Oh, I can so relate! Sometimes the posts that touched me the most…that flow from my fingertips…only gather one polite comment or two. And then one that I think is so hum-drum that I almost didn’t post it results in emails from strangers on the other side of the world saying they needed that.

But perhaps that’s it. Perhaps the ones that touch us are for us. Not that we shouldn’t post them, for we need to be honest and transparent, and sometimes those posts that meant the most to us, did so because they met a weakness…and that is a demonstration that the world needs to see.

But why do we post things that don’t feel as inspired to us? I admit, sometimes I’ve done it because it had been too long since the last post, or because it was on my “to do” list. Yet then, when the emails come, I see that God is the one who put it on my list, and He spoke through me even when I wasn’t consciously listening.

I pray that, this year, you and I and Cindy and every other person using the Internet to testify of His goodness will become, even more, His mouthpiece. And that we will know, as His prophets did, what He wishes us to say in every word we type and post.

-Katie <

But perhaps that’s it. Perhaps the ones that touch us are for us. Not that we shouldn’t post them, for we need to be honest and transparent, and sometimes those posts that meant the most to us, did so because they met a weakness…and that is a demonstration that the world needs to see.

But why do we post things that don’t feel as inspired to us? I admit, sometimes I’ve done it because it had been too long since the last post, or because it was on my “to do” list. Yet then, when the emails come, I see that God is the one who put it on my list, and He spoke through me even when I wasn’t consciously listening.

I pray that, this year, you and I and Cindy and every other person using the Internet to testify of His goodness will become, even more, His mouthpiece. And that we will know, as His prophets did, what He wishes us to say in every word we type and post.

-Katie <
http://www.HopeIsCalling.com

You speak to my heart pretty much every single day… sometimes I have the strength to write and tell you so, other days I just shut down the computer and find myself it tears at the foot of the cross, begging God to restore my marriage and bring me fully back to Him.

I so desperately want to live and walk everyday keenly aware of the grace that I live in. How can I extend it to others if I am so unaware of my own need?

The message version of Matthew 11:28-30 is so beautiful…
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you will recover your life. I will show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you will learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30

The idea of just getting away with Jesus, this Jesus that would have done it all just for me, and learning from him the UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE is such a beautiful image. We often think we have to work so hard to find it, to give it, to really live in it, but it is supposed to be EASY and rhythmic, we receive, we give, and life is free and light.

Thanks for the reminder to live in grace.

God’s love is SO-o much wider, broader, higher, deeper, than we can dare to imagine, hope or dream! That’s what makes it so absolutely wonderful, mind numbing, heart pounding, feet jumping! Cause it’s like NO OTHER! In catching a small glimpse of that, experiencing a faint taste of Him we rejoice, sing, dance and worship Him as God! There is NONE like our God. He alone is God, He alone is Worthy, He alone is grace upon grace, sitting on Heavens Mercy seat, inviting us, compelling us to COME to Him, enjoy His love and Love Him wildly in return.

What a different world it WILL BE when we all grasp such extravagant love, become lost in it and can’t do anything else but share & give it away to others, everyone we encounter. Wow!

Thanks Sarah!

Thank you for writing….it really does bless me in so many ways

When I first read your post this morning, I immediately thought of 2 Cor 12:9 (in regards to your feeling like you get more comments from the ‘just okay’ posts that you share – - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

I echo many of the other responces already made that you shouldn’t base your effectiveness as a writter/encourager on the comments you see…some people probably just don’t feel articulate enough to respond. Your thoughts are deep, profound, and meaningful. Sometimes it’s hard to put a finger on the the right way to respond ‘out loud’ in this platform, I would venture to guess. If only blogs had a ‘like this’ option, as you see on facebook!

Just continue to write as the spirit leads. Always write for HIM (in addition to you)as your main audience staying true to the passions he has naturally instilled in you. We will be blessed and encouraged as a result (I am!!).

You are a wonderful ‘vessel’ and God has certainly blessed you in such a way that you can artfully share some of His TREASURES through your gifting to others through the written word). (see 2 Cor 4:7)

I think you are very talented and the things you lay out for us here on your blog could easily be published as a daily devotional (I have a friend that’s published in this area if you are interested to view her writers blog)

I hope you are encouraged.
Cheers!