Photo Credit: Love from Ginger
Who among us hasn’t struggled with thoughts of low self-esteem. We can easily see the beauty in others and we can just as easily point out all the things we would like to change about ourselves. Desarae shares a fresh perspective on beauty that God gave her in A Beauty Unrecognized: Coffee For Your Heart. And Barbie has such a way of speaking to my heart in Dear Beautiful You that silences the inner critic. It’s a word each of us can stand to be reminded of often.
It’s been colder than usual here in Arkansas and I have been wanting to stay shut inside and beyond that I found there are areas in my spiritual journey that feel like I’m walking along the cold dreary path of winter. I like the way Blue Cotton Memory describes our prayers bursting forth as riotous blooms after the winter passes in The Winter of Prayer Journey.
Earlier this week I talked about my struggle to find the right words and it seems it’s something most bloggers deal with from time to time. I found this article, Why I Don’t Blog Anymore, interesting by Jessica at Bohemian Bowmans. In it she shares how she came across Nicole’s goodbye post from Modern Reject. As I read it I couldn’t help but wonder have we somehow made this blogging thing all too complicated.
For as long as I can remember I have had this not quite sure where I fit feeling so I it was if Alison was writing my story when she penned Not Fitting In. Then Ceil challenged me in Staffing Issues to lay aside all of my excuses of how so many others are doing similar things. These few lines were like a little swift kick.
Too many would-be disciples are looking around and deciding that God has called enough people to do his work. Seeing all the encouragers, writers, and volunteers, they decide that there isn’t a place for them. Why start doing what God has called them to do, if the world is full of these kinds of servants already?
And it doesn’t just apply to work in the church, or faith-based ministry. How many decide against studying to be teachers, nurses or business leaders because the news programs say there are too many? “Find something else,” they report. “You’ll never find work with that degree.” – Ceil of Surrounded by the Spirit
THE FRIDAY FIVE FELLOWSHIP
Want to join me in sharing your favorite reads or writes this week? Link up below. I’m so grateful for each of you who take the time to link up each week or share your thoughts. This week has been a little hectic but I hope to get by to see each of you soon.
Hi Wanda! Thank you for choosing my post as one of your Friday Five. I always love coming here on Fridays, so imagine my surprise today! You have made my day, and I hope you will have a less hectic one.
Blessings to you for your work, and for helping us all get our work ‘out there’!
Ceil
Hi Ceil, glad that I could bring a little ray sunshine to your day. I really enjoyed your posts and you presented it in away I hadn’t thought about before. As a manager I can really relate to staffing issues. Hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend. Happy blogging my friend!
I shared Alison’s post too this week. Spoke to me in mighty ways. Happy Friday, Wanda.
Oh were thinking along the same lines Beth. Wishing you a weekend filled with lots of love, peace and joy.
Wanda – you are such a beautiful encourager! Loved reading through the posts that encouraged you. I am word love language person – so you have doubled hugged me today! Thank you!
It encourages me to be able to encourage others in this small way. Keep sowing seeds my friend!
Wanda,
I like this post. I also like what Ceil had to say. Yes, there is a place for all of us, because the Lord has made a place. I, too, tend to look around and feel insecure of my place. But, with a quick “soul-tap,” I realize that the Lord is wonderful and He creates wonderful people: You , me and all of His children. We just have to reach out and grab-hold of our destiny. We have to let our unique and wonderful stars shine! Blessings and joy!
Yes, yes, he has set us in a spacious place Cynthia! Among so many others that can come along side us nurture us and in which we can help enrich but all too often I get caught up in comparison and forget that He has given me something of use that my sweet brothers and sisters Christ could may need as well. Many pieces of the body and may each be fitly joined together.
Bless you for including my post in today’s roundup, Wanda! I think this must be the season for facing insecurities. The posts on beauty really hit home. We are such stunners in God’s sight, yet we keep being sidetracked by the voices in our heads and the unreal “standards” set by a world that values the superficial, not the eternal. Grateful for the platform you offer in which we can get to read and be blessed by so many healing and nurturing perspectives!
Alison it sure seems that God is stirring many hearts to share along the same themes so it it is a message He want us to not just hear but really grasp. I’m grateful that to be able to soak in the knowledge and wisdom from so many talented voices. Keep sharing His truths! May your weekend be a great one.
Thank you Wanda for sharing my post! I appreciate you!
I appreciate you sharing your voice Barbie. It speaks to many hearts!
I enjoyed reading your Friday Five and found relevance in them all., especially “Why I Don’t Blog Anymore”. I have slowly waned from blogging, but it’s due to the stress of the season I’m in. However, things are looking up and I’m expecting breakthrough!
Thanks for sharing and many blessings to you!
Hi Marilyn, I started out this year with the hopes being all disciplined in my blogging yet I have found that my blogging has been less than what I had hoped. Yet I’m learning to be okay. Certain season of life require us to give other things more of our attention. May you stay looking to Him, who is faithful.
Good list. Blue Cotton Memory reminded me of why I believe I’ve been blessed to be in Arizona. Our Father is that sovereign over all aspects of His creation.
Yes He reigns over all things!
Happy Weekend, Wanda. Thanks for my Saturday night reading.
Enjoy my dear. I’m off to bed soon. May you’re weekend be filled with soul peace and rest.
Wow, thank you for featuring me, Wanda! What a pleasant surprise. This is such a great idea, a way to reflect on your week and share what has inspired you with others! 🙂
You’re welcome! I really enjoyed what you shared. It was a message I think many of us can stand to hear many times. Have a great weekend.
Oh Wanda….the post from Coffee for the Heart (what a great name!)
was such nourishment to my heart today…..thank you.
I needed that. And big love to you in your winterseason….so much
just ready to burst through rock hard ground waiting just below the ground.
Timing is in good hands:) Love and hugs,
Jennifer
Is that such a great name. Jennifer I always feel little hugged with your words when you visit.