great role model for me Julie. God bless you for being faithful to His call and to what He’s told you to do!
Oh, WOW, CARRIE, seriously??? Because I feel the same way about you, my friend — you are a role model to me, and I am SO glad we are friends!! I saw your name in the comments, and a giant smile slid across my face, so thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to come by.
Love you!!
Julie
It’s funny how the words we put in fictional characters’ mouths can come back to bite us, eh? Also: I don’t drive, so remind me never to let you take me anywhere. Then again, it could be fun!
LOL, STEPH … you’re a VERY wise woman, hesitating to let me drive you ANYWHERE!! YES, it might be fun, but I’m not sure your nerves could take it. 🙂
Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
Hugs,
Julie
Oh, wow. What a beautiful post, and timely, too. I love to see how God works through the things He gives, and asks us to give back, not because He wants to take them away, but because He wants us to remember who it (or in some cases, a person!) really belongs to. Wow. Thank you for that today.
Thanks SO much, LYNDA, and I totally concur — God’s biggest concern is not taking things away from us, but making sure we understand what our priorities are — HIM!!
Appreciate you coming by, my friend, and here’s hoping it nets you a win!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
On Julie’s Journal Jots…it mentions a giveaway of one of her books…on your blog. I love her writings and have some catching up to do with her latest series. Fingers crossed that you’re having a giveaway!
[email protected]
Hey, MEL, you bet there’s a giveaway, girlfriend, and here’s hoping you’re the one who walks away with it!!
Good luck and hugs,
Julie
Oh yes, Julie, as Kristena says you are such a bright shining star to us readers! Love your books, and can’t wait to read your newest!
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
Aw, JACKIE, thank you and it’s always SO great to see your name pop up, my friend, so fingers crossed that I can send you a signed book!!
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Julie, thank you for sharing! You’re right, it’s so hard to lay everything down and let God have control. I tend to be a worrier, so that’s a tough one for me. But I keep praying and asking the Lord to take it so that I don’t have to. Sometimes I wonder if He thinks it’s like pulling teeth. 🙂 I appreciate your transparency. You are such an inspiration! Hugs!
bookwarp(at)gmail(dot)com
Hey, ANG, it IS hard to lay everything down, my friend, which is why we need God’s strength to do it for sure. Thank God it’s not on all us, eh? And poor God — first he has to make the teeth, then He has to pull them! 😉
I’m still praying about the perfect job for you, so keep me posted … 🙂
Love you!!
Julie
[email protected]
It is so hard to just let go of stress and worries. I think as human beings we are programmed to worry because it’s part of survival. I always feel so much better when I go to church and let go of stress and worries. I am putting it all in God’s hands now. He is the captain of the ship and always steers me in the right direction.
Ooooo, APRUL … “captain of the ship” … I like that!! I’d much rather be on a boat than in a car … 😉
And I agree — going to church or spending time with God is sooooo healing when it comes to worries and stress. Where would we be without Him???
Thanks for coming by and GOOD LUCK in the contest!!
Hugs,
Julie
Thank you for this great example of relinquishing control, Julie. It’s something that is so hard to do, but necessary in our relationship with God. I think that is one reason your books are so wonderful and speak to so many of us: you let elements of your own relationship with God into the books, which makes them more real. I’m looking forward to reading these last two novels in the Heart of San Francisco series.
Hey, PAM, you caught me, girlfriend!! I definitely DO put “elements of my own relationship with God into my books, because if I can help somebody “get it” faster than I did, hopefully to save them some heartbreak, then I’m all for that. 🙂
I’m anxious to see what you think of the last two books — they are the “sweetest” books I’ve written so far, with far less passion than the others, so do let me know after you read them, okay?
Thanks for coming by, sweetie, and GOOD LUCK in the contest! 🙂
Hugs,
Julie
That was so interesting to read. Thanks for hosting Julie 🙂 I seriously cannot wait to read ‘Surprised By Love’ and I know that I will love it as much as Julie’s other books 🙂
It is awesome how God is so good to us and I love how Julie incorporates his love for us into her books 🙂
Hey, STARLIGHT STARBRIGHT, it’s nice to see you here, my friend, and I sure hope I can send you a signed book, so here’s to a win!!
Hugs,
Julie
Yes, I’m a Julie fan. I love her books thanks for the chance to win .
ABS!!! You are making the rounds, girl, and that’s a good thing — you’re just liable to win a book that way, you know??
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
JULIE
Wow does this tie in with everything else in my life – our pastor has been preaching a sermon series on Abram (and we haven’t even got to Isaac yet, but Abram is faced with similar choices of obedience over and over). And in the prayer group I go to, lately it’s all about obedience to God – if we’re faithful in the little things, then we will be faithful in the big. If God is asking you to step back from your career, that’s a big thing – which I’m betting means you’ve been faithful in the small, even if you haven’t always realized it. What a testament to God’s work in your life!
Hey, RACHAEL, isn’t it amazing how God often teaches all of us the same thing at the same time??? That’s when you know it’s truly an anointed message, a mass communication He’s trying to make with the Body of Christ in general.
Abraham’s faith truly amazed me, which is why he plays such a big role in Surprised by Love, so I hope you get to read it. Maybe by winning it here??? 😉
Hugs and GOOD LUCK!!
JULIE
I call dibs on the back window seat, LOL!
I mentioned this on my blog review of Surprised by Love, but as a single twenty-something, I’m beginning to get into that point in life when it seems a lot of my friends are starting to get into romantic relationships, engagements, marriages, and starting families of their own. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t starting to wish for the same, but at times it seems like a hopeless, “never-going-to-happen-for-you” thing, so this reminder came at the perfect time for me. Do I trust God with these desires of my heart? =)
LOL … good thing there’s two of them, JEN, so there won’t be any quibbling, eh? 😉
Oh and, honey, I soooo understand where you are coming from, my friend!! I was from a family of 13, and every single one of my siblings were married except for me, so I thought it was NEVER going to happen. I was 28 when I finally got married, and it’s been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me after coming to Christ, so keep your eyes fixed on Him, knowing that He is the God of Hope, and hope does not disappoint!!
Hugs and saying one for you, my friend.
Julie
Timely topic for me, too, Julie. It seems like every time I turn around something is hindering my writing on my current MS in major ways. I’m wondering if God is trying to tell me something or the Enemy is trying to prevent me from doing what I’m supposed to do. I know I just need to put it in His Hands. Maybe I’ll go say a little prayer now. Thanks!
Hey, SYLVIA … prayer is my go-to as well because as imperfect human beings, we need all the help we can get AND all the divine direction we can get too. Let’s say one for each other, my friend, shall we? 🙂
Hugs,
Julie
The “win” I’m looking for isn’t another Lessman book – unless it’s the Christmas collection – it’s the same thing Julie found. . .LETTING GOD HAVE THE KEYS TO HER CAREER.. . .I’m at a crossroads – a ‘do I or don’t I’ kind of place with shaking hands and I’m trying to HEAR HIS voice in my heart and mind so I won’t do something I’ll regret. . .THIS IS PERFECT TIMING, Julie and Kristena. . .thanks so much! Hugs, Joy
Hey, JOY … just now saw your comment, my friend, so thanks for coming by! And God may be a 12th-hour God, but His timing is ALWAYS “perfect,” eh???
Hugs!!
Julie