Why I Write

Sometimes, I feel I owe the few people that take the time to read this blog an explanation - so here goes.

I write because it's cathartic; writing is the way I express myself the best. Unfortunately, recently I can't seem to find the time to write on a consistent basis - hence my lack of blog posts.

I write because it's soothing.

I write because I love it.

I write because it makes me smile.

I write because when I look back and see where I was to where I am now, hopefully I see growth.

I write to encourage others and myself.

I write because reflection is important and since I value growth - reflection and introspection allow me to do so.

I could write about many inane (to me) topics - but I write about the things I do, because they make me think, and I'd like to think make me a better person.

I write because I'm a voracious reader of all genres - and I gain nuggets of wisdom from many sources.

Sometimes I write at night, or through tears, or when I'm happy. When inspiration hits me, I try to respond.

I write to show the relevance of scripture to our modern fast-paced world.

Sometimes, I am challenged as I write - perhaps I think an area is too personal or difficult to share, or a topic too touchy.  I pray over everything I write, but in these instances, I specifically ask God - "Should I write this?" If the answer is yes, my next question is "How?" When I look back, it is only the Hand of God that has allowed to write what I wrote.



This is my year of MORE. One way of being MORE purposeful is by using the gifts I have (writing), to be a blessing.

Therefore I also write as a ministry - to encourage you, to let you know that you're not in this alone, to serve you, and to pray with you.

As this year goes on, I'm challenged to write MORE. I want to write about: Little known People of the Bible, Balaam, The Ass and Church (those 3 go together); Why is it so hard to find a Church; are Christians powerful; Crazy Marriages that Work; When your child appears to be two different  people.  This is just a sample of some of the things I hope to eventually share with you

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10


Have you identified your gifts and talents? How do you use them? Do you wish you had more time to use them?

MORE

Here's what I'm realizing: I have compartmentalized my life and have not totally given over everything to the Lord.  There's a fear in me that's holding me back.  I only realized this after reviewing a dead end career path within the last four years; I've taken the safe route even though its not fulfilling. I've rationalized the safe route by  telling myself "it's OK, or who needs to be happy in their job or it's just a job", and other such things to make myself feel good. Ultimately these rationalizations made me realize that I'm not doing what I'm called to do.

I've been playing small, when God is so much bigger than my perceptions of Him.

I'm learning that I need to take leaps of faith; not blind and willy nilly leaps, but God inspired leaps of faith.

I'm learning that the only way to build up my faith is to saturate myself with Him by spending time meditating on His word.  What does meditating look like? For me sometimes its looks like I'm doing nothing, but I'm pondering and chewing over something I've read earlier. I'm having quiet conversation with God.  This happens many times in the quiet hours of the morning or while behind the wheel.

My year of MORE is not self seeking so that at the end I have more things; it's truly about wanting MORE of God to be evident in every aspect of my life.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

Do you compartmentalize God? Is there an area of your life that you need to turn over to God?

Confirmation

I wish you could see the amount of things that are swirling around in my head at any time; it's scary even to me!

Entering in to the one word challenge, I did not choose the word MORE half-heartedly or randomly.
There's an old saying that goes - "Talking to God is better than talking to yourself", so I was doing just that - talking to God while laying down in bed with all my thoughts swirling. We were having a conversation that went something like this:

Me: so much stuff is happening, sometimes I'm not sure what you want from me. Where are you leading me?
God: I want MORE of you; I will direct your paths; I will show you what you should be doing.
Me: MORE (smiling)...Yes that seems so right.  If I acknowledge you in everything, you will direct my paths.
God: Yes, trust me MORE; read my word MORE; pray MORE; pray as a family together MORE; pray as husband and wife MORE.
Me: I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm committing it to you. We're on this journey together.

When I woke up I posted my one word post and the following day during my quiet time I read Psalms 19: 7-11. (BTW, the first time I heard these verses was in a song; its such an old song I couldn't find it on youtube).

 ⁷The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. ⁹The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

MORE to be desired are they than gold......that would be Law of the Lord, his testimony, his statutes, commandments, fear and judgement - are priceless and have greater value than anything we can think of; and when we keep his commandments there is great reward to us and those around us.

It was such a confirmation and was as if the Lord was speaking directly to me and answering my question from the previous night.

Have you ever had conversations with God? What has He revealed to you? Do you typically receive confirmation?

MORE

Anything that I write about on this blog is something that's been on my mind, or that came to me as I read the Bible, or it's something that encourages me that I wish to share with you. In this day and age its so easy to look at others and feel inadequate, especially in blog land.  I hope no one reads my blog and feels inadequate because my goal is to encourage you by using Biblical timeless truths. I use to think life was black and white; I've come to realize that there's lots of grey and the only way to successfully navigate the grey areas is to rely on someone bigger and better than yourself.

As a Christian, every day presents a new opportunity to serve God and develop or Christian walk more.
And so MORE is my one word for this year - 2012. MORE means a greater amount or additional degree.


I want MORE of Christ and less of me.


I want to bear MORE fruit, to the point that I'm bearing much fruit.


I want a MORE abundant life - overflowing with God's goodness and grace. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it MORE abundantly." John 10:10


God wants us to abound MORE and MORE. - 1 Thessalonians 4:10


I'm excited to see where this will take me in the new year.


If you had one word for 2012, what would it be?


This post was inspired by Melanie of Only A Breath