What’s My Motivation?

I read an interesting post by Stephen over at FracturedFaithBlog entitled Make Every Blog Count   about our motivation behind blogging. Something he said really got me to thinking. He said:

Writers must have a purpose when they set pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. There must be a reason for the activity, a message that they want to impart. Writing without purpose leads to lazy language as we drift from sentence to sentence, meandering from one paragraph to the next.

In order to promote debate a blogger must be passionate about their subject matter.

Stephen, “FracturedFaithBlog”

Why do we blog? I know I’ve touched on this subject a couple of months ago but Stephen’s post really got me to thinking about it again.

Like Stephen said, we must be passionate about our subject matter. Am I passionate about my blog and its overall purpose? I’d like to think so, yes.

In my previous post on this subject matter, I mentioned that if I truly want to be a successful blogger, I must be committed. I can’t be half hearted. Do I truly want this? Is blogging something I really want to do? I must decide this. More importantly, is blogging something GOD wants me to do? THAT is the question I must answer.

I was listening to the Newsboys just a few minutes ago and their song “Shine” came on. I have always loved this song. The chorus definitely fits in with what I’m trying to write about this morning.

Shine.
Make ’em wonder whatcha got.
Make ’em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored.
Shine.
Let it shine before all men.
Let em see good works and then
Let em glorify the Lord.

The purpose of this blog is to bring others to Jesus. I want others to see that ultimately it’s all about Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-16 says,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

So my motivation, my goal, is to see others come to know Jesus. 🙂

Lately, I’ve been struggling with getting the words out. In fact, even as I’m writing this, I’m having to stop ever so often because the words just aren’t flowing like I’d like them to. But in the end I know that God will give me the right words to say. Because like I said, ultimately it’s all about Him.

 

 

 

What Does Writing Mean To You?

When I was in the 4th grade, we were given an assignment. That assignment was to write about what we wanted to be when we grew up. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I liked to write and therefore I wanted to be a writer!

However, as the years went by I stopped writing. It no longer held the same excitement for me anymore. I grew tired of it for some reason.

In my junior and senior years, I got back into it and started writing tons of poetry. Page after page of poetry. In my senior year of high school, I fell into a deep depression and when I wrote, it was dark. Page after page of hate filled rants. I wasn’t a Christian at the time so my writing was very depressing.

I still suffer from depression, even as a Christian, but with God on my side, my writing has taken a turn for the better! My writing is light and full of, mostly, positive things. And even now, as the words struggle to come out, I know God is with me.

Writing can be very therapeutic if you let it. Just sit down and let the words flow. Sometimes it will be hard. Sometimes the words just won’t flow. But I’ve learned to give it to God.

Right now the words aren’t flowing for me, lol. I keep getting distracted and my mind is drawing a blank on what to write about.

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I’m currently in South Carolina visiting my sister and her family for the week. My sister recently received a job promotion and is now living in South Carolina and working in North Carolina.

I may not be on here nearly as much while I’m down here but I will try to check in as much as I can.

 

 

 

 

California Trip

Hey y’all! I’m back! I got back late Tuesday/early Wednesday morning! Boy am I exhausted. That 3 hour time difference doesn’t seem like a lot but it can really wear a person out! I’m beat!

But I had an absolute blast so the exhaustion is totally worth it! I was busy every single day I was there.  We did A LOT of walking!

We went to Oceanside, CA on Sunday and I got to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. 🙂

We walked out on the pier to a restaurant that is out there and grabbed some ice cream and just sat there and watched the waves. It was totally relaxing.

We also visited Las Vegas. Let me tell ya, that’s one busy busy city! I definitely couldn’t live there, that’s for sure. But it was cool to visit. We went up in the Eiffel Tower. That was awesome. 🙂

I took TONS of pictures but that’ll be a post for another day, maybe.  If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll see a lot more. 🙂 My computer isn’t the fastest and getting the pictures to load onto WordPress take forever. Then it slows my computer down. Grrr. LOL.

But I LOVED my trip to good ole Cali. I brought back many souvenirs and even a slight sunburn that’s slowly turning into a tan. 🙂 So I brought back some California sun! And let’s face it, my old pale self needed it! LOL

I hope you all have been well and I will check in with you all later!

 

 

Bullet Journaling

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash

I have discovered the art of Bullet Journaling. (I always come onto the scene WAY after something new comes around,  lol.)  It’s something I don’t know if I’ll be able to do but I’m going to give it a try! I don’t have a creative bone in my body but I am trying to not let that stop me.

My ADHD might be a problem for me but I’m going to do my level best at fighting the urges of feeling fidgety. Another problem I have is that I start losing focus after a while. Who knows? Maybe bullet journaling will help me with focusing! 🙂 🙂

Have you tried Bullet Journaling? If so, do you have any tips (and pics?) for someone just getting started and who doesn’t have a creative bone in their body? LOL. 

 

 

The Love You Have For Me…..

