I love God. I'm constantly longing to know Him better. It seems like every day I discover new and exciting things about Him. Nothing makes me happier than when I get to share those things with another person and they're encouraged. I long to share. I want to spread hope and encouragement. I want to tell people that God is longing for a relationship with them, that Jesus is real and He makes a difference, and that the Holy Spirit does transform our lives. It's like an ache inside. Sometimes, I wish I was a pastor so that at least once a week I could unload! In fact, sometimes I think if I don't share, I'll burst!!
My husband is wonderful and listens interestedly. My kids--well, do they have a choice? Sometimes they're interested and sometimes they tell me I use too many words. (Gotta love their honesty!) I have really great friends that listen, but sometimes too many days go by and a lot of things build up. The other day I was pondering this and thinking that surely God has put this desire in me to share. How, though, how? I thought I heard a whisper, "Start a blog." Could this be God? It would be an outlet. What if once in a while someone stumbled upon it and was encouraged? It might keep me from bursting! (This would be good. Sometimes that bursting thing is overwhelming judging by the expressions on the faces of those present when it happens!)
I'm pretty sure it's a calling, this urge to encourage. Romans 12:8 says, "If your gift is to encourage others, do it!" So that's what I want to do, not in a Pollyanna-don't-worry-be-happy sort of way, but in a based-on-the-Solid-Rock sort of way. The apostle Peter says it best:
My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens.
(I Peter 5:12)
Hurray! SO happy you did this, because, yes, too often it seems that too many days pass and too much builds up before I can get my "Michelle fix!" I always enjoy your advice (yes, really), your writing and your friendship. Cheers to you in this new adventure!
ReplyDeleteMelanie
Not going to lie, I LOVE Pollyanna. Her Glad Game keeps me going sometimes.
ReplyDeleteBUT I think the Solid Rock angle is more everlasting ;)
Love ya, and I'm now a fan of your blog!
Michelle, what a good idea. I'll check daily in case you have an idea each day.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this?!? Yay for hearing your thoughts even if I don't get to see you in person! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! I kept myself awake for two hours last night writing the next installment in my head--would have been much more efficient if I'd just gotten up and done it! There's more to come, for sure. Thanks for reading.
ReplyDeleteI WAS encouraged to be reminded...
ReplyDeleteMy purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens. (I Peter 5:12)
Much Love Michelle!
Denise
(PS Scargil is my pen name )
As a fellow child of God I'm encouraged, as your Mom proud as can be. As parents and grandparents we need always to be opened to learn from our children and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from your Mom
Hi again, Michelle. Well, I just finished reading every entry in your blog and I am not only blown away but I am encouraged and blessed. You definitely have a gift and a calling to encourage and God is using it. I know that because you have encouraged me today. Thank you.I'm joining with your Mom in being a proud auntie. Love, Barb
ReplyDelete