Five Years and 500 Blog Posts

This is my 500^th blog post. I wasn’t counting, or even paying attention. I just noticed it when I posted my 499^th post last week and realized it’s been five years since I felt God “suggest” that I start a blog and host an online book study for women.

By “suggest,” I mean the idea came completely out of nowhere—I hadn’t even thought about it before that moment. But, as will happen when God whispers a part of His plan, the idea didn’t go away.

Here I am five years later. I look back at those first blog posts and cringe, but then I see how I’ve grown as a blogger and a writer, and how I’ve grown personally. Blogging has been a way for me to process and share what I’ve learned, and what God is still teaching me.

It’s been five years of walking outside of my comfort zone…because every time I start to feel comfortable, God stretches me in a new way.

This past weekend, I attended my first writer’s conference. At times, I felt overwhelmed and intimidated. I questioned why I was there and doubted myself—but I never regretted my decision to go. Instead, I moved forward through all of those feelings, speaking with editors, publishers, and fellow writers. I left having made new friends and with some new goals in mind.

Clicking “Publish” on that very first post five years ago was a big step in faith, and so was registering for a conference where I knew no one. But God’s plans are like that—they require stepping out in faith, even when that first step is all you can see.

For you, it might not be writing, but something completely different. No matter what it is, if you feel God has called you to something, trust Him and don’t let fear overwhelm you. If you let it stop you, you will miss out on where God wants to take you.

Although I would like to know all of the details in advance, I’m learning that it’s not necessary when it’s God’s plan. He leads at just the right time—His time, not mine. Then one day I look back and see how far we’ve come…and I realize time flies when you’re walking in obedience to the One who has called us.

In Christ,

Laura 

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with: Intentional Tuesday Linkup, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Winsome Wednesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Grace & Truth

When You’re Stuck Between Now and…When Lord?!?

Call it what you want—the desert…a time of waiting…the land between—it’s all a time of not knowing the future. It feels like being stuck between now and when Lord?!?

This time of waiting is a time of growth—uncomfortable, stretching, and learning to trust without seeing growth. I know that. I believe it. I’ve even written about it.

Perhaps I’m just plain tired, because I see God’s blessings along the way. Really, I do.

But, sometimes what I know to be true doesn’t make it to the rest of me. I get tired of waiting and praying the same prayers over and over…because I don’t know what else to pray.

Some days are just hard…

Knowing God has a plan, but not being able to see past today.

Trusting God will bring good out of a trying time, but unable to fathom what that good might be.

Waiting for God’s work in a situation, but still not seeing any change.

So, if I believe and trust, shouldn’t I be able to wait patiently? Maybe. On the good days. But on the tougher days, the emotions take over—weariness, worry, sadness, fear, even anger.

These emotions can be overpowering, and some days, I simply can’t battle them on my own (no matter how hard I try).

But with God all things are possible—even keeping the emotions in check. {Tweet this}

God created us with human emotions. He knows how powerful they can be….and He knows when we need help to control them. But so often, we don’t turn to Him first.

As I tried to work my way out of a bad mood earlier this week, I decided there are a few steps to take when I’m feeling stuck between now and when Lord?!?

* Take it to God right away. Remind yourself of His promises and spend time reading His Word. Ask Him to show you why you’re feeling so emotional. Pray for guidance in dealing with the emotions before they become overwhelming and for peace in the situation. Make a list of Scripture verses that lift you up when you’re feeling down, and keep adding to the list.

* Consider what other factors might be influencing how you feel. I think everything seems worse when I’m tired, hungry, or not feeling well. If I’m physically drained, my emotional strength and patience are also diminished. Sometimes, I just have to recognize that I’m tired and weary and today is not the day to dwell on anything I don’t have to think about.

* Find a distraction…something that will change your focus. It might be reading your Bible, listening to uplifting music, or calling a friend. Even running errands or helping a neighbor can change your frame of mind. Whatever can help to change your thinking—do it.

* Try to look at the situation from a different perspective. This can be difficult, I know. When you’re knee-deep in something, it’s really hard to see it in any other way than how you’ve been looking at it. Ask God what He wants you to see and to reveal a different view of what you’re going through.

I’m not saying it’s easy to persevere from now to someday (when Lord?!?), but it’s worth it. I can’t always control how I’m feeling, but I can control my behavior while under an emotional influence.

What do you do when you feel stuck in a time of waiting? How do you keep the emotions from getting the better of you?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, #LifeGivingLinkup

God’s Word is Clear, But It’s Not Easy

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one word prompt…

Easy

God's Word is clear, but it's not easy. Oh, it's So. Not. Easy.

It might be easier to follow Jesus if I could get out of my own way, but time and time again, I trip over myself.

What I want blocks the way when I'm trying to live by God's will. I have to find a way around, over, or through my own obstacles.

My emotions get the better of me when I'm trying to hold my tongue, and words I wish I hadn't said were indeed said.

I have to keep reminding myself to give grace to others. How can I keep forgetting this?

And to forgive others the way God forgives me...I should write this on sticky notes and surround myself with them.

Following God's word is not easy, especially when I rely on my own strength and memory. But in God's strength, it all becomes a little clearer. And God's reminders are more gentle than my own.

God says, "Here's what you should do and how you should act." And then He says, "And I will help you. Just stay by My side."

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: Five Minute Friday, Give Me Grace, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #TellHisStory, #RaRaLinkup, Intentional Tuesday, #LifeGivingLinkup, Coffee for Your Heart

We Have to Decide

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one word prompt…

Decide

Every day we make choices. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we make decisions all day long.

What to have for breakfast...what to wear...which chores to get done...how much time to spend scrolling through Facebook...when to go to bed, etc.

But the most important decision of all is whether or not to follow Jesus.

What do you mean? I'm a Christian…of course I follow Jesus.

Yes, but every day, we're met with challenges and how we react makes a difference.

Will I act out of my own desires or follow Jesus’ example? We have to decide.

Every day is hard. Temptations threaten to pull us down a different road than the one God wants us to follow.

We have to decide...my will or His?

It's a choice we have to make...today, tomorrow, and every day after that.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Five Minute Friday, Faith 'n Friends, Weekend Whispers