Earlier, I was perusing trendycovers.com looking for a new cover photo with a quote on it for my Facebook page. After scouring several pages of photos and quotes, many of which were just plain inappropriate and many I thought, “I like that one. I will come back to it,” I saw it, the perfect one. It is a picture of a sunrise with three simple words, “Watch me Rise.” These words represent what God has called me to do, “rise.” In early 2013, in His still small voice, God said to me, “Go bigger.” Well, okay, I will go bigger, God, whatever that means, I said aloud. Six months later, I found myself enrolled in the School for Professional Studies at a local university. That is certainly “bigger.” God has called me to rise to a higher level with the responsibilities, gifts and resources He has entrusted to me, leadership being one of them. I desire to be more of a teacher than just a facilitator in Wednesday night Bible study. I want to be and do more for God.
Another new thing God has called me to do in 2013 is I am now participating in writing workshops. Through my newfound education, I have rediscovered my love of writing. How coincidental that just as I was beginning my new education and rediscovering my love of writing, these online workshops were also just beginning. So, of course, I promptly signed up. So far I am feeling a bit intimidated in this arena, but that will change in time. God will continue to direct my path. I have now had three classes and three different instructors, all of which have been incredibly positive and encouraging figures in my life.
I want to take what I know of God’s love and mercy and spread it around our surrounding communities. God has opened doors for me to become more involved with our local food pantry. I have had meetings and communications with the program director and one of the board members. I am now officially a part of their special events committee. God will use me in this capacity to impact the lives of hundreds of people. I will have a part in serving the hundreds of people who will come to the special events and will in turn contribute to the needs of the hundreds of people who will utilize the pantry.
Finally, I have committed to lifting my husband up in prayer every single day, asking for God to pour out his love and blessings on him, bringing him joy, direction and protection.
I write this from my heart with a hope that I can be a living example of inspiration of how choosing obedience to God and remaining diligent in your calling can and will have a positive influence on your life. I pray that you might find some encouragement in my story today. Choose to be obedient to His call and just watch with wonder and amazement at where he will take you and how he will use you to further His kingdom.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11.
Here I Go (from where I am) 
you.go.girl…YEAH!! Cheering you on from the grandstands all the way!
Awesome! I am so proud of you and look forward to more! We are never too old to better ourselves for God!