Joanne Sher: Editor/Proofreader : Energizing gifts

Have you ever noticed that when God gives you the realization of your spiritual gift(s), you suddenly are able to see places to use it everywhere, and it energizes you more and more to continue exercising it?

Well, for those of you who know me, this may not come as much of a surprise, but God has definitely gifted me in encouragement. This is something I did not discover until I found Faithwriters and started interacting with the writers there, and commenting on the Weekly Challenge. I had several people tell me it was my gift, and as they pointed it out, opportunities came quickly and abundantly to help me exercise that gift - both at Faithwriters and away from it.

And, do you know what? 99% of the time, no matter how much "work" it may seem to be, I come out of it more energized than when I started. That's how it is with spiritual gifts much of the time. Because they are of the Spirit, God gives me the power and energy to accomplish them - with viv and vigor to spare. It's a wonderful way to determine if you actually ARE exercising your gift.

One of the main reasons I am writing my nonfiction book is to encourage others - Christians and nonbelievers - who are in stressful situations like or unlike the one my family has been through. It is my hope that, by showing what we went through - and how God got us through it - others will be able to get through their own difficulties with the same hope (or even more!) that I had.

And one important part of spreading this encouragement to others is to actually FINISH this book - so I have set another deadline for myself (in addition to the September 1 page turner deadline).

By August 1 - I will have the second draft of my first chapter, and the third draft (second to last) of my introduction done.

That will leave me the month of August to completely polish the first chapter and intro, and to write my synopsis.

Thanks for the encouragement :)

6 comments:

Patty WysongJuly 08, 2008
You go, Girl!
You're so right about being energized from using our gifts! I'd never noticed it before, but now I certainly do. It explains so much! LoL.

And good on you (LoL--couldn't resist) for setting goals like that to help keep you on track and moving. Go, Jo, Go!!
Huggles!
Yvonne BlakeJuly 08, 2008
It was your "Joanne's Jewels" that prompted me to start "Beginner Blessings" because I saw that it was too much for you to comment on all the entries. Now, we have the "Jewel Box". Isn't it wonderful how God brings people together?

You are a diligent worker. I know that you will finish your goal and have a great book when you're done.
Vonnie
AnonymousJuly 08, 2008
God's ways, concerning spiritual gifts, are amazing, as you've pointed out. This was so great to consider today.

And I noticed that "the encourager" thanked others for their encouragement. I like that!
Dee YoderJuly 08, 2008
You ARE an encourager, Joanne, and I've been blessed by your encouraging words before, too, so I'm glad to have the chance to pass that back to you. Your book will be awesome and I can't wait to read it when it's all finished. I'll be praying that God directs you as you write and gives you the impetus each day to write for your goal!
TracyJuly 08, 2008
You are an awesome encourager and I have been blessed many, many times by your kind and gracious words. Thank you so much for all that you offer to those who are blessed enough to get a word from you! Great goal list too, btw! :)
LauraLee ShawJuly 09, 2008
You have definitely been an encouragement to me. You have spurred me on sometimes without even realizing it, I'm sure. Happy for all you're getting accomplished, and no matter what you say, you have a TREMENDOUS amount of discipline.