At about Day 19, I wanted to throw in the towel.
And on Day 29, I couldn’t put a sentence together to save my life.
But I knew I had to finish. I just had to.
I normally try to write five days a week. Some weeks I do that well, and others… not so much. But since being laid off from my full-time job in July, I’ve turned to my writing, treating it like my job. (Best job ever!)
But this 31-day writing challenge (#write31days) in October stretched me. Last year was my first attempt and completion with both of my blogs. I wanted this year to be the second.
My desire this year was to finish it without complaining, and without stress.
At the end of September when I told my husband of my intention to complete the Write 31 Days challenge again this year, I didn’t expect his response. “Are you sure you should do that? It really stressed you out last year.”
My husband doesn’t forget much. Even though his words jabbed my heart, they were absolutely true. Last October I was stressed out. All because I let myself be. He remembers the tension that filled our home that month. I couldn’t blame him for questioning me. He, nor my son, warrant added tension originating from their wife and mother.
So, this year I vowed my challenge experience would be different, because my attitude would be different. I was going to look at it as a privilege (after all, writing is now my job, right??), and a gift, no matter how trying it became.
What a difference a year makes! I’m thrilled to say I did not utter one complaint about my writing, or my commitment, or “having to write my 31-days post.”
And that, my friend, was a huge accomplishment!
You may have stopped by for one post, or maybe you read them all. Maybe you didn’t read a single one, because last month was crazy, and you couldn’t find time for yourself, let alone to read posts on a blog. I get it. I understand.
My hope was for each post to be an encouragement for each one of us as we journey through this life. To help us see who we are in God’s eyes. To appreciate how different being a child of God is, compared to being tossed to and fro by the world’s standards. Not only for ourselves, but to pass this encouragement, and the hope we have on to others.
You can catch up on all the posts here.
I prayed we’d all walk away taught by God and His Word, strengthened in our faith, and have a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Jesus. But, I believe God taught me the most. I see now this series may have been more for me than anyone else. (Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m honored you journey with me! In fact, you keep me going!)
But, I’m the one who needed the reminder who I really am.
I’m the one who found healing in reliving past memories. I’m the one who found a deeper walk with my Creator. I’m the one who soaked in the reminder I am making a difference, even if it doesn’t seem like it. I’m the one who was ready for the wake up call to live like a citizen of heaven…today.
On Days 19 and 29, when life could have gotten extremely stressful around here, I prayed and I trusted. I walked away numerous times. The only person I let know my frustrations was Jesus. And even though the posts weren’t “perfect,” they were much more than just words on a screen.
They were a triumph of God’s love and grace.
I praise God He doesn’t leave us where we’re at. I praise Him for how He continues to mold us into the people He desires us to be. And when we walk through the molding process without complaining, well, I imagine that brings a smile to His face.
Thank you for journeying with me, friend. I love you, and appreciate you.
Happy November!
Blessings,
Julie
All Celebrating Who You Are posts can be found here.
It’s a joy to link this post with Kelly for #RaRaLinkup, Holly for #TestimonyTuesdsay, and Crystal for #IntentionalTuesday.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey, Julie. I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets stressed and passes that on to my family. I’m trying to grow in that too! I’m cheering you this morning for this triumph, Julie! Beautiful. #RaRaLinkup
A message that reminded me why I chose NOT to participate and make this my 2nd year. But, Julie, your words “I’m the one who…” really spoke to me. When we are obedient to God’s call, there is power and lessons and love in the midst of what seems tough. We are the ones who grow when we follow our Leader into whatever forest He takes us. We are the ones who are loved and treasured as we stay close to Him. Thank you for reminding me of maybe something I missed this year. That’s okay. Maybe I obeyed Him by not writing the 31 days and gained something in the path through a different forest.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thanks for your lovely post. The Lord often prompts us to teach and write what we most need to learn. Blessings on your continued obedience in writing!
I think it’s so fantastic that while you gave away words so freely, you truly received the prize by drawing closer to Him. It’s just like God to bless us like that. It’s quite an accomplishment to have made it through 31 days, Julie! Bravo!!
Thank you, Tiffany. I am amazed at how God blesses us in ways we don’t expect. I appreciate your words and celebrating with me! God bless you, friend!
Love and appreciate you too friend. Oh yes…the triumph of grace!
Yes, the triumph of grace! Thank you, Tara!
Julie, congratulations on reaching your goal … not just on the discipline of writing but of the not complaining. Writing for others is both a gift to steward well and one that keeps us on our knees. Thank you, Julie, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Thank you, Crystal for hosting #IntentionalTuesday and for sharing your words here. I especially appreciated your perspective on writing as a gift of stewardship and of prayer. New thoughts for me! Have a great day, friend!
I can relate to feeling like throwing in the towel. The last week was a struggle. But here we are and we made it!!! Way to go! I did visit you and found your words to be encouraging as well as ones that pointed to God. That’s what it’s all about. I also found that I learned more from doing this challenge than I probably taught others. But God knew I needed to learn brave for myself. Loved journeying with you for 31days friend!
Mary, I couldn’t agree with you more. God taught us what we needed to learn. I’m so thankful He doesn’t leave us where we are, but continues to mold us, teach us, and shape us. I’m taking my time this month and going through posts I’ve missed out reading last month. Yours are included in that. Bless you, Mary!
I love how your husband helped you remember last year’s anxieties, and how you turned it all around this year. I love your intention of your writing to help us “appreciate how different being a child of God is, compared to being tossed to and fro by the world’s standards.” I love how you grew, and appreciated yourself as a child of God! I loved how you learned from your pain. Writing is a gift from God, isn’t it! I love this is your new work, how you are blessing many with your writing. Visiting from next door today at #raralinkup!
Hi Kathy! Thank you for sharing with me what you appreciated and loved. You’ve really encouraged my heart. Yes, writing is a gift from God, and what a special gift it is! May your day and weekend be blessed.
I was one of those who couldn’t do much reading of other’s posts because of all of the writing for mine. I’m looking forward to taking time to catch up now that the challenge is over, and think this series of yours will be timely. Thank you for acknowledging the victory in getting words out on those hard days-i had a couple of those too, but we did it didn’t we! hooray!!
Yes, Melony! We did it! I hope it was a great experience for you. I’ll stop over to read your posts as well. Trying to catch up on what I missed last month, too. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing. Blessings!
Good Morning, Julie!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been praying about a way that I could encourage other bloggers who have been encouraging me. Through your ministry, posts, words, comments, and faithfulness—your life has been a blessing to mine, and I wanted others to know about you!
So, I compiled a list of those bloggers who I’ve personally found to be the MOST INSPIRATIONAL on the web.
You are ONE Of these bloggers – in my estimation!
You can find the link to the list where you are featured here: http://www.melanieredd.com/the-100-most-inspiring-christian-blogs-on-the-web/
I’ve also signed up to get your emails, and tried to follow you on your social media outlets!
I pray that God will encourage you today through these simple acts~
Melanie
Wow, Melanie. Thank you. What an honor to be included in your list. I had a few minutes to stop over and check it out, and I’ll do it again when I have a little more time. Thank you so very much. You’ve encouraged my heart more than you know. God bless you, friend!