Still…a Work in Progress

There’s something inherently “blocking” when a new idea is introduced…It seems when “flushing out” (as a friend termed) an idea, any addition to that idea is blocked by some unknown force.  In this case, this blog, this endeavor into “flushing out” my ideas, the “unknown” force is more obvious than I had at first given credit…fear…not of my own doing – but wormed into my confidence by Satan Himself – in an effort to cause me to doubt myself and stop me cold in my tracks.  Unfortunately, it worked.  I created this new blog, this space to “flush out” my thoughts and ideas (separate from and in addition to ‘Saturdayswithsara’), with just that intention in mind…to flush the ideas out!  I have found, however, that since making an efforto to share with others…creativity has been haulted.

After much prayer and quiet relection (and almost a week of ‘blog-scilence’), I have come to the understanding that I must be more intentional.  Intentional to pray the effect of Satan away from myself.  Intentional to allow my inspiration to flow into creativity to flow into “flushed out” ideas.  Intentional to be in the Word in order to share the Word.  Because that’s really what it’s all about, sharing my creativity to showcase the Creator and lead others to Him.

So, a step (or two) in the backward direction leads to a sure-er path…and hopefuly a full-er destination.

Testing the Waters

Having ideas is one thing…making those ideas known is something different…allowing others into the depths of those ideas (and asking for feedback) is a different animal all together. This is what I have encountered today.

It has taken me 10 years to share my desire to write with others, after realizing that desire somewhere in high school.  I’m not sure exactly how this desire evolved and formed ideas which morphed into letters and words, but here they are, knocking around in my head…spilling onto pages and pages of non-sensical chicken scratch.  All that chicken scratch was fine with me…after all, it was only ever meant for my eyes and used as an avenue to remove the jumbled ideas from my head.  Then I got a “note to self” from that still-small-voice…rather, God and I had a heart to heart and He helped me to realize my dream.  So, I began with my first blog…less than a blog really, more a collection of encouragements and heart-felt thoughts sent to three special people…which morphed its way into a blog now being shared with my tiny corner of the world.  That first blog, ‘Saturdays with Sara’ got more feedback and ‘praise’ than I had ever thought possible (all glory to God of course).

Like many people, when they come to a point where ideas are ready to grow up and become something more, I didn’t think I was very talented at this writing thing.  As it was, I was simply writing what the Lord had placed in my heart that day, and it happened to be encouraging to others.  Turns out, God is the talented one, and I am His vessel.

So, here we are, blog #2…enter fear and doubt.  It’s like presenting your brand new baby girl to the world and hearing someone close to you respond with “oh, he’s so…precious…”  Well, we all know what that means…my ideas are my proverbial ‘baby’ (in case you didn’t catch the metaphor).  I wonder if other writers feel this way when they post ideas for the world to see…that, of course, is where my confidence and encouragement come from.  Though they don’t know it, my friends have spurred me on to this new endeavor.  They encourage me with their insightful blogs and Facebook posts.  They inspire me with their courage to try all things new.  Their words of affirmation become more like stepping-stones carrying me higher and higher, closer and closer to achieving the dream.  I cherish them for that.

From here the next step is to venture out to a publisher…the very thought makes me shiver…whether from nerves or lack of confidence or sheer fear, I don’t know…  What I do know is this, I love to share what God has placed on my heart with the world.  This is the current venue He has led me to.  This is the current step toward the dream.  This is my heart and these are my stories.