Hi Everyone!

I’ve been thinking about all of you for months now, and I can’t say that I’ve had any really good excuses for not writing posts for this blog more consistently. The truth is, I just haven’t written. I’ve jotted down thoughts, organized some ideas, but I haven’t fleshed out a real post in a while.

I think it’s partly because grief still ebbs and flows into much of what I do each day. It may also be that I am, like many of us, still processing the last 19 months of life on this planet during pandemic. While at other times, I feel like I’ve put this content aside so I can focus on other content for my books that I’ve been working on.

Yes, you read that right.

Books plural.

If you’re new to the blog, you may know that I have some projects I’ve been working on. Some of them are years in the making. Some of them birthed out of difficult seasons, and some of them crafted out of noticing felt needs that popped up right in front of me. All of which have been stirring in my heart for some time. All of which have taken me through deep dives into the world of preparing for and submitting book proposals.

I’d like to tell you that I’m well on my way to being represented by a literary agent, but I’m not quite to that stage yet:). I am in the process of submitting proposals, adding content to the books, and continuing to create content for publications I love to glean from. 

In other words, if you are in need of a contributor…I’m your gal!

While I was at work on Monday, I was listening to an encouraging author (Trillia Newbell) share briefly about how we should go and do what we are supposed to do. Easier said than done, right?!

She shared A LOT of encouraging content in the interview and as I was washing dishes, I kept coming back to the feeling that many of us need to hear what was dropped into my heart as I listened.

We need to go and do what we are supposed to do.

What we have been designed to do.

What we have been created to do.

I’m preaching to myself here first.

I, as a 41 year-old woman, feel called to write… 

I have pages of my writing dating back to my early elementary years when I wrote poems and short stories, and just little thoughts.

I feel called to sing…

I’ve been singing since I was a little girl in church, back when we used to wear mustard-colored choir robes (not the best look on anyone), and singing in places that, for all intents and purposes, I shouldn’t have had the opportunity to sing at but for the grace of God.

I feel called to share life with others…

I feel this one so much that I look for ways to have people over to my house, and ways to connect over coffee, and reasons to celebrate life with others.

As I was washing those dishes, and putting them away, I was preaching to myself, “Just go and do what you are supposed to do.”

Friend, I don’t know what you feel called to do. Only you do.

What I do know is that you can do it.

Even when we feel weakened by the world around us.

Even when we feel most unqualified for the task at hand.

Even when we feel overwhelmed with all the steps involved.

Even when others might not understand why we feel we need to do it.

Through prayer and with God’s guidance, and through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can do what He has called us to do.

Today, I just wanted to remind you that as I am stepping into what He has placed in my own heart to accomplish, I am praying for you to do the same; to step out in faith, discover what you have been uniquely designed to do, and how you can creatively do it.

While you are discovering those purposes, I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. And as you figure it all out, share with me (and all of our friends here) how you are doing what you’ve been called to do.

Just do the thing. 

Just write the book you’ve been dreaming of in your heart.

Just sing the songs that keep encouraging others.

Just start the dance class that is needed in your community.

Just share life in the community.

Just go talk to that neighbor and offer a listening ear.

Just show up to the park with food to feed the homeless.

Just pick a date to meet your friend for coffee.

Just make a call and pray for those who have been heavy on your heart.

Just sign up to volunteer at your local church.

Just send in the application to that job.

Just start the business that keeps calling to you.

Just paint the painting that has been longing to be on canvas.

Just go on the mission trip.

Just visit the elderly friends and family members who often are forgotten.

Let’s all just do the thing.

Let’s Pray: Lord God, thank you for the reminder that we have gifts placed within us that still need to be shared with this world. You constantly send us nudges to step out in faith and the truth is, we often shy away from actually moving into action. Forgive us Lord for delaying in this area. God we humbly ask you to remind us of the ways in which you want us to do these things and how we can share our gifts that you have lovingly entrusted to us. May we have eyes to see them, ears to hear your voice calling us, and hands and feet ready to step out as you lead us. Amen.

Go The Extra Mile: My heart is always encouraged and inspired by music and this song from For King & Country hit the spot today. I hope you’re encouraged and inspired as well as you check it out today! https://youtu.be/9HErRFLapu4