Tag: #writingchallenge

His Word, Series

Day 13 – Work

Michelle

Well, if there’s going to be a prompt on a Sunday for rest, I suppose it’s only fitting that there would be a prompt on a Monday for work.

The prompt for day 13 is: Work.

It’s ironic to me that the post for rest would be followed up by a post about work.

On the one hand, we are to rest in Jesus, and on the other side, I feel like I have to work for my salvation. Even though that notion is completely contrary to God’s word.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us,

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Lately, I’ve been working so hard to prove my value and worth to a certain person, that I’ve not left any room for even the remotest thought that I’m liked, valued, and cherished just for being me. The funny, neurotic, caring version of me that I thought I needed to cover up. The ‘me’ that is secure and confident. This version of me comes from one place and one place alone…the love I find and rest in that God offers me.

See, I was working so hard to prove my worth, that I had forgotten the One whose opinion matters. The One who reminds me that all of my brokenness is made complete in Him. The One who loves me just as I am, but loves me too much to leave me there.

So, I’m re-centering my life now, and I’m feeling better and stronger. And I’m remembering the words that are emblazoned on my wall…

For we walk by faith, and not by sight.

These words from 2nd Corinthians that have graced my vision every day since March 12, 2012…these words that were present and lived out in this home before it was even a thought in my mind or a dream in my heart…these words, that, from the first moment I saw them in the pictures of what would become my future dwelling, made me know that THIS place would become my home…THIS place would be my blessing, with my name on it. Selected especially for me by the One who places great value and worth on me.

And if He can do that, then the opportunities of what else He can do are limitless.

I have to remember that ‘impossible’ is one of His favorite words because NOTHING is impossible with God.

His Word, Series

Day 4 – Learn

Michelle

I’m on day 4 of the 31 day writing challenge. As I said before, I don’t schedule my posts. I write when I need to or when I’m feeling inspired. As such, I’m a day late for the day 4 post. But here goes…

Today’s prompt is: learn.

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

I’ll be completely honest with you…I’m still learning to do this. Someday it’s easier than others.

The days when you can clearly see God’s handiwork in my life…when I can see that He is working all things for my good. Those are the days I can say I easily trust Him.

But what about the days when my foundation has been shaken…the days I have no idea what He is up to. These are the challenging days…the days I need to learn more to trust in Him.

The only way I can learn to trust in Him more is by remembering and giving thanks for the times it was easier to see His plan and His movement.

Random, Series

Day 3 – New

Michelle

If you’re here for the third day this month, I applaud you! I thank you! And I graciously ask that you return daily during the month of October…I ask that you return to see how this month carries out and how I can grow as a writer during this 31 day challenge.

Today’s topic is: New.

I’m struggling with this new blog post. I am not typically one to schedule my posts ahead of time. I generally write a blog post when I’m feeling inspired or when I feel I have something particularly witty or important to share with you fine people.

I can say this…I can say that I’m going through a season in my life right now. And it’s a season that’s completely new and foreign to me.

On a daily basis, I’m questioning what I’m here for. Is what I’m doing making a difference? Am I making a difference in the lives of those around me?

Am I saying the right things and doing the right things to leave a lasting impression on those I love?

Am I demonstrating ways to be brave to my children? Am I showing Christ’s love toward others?

In this season, my thoughts keep coming back to…when will waiting for the one finally be…done?

That one job, that one financial shift, that partner or spouse you’re waiting for…

His Word, Kids/Parenting

Day 2 – View

Michelle

Well, I’m back for day 2 of the 31 day writing challenge. I’m only on the second day and already I’m feeling the pinch of this challenge. But, it’s a good feeling because it means I’m stepping out of my comfort zone.

Today’s prompt is: View.

I wonder how I’m shaping their view. Particularly hers.

How is what I’m doing, saying, and feeling being portrayed to their little influential minds? Am I shaping their minds and their views for the better?

Am I helping them to view the world in a realistic, and yet positive manner?

Through my actions, and hopefully my heart, I desire to demonstrate servant hood, Jesus-style.

So, when I make that extra meal for another family, do they see my view? That sometimes the need extends beyond our front door.

When I explain that not everyone learns at the same pace, do they see my view? That sometimes people have their own set of challenges, but that doesn’t make them any less worthy of our love or respect?

Am I helping to color their world-view in such a manner that they will make a difference? Not just in worldly ‘big’ ways, but in Jesus-style small ways? In the daily details.

His Word, Random, Series

Day 1 – Move

Michelle

So, here we are, on October 1. The first day of the ‘five minute free writes’ writing challenge. Today’s prompt is: move.

Move. I’ve heard it said that if you can’t sense God’s presence in your life, you can be assured that He is not the one who has moved; you have.

Try as I might, I can’t understand why anyone would move away from God. Yet, we do it everyday in the choices we make. In the small choices and the big ones.

It’s the same in any relationship. If you’re not consciously moving TOWARD someone, you’re moving away from them. I suppose that we are always constantly moving. Either toward someone or away from someone.

It’s all up to you which way you chose to move.

I know that I want to be consciously moving toward those people who love me and want what’s best for me. This includes God.

I want to draw nearer to those who cherish me and our relationship. Those who also have a desire to move toward me. Those who can take one look at the worn expression on my face or hear my exasperated voice on the other end of the line and know that I need a hug. Or some positive words of encouragement.

These are the people that I need to surround myself with. This includes God. He knows all and sees all.

And I have to remember these words…

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Until tomorrow for day #2…blessings to you in His name.