Inspiration contains work by y-o-u that moves me. Quotes, stories, links, and pictures all find their way into my little folder. Then, when I need a boost, I click around. Care for a peek?
On pushing ourselves to act: I’ve ignored His call to reach out to the unlovely because it’s awkward, and I feel impotent and frail in the face of the widespread suffering around me. I’ve insulated myself from suffering instead, filling my calendar with music practices and planning meetings and play dates with people I know well. Besides, I think to myself, I have plenty of time, and surely God doesn’t expect a young woman with little children to do anything. —Joy Bennett, Deeper Story
On using our kids as an excuse: Sometimes it’s easy to get so family focused that we forget about our neighbors and other families in our community. We use the excuse that “our kids are our ministry” and we stick our heads in the family sandbox and never give a second thought to other families that might could use some encouragement. I do agree that our families are one of our ministries as Christian women but God has called us to even more while loving and training our children.—Melody Hestor, Life is a Bowl of Wedgies
On feeling defeated and surprises: At times, our two boys gave with—seemingly—no real compassion or understanding about those we were serving. They acted more concerned with turning on their Wii than turning on lights for the needy. —Dena Dryer, The High Calling
On good stories and heroes: And the older I get, the more I realize that maybe the true heroes, the ones really living out brilliant stories are the ones who never make much of a headline, anyway. . .It's the ex-wife who forgives her cheating ex-husband, even if he doesn't ask for it. It's the daughter who takes her Alzheimer's-afflicted mother to doctor's appointments and McDonald's every week. It's the husband who works a job he doesn't like, for the sake fo the family he loves like crazy. It's the man who leaves a hugely-ridiculous tip to the waitress, because he sees she's gotta-be 8 months pregnant, and there's no ring on her finger. —Laura Parker, Life Overseas
What about you? What have you read lately that remained stuck in your head long after the computer shut off? I'd love for you to share the link.
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Linking with all the lovelies over at Finding Heaven today.
Image credit.
22 comments:
Hi Amy - I love that you have an inspiration file. Every time I see something on the blogs that I love, I've copying and pasting to a file too. Its amazing how much these little things can lift one up.
God bless
Tracy
I love the idea of a an inspiration folder. I'm going to start doing that, too.
what a great idea to keep an inspiration file. I love it. Beautiful quotes.
I love these types of posts because I find new amazing places to visit each time. I would definitely put you in my inspiration file, Amy!
You keep inspiring me to not make it all about me. You are constantly encouraging others to learn from others and not just you. Closed comments, shout outs, "share your story",guest posting etc...all reveal your selflessness and your true spirit of koinonia. Love it.
Great idea! (And thank you for including me.)
That's a great idea Amy. In art school we learned to make a morgue (don't ask why it's called that, no idea) and it was basically a scrap book of artistic inspiration. Sounds like this could work on many levels.
Rachel,
Morgue, really? How funny, but yes, I love to have things that inspire, and you are right, it would be perfect for art too.
Melody,
You are sweet, but I'm pretty me-focused. It's a chore to stretch myself.
Joy,
Of course, loved your recent series...so good.
oh how smart. i always think i will remember things. but i don't. so, an inspiration folder....mind if i copy that? hope you are well. my students come tomorrow. can't wait!
I love the inspiration file and I love that you have shared. And I just want to say that sometimes (and pardon the triteness) my kids inspire me. The other night, we had a missionary over for dinner. She had brought little purses from the country in which she ministers for us. And my youngest went up to her piggy bank, pulled out the sole dollar, and offered it to our friend in return. It blessed her so much -- reminded her of the widow who dropped in her last 2 coins. As an adult, I can hold too fast to what I feel is all I have left, but isn't it worth so much more when we give it away when He calls?
What a great idea. I have an inspiration folder as well, but haven't added any blog posts. I usually save the pages to bookmarks or favorites and forget to go back and read them again. Thank YOU for your inspiration, my friend! :)
I love this idea, I tend to be scattered and can never find my way back to the places I wander!
Blessings this week as you bless others with all of the gifts the Father has placed in you!
I need to start keeping a file. I have a file of quotes but don't have the bloggers and blogs to go with them. Great idea!
Fantastic idea! And those are some of my favorite bloggers as well.
I am always inspired and challenged by my friend Kara:
http://www.thechuppies.blogspot.com
The inspiration folder is such a great idea - may have to borrow that. I always think I'm going to remember things and then I never do and half the time can't remember where I saw it. So clever!
what a great idea--i used to have something like an inspiration file, but i think it got lost between the third and fourth kids :-) i need to begin a new one that's on the computer this time (i used to write them out).
i am both convicted and thoroughly inspired by the post found here:
http://feminineforhim.blogspot.com/2011/08/so-this-girl.html. (i know you liked it, too, Amy!) i keep thinking on it, admiring the perspective of the writer, and trying to figure out how to raise my girls with a perspective on beauty (and really, just people!) that enables them to see those around them in this way.
todays's post at thegypsymama.com, however, is pretty convicting and inspiring, too. sigh. this intentional, daily walk is a difficult path at times. i just have to remember that it is CHRIST through me, not me trying to accomplish these things all on my own.
blessings on your day!
steph
I have a journal just for quotes , but I think I'm going to also put in my favorites from blogland. Thanks for the idea! :)
Have a great rest of the week!
I have an "encouraging reads" file that I go to - I haven't read some of these, I'll have to bookmark them ... Hope you're doing well getting ready for school :)
Amy, you inspire me. When you shared some of your story, it stuck in my head and at times I can feel the pain you went through. Look where you are now though! You are an inspriation to others!
I have inspiration folders with themes inside of folders. There's always something that strikes a chord and I panic thinking I'll forget it. I loved reading what you saved.
What a great idea to share inspiration from others with others! Love your list.
I read a great post here today: http://melissabrotherton.com/2011/08/16/what-i-learned-from-bob-ross/ She says, "I frequently get it wrong when I guess and assume what the main focus of my life needs to be. That’s because I don’t fully grasp the whole picture. This is where my reliance on God takes precedence. In His omnipotence, He understands what will be primary and what’s just background filler."
Love the idea girly!!! Miss you!
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