It's been a long while. Life had been life and honestly, the thrill of blogging just isn't what it used to be. I never blogged for other people, but it feels good to get the link to my blog "liked" or for others to leave comments when I post.
Or maybe the hesitation to share what God has been teaching me is due to feeling like not all things are for others to see but are more between He and I. God has definitely still been speaking but in ways that aren't so easy to put into words. I guess I felt convicted of sharing too much in a service which has made me slow down and determine if things should be shared with others or not.
Today I had a friend tell me she enjoys reading my blog and hearing what God is saying to me and I guess it pushed me forward to at least update a little today.
As I reflect on the last year and look forward to the new, there are a few things I'd like to share.
The problem in communication is that we don't listen to understand, we listen to respond.
I think one of the things that causes me the most frustration is when I am misunderstood. I've been told that I don't think like others, that I'm difficult to understand. I am not perfect by any means (saved by the goodness of God and definitely not because I have it all together) but I really wish people would hear what I am saying and not read into it. I really have no desire to hurt people with my words and am generally trying to help others, but I have learned I am too honest. I call it like I see it. I assume that because I would want someone to shoot straight with me that everyone else values honesty that is helpful over flattery that is empty at best. But that isn't true. Many people expect you to sugar coat things and lie rather than be helpful with the truth. And so people manufacture my intentions so that they have a reason to reject what I am saying. And nothing I can tell you will make you change how you feel about me. Defending my honor and my character is so important to me and yet, I can't make someone believe my intentions are generally to help others.
So I have to be okay, apologizing where needed (especially when I feel that I did nothing wrong), and know that if no one else ever gets me, God does. And determine to be a good listener, genuinely trying to understand where others are coming from and not just convince them I'm right.
Our church is going through a transition as our pastor of 32 years is retiring. Tomorrow is his last day. I have mixed emotions. Pray for us please! We are a small church and just want God's will. I know change is hard, but I really want this to be as painless as possible. I know God has a plan. I'm helping fill in some of the services until we get a new pastor. I am on the schedule for Wednesday night Jan 4th.
God has been speaking through me more lately, and I am so honored for Him to choose me. It's made me grow a lot so I am grateful for the stretching hand of God. Even if it's scary sometimes and it is!
We finished our last Christmas celebrations today.
One of my favorite gifts is a Journable for Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians. It is basically a journal that allows space for you to hand write your own copy of Scripture and notes as you go. The thought is to make you slow down and think about each word of the verses and allow God to speak as you write. I'm excited by the thought and ready to get started tomorrow! My mom and sister are doing them too so we can discuss as we go. Pretty interesting idea I think. I'll let you know how it goes.
Really I blog because I think we all need to feel connected to others. Not because we depend on them for our livelihood, but because no one wants to be alone and a little encouragement can go a long way. So hopefully, I'm able to share something that others relate to and that God uses to give others strength to go on another day, trusting God one moment at a time.
