I read somewhere that if you want to get ahead, you first must start. That is true, but for me, the goal is not to “get ahead.” My goal is to live my life, moving forward each day, learning and giving until Jesus calls me home.
Still, the only way to move forward is to start right where I am.
The Beginning
It seems to me the best place to start is at the beginning. Home is that beginning for me, first with my parents and then with my husband and children. Home means a lot of things to me as you can see in this journal page.
Sometimes we know what our calling is, but sometimes we aren’t sure.
There are so many things that interest me, but I know I can’t do everything. Five years ago I made a choice to start a blog. At first I wrote about once a week, using the Five Minute Friday prompts. Since then I’ve written lots of poems and blog posts and have met a lot of wonderful people.
Writing has enabled me to have an outlet to express myself. As my friend, Joy, said, “writing is cathartic and therapeutic, as well as being a blessing and encouragement to others.”
When we don’t know where to start it helps to take time to dream, wonder, ask questions and pray. Then be willing to step out and try new things.
A Start in Art Journaling
Early in 2014, one of my daughters introduced me to art journaling.
It is now one of my favorite things to do. Since then I have filled one journal and partially filled a few others. It is another way to express myself and share what I am learning.
All of the pages I use in this blog post were made in 2015, and are near each other in my journal. As I thought about it I realized God knew even back then that those pages would be needed for today’s post. What if I had never started art journaling?
I shared that thought along with the pages with my friend, Bettie. This was her comment: Yes, because you “started” back then what He had for you to finish today!
Start Small
Whatever we decide to do it helps to start small. As I mentioned in another post, taking baby steps helps to move us forward. We all have dreams but are sometimes afraid to start.
May God give us courage to step out and take that first step.
God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is pure.
He is a shield to all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is a rock? Only our God.
God—he clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and sets me securely on the heights.He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have given me the shield of your salvation; your right hand upholds me,
and your humility exalts me.
You make a spacious place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way.
This is Day 21 of Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes, and the prompt word is start.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday
Dear Gayl,
I love the way that you invite us along to ask God for that courageous first step. He does make our way so sure when we trust and follow Him. I needed to hear these words again today. And I am so thankful that we could pray and share together during our writing processes too! Thank you for the lovely link my friend. I am so glad that God has prepared the way for you to share your journaling and your art. Blessings, love, and hugs to you my Dear Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
He does guide our steps and we can trust Him. I am also thankful that we can help, pray and encourage each other as we write. It is a blessing! I am actually surprised sometimes that I do find just the right pages to share in the post. Then other times I choose the art first and write with it in mind along with the prompt. Thanks for your daily encouragement. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
To “start right where I am” is so profound and echoes within my soul as an invitation to stretch and grow in faith and creativity. Gayl, would you believe those very words I quoted from you are sitting in a draft post I’ve created, waiting to be published when I get round to it! They’re about beginning again after my long writing hiatus and how challenging, yet ultimately restful it can be to wait on God. Now I see them as taking whatever we have: words, images, collages, art and offering them all up to God and others as we share them in His perfect timing. Isn’t it rather wonderful and awesome that the beautiful art journal you kept in 2015 had hidden treasure for you to unearth this month?! Thank you for the kind link mention, dear friend. It’s a joy and privilege to help support and encourage one another. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
I’m not surprised that we sometimes come up with the same words. 🙂 After all, we are “kindred spirits” aren’t we? 🙂 Yes, anything we have can be offered to God and shared with others. Yes, I’m pretty awed to think that God knew back then I’d need them now. He’s a pretty awesome God. I’m glad to share your link and you’re right. It is a joy and privilege to know we can support each other. Blessings, love and hugs right back to you dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
Beautiful! Gotta start somewhere, right?
Thanks, Tara. Yep, somewhere! 🙂 Blessings to you! xo
I love how God works the long game in us! We never know what small thing God can or will use at a later time
You’re right, Anita. Nothing really is too small. God can use anything. Blessings to you!