A Girl on the doorstep
Today is Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo Baker. The writing prompt is the word small. It took me about 20 minutes, because I just couldn’t stop until I shared every word on my heart.
Last year, I learned something that has been life changing for me. God showed me that my pain could turn into passion. Though I had sung Amazing Grace a million times and the familiar lyric lived somewhere deep in my bones, I finally understood what the words meant. “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” Those words didn’t just reside in me. They were going to cause my heart to beat to a brand new rhythm.
15 years. That was the length of time I waited, prayed, hoped, dreamed and begged God for mercy. Through grief I lost who I was, but in the end I found more than I ever imagined. I found gifts used to help and serve others. At first I was afraid to use those gifts.
I felt small.
At the beginning of this writing venture I focused on the all too familiar grief of infertility. And then, I took a turn. I began to write in a daily devotional style. It occurred to me that God connects us not based on what type of grief we have suffered, but by grief in general. I couldn’t just reach out to those who felt the same type of pain I felt. I had to reach out to the broken hearts simply because they are broken. Not because of what broke them in the first place.
But, sometimes, I was afraid. I felt small…
I used to say, “I’m a writer by accident.” I felt small, because I’m not fancy with my words, because I was a kid with a learning disability, because I backspace, use spell check, and compare myself against everybody and anybody.
I can’t believe what has happened over the course of the last 11 months. I didn’t plan any of this. I didn’t plan to write books. I didn’t plan to speak to rooms full of women. I didn’t plan to write a blog everyday like it’s my day job. But, guess what? God did. I’m here. I’ve been found, and now I’m living what Christ intends me to live.
I’m not a writer by accident. God ordained this. By His grace and for His glory, I’m a writer! (Hey, all you writers, feel free to tweet that!)
Tuesday, August 20th is a big day for me. I’m sharing my first eBook. It’s entitled, Mercy Waits. It is a 31 day devotional based on giving and receiving mercy. I cannot wait for you to read it. Please come back and visit me on Tuesday and find out how you can receive yours for free. Please join me as I share my heart with you.
Don’t be afraid to use your gifts. Don’t feel small. Write on, writers! Turn your pain into a passion to serve.
May God Bless you on this beautiful Friday. May you find His peace, and may you pursue His great mercy!
Love,
Jennifer
beautifully written. “just a hobby” or “just some me time”, “just a blog” can be used to glorify God, edify and encourage others.
So true, Katherine! Thanks for reading:).
Awesome! Congratulations on a dream fulfilled. What a mighty God we serve. Sounds exciting. All the best to you.
“Your beginning will seem so small, since your future will flourish.” Job 8:7
Thank you, Debi!
what a beautiful expression… “pain could be turned into passion.” thanks for sharing more than just 5 today. i was blessed.
Thank you, Richelle. Have a wonderful weekend!
You are a true example of what small can do in the hands of a big God! Excited for your book!
Thank you, Barbie. I appreciate your support!
I am so excited for you… and can’t wait to read Mercy Waits…birthed from all you’ve been through its sure to be a blessing.
Thank you, Lisha!
Congratulations on the book!!! Thank you for the reminder that we are who we are and carry the desires in heart because He formed us that way.
Thank you, Amy! Have a wonderful day!
First of all, thank you.
Thank you for investing in parents by blogging about your experiences on A Girl On the Doorstep, and sharing your faith openly.
Please know how incredible this is. And be encouraged to keep going.
I hope and pray that even more Christian parents (as well as non-Christian parents looking for answers) will find your blog and will be inspired by your experiences, solutions and struggles.
We recognize that these are incredible times to live in, where technology allows parents around the world to encourage each other. As for ourselves, we use technology to reach out to children globally.
We’re developing the world’s first videogame that takes kids through the Bible from beginning to end. Our hope is to increase the love for God’s Word amongst kids.
We dream to see fathers and sons going through the Bible together, having fun as they become part of David’s army, spend time in the fish as Jonah, and play level after level, leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Our prayer is that after kids finish the game, they will have an awe of God, and a deep love of the Bible; eager to read it for themselves. We believe that kids can read the Bible, no matter their age (as long as the translation fits their reading level, of course 😀 ).
In order to steward this immense project well, we’re building relationships with parents like you. We like to ask your input by allowing you to look behind the scenes, have your kids play demo game levels before they go public, etc. You may also recommend a few people you think would be of interest.
Additionally, we can provide you with plenty of interesting “blog-food” (concept art, images, etc) if you feel that this could benefit your subscribers.
If you’d like more information, shoot me a quick reply to the email address below.
Ruben
Reply to: connect (at) tornadotwins (dot) com
Thank you so much. Your game sounds amazing! I know my son would love something like that!!! God bless you in your endeavor!
Love this! Your passion pours out through your words! Love, Rachael
Thank you, Rachael! You bless me with your words!
Dear Jennifer
I am sooooo very proud of you!!! I know you for just a little while, but your authenticity and compassion have crept deep into my heart! I will definitely celebrate with you on Tuesday even on this side of the world!
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank you so much, Mia!
I’m so looking forward to your book…I know it will bless so many people. Congratulations, friend…that’s exciting! Many blessings to you. 🙂
Thank you so much, Mel!
Congratulations Jennifer! My name is Heather and I was hoping you would be willing to answer a quick question I have about your blog! My email is Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail.com