Monday June 26 2017  PAUSE TO THINK

Yesterday I had a question from a friend which caused me to stop and consider a more complete answer than that which I answered spontaneously. The words my friend speaks often cause me to pause and give greater introspection.

My friend asked me the question, “Why do people write blogs?”  She questioned as to why people would share about their life in a public forum.  Perhaps she was curious as to why I write my blog (which does have personal life experiences presented in a public forum) but perhaps she wasn’t referring to me at all.  I really don’t know.  I answered her as to why I write a blog and surmised why others may do the same. 

I came up with a list of why I spend my time tackling a daily blog, starting with the fact that I believe the Lord had directed me to write so I could share my hope and love with others.  I began in January 2015 and had two months to learn how to administrate an online blog.  I had tried previously but could not learn in the fashion in which the first volunteer taught.  Through one conversation a man stepped up to the plate and offered to teach me.  He gave up his Sunday afternoons for almost two months to do so. And, as for an older me, it definitely took that long for me to learn.  After I learned how to administer the blog I immediately left on a four month trip.  The purpose for the blog was to connect with family back home, as well as with those I met on my journey.  I wrote about my trip and about those with whom I encountered along the way.  I asked people if they would allow me to quote them in my blog and usually they would say yes and ask for my blog address.  A lot of the people I met followed my travels, wrote to me along the way to give me encouragement, and shared with me things about their spiritual life.

I believe the reason God had everything come together with an excellent instructor, the timing, and with those I met along the way, was for the purpose it served.  I was able to touch hearts and lives and be a witness to them through my writing.  God has given me a gift and I want to share my gift with those who are put in my path to receive it. 

I intended to stop writing when I returned home.  However, when I stated that information on my “last blog post” I received a number of emails from readers who gave me a variety of reasons I should not stop.  For one person it was the fact that it was the only devotional she received during the day and others contacted with me spiritual questions and updates on what changes they had experienced since our encounter.  Each person who contacted me had their own personal reason for reading the blog.  So, I continued for awhile longer. 

And I am still faithful to log a bit of my life each day.  My hands do not host a pen as easily as they used to do and I find writing on a keyboard much easier and quicker.  (At least it is much easier than deciphering my penmanship.)  For my own personal reason I believe I write because it provides a measure of discipline in my life.  Some days I purposely do not write in blog form (other than publishing the poem I write for the day).  On those days I collect my personal private thoughts, write out my goals, my conversations with God, and perhaps even a frustration or two.  I have shelves and shelves of handwritten journals and now I have boxes of printed pages of blogs, journals, and poems.  Who will want them after I am gone?  Why do I pour out my heart?  Why do I so faithfully come before the Lord and offer Him a poem each day? 

After pondering the above questions I have come to the conclusion (which I mentioned in yesterday’s answer to my friend) that I do it as a “discipline” because it keeps my mind active.  The blog causes me additional reasons to think, read, and converse with people, so I garner stories of which to write.  I continue to write because I still feel God calling me to give away the words I write.  I do it because sharing Christ’s words of hope, peace, and love, will perhaps direct the heart of others toward God. 

As many people who write blogs, there are probably as many reasons to do so.  I have come to the conclusion that even if I didn’t have one person read my blog, I would still do it for all the good it does for me in my own life.  I feel as if I am being faithful to what God has called me to do.  I know I will not be able to continue indefinitely, but for this time in my life I can I choose to continue writing.  It has made a difference in my life and has given me purpose to be true to self.  It allows my voice to be heard.  And, I ultimately believe that having one’s voice heard may be the universal thread which is the motivating factor for those who write.  I believe that those who choose a public forum in which to publish do so as to have their voices heard. I sincerely pray that the voice that comes out of my heart will be pleasing to the Lord.

And, you see, the question my friend asked me yesterday gave me pause to think.  And I notice as I age that even THINKING takes a bit more time.

FOOD FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Kathleen Martens

June 26, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

Thinking is such a beautiful gift

We often take for granted.

But we must give consideration

What thoughts in our minds are planted.

For what goes in somehow comes out.

Be careful what you read and hear.

What you choose to see on TV

Can cause pain sorrow or fear.

So choose carefully what you allow in

That gives food for your thoughts.

What I have chosen as my feast

Are the words that Jesus taught!

Thank You God for a brain that still works.

Thank You for the Word of Your Scripture.

Thank You for the brain power to administer a website.

Thank You for all the functions my brain does in the course of one day.

Thank You for the gift You have given me to share with others.

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!