One of the many benefits of being in a small group with Kendra (from My First Kitchen) is that sometimes, she cooks and asks us to test it out. Once she made cheesecake. And it was (and I’m not exaggerating or being dramatic) the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. And that includes The Cheesecake Factory and Cheesecakes by Alex.
image from Kendra, My First Kitchen
All of us loved this cheesecake so much, that we started to tell Kendra how much she could make by selling them. She mentioned something about storing them all and so we told her she could invest in a big freezer and get cool packaging and come up with a cool name like Kendra’s Cheesecakes. We didn’t notice how quiet she was because between bites, we were busy nodding and agreeing about what a good idea this was and we nearly had her on Oprah’s Favorite Things episode.
There was only one problem: Kendra didn’t want to sell cheesecake. And when she said it out loud, it sort of stopped the conversation and we got back to simply enjoying the cheesecake.
Knowing what you want to do is important. But knowing what you don’t want to do can be even more so. My writing mentor, Bonita Lillie, wrote in her email for writers this week about how only you carry the vision for your writing (or your business, your parenting, your career, your ministry). No one else does. Wisdom from others can be a wonderful thing, but just know when you seek counsel from him and them and her and Oprah, it can also breed chaos and confusion. It was only when the other voices quieted that she was able to discern where her writing heart beat.
“And in the stillness, when all other voices were silent, I heard His voice speaking to me. And He was leading and guiding and clarifying and redefining. The vision became clear. And with that clarity, I was empowered to make decisions. Instead of yielding to or even entertaining every request put before me, I was able to say, “I do this. I only do this. I don’t do that.” Freedom!?? Dearest writer, you are the sole carrier of the writing vision God has given you. No one else has it. You are the visionary. Trust the vision.” -Bonita
So just because you make a great cheesecake doesn’t mean you are supposed to sell them, even if everyone tries to tell you that you should. Even if you could make a lot of money for them. Even if it makes a lot of sense. Even if people say you’re crazy for not. Only you carry the vision. The better you communicate that, the more content and effective you will be.
To subscribe to Bonita’s weekly email for writers: bonita(at)bonitalillie(dot)com
Thinking about blog purpose? Check here and here.
speaks volumes.
as usual. I had to link to this post today
The Nester´s last [type] ..It’s Stuffy in Here
I just subscribed to Bonita’s newsletter. Why haven’t I done that before?
I do this. I only do this. Love it.
Sandra Heska King´s last [type] ..Cornucopia
thanks… i think i really needed that today. my husband is always saying- oh you should make & sell… whatever. and i could. but i ‘m not gettin’ the word from God. not yet at least!
Dawn´s last [type] ..taking the first step- again
Another thing I have learned, is there’s a time for things. And just because right now I can make a wonderful cheesecake (not that I can, but you know what I mean), doesn’t mean that right now I am meant to spend all my time making cheesecakes and packaging and selling them. It also doesn’t mean that tomorrow, or next year, or ten years from now, God won’t call me to sell cheesecakes.
Thank you for this reminder.
Erin´s last [type] ..On A Roll- Except Not Really
I really needed to hear these words this morning. Thanks for sharing Emily!
oh , exactly. the saying yes and the saying no. It’s hard to discern sometimes, but so key.
perfect.
deb @ talk at the table´s last [type] ..an email- no address
This is music to me this morning. Thanks, Emily!
Having the discernment to quiet the other voices (including my own!) is so very hard. I’ve learned (after 14 years!) that once you are able to do that it makes saying no and taking risks just a little bit easier.
Thank you for this excellent reminder and I’m going to subscribe to her newsletter!
Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful´s last [type] ..Doing the Hard Work of Love – Part 3
Such simple, profound wisdom. It is the hearing of that one important Voice that is the key (and the most difficult for me – I confess).
Linda´s last [type] ..I Stand In Awe Of You
Ok, this post is making me laugh (and I am not sure you intended it to be funny
)….so what about if no one tells you that you should pursue something yet still you just “declare” to the world that you are gonna do it anyways?!?! I am the wierdest person I know!
Amy´s last [type] ..I declare myself an Artist
…or what if you heard something a while ago (years) and you’re still working along and beginning to wonder if it’s where you’re supposed to be headed?? I guess that’s just another opportunity to prayerfully listen as you keep on going with what He put on your heart until you get another direction. That’s where I’m at right now… Thanks for this post!
Laurie Wallin´s last [type] ..Why Kids Shouldnt Be Allowed On Airplanes
What a great post.. and really gets you thinking…. A lot of us went in completely different directions that our parents THOUGHT we should go and turned out just fine-even BETTER than fine… We all have to find our own way with God’s help.
Oooh, I love this. I can’t tell you how closely this hits… Thanks!
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..The In-Between
Beautiful Emily, this post is such a breath of fresh air for the soul. Thank you for this simple, true, good reminder. I can’t wait to see you and talk about wordy things!!
