New Year, New Journey!

Four years ago I began to write my story. I spent two years writing about my journey through seasons of life and the lessons I learned along the way. When I began to write I thought that perhaps I would have it printed with the hope that my story would encourage others along their journey through life. When I “finished” it, (when are you ever sure a story is finished?) I went to a writer’s conference where I hoped to have someone else read some of it to receive input and constructive criticism. My story never came out of the folder, but I did hear a lot about blogging. Mark had mentioned it to me several times before so when I came home from the conference I decided that was what I was to do, and from then on I have been writing and posting my blog weekly. I really enjoy blogging; beginning with asking God to show me something new from the Bible or to teach me something from life experiences so I can share with others, then the process of putting what God shows me into words as I write and re-write the text, and then finding or taking pictures to illustrate the lessons. I have found it very fulfilling and I also have found that it keeps me accountable. Many times I write things God has spoken to me from the Bible or lessons I have learned from life situations and I have found that those lessons will be tested. That’s when I need to remind myself of the words I wrote and choose whether I will take my own advice or give in to my feelings and emotions. And so, though I really enjoy blogging, I believe God is calling me back to writing my story. I see this season of blogging as preparation and the theme; “What the enemy means for harm, God intends for good!” is also the theme of my story. My story includes many experiences when I didn’t recognize the truth of this theme. Many times I responded to situations by listening to the wrong voice and experienced the harm meant for me by the enemy of my soul. That harm was meant to steal, kill, and destroy me, but it was those very strategies against me that brought me to the end of self. The end of self can be the beginning of new life! It was in that dark night that God’s light flooded my soul. His unconditional love and grace washed over my wandering heart with these four words, “God is for you!” As I traveled through life I have come to realize that believing this truth, never doubting that, “God is for you!” has been my anchor, has been my stronghold, has been what has enabled me to face the troubles that came my way, and to trust that God will work all things together for my good, and for the salvation of many. And so, as I use my time to write my story I will continue to blog excerpts from it along the way. A New Year and a New Journey begins!