Second day writing for the blog.  Woke up, ready to begin and Then! 

     Rose, what are you thinking?  Just who do you think will even find this? And as far as the writing--'Well'?  And you say you want to leave a record for the boys?  Boys (men) don't give your writing even a second thought.."That just filled in time for Mom!" Amy may give it a try.  Better spend your time in other areas..You know, cooking, cleaning, picking up that sewing room.  And on and on it goes!

     But to say now in all capitals WE ARE ALL BLINDSIDED by the thoughts that no one will read, act on encouragements, or even think about starting a Life Journal.  Who wants to read about an ordinary Southern lady in her seventies who, fifty years ago, was encouraged by a college professor who never gave A's but gave her an A with words to inspire her to write.  Just think what our words say to those around us!

     Beside the above reason--most of the time--it is to leave a written record of how the Father directs, cares for, loves and weaves a tapestry that only He can see.  He knows the beginning as well as the end and all the moments in between.  Everything is in His Hands whether I acknowledge it or not and life is certainly less of a struggle if I try to go with His plan.  I don't know even if this is His plan.  I can only step out in faith, handing it to Him to do with as He pleases.  Whether this takes off or not, it is my plan and desire to show His goodness and care for me.  Writing reminds me to Praise Him for His never-ending love and grace.  So I'll continue to write and offer Him the work of my hands And I will praise Him just for the joy of putting thoughts on paper.

     How about you?   

     Ever procrastinate--put off starting something new!  A new job you sorta-have-to-be-there-on-time, dressed well for the position you will hold...start...begin!  But the thing you have dreamed about, thought about, anticipated what fun it would be, but the thing you don't have to do is so easy to put off!
     Why procrastinate?  The first reason I can think of is fear...in my case my dream is writing.  I've never wanted to write a book, especially not poetry.  In elementary school Mom was a real help when it came to writing poetry.  I could rhyme really well, but making sense of the rhymed words was not my strength.  I just want to write to encourage others, to remind myself and others that there is a plan, not a random happening that brings us to this earth, but a purpose and a plan that was been given uniquely to every single person.  "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."  Jer. 29:11
     Fear also that no one else will think my written thoughts are worthy of someone else taking the time to read, enjoy and even think about during their day...an encouragement to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Not praise but just acceptance and a note that says "it" was read. (Of course, it would be nice if a written positive comment is occasionally made!)
    But I am coming to the conclusion that my job in the here and now is to write about my fears, my struggles, the places I have grown and the places I need to move away from but keep revisiting, little strides in the right direction and my victories (especially to be able to say "No" occasionally.  I usually cannot form the syllables to say that word!) 
    Fear aside!  I have picked up my pen and I am writing.  I pray the Father will look kindly at my words and the Holy Spirit  will use them in someone's life to encourage them to keep trucking, to see there is a plan and it is good all the time whether we understand it or like it or not.
     Pick up that pen and join me in a new adventure!