Holley Gerth´s last [type] ..Youve got a place in this world
This is excellent, excellent. I am teaching Sunday on standing firm on what God has already spoken. When He leads us to believe Him for something, then the victory comes in believing Him to bring it to pass. Today. Or…eight years from today. He will complete that which He begins. Love this, emily. Thank you for walking obedient to your calling.
lara´s last [type] ..Fall breaks through
This is so important! It is all too easy to get drawn into something that you never wanted to do.
Mama Zen´s last [type] ..Ache
amen. my soul breathes today here. reading this. thank you.
adornedlife´s last [type] ..we forgot one
Totally agree.
God’s gifts aren’t always used to make a living. Sometimes, your gifts are simply to cause other people pleasure and to make them feel loved.
Now I’ve got to get cheesecake out of my mind. I shouldn’t eat that stuff. LOL
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..My First And Last Breaking And Entering
Can’t tell you how much I agree with and can relate to this. I remember saying to someone, “just because I’m good at something, doesn’t mean I should do it.” We literally argued back and forth about what she thought I should be doing. I felt frustrated and then I wondered if I was wrong. Nope – turns out – God had a plan and once I let myself listen and surrender to that, I had the confirmation that I was right where I needed to be.
Mela Kamin´s last [type] ..Back to School – the photoshoot
so true… I had a clarifying conversation with a Pastor years ago that helped me direct how I proceeded with something I wrote years ago. Thanks so much for the reminder
oh, and love me some great cheesecake!
Jenny´s last [type] ..Blog Redesign Announcement
Well now I’m kind of wishing for the recipe.
Dana
I didn’t know Bonita is your writing mentor! Isn’t she wonderful? I got the chance to work with her this summer (editing a book project for her) and it was such a joy. She is wise beyond her years; that’s for sure. And you are wise to heed her counsel. If she’s your writing mentor, I’d say she’s quite a mentor.
I hope you’re having a great week!
ohmy–yes! Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean it’s your life calling.
In my job in children’s ministry, many have ideas for me. I appreciate their input, and some of their ideas become incorporated into mine. And I seek counsel a-plenty. But God has given me permission to do what He leads me to do. And my pastor/boss helps me pace so that quality outweighs quantity.
Maybe this comment is only loosely related to your post…but it’s where my wandering mind went…
dawn´s last [type] ..be still- part one
Oh wow. And I just thought this was about cheesecake. How profound your words and Bonita’s words were to me today.
Only *I* cary the vision He has given me, and I have to learn to effectively communicate that.
Thank you so much!
Bernice
PS- Sometimes we have to get quiet to hear the voice of God- http://bernicewood.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/can-you-please-turn-down-the-noise/
Ramblings of a Woman´s last [type] ..So what is ‘Good Enough’
I remember when my husband and I first learned to apply this idea of ‘carrying our own vision’ to our parenting. When we realized that no one else (our parents, friends, neighbors) is raising our kids we gave up the right to be offended when others questioned our crazy parenting style. It was so freeing! Did that make any sense?
Tracey´s last [type] ..Candy Corn Wreath
i can’t wait to really dive into this thought. i think i know, i’ve had a reason, but it’s changing-always. now it might be more important.
patty´s last [type] ..to be still again
I’d like to be able to have a bite of her cheesecake right now. Or even a whole piece of cheesecake. And I promise not to tell her she should sell it. I would say she should GIVE IT away to her blogging friends. I like that idea {nods over and over}.
Thanks for the reminder of the wisdom in being discerning for what is RIGHT for us and not just what is a GOOD IDEA. You are so smart here.
melissa @ the inspired room´s last [type] ..Welcome to the 3rd Annual Fall Nesting Party!!
first, you had me at cheesecake!
and finally, this is so true. God so intimately gives each of us a vision. he determines how it should be carried out, and sweeps us up off our feet and leads us into it. may he continue to sweep you off your feet as he leads you in his vision for you emily.
Thanks for this–still trying to figure out what it is I’m supposed to do with my writing. It’s helpful to think about what I don’t want to do–and I am SO going to check out Bonita! Last year in my Bible study, I was reminded that our Good Shepherd would hear HIS voice leading us and know HIM. It’s been helpful for me, learning to listen for His voice above all others.
Nancy´s last [type] ..In Good Company
OK~
I LOVE this!!!…so much!!!!
Emily,
Thank you for this post. I have some really big decisions to make this next year that have been weighing heavily on my heart. I’ve been asking for advice in all kinds of directions. I need to focus on God and His vision for my life. Thank you for the reminder.
Bless you,
Traci
Thank you Emily for sharing your wisdom and experience, and for encouraging us to look for the answers and pointing us in the right direction.
So true. I love sewing. But I don’t do custom sewing for other people. I will make things, and then if they like it and want to buy it the way it is, fine. But I don’t take orders. Thanks for saying it’s ok to say no!
Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!
I love this quote from Bonita:
“Dearest writer, you are the sole carrier of the writing vision God has given you. No one else has it. You are the visionary. Trust the vision.”
Thanks for sharing!
I always say there is no better way to ruin a hobby for yourself, than to start making money of off it. Which I think may not be true, but it is for me!
Great post.
Sarah´s last [type] ..I Want That- Comparisons and Looking Inward