A week or so ago I asked my Documented Faith newsletter readers and FB Group to send me questions for a FB Live that never happened (whoops and sorry bout that) so I thought I'd start answering some of them here.
Maggie Russell asked: "Who inspires you Stephanie? When I started following documented faith 3 years ago it was because you inspired me to be creative as a Christian Artisan. It's become my favorite bible study because you use 1 word & scripture all month. This gives me time to slow down and focus."
Thanks for the question and for following along with me Maggie. I love that you are able to focus on what I send out. THAT is the main objective. It is tricky to answer your question, because with social media, honestly the inspiration comes from so many directions and often times it is more from WHAT than WHO so I am going to try and keep it simple. I am always inspired by Meg Duerksen for her rainbow filled explosions of truth, wit and her love for chickens and family, Shannon Martin for telling real life in a hilarious and matter of fact way, Melody Ross for getting to the truth of all matters and my Pastor, Rick Warren who has taught and reminded me through his messages so many times that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. That alone could be a whole blog series and how I constantly have to remind myself of it.
I could list 787 more people but I said I was going to keep it simple although it has really got me thinking. I am inspired by people, places, music, food...but I am not going to lose focus. The people I mentioned above three remind me in their sharing to keep it real. There are so many more, but again, simple.
Jeri asked: What drives you to do what you do with Documented Faith? I appreciate everything you do and it makes my life and my relationship with Him so
much stronger. When you touch and help lives; the enemy isn't happy and I can imagine the attacks you endure. I will keep you in prayer you
will continue to do what God is asking of you. Thank you!
Thank You for your prayers and support Jeri because YES, the enemy attacks all the time and every once in awhile, a random fiery dart gets me right where it hurts. Documented Faith was born from a personal need to keep track (creatively) of how and what God is doing in my life. As I shared it with others, I started to recognize the need for is and I found myself encouraging and reminding others that documenting faith is a habit that needs to be practiced. I sometimes get tripped up and tangled in the promotion of it because it has become a business so my constant prayer is that God will tackle the width of how far and who it reaches and my job is the depth; to continue doing what I am doing and to grow strong spiritual roots as I go. I am so glad to read that is has helped your relationship stronger.
Paula asked: How do you manage your time during the day to include projects, planning, photography of your projects, family time and daily blogging? You are remarkable to be able to accomplish so much in 24 hours. Do you sleep?
Thank you for your question Paula. First and foremost, YES I sleep and most days I even get in a nap. The truth of the matter is, I NEVER get it all done in 24 hours. I give God the first part of my day to do my quiet time, prayers, reading and Bible Study and then HE gives me the time I need to get done what needs to get done. That is the truth right there. Man, if I do not get my sleep, I am a dysfunctional, often crying, whirling dervish and I am noticing that the older I get, the more weepy I am when I am tired. I am going to address the rest of your question in my next blog post.
If you have a question, please either email it to me at homegrown1@att.net or leave it in the comment section below.
Thanks again for being here and for spending time reading my blah, blah, blah...