What is harder to believe: the fact that we just had to break out new calendars or that there is actually a new post up here at StepUP? Actually, I think both events are monumental and exciting.
Sho and Sho had crazy busy things going on the last few months of 2011 and have used our break from our regular posting schedule to plan for 2012. Things are still somewhat in the air, but I did want to share some of what I know I am tweaking for the coming year.
First of all, I am way too busy -- sort of like like the saying that goes something like this "jack-of-all-trades-masters of none." Have you ever felt that way? Well, the good thing for me is that over the two years (or is it three?) that StepUP has been in existance, it has helped me identify what I really enjoy and what God has given me a natural ability to accomplish. That is what I want to share in my upcoming posts.
First and foremost, I love equipping people. Looking back over the 15 or so years that I've been serious about God, I cannot escape the presence of the word "equip". When I used to create Bible study curriculum it was because I wanted people to know the Bible and how to make it practical in their lives.
Growing spiritually over the years, I discovered the joy of helping people tackle the basics of Christian communication . . . you know, writing and speaking. I LOVE that stuff. God knows I've been through enough training and constructive criticsm from some of the best in the business.
Alongside my love of equipping others, I love to encourage. That is actually one of my spiritual gifts so I shouldn't be surprised that I like it. The world of Christian communication is full of rejection and that opens the door to Satan's lies. I hate that. I also hate that some of the noteworthy trainers in the business are so good at ripping those who most need encouragement. I'm not saying that all the experts are like that, but it takes only a couple of close encounters of the negative kind to forever dash the blossoming hopes of someone with a great message. Not everyone is destine to be a public mega-phone for God, but they don't need to shot down when a simple nudge in a different direction would be much kinder. One compassionate person can open the floodgate. I've been lucky enough to encounter more than one druing the last few years.
Oops, where'd that last paragraph come from? Anyway, I love equipping and encouraging others. I also want to pursue a fuller personal life. That, along with what I really enjoy doing in the world of Christian communications, means I am stream-lining my life for 2012. Maybe I am being arrogant by thinking this is headline news in your lives, but I really just want to let you know how I'm changing my focus for StepUP.
So, if you are interested, keep an eye out for how I am tweaking my ministry here.
May you all have a blessed New Year!
©2012 Shona Neff
I am looking forward to your new thoughts, my friend
Posted by: Lyndie Blevins | 01/02/2012 at 12:00 PM