Here We Go, 2018 - Laughter Lyrics And Life
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Here We Go, 2018

Here We Go, 2018

“Rising up, back on the street. Did my time, took my chances. Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet. Just a girl and her will just to write”
-Survivor (edited by the Smiths ; ) )

 

2018.  The year I’ll blog again. So dramatic!

Every year I say I’m going to pick up my blog again. But, obviously I haven’t. I have a desire, but then I let these doubts creep in to distract and deter me: “No one wants to hear what you have to say. You take the WORST pictures. So and so is so much better. What do you have to offer?” Blah. Blah. Blah.

By the way, when did the writing gurus take away the double spaces at the end of sentences? I can’t do it. It’s a part of me that I can’t let go.

So, this year, why is it any different? Well, I was convicted by 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” Another version puts it this way, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

As I get older, I am more confident in what God has gifted me with… and what he hasn’t. If you need someone to do anything technology-related, don’t ask me. I could try; but I still have to ask my kids how to work the t.v. If you need someone to host a group of women for an event, plan a party, or make a house feel like a home, I’m your girl.   Oh yeah, I’m good at shopping too…and quoting the lyrics to 80s songs. I haven’t decided if those are really gifts though.

There is a ton of freedom in realizing who God created you to be and what he has called you to do. If I look at other people and try to serve where they serve, give to who they give to, and do what they do, I’ll never measure up. If I serve and give and do what God has called ME to do, I’m full and fulfilled and effective. Now if I neglect the things I’m gifted with and called to…yikes!

So, my resolution for 2018 is to use my gifts to serve others. Each month I want to do something out of my comfort zone to use the gifts God has given me. January is starting a blog. Sometimes I’ll write about something God is teaching me; sometimes I’ll share recipes or design stuff or parenting stuff I’ve learned. Who knows! Hopefully we can inspire each other to use our gifts to make this world a better place.

I hesitate to tell you my February idea, because then I actually have to do it. I had this crazy idea to host a dinner for everyone on my street. Emily calls it the “awkward dinner.” I really feel like I haven’t put much effort into the relationships of people who live closest to me. Step one…set a date. You can do this Shelley.

So there it is…I did it. And I still have 10 days left in January. Bring it on, 2018!

24 Comments
  • Jessica Wernet
    Posted at 01:46h, 22 January Reply

    Yay!! So excited to read the words God gives you. And also your poppyseed chicken recipe. Patty wants me to tell you that we are your new neighbors on east Vernon so we are all looking forward to an awkward dinner! 😄

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:35h, 22 January Reply

      I love you Jessica! I’ll get that recipe to you. I would love it if you came to my awkward dinner!

  • Janice Stevenson
    Posted at 02:16h, 22 January Reply

    So glad you’re doing this!! Love you!

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:36h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you! I love you too!

  • melisha
    Posted at 02:48h, 22 January Reply

    WTG SHELLY!!!!!!!CAN’T WAIT TO READ MORE😊😘

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:36h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you Melisha!

  • Penny H
    Posted at 02:54h, 22 January Reply

    You truly are a beautiful soul! So proud of you for letting your light shine. You are sunshine to all that know you. 😘

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:36h, 22 January Reply

      I feel the same about you Penny! Thank you so much!

  • Darcy Flye
    Posted at 03:19h, 22 January Reply

    Super cute! You go girl!

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:37h, 22 January Reply

      Awww… thanks Darcy!

  • Colleen (Keys) Etou
    Posted at 03:49h, 22 January Reply

    I am seriously considering selling my house and moving to your street now..just sayin.

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:37h, 22 January Reply

      Do it! I’d love it!

  • jeanne
    Posted at 05:27h, 22 January Reply

    So excited can`t wait for more.

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:37h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you! Love you!

  • Tammy
    Posted at 08:00h, 22 January Reply

    Yay! Can’t wait to read ! You ARE one talented woman!!!

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:38h, 22 January Reply

      Tammy, I miss you! Thank you!

  • Catherine Clegg
    Posted at 11:27h, 22 January Reply

    Love it, love ve the gifts God has blessed you with. Can’t wait for more.

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:38h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you Cathy! When I think of someone with a great big heart, I think of you! You’re amazing!

  • Shayla Van Hofwegen
    Posted at 15:40h, 22 January Reply

    Love this, Love You, and I love your new adventure for 2018! Count me in as an avid reader and supporter! You got this!!
    P.S. the new single vs double spaces after sentences drives me nuts too, and I’m definitely set in my ways! So double it is and forever will be for me!! Haha 🙂

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:39h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you Shayla! You need to do this too…I’ll watch your kids! I love you too….let’s get together soon!

  • Amber Yost
    Posted at 16:14h, 22 January Reply

    I can’t wait to read more sweet friend. This is so awesome. I’m feeling inspired. ❤️

    • Shelley Smith
      Posted at 21:40h, 22 January Reply

      Thank you Amber! I miss seeing you!

  • Teresa Ator
    Posted at 13:07h, 23 January Reply

    Yay Shelley!!! I love this and I love you! You truly are gifted and I am excited for how the Lord will use you in 2018!! I’ve been wanting to do a dinner for our street too, now it has a name! 🙂

  • Marzy
    Posted at 01:36h, 27 January Reply

    Good for you! Don’t ever doubt yourself!
    You’ve always been a fabulous writer. And, yes, we are interested in what you have to say! Can’t wait to read more.

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