Anyone that has followed my blog for awhile knows that I have one little word for each year. It’s something that I was inspired to do from the beautiful Mrs. Ali Edwards, a scrapbooker and amazing writer. My one little word for 2012 is action! Seems simple enough, right?
I feel like God is pushing me more and more towards action. So before I continue, here is my little disclaimer. I don’t share my faith or Bible verses very often on my blog. Not because I’m ashamed – far from it. But because I feel like there are so many people that stereotype and do the very thing that they get so upset about, but in reverse. So many people group all Christians together into one category because of a handful of zealots that are hateful and mean. Let me assure anyone out there who sees Christians in this manner – we are not all that way. Just because someone loves Jesus doesn’t make them hateful. Okay, end disclaimer.
That being said, I wanted to share something that I came across this week. Well, two things.
First! I watched part of Christa Meola’s class on CreativeLive this past weekend, and there were SO many things that really made me go AHA! but definitely one in particular. She said three simple words: “Life rewards action.” Umm… ding ding ding ding ding!! I felt like this huge alarm was going off in my head. I wrote it down on a post it note and it is sitting on my desk, to constantly remind me to take action. I feel like I’ve been content reading, learning, and taking everything in – and those are not bad things. But without action, what’s the point? Why learn new things if you’re not going to try them out? Why read if you’re not going to put something in place in your own life?
Which leads me to number two, related to my disclaimer! I’ve been going through a Bible study by the amazing Beth Moore, on the book of James. Well, not just the book of James, but the man James. First of all, let me say that if you are a woman and have never done a Beth Moore Bible study – find a church that is doing one NOW and sign up! She is truly amazing, and can speak to the heart of a woman in such a sincere and STRIKING way. Her studies are intense. They require a lot of work and thought, they are not just a verse a day kind of studies. But man, I learn SO much when reading with her! God really uses her in amazing ways.
I know that a few of you have been going through the same study, so for you, I will give page numbers. On page 96 in your workbook, the viewer guide for session four, one verse in particular just hit me like a ton of bricks. Again… I feel like God is sitting down in front of me and shaking me saying “are you getting this Brooke?!” This is a different translation from what I’m used to reading, the NET, but stay with me and turn to James 1:25. “The one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out – he will be blessed in what he does.” WOW, right? This particular verse is about the word of God and surrounding context, but basically it boils down to this – instead of listening, ACT! Do something! If you don’t like something in your life, DO something about it! If you want something to happen for you, MAKE it happen! This is an ongoing theme for me this year, and something that is really moving me in my life.
Kaden will be playing in the championship basketball game on Sunday, it is VERY exciting. Sometimes his feelings get hurt and he gets frustrated, he says that his teammates don’t pass to him. About six months ago, I would have consoled him and talked with him about how to change that. But now, I have a different lesson for him. A different thought, a different way to look at it. I told him “Instead of waiting for someone to pass to you, GO GET the ball. It’s not up to anyone else whether you get the ball or score, it is only up to you, so make it happen.” I guess some people might look at that negatively, but I feel like this is what is missing in so many lives right now. People complain and want things to happen in their lives, but they’re not willing to do the work to get there. I want my son to take action. To know what is right, what he needs to do for his own life and to serve others – and not just know it, but to take ACTION to make it happen.
So proud of you for taking that step to open up more personally on here about your faith. I know God will use your heart to inspire others! Love the Beth Moore study! She has such a way of telling it like it is! :-)
Love this. Of course, I just seem to love everything you write so far. Beth Moore’s studies are incredible. I’m doing her Esther study right now. It’s the 4th one I’ve done, I think. She always hits me dead between the eyes. Well, God does, through her.
The action thing? It’s not my word for the year (AE fan here, too!), but it is so applicable for me right now. I’ve had countless ideas, aspirations, and desires which I never get around to acting on. I usually talk myself out of things or become distracted, never to return.
The Fix has been a great catalyst for me, because it’s pushing me to get my act together, knowing that I’ll be in the company of other ‘actual’ photographers. With the FB group of attendees, that’s pushed me some more in terms of connecting with other photographers – especially local photogs. Without The Fix and the FB group, I would more likely keep to myself and not network with others.
Great post!!