While we’re all trying to learn to navigate a world that has required us to do things differently, many of us are also trying to stay the course of our own personal journeys, shining light where we can. I often feel that I’m not pitching in enough, but I’ve had to let this go.
It all started long before this pandemic when we shut our business down for health reasons. Having no employment, I felt as if I was no longer contributing. To compensate I poured myself into writing. I’ve always enjoyed writing about and for Jesus. I still do, but along the way my focus shifted.
The title of my other blog speaks volumes: God’s Kid Speaks. While I identify myself as belonging to Jesus I began to over speak. In other words I became a work-a-holic, forgetting to enjoy the journey and what it means to simply be a child of God. I’m still sort of working my way backwards as I go forwards. If that makes sense.
I have many jobs: servant of Christ, wife, kitty mama, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. As such I’m required to go and sow, whether that’s sharing the gospel of Jesus or sowing seeds of love, kindness, and anything else worth sowing in the lives of those around me. Pippi’s Poetry has become a reminder to enjoy doing this!
Lately I’ve realized how nice it is to simply listen and be fed. So if I’m not feeding you as much as you’d prefer, I hope that what I’m sowing has at least been enlightening, lifted your heavy heart or raised the corners of your mouth.
I still have things to work through before I feel as if I’m thriving and enjoying the journey to the fullest. However, I know that as I lean on the Lord, instead of my own understanding, He will renew my strength and keep my path straight.
A video for you…
For 14 years Andrew and I made ceramic urns for those beloved four legged family members. (Uh, pets, not mutant children. Hehe.)
I love that we made jars of clay. Paul, an apostle for God, used jars of clay to represent the life of those who share the Good News about Jesus. We have fragile bodies and face many hardships. We crack. We get chipped. We may get thrown down, but we aren’t broken. Instead, by God’s power, we are strengthened and held together. We endure and press on. Our weakness shows that our help comes from God so that we can’t boast about ourselves.
The song I chose for this video is by a friend and brother in Christ who sort of lost one of his jobs as well. The band broke up. Nevertheless, I’m still a big fan, and the Lord doesn’t waste anything. It’s not an up beat song, but it’s so fitting to the struggle and that need to feel God’s presence in our weakness. It’s a really wonderful thing to depend on and place our hope in Jesus.
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on Him to guide you, and He will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with Him in whatever you do, and He will lead you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Passion Translation)
(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user Bessi.)
Pippi's Poetry 
I resonate with trying to navigate my personal journey and determine my place amongst society’s circumstances. I ask myself, “How can I help?” or “What can I do?” I love that you contributed in such a powerful way. I didn’t know this about your life journey and it allows for greater connectivity. I am also on the process of backtracking a “workaholic” mentality. Thank you or sharing. Blessings!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Kiki. There’s a lot yet for me to process, but I am getting there with the Lord’s help. I’m sure as you lean into Him He’ll do the same for you. There’s a lot of rewiring required on this journey and sometimes the circuits get a little crossed. I’m glad that we have so much help to sort that mess out. ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! Blessings! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I love this, Tina! As you know, I understand! And oh, how I needed this very passage today! My sonband his friend wanted to play on his water slide today. Before he went to worj, my husband was supposed to have it set up and the hose disconnected from our garden area so I could then hook it up to the slide. I tried with all my might to do it all myself, but due to the weakness and pain in my hands, I couldn’t. I was feeling so down on myself, like a lousy, “unfun” mom, an all-around failure ( How quick does the road take us back to those circuitous places of forgotten identity! 😏). So…thank you for sharing of yourself here. Very timely! Blessings to you and yours!
LikeLike
Yes, I so get the disappointment and feeling like a failure because you can’t do as you’d prefer. My health is so all over the place, but you’re right, we have to remember who we are and in God’s eyes, not our own. Blessings to you and yours as well. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My son AND his friend, that should read. 😁
LikeLike
And…my inner editor is screaming. That should be “work”. 😄 Ok. Everything else looks ok, so, I will stop hijacking the thread. 🙂
LikeLike
Lol… I can relate to the inner editor as well. I hate it when I can see my mistakes. On the other hand that can also be a good thing. ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, thanks for understanding! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! I figured it out! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been on that type of personal journey as well since 2016. I blamed myself for the bad stuff that happened. I should have done more. Fighting those internal self critic voices. Unchecked they sap your energy and confidence. Still feels like I am travelling those paths. Making slow progress. Refinding myself. So I so get your words. I’ve tried to write these down but always failed. So I am so pleased to find that you have found those words. Thank you.
I so loved the video and the music was perfect for it.
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, I so understand fighting those internal self critic voices and making slow progress. Hey, I guess that’s why we are given a lifetime. Things take time. Yes, unfortunately some lives seem to be cut short. I don’t have all the answers for that only that troubles and grief are a part of life. 😕 I’m so glad that you focus on the memorable moments and the joys that you have now. I’m working on that too. My brain needs some rewiring, refocusing, reviving, and rest. Lots of “R’s” for me to practice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Follow Jesus on your journey knowing God’s grace is there for you always little sister 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been at home more this past couple of months than I ever have, at first it was difficult for me not having a thought out plan, I tend to plan step by step. I have learned now to stop, rest, and enjoy focusing on how God is good. I loved the video of your “jars of clay!”🌺🌼😊
LikeLike
Andrew and I are home a lot. Much moreso now. I still haven’t gotten used to it. I’m trying, and praying, and trying and feeling hopeless and hopeful at the same time. I typed tired instead of time. That says a lot. ☺ Glad you enjoyed the video.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that feeling of trying to be productive and busy to feel of some value. I have learnt over time to rest in God and as you said enjoy the journey. Seeking validation and finding identity in anything else is just not right but it is a slow change that we gradually get better at.
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, I am really good at wanting things to progress too quickly! I think He’s starting to get through to me, but we can quickly forget, so we need so many daily reminders.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely understand. I stick my nose into too many things because I want to produce results for the kingdom of God. But that means I struggle to tread water instead of enjoying floating. I applaud you for making changes that will better help you enjoy the journey. Thank you for inspiring me to do the same! 💕
LikeLike
Yes, today I finally feel like I am starting to understand the importance of resting. Especially at the start of my day. It’s a grey day here, and the weather has not been cooperating at all lately, which has foiled my own plans, but God’s plans have been better. I need a lot of rest and listening right now instead of struggling. So today was sort of day 1 of a better approach. Wow it takes a long time to get through to me! Thankfully, Jesus never gives up. ☺ Thanks back at ya! I couldn’t do it without all of my sisters and brothers in Him. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful. I am so happy to hear that things are starting to look hopeful. It takes a long time to get through to most of us, so don’t beat yourself up. Just be thankful that you are where you are and that God is working it all out. ❤️
LikeLike
Amen. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person