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2 books that have been a gift to me this week


A Million Little Ways, by Emily P. Freeman, is one that has been working on me for a few weeks now. The main premise is that we are all made to create art because we are made in God's image. This isn't necessarily art as we tend to think of it. It is more the idea that who we are and all that we do is art in the unique expression of who God has made us to be.

This book has been coaxing me into exploring art that I had previously ruled out, for various reasons. I decided to start piano lessons after a decade away so that I can finally learn how to play worship music by chords. I am starting to think that the extra time I have been finding in my schedule because I am seeing fewer clients might be a gift from God so that I can read, think and write. God seems to be offering me space to rediscover abandoned dreams and cultivate my creative interests. I'm not your typical art kid and my creativity has always felt more internal than expressive, but I'm want to allow my understanding of my strength, gifts and calling to expand as I connect with God and learn more about who He has created me to be.

The chapter I finished this week explored Psalm 46:10 in a new way for me. "Fail and know that I am God." Emily suggests that it may be in our failures where we find opportunities to know God more. Failures are usually devastating for me; even small ones. So the idea that my failure is actually a gift so that I can experience God more intimately was so encouraging and reassuring.

Becoming Myself, by Staci Eldredge, was given to me just this week. I started reading it when I had a cancellation and have been startled by how it has already impacted me. Twice, I have felt completely undone and found myself crying. This book is about transformation and how it is always rooted in the incredible love of God. We change from the inside out as we encounter His love.

Chapter 2 is about our life stories and how we understand them. Staci offers simple questions to facilitate reflection throughout the book. Rule-follower that I am, I force myself to consider each one. As a result, I have discovered that a core fear I have is that I am not enjoyable. I know that people enjoy me, but I fear that it is because of what I do and not who I am. God is exposing this lie and affirming that He and others enjoy me, as myself, and not for anything external that I offer.

Ben has referred to these as "sister-books" because of how God is using them, in tandem, to connect with me and bless my heart. I am a little apprehensive because God is doing yet another deep and somewhat painful work in me. But, I am mostly excited by how He is lavishing His love on me and healing my heart so that I can connect more with Him, which gives me such joy and peace.

How is God blessing you this week?

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