M E L C H E E

Faith of a Woman

May 6, 2016May 30, 20163 Comments

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. (Mark 5:28 KJV)

It is the belief that God is there, with her always. It is what keeps a smile on her face when times are hard. It’s the joy in her spirit when the world says she should worry. It is seeing it happen when no one else can or will. It is the size of a mustard seed, because that’s all it takes.

It is the faith of a woman – strong, hard, daring. Perfectly centered on her perfect God. Believing, seeing, knowing. How is faith achieved? How does one have faith? Have you ever met one of those women of God and witnessed the faith she has?

I believe faith is a gift. It is given of the same God to which it is aimed. He bestows it in a willing vessel for His glory and for others to behold. If received and used by the vessel, it is a powerful force, capable of moving mountains, opening and closing doors, making ways out of no ways.

The woman in Mark 5:28 had faith. She had no other choice. She was at the end of her rope; Jesus was her only option. Had been all along. Her faith brings her to Him. Or, to hem.

If I could only touch Him, she said. That will do it. That’s all I need. Just one touch. Her faith moved through Jesus so powerfully that He felt virtue leave Him. Where did it go? He had to know. He turned and saw a poor face. That’s where it went – to her.

I want to be that kind of woman, with that kind of faith. The faith that causes Jesus to stop in His tracks and look for me, to look at me, through me. To see it all. I want His love to heal me, save me, cover me, fill me. What a blessed way to live.

Nothing’s more beautiful than a woman with faith in her God – arms stretched out to hem, her first love.

Repost: New Day, May 2015

How have YOU demonstrated faith in God?

Tools and Tips: Putting Your Best Words Forward

April 22, 2016April 15, 2016Leave a comment

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5 KJV

tools and tips_ putting your best words forward-2

In my now 1.5 years of blogging, I’ve learned a few things. There’s a lot to do to keep blog space moving forward and maintaining a quality site and worthwhile content. No matter your focus – faith, fashion, lifestyle – it all takes work and commitment.

In this next entry in my Spring Blogger series, aimed at other faith bloggers, I’m offering my tools and tips for making your words shine, glorifying God all the while. That’s the point, isn’t it?

Well, speaking of: Center yourself and your blog in God and His word. If you’re a follower of Christ and rooted in the Word, then your blog should reflect that, even if faith is not necessarily the central theme. Your food blog can honor God through what and how you write, and your audience will know the spirit behind it. No matter your focus, pray first and always, stay grounded, and honor God with your gifts.

Get organized and committed and stay organized and committed. When I first started blogging, I kept a list of blog ideas, started an editorial calendar, and mapped out some social media goals (among other things), all before I read countless how-to’s, best blog practices, and this and that. It was important for me to stay organized on all levels of my blog and to find a system of organization that worked for me. If something wasn’t working, I’d try a different strategy. And, I committed myself to the work. I posted every Friday (at the time) like I said I would. I chose faith as my central theme because I’m a person of faith – there’s really no other viewpoint from which I could write, honestly (and sometimes this ain’t all that easy). Whatever you do, however you do it, stick to it and keep your word.

Another way I put my best words forward is investing in resources I believe I need in order to produce a successful blog. I’m currently a member of COMPEL Training, run by Proverbs 31 Ministries. COMPEL has allowed me to become a better, focused faith writer, and has connected me to new friends that share in this same journey. The expertise from the P31 team and the extra tools and resources are worth it. Also, don’t forget your Bible, dictionary, style guide, etc. Yeh, you know, those things. We want our best words, right?

Lastly I would say know your grace. Simply put, find your voice, know what God has called you to say and do. I’m no Bible teacher or scholar. I do know whose I am in the Lord, and I know and have accepted His message of salvation, grace and mercy. That’s where I write from.

Well, these may not have been tools per se, but they are my aids in keeping this space going. And I’m grateful for my space in the building (hee hee), and I intend to present this work as God has called.

What are some ways you keep your blog space moving along?

Shared Post: “Creating the (Physical and Mental) Space to Write”

April 1, 2016March 31, 2016Leave a comment

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NIV‬

In this third entry of New Day’s Spring Blogger Series, I’m sharing a post from the WordPress community: Creating the (Physical and Mental) Space to Write.

I’m sure my fellow faith bloggers and writers can attest to the need for the right tools to keep a consistent and purposeful blog. Space is included in my “toolbox,” and I normally work on my blog just from my desk (pictured above), with a cup of coffee, in the quiet. If you haven’t considered writing space as a tool, I hope this post will encourage you to – your home, the park, or a favorite coffee shop are great spaces (among many) that will allow your words to flow and soar. Click on the link below for the full article.

Happy blogging! See you back here on New Day on April 22.

“Creating the (Physical and Mental) Space to Write” https://dailypost.wordpress.com/2016/02/24/creating-the-physical-and-mental-space-to-write/