Comments on: We only really master some spiritual truths by doing!

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:02:49 +0000

Hi Dana, I am a full-time writer too, though the writing isn't supporting the family.

When we needed additional income, I started a business unrelated to my writing to pay the bills. I read about Dostoevsky who frantically wrote books to pay his bills, and sadly wished I had the guts to do that. But I lacked the faith and energy to even try to write to pay bills, and indeed the stress might have been too much for me.

Now, aspects of my writing bring in small sums money on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, and it's so exciting!!

Making a living as a writer is a dream few realize, and I salute you for your courage!!

By: Dana Rongione

Dana Rongione — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:31:07 +0000

After leaving my job as a teacher and embarking on a new career as a full-time writer, I was forced to find out what it truly means to live by faith. I didn't know from where or when my next paycheck would come. I had no idea if I could or would make it as a writer. There have been many mountains and many valleys over the past decade, but through it all I've learned that when Jesus is all that I have, He's all that I need! I haven't arrived yet in my spiritual journey, but I'm finally learning to enjoy the ride.

A Word Fitly Spoken
http://danarongione.blogspot.com

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:20:44 +0000

Thanks, Rachel. I too have learned some dark things in the last decade, specifically the stuff in the link I sent you, and on the same lines as you mention.

But, as you allude to, strength does come out of those places of weakness and suffering:-)

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:38:23 +0000

The last decade? I have learned about friendships. Specifically: loss, betrayal, hypocrisy and gossip. Also abuse, depression, grief and many of my own weaknesses. However, with all of that I have learned what it is like to lurch forward into darkness and feel God catch me. Over and over.

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:34:13 +0000

Thanks Penelope. That sounds like a very difficult lesson.

Your ministry through blogging, social media and leading pilgrimages may well reach even more people than the ordained ministry which has been temporarily laid down. And who knows what God will do in the next decade of your rich and fruitful life!

By: Penelope Swithinbank

Penelope Swithinbank — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:54:53 +0000

This has really made me think … because in the past decade I have been given a new (Ordained, priestly) ministry in which I was privileged to see the Lord powerfully at work in others; and then had it almost, or mostly, removed from me for a while. And in the giving and the taking, the Lord has taught me that it is HIS ministry, not mine. And I have had to learn to say “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away – blessed be the name of the Lord.” It is as though I have had to learn to hold it out on the palm of my hand so that He can pour out blessing or not, as HE chooses; and not to try to grab tight hold of it (for fear of losing it or for wanting to call it mine). It is all from Him and all for Him – and when and where is His choice.
Thank you for helping me to look back and 'see' the lesson of the past decade, Anita.