Thinking Aloud

*  The 21- day challenge started on part 11 of the series. That’s why the numbers on Holley’s blog are higher than 21.

A Story Statement is a lot like a Mission Statement. I like the word “story” because it implies creativity and freedom as well as reminding me that God is the Author.

Whatever you call it, the purpose is the same: to bring focus and intention to our stories.

There are many ways to write a Story Statement. Let’s start with the simplest.

Think back on everything we’ve covered: Strengths, Skills, WWW. Then create a sentence with this structure…

To bring + (what) + (who) + (how)

Mine: To bring hope and encouragement to the hearts of women through words.

(You can change “bring” to another verb if it helps.)

We’ll talk about how to add more to our Story Statements later.

How we live this statement will change many times during our story.

For example, I have a pitcher that I love. I’ve used it to pour lemonade, water, and tea. I’ve used it at parties, for my husband, and with family at the holidays.

If that pitcher said, “I’m just made to pour iced tea on Saturdays” then it would only partially understand its purpose.

That pitcher might feel like a failure if I wanted to use it to serve orange juice on Sunday mornings instead. But I would be happy about it.

God calls us His “vessel.” That means we’ll express our Story Statement in various situations, amounts, and times. The words we write down aren’t meant to confine us but rather to bring focus and then set us free to be used by God however He chooses.

For example, speaking encouragement to a tired cashier is just as much living out my life story statement as writing a book that will be read by thousands.

What God wants most in our stories is our hearts. After all, It’s not about the size of the word but the meaning behind it.

Big or small, He can use it all.

____________________________________________

TODAY: Write a one sentence rough draft of your life story statement.
(Use the structure above or your own way and spend less than 5 minutes on it.)

Suzanne: (a sister who wrote earlier and had a few of us ladies responding to her post)
Hi, everyone…
It’s a little after 6:00 p.m. I direct our Children’s Ministry so, Wednesday nights are worknights for me.

To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to read through today’s post and complete my assignment.

I just needed to post a prayer request. For my heart. It is really aching right now. I just need for God to surround me with His wisdom and peace. I feel that it’s best that that’s all I say right now but I just wanted to send this out because I know you all are praying women.

Thank you. Thank you.

Grace,
Suzanne

Purpleclick:
To build/maintain strong family ties and friendships through sharing “time”, creative ways, and believing in each other.

Suzanne,
It’s 10.15am in my time zone… Prayers are 24/7!
Just to share the chorus of one of my favourite songs: “God is too wise to be mistaken, God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, when you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.” The Lord Himself minister grace and peace in your innermost being. Amen.

(February 10, 2010 at 08:18PM)

Suzanne:
Natalie, LayKuan and Debbie…
Thank you for your cups of cool water. I felt like I needed the “32 oz” cups tonight!:)

LayKuan…what is the name of the song you shared? Who sings it? I love those lyrics!

Praying for you,
Suzanne

Holley:
I love reading your Story Statements! So full of you, so full of HIM.
We are praying for you, Suzanne!

Purpleclick:
Hi Suzanne,
So glad to see your post!

The title of the song is “Trust His Heart”. The 1st time I heard it was a long time ago, sung by an all-guys group called “newsong” in an album “Light Your World”. I still have the CD… and just whipped it out to have a look and a listen… sweet!

There are a few YouTube videos I found. Try this.

There are some minor changes in the words, but I like the “original” better. God bless your heart as you listen to the song sung!

Below are the full lyrics. When I looked at the copyright on the CD cover… I see Dayspring!
Holley, maybe you can dig up some history!

Trust His Heart
By Eddie Carswell & Babbie Mason
1989, Causing Change Music and Dayspring Music/BMI and Word Music.

All things work for our good
though sometimes we can’t see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what’s best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So, when your pathway grows dim,
and you just can’t see Him,
Remember He’s still on the throne.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.

He sees the Master plan.
He holds the future in His hands.
So don’t live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, He’s weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

(February 11, 2010 at 10.53PM)