Restless. I woke up to the sound of the littlest lovelies immersed in free play. Around my head. Apparently there was a need for more boys in the kingdom they’d created. Who would get out of bed to retrieve Bill Franklin, Ade’s plush toy mouse?
I didn’t want to know and feigning sleep, turned over. But I was up and had been for over an hour. Restless, I’d already tapped out the events for the day on my mental activity planner. I’d thought as far as dinner. That’s rare.
Another knee to the ribs. I’m not budging. My reaction to the jabs reminds me of the quiet I’ve felt creeping along the hallways of my heart. Sliding through barren shafts, unannounced. In the stillness I hear the sound of slamming doors. It’s loud and won’t go unnoticed. I’ve asked for this but for some reason haven’t responded.
I should welcome it. The past few weeks have been full of blogging excitement. And now? A resting place. Riding the ebb and flow of this wave should feel good. But it doesn’t. I’m restless.
Because I’m in the “what’s next” phase. After the rush of inheriting a link-up and having my words posted in the homes of respected bloggers, I want to know what’s next. I want to have a blogging calendar full of awesome writing opportunities. I want to be part of this movement, this revolution of words for God. I want to write to change the world.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. But in moving up and spreading out the prayer is to “get and keep it right”. The words I send have to be intentional. Beyond being a cool online journal, I want my blog to be an inspirational hub for His grace. I’m praying about purpose.
Maybe the doors I’m hearing close are the places and spaces He doesn’t have planned for me. I’m not discouraged by that.
Putting yourself out there is hard. Did I tell you about the rejection I received from a huge blog and how much it hurt? I swear, I had no idea I cared that much. But I did. I do. So now I’ve asked God to tell me where to send my words. To send me to hand selected homes because my voice may not be IS not a perfect fit for every blog I love. Just because I love it.
Encouragement comes in so many forms and God uses each of us to speak directly to the hearts of His children. The way I say it may not be the way you need to hear it. And you need to hear it so truly, it’s all God…all good.
What’s next for me is more Christ, more love, more filling myself in His word.
Today I’ll quiet that restless feeling with this -”what God has for me, is for me.” That’s true for you too.
What God has for me, it is for me
What God has for me, it is for me
I know without a doubt
That he will bring me out
What God has for me, it is for me
It is for me
It is for me
What God has for me, it is for me
I know without a doubt
That he will bring me out
What God has for me, it is for me - Miami Mass Choir
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. – Ephesians 1:11-12 The Message
My apartment is oven cozy from the cheese quesadillas we’re having for brunch. And the lovelies have found their way to the kitchen table. Time to go.
sharing this offering with #TellHisStory and Coffee For Your Heart
For When You Feel Restless http://t.co/VHhagJl18u
Wow! your write with such imagery, that my mind that could easily relate to you must have been feeling. Nice.
Imerperfecly_His recently posted…Your Name Here
Feeling relaxed … Sharing my blogging struggles has a way of putting everything into perspective. Sort of like preaching to myself. Which goes back to my post…maybe I said it the way I needed to hear it. Thanks for reading and the sweet gift of encouraging words.
Gorgeous… as always, my friend! Praying for you for those wide open spaces that only He can arrange! Your words always find a home where He has made a little room for them to grow! Love you, girlie!
~Karrilee~ recently posted…When you just have to take some time…
Karrilee… This blogging journey has been one of self discovery. God is molding and shaping and I’m staying soft and pliable. He’s got work to do. I want to be used. And yes…to the wide-open spaces that only He can arrange. Don’t I know it. Bless you beauty!
Thanks for the post, Lisha. I’ll be reflecting on these thoughts today as I ponder what God has for me, as well.
Julie recently posted…Food Frugalities, Pt. 2
That was my hope …in preaching to myself, that someone might hear and find rest in this call for quiet. Thanks for visiting Julie! What God has for you IS for YOU!
Hello dear sister! Found your blog via Tell His Story and enjoyed your writing, I feel so blessed by your gift to pen words together. I pray a blessing over you today my sister and over your family, your post has been a source of blessing to me too. Have an awesome day! Aliyah (www.setapartwarrior.blogspot.com)
Hi Aliyah! Thanks so much for the sweet offering of prayer and faith building words. I receive it.
