Here we go!

Well, here I go. My first blog entry...ever.
Others might say I have been blogging for weeks as I typed updates during my sister's hospitalization and the faith journey it creates when you are praying for a miracle.  

Thank you Lord, that you answered our prayer requests to "knock the socks off of the doctors and nurses!" My heart overflows with gratitude, humility, and relief.  

So, I started listening to what people were saying as they posted on CaringBridge. 
"Thank you Amy for sharing your faith, updating us on Sarah's condition, you made me think..."
And words of encouragement from an unexpected source, "you have a gift!"  Thank you Al!

I started a blog about this time last year. New Year's Resolution...not followed through on. I have been urged for years by a dear friend to start this journey.
And you know what stopped me?  Fear. Fear of failing, fear of no one caring to read it, fear of not keeping up with it, fear of negative comments.  Yep, paralyzed by fear.  

So here I am with sweaty armpits, teary eyes and a bit of shaking as I face this fear. Geez!  The physical symptoms I get from the uncomfortableness of stepping outside of my comfort zone...it's quite something.

Do not fear, for I am with you.  Is 41:10
Do not be anxious for anything, but pray about everything. Phil 4:6 (my paraphrase)
These are common scriptures I repeat to myself...and yet there is something that still gets me about failure. And so...as I was searching for fear, afraid, and anxious verses I found the flip side of this...

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with faithfulness. Josh 24:14  Fear HIM!  Amy, perhaps all of these urgings from friends and family were HIS 2x4 to realize this isn't about Me...duh! It's about Him. It's about blessing others, showing vulnerability, going out on a limb, sharing my faith, bring Him to a new light for others.  

So, so glad He is faithful and doesn't give up on me but instead after all my "failings" keeps after me, refining me loving me, answering prayers, taking me back after I get off the altar a bazillion times.

It's good, it's very, very good.
And my heart rate has slowed down since I got my mind off of myself...hmmm...

Hanging on for the ride,
Amy