A while back I opened up and posted a poem I had written. I feel very vulnerable when I share my writings because I really don’t think they are that good. But God pressed upon me to post a poem and so here you go!

 

 

 

It doesn’t matter
How many times I mess up
how many times I run
Or how many times I break your heart.
Because there you are, arms open wide
Ready….
and willing…..
To take me back

My mind just can’t comprehend
the love you have for me.
I try so hard but fail
Loving you is so easy.
Loving me must be hard….
But nothing is hard for You.
You…..God Almighty.
Patient and perfect in all Your ways

You love me
Despite of who I am
Despite what I’ve done.
I just can’t comprehend
The love You have for me.

The Dreaded “S” Word

Dare I say it? It’s snowing here again. Oh how I wish it would stop! I’m so done with snow….at least for the rest of this winter. Maybe my attitude will change next season but for now I’m ready for the warmer weather. Not scorching hot, mind you, just warmer. Where I don’t have to wear a jacket.

And I can wear my beloved flip-flops! I practically live in those things the second it starts getting warm enough. Socks and shoes, no way. Flip flops all the way!

I won’t lie….the snow is very pretty coming down. It’s very pretty outside right now. I’m sitting at my desk watching the snow fall. But I just don’t want to get stuck in the house like we did after our winter storm a couple of weeks ago. That about drove me crazy with the claustrophobia! And I am definitely claustrophobic!

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So I went to Lifeway today and found another Craig Groeschel book in the clearance section for $6.97! It’s called #Struggles. I’m looking forward to starting it. I’m currently reading Good Faith by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons right now so it’ll be a little while before I start it but I’m still excited. I love Craig Groeschel’s  writing!

I also bought Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman on Audio. I have the book and I’ve already read it, it’s amazing. Now I get to listen to it in my car. 🙂

 

Verse of the day:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

John 10:10, NIV

What’s the weather like where you live?

What books are you currently reading?

 

 

 

Always Be Prepared

No More Snow

The snow and I are no longer on speaking terms. I had to get out today to run an errand for my brother and as I was walking across the parking lot, I slipped on a sheet of ice, fell to my knees and scraped the left knee up pretty nastily. Tore a small hole in my jeans too. Grrrrr.

So no, snow and I are no longer friends.

I know what you’re thinking. “Oh Leigh, this will pass, your knee will heal and you’ll forget about it.” Nope! After having to spend several days indoors due to all this lovely snow and experiencing cabin fever, I have decided that snow and I are done.

I’m not bitter by any means, lol.  I’m laughing as I type this. So most likely you all are right and I WILL forget about this eventually. Just not this winter.

 

The Debt Eraser

My devotional reading was in Psalm 103:1-12 this morning. I use Our Daily Bread as a devotional and the title of it was “The Debt Eraser”

“Once forgiven, we aren’t defined by or limited by our past debt.”

HE FORGETS OUR SIN!

He removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west!”

Isn’t that wonderful to know and experience?

 

 

 

Single but Not Alone

I will be 35 in June (yuck) and I’m single. 10 years ago this would have bothered me. But as I grow closer to the Lord I have realized that I don’t need anyone BUT God.

10 years ago I was in a relationship that didn’t end well. He essentially broke up with me because of my bipolar disorder. He said he couldn’t handle it anymore. I remember looking at him and crying, “You don’t have to handle this. I have to deal with this the rest of my life. I just need you to BE there for me.”

Nope, he ran. But you know what I said? Fine. And I moved on without him. I haven’t had a relationship since.  Honestly, I have moments, small moments when I wonder if I’ll ever find someone but then I spend time with God and it all goes away. I am content being single. God fills that void.

If I’m being honest, I will say this: I am very self-conscious about my appearance. See, I have very bad dental problems due to my medications causing tooth decay. Fibromyalgia also contributes to my dental problems Half my teeth are falling out. Therefore, I don’t smile much and when I do it’s a closed mouth smile. If something makes me laugh I cover my mouth with my hand. I WILL NOT take pictures anymore because I just can’t stand to look at myself. I have to get dentures but I can’t afford them since I don’t have a job or dental insurance. (Anyone wanna start a GoFundMe page? I’m KIDDING!)

I think that’s the biggest reason why I don’t put myself out there and try to find someone.

I’ve accepted that this is how I am, this is how I look and everything else doesn’t matter.

GOD is all I need and I’m going to spend as much time with Him as I can and in the meantime, if He has someone planned for me, and I meet him, then so be it! But I’m not looking actively for anyone because I want God first in my life. Maybe I’ll be single forever, like Paul was. Maybe I’m not meant to have a significant other because it’ll be a distraction for me. And as we all know, I get distracted pretty easily. (Stupid ADD)

I will say this again: God has great plans for me….for YOU….for everyone! If only we would stop, be still and listen to His voice. He’s calling for you and for me……NOTHING can change God’s love for you. 🙂