“What’s next for me is more Christ, more love, more filling myself in His word.” Focus on that, Lisha, the rest will come. Seek first the Kingdom… all else will be added. Be blessed.
June recently posted…Inspired by . . . wrong made right
Amen June!
For When You Feel Restless…
#TellHisStory http://t.co/9HDQt1pHII
God-closed doors are always better than human-opened squeeky doors not meant to be anything but noisiness in our mission.
Heather @40YearWanderer recently posted…Why Are Christians So Mean? {Hear the Heartbreak?}
Don’t I know it Heahter. No squeeky doors.
Goodness such powerful words! Resting in the idea that what He has for me is for me. So, so good! I read something recently that feels connected to the thought that you shared. It had to do with showing up and then letting go of the outcome, trusting that whatever happens is for the best from His Divine perspective. Thank you for sharing these words. Visiting from Holley’s link up
Makeda recently posted…Kindness and Redemption
It’s one and the same Makeda and it’s all about trust. I trust Him to lead me.
Oh, Lisha! I’ve felt this for two months. Restless. A strange combination of fatigue and ants-in-my-pants squirminess. I’m reminded of my babes when they still were and how they’d get over-tired. Sometimes I’d just hold them firm until they relented and surrendered to the rest they needed. Rest-LESS is becoming a sign to my heart to surrender to His arms and rest-MORE. “To every thing there is a season.” Love you, friend!
Absolutely Kim! The remedy for RestLESS is Rest-MORE…I love that. I can feel my youngest in my arms, giving in to my loving, as I like to call it. You’re right it’s about surrender and I already put my hands up when I wrote this post. Thank you for being with me today. I’ve needed the understanding of my blogging buddies.
I am thankful to have found your space in this big world of blogging. I can so relate to the “what’s next” questions, as my blog has been surviving on guest posts for the last few months (now scheduled out through September) and my own weekly link up. Oh the writing has been hard. I am praying for Him to give me His words that will minister His heart to His daughters. Hugs!
Barbie recently posted…Featured Friend: Loretta @ Dancing On The Dash
Hey Barbie, I think I have it together and then I find myself “sweating” over a post. The “will my blog die virus” is all kinds of crazy and I fall into it every time. The goal now is renewed purpose. God is in control and He always will be. We have.to remember.that. Praying for you Barbie!
Oh, sweet friend…this line “want my blog to be an inspirational hub for His grace” YES! That is what I want to, but at times writing is so hard I want to curl up in ball and quit. Sharing my story is, at times, painful. It hurts. I am sure it hurts you too, but you share yours so beautifully and eloquently. I always love coming here friend.
As for being rejected by a big blog…at least you were courageous and brave enough to put yourself out there! Me, not so much!
When are you coming my way??? I’m still offering to buy the ice cream!
Mary recently posted…When knowing the tapestry designer makes it all OK…
Your words are a balm Mary. I think I’m new enough at this to still be optimistic and just experienced enough to be exhausted. Praying for balance and grace to pull it off. Ice cream is gonna happen lady. I’m looking forward to it. Will you be at Allume this year?
Yes, that restless feeling gets me too often. I wish it was easier to step back and let God step in!
I’m learning Sarah. He won’t have it any other way. And that’s a good thing. Thanks for visiting.
For When You Feel Restless…
#TellHisStory #CoffeeForYourHeart http://t.co/Mm5ZW6P4ir
loving that yu share. I am a relatively new blogger…or at least new to paying attention, finding a community and learning and i learn from people like you. thanks for this.
Carol Longenecker Hiestand recently posted…Making it easier for your kids!
Lisha, I love your honesty here. Writing/blogging/creating can feel so hard sometimes. We put our precious art/words ‘out there’ and watch anxious to see if anyone accepts or rejects them. Rejection feels like our baby didn’t make the grade and it hurts deep inside.
You are one brave woman to offer your words to a huge blogger. That takes courage! If they were not accepted then there is going to be another place where they will be welcomed and you will feel at home.
The inner restlessness you mention is something I can relate to and appreciate how (as Kim expresses it so well below) it usually signals a need to rest-MORE. Amen! May you continue to find your rest and inspiration in God as you write out your heart and life to help and bless those who will read your words. x
Joy Lenton recently posted…Missing the Muse
I appreciate your words Joy. And yes…message received Rest-More. Have a great week.