21 Jan 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!
Jessica Wernet
Posted at 01:46h, 22 JanuaryYay!! 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 JanuaryI 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 JanuarySo glad you’re doing this!! Love you!
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:36h, 22 JanuaryThank you! I love you too!
melisha
Posted at 02:48h, 22 JanuaryWTG SHELLY!!!!!!!CAN’T WAIT TO READ MORE😊😘
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:36h, 22 JanuaryThank you Melisha!
Penny H
Posted at 02:54h, 22 JanuaryYou 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 JanuaryI feel the same about you Penny! Thank you so much!
Darcy Flye
Posted at 03:19h, 22 JanuarySuper cute! You go girl!
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:37h, 22 JanuaryAwww… thanks Darcy!
Colleen (Keys) Etou
Posted at 03:49h, 22 JanuaryI am seriously considering selling my house and moving to your street now..just sayin.
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:37h, 22 JanuaryDo it! I’d love it!
jeanne
Posted at 05:27h, 22 JanuarySo excited can`t wait for more.
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:37h, 22 JanuaryThank you! Love you!
Tammy
Posted at 08:00h, 22 JanuaryYay! Can’t wait to read ! You ARE one talented woman!!!
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:38h, 22 JanuaryTammy, I miss you! Thank you!
Catherine Clegg
Posted at 11:27h, 22 JanuaryLove it, love ve the gifts God has blessed you with. Can’t wait for more.
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:38h, 22 JanuaryThank 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 JanuaryLove 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 JanuaryThank 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 JanuaryI can’t wait to read more sweet friend. This is so awesome. I’m feeling inspired. ❤️
Shelley Smith
Posted at 21:40h, 22 JanuaryThank you Amber! I miss seeing you!
Teresa Ator
Posted at 13:07h, 23 JanuaryYay 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 JanuaryGood 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.