Working with God
In his book EXPERIENCING GOD, Henry Blackaby advises Christians to look for where God is working and then join Him there. As I've done my best to follow this advice, I have discerned that, in my role as an encourager of writers, God is moving mightily in my recently launched ezine for writers, THE TOPNOTCH WRITER. Since its launch a few short months ago, the subscriber base has exploded and continues to grow rapidly.
At the same time, the well seems to have run dry for my blog entries. Normally, the thoughts flow swiftly and profusely. But, lately, they seem hard in coming. So I am in the process of asking God about this.
As a result, I will be temporarily suspending MUSINGS THAT MATTER until our Lord makes clear to me what His will is. I would appreciate your prayers. As I look back on my life, I notice that God has kept me in a variety of ministries for a season. Some seasons lasted for many, many years; other seasons lasted only a few months before our Lord moved me in another direction. MUSINGS THAT MATTER celebrated its fourth birthday in March.
At this point, I don't sense a certainty to discontinue our blog altogether, only to suspend it. Perhaps this is due to the fact that my nephew will be updating my website to make blog publication much easier than it has been.
Whatever the case, I will keep you posted with periodic mailings. Meanwhile, please pray for me and please continue to spread the word about THE TOPNOTCH WRITER. I believe that God has ordained this ezine as one way to encourage His writers all over the world to stand fast and to keep writing as the days grow darker and our freedom to proclaim the truth declines.
With love and blessings,
MaryAnn
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Copyright 2008 by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D. All rights reserved. This blog entry may NOT be reproduced, reprinted, or published in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may, however, forward it to others, but please do so IN ITS ENTIRETY. Thank you for your cooperation.
Comments
Dear Sweet MaryAnn,
I have followed you through many of those seasons.Each new ministry that God placed before you blessed others in a new way.
Just leave us some bread crumbs to follow your journey deeper into God's will. You are truly a spiritual mentor placed in my life by a loving Father.
Prayers, hugs, and sparkle bugs!
Vie
Mary Ann,
One of the many things I love about you is your willingness to "move" as you feel moved! LOL. I, for one, tend to get stuck thinking once I've made a decision to seve in one specific capacity, I should stay there. Not necessarily the case. Nor does that mean I was incorrect or inappropriately placed in that area at that time. God is always on the move. We've got to be willing to move with him. Your shifting gears within areas of ministry has been a great positive example for me as I see you evolve, obey, and yield to Holy Spirit working in and through you. Yet another valuable lesson from our fearless leader!
You go, Girl!
Kim
Dear MaryAnn:
Although I don't always comment, I among others read your blog faithfully. It is the first joy I turn to along with my devotionals, prayers, and coffee. Putting God first is of utmost importance, so we understand and trust that your decisions are always well made. Know that the resources and advice will always be cherished as I often refer to my "MaryAnn" file.God bless you with trust and courage for the direction He is leading you in. I'm confident you will serve Him well and touch many lives as you always have. My family and friends all know you and have experienced your words of wisdom in some shape or form. Go with God and feel His joy...we'll still be here like a good mattress.
Ditto to what everyone said.
Waiting with anticipation on what God is going to do next!!
love, pam
You need to do whatever God leads you to do, MaryAnn. I've marveled that you've consistently come up with thoughts to help writers, and I've followed your advice several times. It's changed my writing life. But if God is leading you to other territory, you need to follow that. I subscribed to Topnotch Writer and think it's great. Blessings on you wherever God leads!
One question--Janet's reference to her MaryAnn file prompted this: Will the Musings Archive still be available on your webpage if you do discontinue the blog?
MaryAnn, you are always a blessing no matter what venue God is using at the time. Thank you for being open to His leading. (I suppose that is why you are always a blessing!!!) Have you considered re-sending older messages while you decide?
Dearest maryann, I agree with all your other blogees--as always we trust that you will continue to follow God's leading, and wouldn't want you to do any differently. I also second the hopes that the past musings will still be available somewhere. God bless you with Topnoch Writer and whatever else He leads you to do. love, rose
Hi Maryann -
I'll miss reading your musings. Guess I'll have to sign up for Top Notch Writer to continue hearing your wise counsel. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Chiming in late to agree heartily! I think a lot of times we can get comfortable in our place of service to the point where when the Lord indicates He wants us to do something else, we dig our heels in and think it must be a distraction from the enemy. You are so wise to listen to His leading, and, above all, to FOLLOW it! In Dr. Henry Blackaby's son Dr. Richard Blackaby's book, UNLIMITING GOD, one key feature he mentions is to check your life and see if there is anything the Lord has told you to do that you still haven't done, because that will put a stranglehold on a spiritual life. I know there are instances where I haven't been as instantly obedient as I should, and He always lets me know about it!
Mom and I will continue to hold you up in prayer! I think I subscribed to the Topnotch Writer, but if I haven't, I'd better get over there! God bless you!
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Hi MaryAnn...You have been such a blessing to me and the rest of the bloggers. You have given us so much valuable information, love, and encouragement. I am glad that you are trying to discern God's will for your blog site before closing it down. But if God leads you in another direction, we will all understand that. You have given your all in keeping up with your entries, and perhaps it is time for you to rest for a while. May God give you His peace as you contemplate this decision.