I write because…

I’m a learner at heart.

As I read and write…I learn about myself, about God, about others, about life.

When I write, I want to capture a moment, a feeling, a piece of truth staring me down, and share that with whoever is listening.

And just maybe, sometimes, the words might strike a cord with someone else’s heart like they did with mine. They might bring up a question, bring them back to a moment, touch them, make them feel alive, let us share life.

Because when I feel deeply, the words are part of the story and what I see.  I don’t want the moment to go unnoticed, to slip away.  So, I capture the memory in the words that portray beautiful truth.  And when this happens, how can I not share the painting?

As life truly is a work of art made up of brush strokes that move us along in the journey.  So, I splash words on paper to evoke inspiration, encouragement, freedom, and the simple every day moments.

Good writing changes me, deepens me, makes my eyes go big and sometimes makes them green with tears.  And good writing itself makes me want to write to stir up the paint to make something beautiful that expresses the abundant life in Christ.

Why do you write?

Soul Cravings, Part 2

“There is only one reason for God to come himself, because in issues of love, you just can’t have someone else stand in for you.”

I have never thought of this in quite the same light.  How amazing that God came.  God came because He is love.  

Think on this.  You’re madly in love.  You met, became friends, and started dating.  He brings you flowers for no reason at all.  You take long walks and talk about anything and everything.  He takes you on dates.  He teaches you new things and you learn about each other along the way.  Your community (friends, church, family) actively engage and advise on your relationship.  Everything is going perfectly.  You want to spend the rest of your life together.  

His friend shows up at your door with flowers and a ring.  He proposes to you for your love.  What!? I don’t think so!  I, for one, would not be happy at all if someone else proposed for him.  Even more, I would be sad that he was not there.

So, in all reality, it makes sense that God came.  He came to show His love.

The Letters

Read on if you’ve read The Letters by Luanne Rice and Joseph Monninger.  If you have not read the book, you may want to stop here and come back because there will be SPOILERS!  Thanks to the Hoochee book club for the suggestions (I’m just a bit late on posting this…though I did read the book the week of Christmas…still late, but not as late as now!)

Heart-wrenching, heart string-pulling letters. The kind of letters that make you want to get up and yank two people back together. At least until you find out about a few specific reasons that caused them to drift apart. 

Affairs. Emotional. Physical. Break.my.heart.

Thankfully, I’m usually not a crier, but I will say that my eyes may have teared up a little.  But I was also angry.  Angry that they would let this drive them apart.  Angry that she would do that.  Angry that he would leave.  But sad.  Sad that their son died. Sad that they were shaken to the core. Sad that people would manipulate them for money.  But thankful for letters that kept them connected, that helped them share and open up when everything seemed too hard.  

All of that to say that even now my feelings about the book are a mixed bag.  I read it in one sitting. Devoured it and yet I’m left with an aching to know what happens next.  I do love the idea of falling all over again through letters. I’m a romantic at heart, admittedly.  So, did you read it?  Thoughts?

p.s. I totally want to go to Alaska and go on a sled with dogs 🙂

Bedtime!

I have SO many things I want to write about and share, but silly work and sleep are calling my name.  I don’t have any “plans” for tomorrow night so hopefully I’ll get to some of these blog ideas.  Until then…go read Philippians 2:1-11…aw, plus I love the verses after that especially 14 so read it all!May your night be filled with joy and rest!