Thursday, August 21, 2014

My "Valuable" Lie


Okay, so I wasn't completely honest in my last post. While I did take a break from blogging to spend time with my sweet family, there was another issue going on that I now feel the need to address. It seems much easier to share about challenges I have faced in the past, while keeping current struggles hidden. I am opening myself up because I am certain that others have believed the same lie that I began to accept as truth.

From an early age, I've erroneously believed that my thoughts and opinions are unimportant and therefore felt that my voice didn't matter.  At times, I am fine because I realize that it is not about what I have to say, it is about what God wants to say through me.  It really depends on what I am meditating on at the moment.  After starting my blog back up, I would read other women's blogs and find them to be witty, insightful and deep. Whereas, when compared to mine, I would criticize my own writing as simple and goofy. I began thinking that there are hundreds of amazing Christian blogs out there - there really isn't a need for a mediocre one.

I believe it was Theodore Roosevelt who said "comparison is the thief of joy." Wow, there is so much truth in that. We begin comparing ourselves to one another and never feel like we measure up. That is such a trap from the enemy.

I began to acknowledge what I was feeling, and I sensed the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit saying, "every voice has value." We all have something to say and a realm of influence unlike anyone else. That is part of the beauty of the human experience, and that is what makes each person's voice valuable. I want to encourage you to take the platform God has given you (no matter the size) and speak out the message He has put in your heart. You have something to say that others need to hear. It will look different for each of us, that is why it is so important not to compare. You lose the beauty and originality God has given you when you compare. Speak into the lives of those around you - call out the beauty in those you have influence with. Your voice has value.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Goodbye Summer


Well, I took a blogging break for summer. It wasn't intended to be a full-on summer hiatus; it just morphed into that. I wanted to take this season to enjoy my family and spend time with the Lord. Time for just Him and me. I wanted to sit at my Father's feet to see what was on His heart for my current season, not for just for what I needed to say to a group of people. I hope y'all understand. 

I have realized after 20 years in ministry that family has got to come first! For years, Derek and I would drop whatever we were doing to go counsel or pray for someone. Some of those people are not even a part of our lives any longer. My family will always be there! They are such a enormous part of who I am, so they will get my largest investment. I have determined that they will get my best, not just my leftovers.

This summer was one of the best we have ever had as a family. We spent time with every family member on both sides (with the exception of my brother, who lives in Thailand). We went to the beach, and had late summer nights just hanging out as a family. Carowinds was even part of our summer to-do list, and I even enjoyed it - shocking!

My girls started back to school last week, so our routine has begun. I do enjoy the regularity of our schedule; it does my heart good to have the rhythm of a regular routine. I will be back to posting weekly blogs. Who knows, maybe I'll get a little crazy and post two a week. Due to the fact that I got to have some quality Jesus time, I have a lot to say. I love y'all, and I hope you are enjoying getting back into the swing of the school year.

 
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