Jeremiah 29:11 –
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV
The Lord said,”Go, write My words on the hearts of men.”
I love to write, but to be “out there” where others can read my thoughts, struggles, and challenges? It’s been one year since I blogged my first post, No Seat on the Bus, and I can relate with Emily. Except the voices I hear come from within, saying, “You think you have something to offer others; one who is technically challenged, scattered, and crushed for time to learn to write well?”
Anxiety and doubt have pushed me to get off the bus of writing. It would be easier to run to my safe room, plop myself on my bed, and cover my head with my pillow so I would not hear the Lord’s voice and His plans for me. But, He gently continues to say, “Trust Me, in My time and My plan, I will give you all you need and remember the words of the Psalmist.”
Psalm 139 –
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well…” NIV
This year, He’s brought gifts of opportunities and treasures from a writer’s group I attend and a few bloggers.
David, of Red Letter Believers, for his encouraging critique and insight.
Bill, of Unshakable Hope, for inspiration and an amazing walk of courage and hope.
Amy, of Garden2day, for the example of one who steps out of the box in faith.
Looking ahead to 2014 with 10,000
A member of my writer’s group mentioned Malcom Gladwell’s book, Outliers. He takes the reader on a journey through the world of “outliers”–the best, the brightest, the most famous, and the most successful. He asks: what makes high-achievers different?
His answer is we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, too little attention to where they are from, or what it took for them to get there. He explains a possible common thread of 10,000 hours of practice contributed to achieve their success to “master” something – to become truly great.
I asked the Lord, “How could I accomplish this in writing late in my life?” He answered, “Instead of focusing 10,000 hours towards writing, there is something greater.”
10,000 Would Change the World
If 12 disciples turned their world upside down in their time in history, what could 1, 10, or 100 people do by lifting 10,000 praises of thanksgiving to Him in gratitude? How many lives would be changed by lifting 10,000 prayers to Him for the persecuted church, the hurting, and the lost? How would His mighty hand pour out mercy, grace, and blessings by lifting 10,000 words of scripture prayed and written back to Him knowing He is faithful?
10,000 Would Change Our World
Scripture says to continually pray without ceasing and to lift praises to the Lord with my whole heart.
I do not make New Year’s Resolutions, but I can begin to pray with 10,000 as my goal. The Lord already knows His plans for my life. I do not need to spend time wondering, but be obedient to His Words of Truth as I watch and He unfolds His grace and blessings. As with Emily, God sees the inward person – the humble heart, and blesses.
My blog started with humble beginnings, may it continue to stay there. It may never reach the masses. But, if one post changes one heart because it found its home in the love of Jesus Christ, I can rejoice and give thanks and praise to the Lord for there are 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman (Please listen)
What are your goals this coming year? Lift them high to the Lord and see what He accomplishes through them!
God bless and Happy New Year!
healingoftheheart 
I’m very intrigued by the idea of 10,000. In the way you transition it into words of praise, prayer, and thoughts. It sounds intimidating but to have the chance at a reformed and changed life is invigorating. I’m so proud at your accomplishment of one year of public writing. You shown so much growth and taught me about the depths of and mysteries through life well lived.
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Again, thank you for your words of encouragement.
I’m looking forward to 2014 with hope and promise.
God bless you.
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It’s always difficult at the end of the year to me as I look forward to the next but I think it is necessary to shed some of our old and put on new. We all need a plan of action and to see where we have been is necessary to plan where we are going. I get so far off track that I lose myself sometimes. 🙂 I wish I was better than I am but if I was perfect what would there be to strive for? I have a long ways to go btw. You have a plan and are going forth. 😀 That’s a great thing! You inspire me in so many ways. I still have a lot to learn 🙂 . Your post gave me goosebumps!
“If 12 disciples turned their world upside down in their time in history, what could 1, 10, or 100 people do by lifting 10,000 praises of thanksgiving to Him in gratitude?” 😀 Can you imagine? I really can’t. I hope it is a great year! God bless! 😀
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Thanks Amy.
I’m like you, I have a long way to go (somewhat scattered). But, I must say the adventure, path, and journey with Christ has never been dull. He keeps telling me… hope and promise for 2014. Not sure what that means yet, but I’m sure I will find out in His time.
God bless you and may His Light continue to illuminate your path this next year.
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One can change the world. Jesus did. Gandhi did. Martin Luther King did. My neighbor, Sam, did – one leaf at a time – out there with his rake every day – all fall – every year. Yes, if one can change the world, imagine what 10,000 can do! But don’t wait for the multitudes – someone has to be first or third or 820th. Just see the need, find the area that speaks to your passion, locate your particular shovel, and start filling the hole. God Bless You! I am reading “Love Does” by Bob Goff. Have you read it? I recommend it. Like you, he inspires me to want to live a secretly incredible life in my ordinary part of the world. He encourages me to go beyond myself and become part of what God can do beyond my potential. Love does. My New Years goal? Live Love!
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Thank you for your words of encouragement!
One time while I was sitting quietly at a Christian Writer’s Conference, the Lord told me one cannot love at arms length. His love must be poured out. As He blesses, we are to pour that same love into others. I am finding our prayer life creates the intimate union with God to receive the power beyond our potential… through His power.
Fenelon, a late Archbishop, stated, “And this life, in the sixth place, becomes a truly transformed life, a life in union with God, when the will of the soul becomes not only confirmed to God practically and in fact, but is conformed to Him in every thing in it, and in the relations it sustains, which may be called a disposition or tendency. It is then, that there is such a harmony between the human and divine will, that they may be properly regarded as having become one… This transformed soul does not cease to advance in holiness. It is transformed without remaining where it is; new without being stationary. Its life is love, ALL love; but the capaicity of that love continually increases.” As Paul stated, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” Of such a soul which is described as the Temple of the Holy Ghost, God Himself is the dweller and the light.
That’s been my prayer for 17 years, from Oswald Chamber’s, My Utmost for His Highest, January 2nd…. “until as far as your faith is concerned, there is nothing between yourself and God.”
Thank you for the book recommendation. It sounds like something I would love to read.
It truly is His love which will Change Our World.
God Bless you and thanks for stopping by.
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