Is it worth it?

I have been wondering if taking the time to blog is worth it.  I mean there are tons of other bloggers out there who may be saying the same thing as me.  When I doubt, the Lord is quick to remind me of His promises.  He has a plan for my life and if He's guiding me to blog it has a purpose. Even if only one person comes to know Jesus more-it's worth it!

One of my primary purposes may be a teeny bit selfish.  Writing gets my thoughts out and they eventually make more sense to me.  When I blog and add tags, it allows me to recall what He has taught me.  Just this week I have used my blog posts to remember the goodness of God and His faithfulness in my life

Today I found another reason for writing and sharing what He is doing in my life.  Because people need to hear the good news!  Not that God needs me to do it, He makes himself known by His creation (Romans 1:20).  But when I follow Him, I will be blessed and I hope and pray that you will be encouraged!

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Psalm 105:1

The realization today was brought about by the circle of moms top 25 faith blogs.  I saw the post on facebook and checked it out since I am trying to interact with other bloggers.  I thought that I would find others blogging just like me-faith based....as in Christian.  I was wrong.  I frequently make the mistake of assuming people are like me in their beliefs. I was proved wrong today when the top faith blog selected was a pagan mom's blog.  I must admit, I am uneducated when it comes to the belief systems of other faiths.  This opened my eyes and reminded me that not everyone knows the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ!!!

So, I'm going to keep chugging along and stop thinking about the number of readers.  I will leave it in the hands of my Lord and Savior who has a plan for the words He gives me.  His word is alive and active, sharper than a double-edged sword and will accomplish what He desires...bringing joy and peace!!!

As the rain and the snow

   come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

   without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

   It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

 You will go out in joy

   and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

   will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

   will clap their hands.     Isaiah 55:10-12

For the record, my blog didn't come in LAST place! I don't know who you are, but thanks to the 12 people that voted for it, lol!!! I entered it today-which was the last day to vote, so the only purpose was to get the blog out there.  I do have some traffic coming from that site (but, wait...I'm not going to focus on the numbers, right?).  I also had a new subscriber today because a sweet friend shared my blog on her facebook page! I am humbled and thankful for each of you reading this...whoever you are!!!

off track

Since Sunday I have had two posts just ready to get out!!! One about God's gracious confirmation and another about the fear of the Lord...not to mention the notebook of revelation and inspiration God has given me.  I have been trying to find time to get them out (they will need a little work, I tried explaining one to my husband last night and it didn't make sense).  So I  sat down this morning thinking I could get it done....but it didn't happen!  I opened my email...overwhelmed with the amount of emails in my inbox that are just sitting there after the first glance...I started cleaning out the inbox.  Which always lead to visiting other sites, fb, blogs, youtube, etc since the links come to my inbox.  This was a needed cleanup, but probably didn't need to happen this morning, because it led to bad thinking!  I visited several blogs, all wonderful and encouraging...leaving me asking...why am I doing this?  If these other bloggers are out there doing basically the same thing I want to do, then why am I trying?  This obviously led to comparing...their blog looks nicer, they have more readers, etc, etc.  Comparing always leads me to discouragement. 
But I am turning to Jesus, who will lead me in the path of life.  If this blogging thing is really how he wants me to share HIS story in my life, then I will continue to pursue it as I trust Him.  I will not stay discouraged and let it ruin my day that I 'wasted' my time instead of spending it with Him.  He hears me now, He's with me now and He has a plan for this day.  I trust Him!

Desire versus Time

I desire to share what God is doing in my life in hopes that it may encourage just one person. I have struggled to find the time to blog and determine if it's really something I should do, if it has eternal significance. I believe it will be significant, that if God has given me the desire He will make it successful. I believe that as I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths straight (Proverb3:5-6).
This morning after reading several blogs, I have been encouraged...so if God can use someone's blog to bring me encouragement-He will be able to use mine to encourage someone else!! A post from 'she will sing there' blog, Compelled by Love really captures how I feel about blogging.  Another one I read this morning from the 'passionate homemaking' blog What Kind of Shoes Do You Wear? encouraged me that blogging does use the gifts He has given me.  This is the confirmation I have been seeking as I've felt led to update my blog and spend some time writing the things He is teaching me.  So...in the next while, I will continue to 're-do' the blog and attempt to put some of the things in my mind on the screen!  I want to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5) and follow the Spirit as He guides me into balance in all areas of my life!

Lord, I commit to you whatever I do and believe that my plans will succeed (Prov 16:3) Teach me how to live to please you, because you're my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland (Psalm 143:10) Help me to not just keep my priorities straight, but to continually straighten them out according to your will for my life.  Help me not to be foolish, but to understand what your will is (Ephesians 5:17).  Jesus, I know it is in YOU that I find out who I am and what I'm living for (Ephesians 1:11).  Guide me and my friends, family and readers in finding more of you and your love each day.    Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12) May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17) AMEN!