A Writer's Harvest

photo by Carlos Porto on  freedigitalphotos.net

The cooling weather and crisp leaves floating all around, announce that it is certainly FALL. And after a long, long summer of heat, my soul praises God for ushering in His design of the harvest season. This year, not only does my family have the pleasure of driving by combines filling grain bins full, but we also have the simple delight of an over-abundant apple tree in our yard. With our bellies happy with the produce, I can't help but think on the fruits of the Spirit...and as a writer in need of inspiration, I chose this post to elaborate on the blessing of each fruit I am given as a wordsmith!

Some of my favorite people,
cheering me on in my craziness!

Love is the fellowship in this writing community. My friends and Alleycats always have open arms! They remind me of the JOY which writing brings to my heart, as well as give me a glimpse at the Creator's joy in bestowing such precious gifts upon me. Because of the love and joy He brings in writing and friends, I can cling to His Peace in the disappointment and doubt, knowing that I am well-loved and ordained for this journey, no matter what heartache it brings.

Often, I feel as though God's main purpose for this writing journey, is to refine a golden Patience in my naturally impatient heart. With many years of waiting, rejection, and wondering, the old is cast off, and patience has become a fragile blessing, budding ever so slow...but catching the dew of a new morning in the refining process.

As I continue on, Kindness meets me in the encouragement of a crit partner, a contest judge, and a fabulous agent. It is this fruit that gives me hope, and reminds me of the Goodness in the craft, in my purpose, in my God. Writing is only worth it if His goodness shines through on every page, at every turn.

As well as kindness, I find Gentleness in a correcting critique and a judge's suggestion. God uses each and every word to gently nudge me toward maturity in this craft. Gentleness is a comfort to my heart in the most challenging times, because it keeps my defenses low and my mind open to a more enriching journey.

It is only through God's Faithfulness in providing these abundant fruits along the way, that I am assured my path is the right one for me. His faithfulness meets me at every stumble, every victory, and every fork in the road. He never fails me. His faithfulness keeps my word count rising and my doubt falling away.

Of all these fruits, I taste the sweetness of God's journey for me, but the last fruit is one that I so often push aside in my flesh. Self-control is not as ripe as it should be when I begin to allow my thoughts to spiral downward, to take me to places of defeat, doubt, and jealousy. To take my thoughts captive is the ultimate harvest of Self-control on my journey. My basket often runs low on this fruit!

Thank goodness I have the love and joy of friends and writing! And I continue to grow the patience to wait on God to work in His kind, gentle way to show me that He will faithfully provide the promised self-control if I keep my heart open to His abundant harvest!

Had to include my daughter's journey
through the pumpkin patch!

Which fruit do you struggle with most on this journey as a writer? In life in general?

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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.