Here and there and everywhere...

It's been an interesting coupla of months, as you all well know.
Lots of uncertainty.
Lots of roller-coaster emotions.
I'm sure there is more to come, too.

Life isn't easy.

But if there is one thing my experience over the summer has taught me, it has taught me that I shouldn't take life for granted, and that I shouldn't bury my talents in the dirt. 

I've returned from my retreat to the mountains with one firm conviction at hand- it's time to follow my gifting and talents, time to step up into my calling that I've resisted for a while now. I've spent a lot of time trying to fit into others' 'boxes' for me. I've spent a lot of time being plain irresponsible. I've spent a lot of time these last few years Jonah-ing about my life, trying to do anything but what God has specifically had in mind for me.

It's like I've woken up on a fall morning and suddenly the blinders are off and clarity is almost painful in its brilliance.

I have to follow the dreams set in my heart by my Maker.
And I have to perform faithfully, and with good stewardship, the tasks He's assigned me.

Which leads me to that little HighCallingBlogs badge over there in the right corner...
Some of my favorite blogs are a member of the community: Holy Experience, Seedlings in Stone, Love Notes to Yahweh...on and on. The High Calling community focuses on the very conversation I've been wrestling with: Glorifying God in every day life and work. The authors and bloggers of the High Calling community consider the question everyday- what does it look like to glorify God in everything that I do? I've enjoyed the quiet vibrance of the community for a long time...beautiful, varied, thoughtful work exudes from each of the authors and bloggers. Daily, I am challenged and enriched...

I've taken a step on my path of dreams and joined the community there. If there is one thing that I have felt strongly over the last year regarding this blog, I know that I want my blog to be an encouraging, inspiring, enriching place...so this is a natural fit for me. 

I am just a teensy bit excited at the next few steps in my journey, and not a little bit scared, to whit...a bunch of things have fallen into place in just this last week, waiting for me when I got home as if God was saying, 'well, it's about time, don't you think?'

I was being fun, but now I am being serious...October is definitely full of suprises! It's exciting.

Comments

[Toia]

Congratulations on taking your first step to fulfilling your dream/destiny. If your knees tend to get a little shaky as you take a step day by day, keep Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

Have a great weekend!!

[L.L. Barkat]

Joy, so glad to have you as part of the community. And looking forward to the unfolding of your journey.

Welcome again!

[Mark Goodyear]

Joy, what a wonderful intro post! I'd love to hear more about the clarity you experienced.

[Mary Smith]

Hi, I just found your blog and I'm excited that you are a Christian and a scrapbooker! I hope to visit again soon!

[Mich]

As you know, I am also new to your blog. I find it by very inspiring.

Thanks for passing the info on the Jessica Sprague class coming up. I am a scrapbooker and have always had trouble with the journaling part of it. I am looking forward to the class and your blog.

Mich

[Rebekah]

Awesome!!! I love those blogs and yours, and I think this is the greatest purpose and calling for us....glorifying God in all that we do. That's what we have been created for! I'm so excited for you....finding clarity, and knowing the path that God wants you to be on. I know the struggle of trying to fit into another's box, and I'm so glad you are stepping out into the freedom to be who God has called you to be! Love ya friend!