The Christian Woman's Page

Celebrating 10 Years in Publication :: July 1998 - July 2008

Jesus Whispered As I Prayed
by Betty Overstreet

My life changed forever the day I heard Jesus whisper in my ear, guiding me toward a new life.

Divorced again! Life just keeps changing. I was in the fourteenth year of my second marriage when I discovered my husband was being unfaithful. I had always told him that was something I could never accept so, when I asked him to leave he left with regret in his heart and tears in both our eyes. I quickly found a wonderful church in my neighborhood and asked God to please help me through these heartbreaking times, though I had been away from Him for a very long time.

Life was good! I had a good job, lots of new Christian friends, my kids and grand-kids who loved me and I began to really enjoy my single life. However, as much as I was enjoying my new life, I still felt something was missing. There was something I felt I should be doing but hadn't a clue as to what new direction I was supposed to be heading.

I sat in my regular church pew one Sunday morning with my head bowed, praying for forgiveness of any sin I may have committed. Then I prayed, "Lord, what do you want me to do with my life?" A voice came from over my shoulder, "Write your poetry". I was startled! I must have been praying out loud and someone answered me. I jerked my head around to see who it was. No one was paying any attention to me. All heads were bowed as we waited for communion to be served.

Again, I bowed my head and begin praying for direction for my future and again I heard the voice, "Write inspirationally and it will be published". I knew at that moment who was speaking to me. I had never really considered publishing any of my writing before. But from that day, I began praying for God to show me the way. I have been frequently reminded that if "God brings us to it, He will bring us through it" and now I certainly have proof of that.

Just because God begins to lead you in the direction he has chosen for you, that doesn't necessarily mean the going won't be a little rough at times. Once He points us in His direction, that's when our real work begins.

In my case, I knew he wanted me to write for him. I began doing extensive research on the skills and information needed for a successful writing career. I signed up for a Creative writing class at the local community college and attended a Christian writers work shop. When I realized that I was actually in the process of completing a book, I began searching for a publisher by contacting other authors and asking who they felt was fair and competent to complete my book in a timely manner.

I continued to pray for guidance at each crossroad I reached. That was the key to my whole journey.

I am now a published author of three books: The Lord Still Speaks Are You Listening?, Mistletoe Memories & Sugarplum Dreams and Water to Wine, 2 Fish to a Feast. Our fourth book is now about half finished. Yes, I said, Our Book. I consider my books to be God's books, not mine. I would never have been able to do this without my Heavenly Father guiding me each step of the way.

If you hear His whisper, don't hesitate! Run quickly in the direction He leads you and enjoy each step of the journey.

 
Betty Overstreet lives in California with her husband, Gary. She has four grown children, eleven grandchildren and now the great grandchildren are beginning to appear! When she isn't busy writing a new book, she spends time at Senior Residential facilities bringing the gift of music, in the form of Old time Country Western and gospel songs. She also enjoys traveling, gardening, and whenever she finds herself in tropical locations, snorkeling is a favorite pastime. www.bettyoverstreet.com
 
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