to make you cry, laugh, think, and say “aha”

When I first started blogging, I struggled with the fact that there were already so many {amazing} bloggers in cyberspace. I used to have a fairly constant inner dialogue with myself, “What could I possibly offer the world? Why is my voice even needed?” And like God does, He dealt with me.

He taught me that you and I have been individually, uniquely designed. And when we seek after Him, He will spill out of us in beautiful ways. Ways that may be similar to others but also ways that may be completely different.

And here’s the really amazing part. Those things He’s set aside for you and I to individually do, they’re needed. Someone needs to hear my voice or read your poem or benefit from your hospitality. Someone needs to listen to you testify or have you pray over them or sit under your teaching.

In Christ we’re one. We all have a part to play. You and I need one another. So instead of wishing we were a different part or thinking our role isn’t that important, let’s celebrate one another. Let’s start by seeking Him and allowing Him to flow out of us. But then let’s celebrate the unique gifts and beauty in those we’re running this faith race beside.

 

 

So that’s what I want to do today. I want to celebrate some unique beauty going on in the cyber world this past week. Hope you enjoy.

1. This post captures some deep and precious Truth about God. My sweet friend Francie was/is walking through a dark valley and this was her response. Beautifully encouraging.

 

2. If you haven’t read any of Kat’s stuff over at “Inspired to Action”, then today’s the day to start. She’s a sweet friend who’s encouraging and amazingly practical. I’ve already started doing the SUPER practical mommy idea she suggests in this post.

 

3. I was only recently introduced to Jamie “The Very Worst Missionary’s” blog. But I like reading her edgy, real thoughts on life and God and beauty. Check out this thought-provoking post called “Taking Back Eden.”

 

4. Ok. I seriously laugh out loud when I read Jen Hatmaker’s blog. This was the post where she tells about her experience on the Today show. Hi-larious. And this was the post about surviving summer with kids that got her on the show. Equally hilarious.

 

5. Emily Freeman (my in-real-life friend who always encourages me as a writer and a woman) wrote this post in March but I saw her on Tuesday at Panera — because we both make Panera one of our writing caves — and we talked about the release of her upcoming book A Million Little Ways and let me tell you, I cannot wait for it to hit the shelves in November! (I’m pretty sure that’s the longest sentence I’ve ever penned.) Really. You don’t want to miss this.

 

6. My blog really isn’t a place for fashion tips or style ideas, but I do like fashion and style. So for my birthday I tried this new thing called Stitch Fix. And since some friends were asking what I thought, and since it was a lot of fun, I created this page where I tell you about it.

 
So there you have it. Celebrating other voices and other beauty. I hope you enjoy.

Fill me, Lord…

Do you have any great posts to share — either yours or someone else’s? Link to them in the comments!