When God instructs you to do something, He typically asks over and over. At least, that’s been my experience. Local friends and family suggested “you should consider writing more. God’s gifted you with that talent.” On the heels of that came a call from Mom, “Honey, I’ve had two people this week tell me how inspired your writing is. Will you pray about writing a book, or something like that?”

I chuckled, thinking I’ve only written a handful of posts on this blog surrounding the miscarriages. Facebook posts I DO have fun with: capturing the quirks, escapades, and inquisitive moments spent with three very unique daughters and an AMAZING hubby. But is it all that much? How do I wrap it up with a bow? Collect my thoughts and words into a singular theme? 

And then I caught on to Him. The great deceiver, the enemy, the serpent. Him whose greatest snare is the pen. Lamely trying to squash what God wants authored.

See, what God’s calling me to do is continue healing through writing. To spread the Gospel. Highlight where the Spirit’s moving. Draw attention to songs or words that inspire. Encourage. Relate. Pray. Share. Sow…

For years I prayed to hear the Lord’s voice. A friend today flat-out asked me “do you hear actual words?” Most often, the answer is no, I don’t. One time I heard Jesus say “Rest in Me, as I Abide in You.” And other times, He’s unpacked acronyms such as “YIELD: Yahweh Inspires and Encourages Loving Disciples” or “TRUST: Truth Revealed Under Stressful (shaping) Times.”

In Isaiah, He reminds us that His ways and thoughts are much higher than our own. For years, I asked for words. Or for dreams (because those can be SOOO COOL!). Instead? I’m given GOOSEBUMPS. 9 times out of 10, they originate at the top of my neck, right under my head. They travel down my arms. If He’s really coursing through me, I feel them down my legs right up to my kneecaps.

It’s helpful for many reasons. Mainly, though, I can physically discern when the Holy Spirit is speaking (not get confused and think it’s through my own power i’m doing anything).

Flashback to this past weekend. Our brand new Bishop celebrated Mass with us. His Homily was super, super timely. “Too often, people view the Church as a professional organization. They show up as customers, and expect to get something in reward for their time spent.” Ouch. Ouch. Ouchie. Ouch. Then he continued through this encouragement “Different gifts are given to each of us. Wisdom. Knowledge. Faith. Hospitality. Prophecy. Discernment. Languages. Miracles. It’s up to us to cultivate those gifts and share them. To build up our Church!”

That got me thinking: it’s been YEARS since I’ve done a Spiritual Gifts Test. I wanted to see, in black and white, exactly where God’s empowering me. The following site has a great one. About 105 questions, so you’ll want to have about 20-30 minutes to answer honestly. http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/test/adult

Now that I know the gifts He’s given me (in this season), I can serve more effectively. Help build the Eternal Kingdom. Here are my results:

Faith: http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gift-of-faith

Exhortation: http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gift-of-exhortation

Mercy: http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gift-of-mercy

All of this to point back to the title of this post: Commitment. My intention is to write at least one blog post each week. Sharing any insights or reflections Our Father has given me. Celebrating. Venting. Creating. Questioning. Growing. Who knows what else. The goal is to publish mid-week on what i dub “Writing Wednesday.”

May I ask one question of you, please? Will you commit to reading these posts once a week? Holding me accountable and encouraged to keep going? Bless you. A hundred times over, regardless of what your response is. Never forget whose child you are!