Writing isn’t a hobby anymore. It’s not just my outlet for scattered thoughts and this endless voice. It’s an opportunity for mission. A “desire to inspire”. It’s a passion with dedication.
As last year came to a close, I was so thankful for the past year’s posts and the satisfaction I still feel as I read through them seeing how God was so so invested in me. And, as last year came to a close, I re-comitted to spending this year recording more investments, more successes, probably more failures, more smiles, more kisses (because that’s just too fun not to share), and of course, no surprise here, more love, every bit of my heart.
I gained a whole “latta enchilada” readers last year and I also lost a few when I played the “I’m getting married card.” I’ve been humbled and I feel so honored that what once really were just scattered thoughts of this cruising heart turned into opportunities to meet new people, to reach old friends, and to inspire hope. It was never intended to be a mission, but in God’s timing, it’s become more of a “commission.”
So, as I begin another year of His words in my heart, I decided I need to do more than just write. I found that I needed to be inspired. I’ve spent the last few weeks virtually meeting new friends in this crazy, awesome blogosphere. And oh, OHHHHH have I been inspired!
—
Have you ever heard of One Word 365? I’ve made enough commitments for 2013 and adding one more really wasn’t part of my plan….until then it was. Not only was it a chance to “link up,” which is new blogger lingo for me, it was also a chance for me to make a commitment this time not for me, for God. So you pick one word and join a community that encourages and inspires you to live each day, 365 of them, by it (the word).
INVESTMENT.
That’s my word. Investment. Because God has spent my entire life investing in me. But this isn’t for me–it’s for Him. I’m mad that I spent most of last year angry with Him (like it was His fault my life was a sham). I’m really mad that I spent most of last year being stupid and conveniently forgetting what I know in my heart as Truth. I’m extremely mad that I missed out on the opportunity of knowing Him deeper amidst the circumstances. But. I’m also happy. I’m happy that this here is my chance to invest in Him. I’m really happy that investing in Him will renew a strength and spirit in my own heart that will hopefully inspire your hearts too. And of course, I’m extremely happy that this investment isn’t just another commitment, it’s my Life.
It’s not like this word just came when I ran across oneword365.com either. No, the Spirit’s been moving, because that’s what He does best. I have this thing for “investing” in clothes….. yeah, and then I was challenged to forget I had them and just wear 7….and then I failed. I failed in the best sort of ways. I failed as I fell on my face in His word reflecting on blessings of heels and boots and ballet flats and sneakers and dresses and sweaters as a Mighty Voice reminded me of this:
What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (The Message)
So I asked myself a scary question. One that I knew would be answered with shame and and discomfort. “Does God delight in me?” Who was I kidding, of course He does. I am His creation, His masterpiece. New question: “What is it about me that God delights in?”
Is it my desire to know Him more? umm… no because that’s been missing.
Is it this exceeding joy? well, honestly it’s just lately become exceeding joy…
Here’s what it is: it’s the desire to be known as gentle and gracious. To be changed from the inside out as I get there and meet His steadfast love all over again. And you know how I’m going to do that? ha… ha….. hah……….
INVESTMENT. Investment of not just my time, investment of my heart, mind, body, and soul. For this is so much more than just Beholding Him in a sit, wait, write, watch sort of way….it’s Beholding Him in a “go out and find Him” sort of way. Anyone have a magnifying glass? Oh wait, He’s already big. SO BIG.
