While the sun isn’t shining, the skies above are a beautiful pastel blue with pretty white clouds. It’s truly a lovely morning. I wanted to sit on the front porch to write this morning, but even my cup of tea couldn’t banish the chill in the 50 degree temperature with a breeze blowing into my face. I could have put the hoodie on my head and also changed into socks and athletic shoes, but…it is still morning! So I moved back into my office. The nice mid seventy to eighty degree weather last week spoiled me. I’m ready to start every morning sitting on my porch. It’s where I feel truly close to God as I look at the beauty He created and listen to the songs of the birds in the blossoming trees. My elderberry bush has bloomed in the last couple of days! And my spirea bushes are looking spectacular.
But let’s get to my week. I was saddened when my favorite You Tube personality decided to stop making videos. I understood her sad last video where she honestly said her heart wasn’t in doing them any longer. I made the same decision about Facebook. When what I viewed as a ministry became a chore and something which was more about me than about others, I had to step back. I still feel drawn to log in and see what’s happening. The pull is real. But I don’t want social media to become my means of staying in touch with the people who really matter in my life.
This past year has made us more drawn to social media outlets than ever. Our phones are idols. We don’t go anywhere without them and we are constantly picking them up to scroll and see what is happening. I felt compelled to unplug. I want to see outside of the screens in front of me. This blog has become a weekly journal where I unleash my feelings and share my thoughts and the results of my hobbies.
People may read them or not. It isn’t my intent to become a “super blogger” or a media sensation. I’m a humble, elderly lady who wants to enjoy what time God has planned for me in my temporary home. I am confident my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I know where I’m going to spend eternity and it is a wonderful peace in my heart. I think about how each of us is called to bring others to know and accept Jesus as their savior. I know I’m not an evangelist. My gift is the written word. I’ve struggled for years with how God wants me to use my gift for His glory. I’ve written books. I spent years making positive, uplifting posts on Facebook each morning. I have now retired from both of these. So how do I use my gift now? It is my heart’s search.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to use my remaining time on earth to bring honor and glory to Him. I am spending more time with God by reading His word, reading nonfiction books by Christian authors, watching and listening to Christian podcasts, and just thinking and praying. I want a deeper relationship with Him. I have a desire to do His will. I want to listen to His voice and not that of the enemy. I’m a work in progress!
As for last week, it was a fun week in many ways. I actually went shopping and bought new clothes and shoes! That’s not something I do. It is not in my DNA…LOL! I filled my refrigerator with healthy foods to eat. I finished a puzzle!! Woo hoo! I finished coloring a picture, too! I now have three works in progress and I am thinking I will have my coloring mojo back this week. Here’s what I have finished this week:
Life is always good if we allow it to be. Think positive. Remember your happiness is your responsibility, not that of someone else. My life changed when I began nourshing my relationship with Jesus. I hope you can find this deep rooted peace and beauty in your soul, too. May your smiles be many and your love be shared. Until next time…
Carol Ann Erhardt, Author 