Putting It Out There..

"Just warning you: this might be a long one..but please try to read it all..."

As you have most likely noticed, I am sharing my faith on this blog more and more each day.

I have not always been like this..in fact, I was NEVER like this(I mean on "sharing outloud)...and I will always be the first to tell you that I will NEVER EVER push "religion" on you...ever.

I promise that...mostly because it has nothing to do about "religion."

For me, it is about my RELATIONSHIP with God and it is my personal choice. Again, something that I will never push on you or sway you with. Now...I may "Creatively Influence" you, but that is about it.

 
I share my faith as an example and a reminder to myself...that things, as bad as they get (and they will get really bad) will ALWAYS get better, that it is all part of the "plan."

 GOD promises that...and I am living proof, so that is why I share.

I know that I may lose readers based on the "faith" content, but I also know that I may gain readers based on my sharing.

I started this blog as a place to share my creative life, an now, almost 6 years later, it is so much more than that. It is still based on creativity for sure, and always will be, but because I have grown spiritually, creatively and relationally  and am learning how to combine them, I feel the need to share more..

BUT...(stupid big but) don't misunderstand me...

I am still that "simply complicated", totally dorky, frugalista (that really could use some new clothes but HATE to shop) girl.  The over stimulated creative girl that struggles with keeping up with laundry, organization, staying focused and balancing her weight ALL on a daily basis (and MAN..the weight thing is getting harder in my 40's.)  and I still stumble (more often than I prefer to admit!)...and sometimes, not just stumble...I fall flat on my face (and the older we get, the harder we fall.)

I am human and I live in a wrecked world.

DANG IT!

The GREAT thing is, without hesitation...I get back up. 

I can because of my faith and because I know that deep down, there is some type of lesson in my stumbles (even though I can't understand them) and I keep going...

and guess what??

YOU can do this too because

guess what??

YOU are human...

and well, YOU live in the same wrecked, dented, cracked beautiful, amazing world!

WELCOME!

and guess what??

YOU too, have to get up and keep going!

Okay..whoops..

I am pushing you, but you know exactly what I mean here...

YOU MUST GET UP and KEEP GOING!!!

Yes, I am talking to you...

but you do not have to listen to me...it might be easier to get the message from a fortune cookie:

If you fall down 7 times, get up 8 times.
- Chinese Proverb

Now if I ate Chinese food (even though I don't) I sure would love to get a cute little paper in a cookie that looked like this and say's "ut, um"...the same thing:

 
I will continue to share my faith, probably more and more, because I am walking and creative proof that giving all of your worry and stress to God changes EVERYTHING.

He promises that, I am proof and I hope that I don't lose ya!

Comments

[Angela Edge]

I, for one, appreciate you sharing your faith. It takes courage and conviction and I appreciate that. God reaches people through many different ways. Be encouraged and have a great day!
Angela

[stephanie]

Thanks Angela!

[debbie McIntyre]

I'm glad this is the first thing I read this morning. Thanks for starting my day out right. xo

[Patty Stogsdill]

I love it! I am comfortable with what you write, faith or not..Blogging is all about your thoughts, so why not share how you feel and who you can give credit to? God, and the faith you have shows, and it is truly a blessing. If you lose some readers, it's okay, because like you said, you will gain others..Keep on keeping on!!

[Linda C.]

I have been lurking here everyday for a long time and love your insights and compassion along with a kick in the rear every now and then to get back up and get back on track! All I can say is keep it coming cause I need it!
Thanks

[Deb J]

Keep sharing. Don't quit. The more the better. Love the way you do all of the faith and art together. I admire your courage and enjoy you and the way you put things. Love you.

[Jeannie P]

No worries about readership loss, you have gained so much more! It's your blog, so you decide content. All glory and honor to Him through whom all blessings flow...And, your blog is a blessing to me. May your testimony shine brightly! Thank you for sharing.

[annette abrahamson]

thanks, i soooo needed that today :)

[Heather Ales]

LOVE you sharing your faith, yourself, and what gets you going. It's YOU... and that's what we keep coming back for!

[marie]

I love reading your blog because you share your faith.....so creatively!!

Don't stop!

[Lara]

love ya!
xxx

[Leslie @ {Tiny Wings}]

I, too, appreciate the fact you're sharing your faith! I'm glad that it's becoming a topic you address more frequently, actually! Now I'm getting double the inspiration when I come to visit your blog! :-)

[deena Ziegler]

I'm still missing you and everytime I've had to call you this week I know you're at school in the no phone zone. But still i'm missing you!

[Kathy]

I will have to agree...some times I don't have time for a personal devotion...the blogs I read that give me that ARE my personal/only devotion here and there...so I appreciate it and enjoy it!

And always amazed how what you or some one else may say about what they are feeling or simply going through touches me and so many...we all go through the same things as moms, daughters, sisters, wives, volunteers, employees, (UGH...the list goes on...its getting exhausting) but you get the point.

;-)

[Jen]

I LOVE that you share your faith! I love your art & the fact that you share your heart. Inspiring!!

[Linda J]

Your blog helps me see the Son shine in my day.:)

[Lynne]

I am one of those readers who you gained because of your faith. I can't even remember how i came across your blog, but i know that your creative faith element to it is what has kept me coming back. Putting your faith "out there" is hard and i am trying more and more each day to not let that stop me from sharing mine. Your blog is your place and sharing who you are, faith and all, is part of being you.

[LoriMM]

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

[Patty]

Your faith has shown in your blog all along, now the words are just completing the picture. I can't think of anything more God honoring than sharing your gift and giving credit to the giver. Keep it coming. Patty

[Shelley]

Thank you for a blog post that was a wonderful way to start the day! Have a blessed day!

[Joyce G]

Thank you - I needed to read this today. I just went through a divorce and it seems my "friends" never have time for me anymore. I feel so alone ... thanks for reminding me that's it's only a bump in the road and that things can get better .......

[stephanie]

Joyce..I want you to know that I have been there with divorce and feeling alone and the best thing a friend reminded me was that I was NEVER alone. I forgot to remember that God was right there with me every moment of each day and THAT is one of the things that helped me the very most.
You are NEVER alone.

[Ann-Lis]

You will never loose me!

[Brittany]

I LOVE this. I've noticed I've started sharing a lot more in recent months as well. I'm truly enjoying learning more about my fellow "family" through blogs. And I'm totally jealous over your creativity. I can only share with words.

[Joyce G]

Thank you Stephanie ...... I guess I forgot that for awhile .....