Dec 6, 2009

Begin Expectantly

This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says.. "Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you." Jeremiah 30:2


"We ought to begin each day asking God to give us high expectations for every human encounter we experience. We should pray for alertness to the special opportunities God brings our way to give or receive encouragement through conversation. The words we hear and the words we speak often carry the seeds of life."

This quote inspired me to take that first step of faith and begin to write from my heart. I began a newsletter to encourage the women in our church in 1992 looking back, I had no computer, everything was typed, pages stapled together, and folded. I photo copied my black and white graphics from a very cheap book, but believe it or not that generic looking news letter ended up in places I could not have imagined. In the back of the newsletter I put my post office box address so if anyone had a prayer request they could send it to me. These are a couple that made me smile…

Hi Lorie, I found your news letter while waiting at a bus stop; these are my prayer requests, my newsletter at a bus stop. Hi Lorie, I'm from California and I love your newsletter, now how in the world did it get to California from Hawaii. Many more followed from various locations and people. At that time the newsletter was called "Encouragement From The Heart" that was the beginning of my journey. Due to the music ministry with my husband, I had to put the newsletter aside but kept writing in my journals till I had the courage to start blogging in 2007.

I was really hesitating at starting a blog, and share my heart and my soul to strangers in cyberspace. I remember feeling so unworthy, besides I was not a seasoned or experienced writer. What about the editing, grammar, and all that goes along with being a writer. But the Lord knew my heart and he reminded me of those generic newsletters of long ago, how the poetry, songs, and words of encouragement he planted in my soul had not only come to life, but also began to touch lives.

The Lord gave me the courage and boldness to step out in faith and share. I remember these words which he had spoken to my heart, Lorie you share it, and I will bless it, and those who I send to read it, will read it from their hearts. So I did, and he continues to bless it today. I continue to write from my heart and share my soul, and let the Holy Spirit have his way in my life.

My eyes fill with tears, when people share with me through emails, letters, cards, and here on this blog, how a poem or word of encouragement, has kept them from giving up, taking another drink, or hurting themselves. How a teenager changed her mind about aborting her baby, the feeling of peace, and calmness in their spirits, and many more testimonies. I am so humbled to think how God could use me in this way, to make a difference in this world by encouraging others.

What if I never took that step of faith, what if I had let my fears keep me from sharing the gift of writing the Lord knew would be used one day to touch his precious people. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't put limits on yourself, but most of all don't put limits on how God can use you in your life. All he looks for is a servant’s heart, and a willing spirit.

I have learned the way out of discouragement is to be an encouragement to someone else. Give God the darkness in your life, let him fill you with his light, and you just grow, glow, and go for Jesus. Begin each task expectantly, expecting to experience the most wonderful opportunities he has waiting for you out there in this journey called life. I am always reminded that it is never about me, but all about him.



To God is all the glory, honor, and praise.

Written By: Lorie A. Yocum





28 comments:

Cindy said...

Wow, so inspirational. God Bless your ministry.
cindy

Warren Baldwin said...

Great story. I like how you were inspired to begin writing back in 1992 before the age and ease of computer/printer writing. You encouraged numerous lives then; how many more are you so touching today? Good job. wb

Debbie said...

What an awesome testimony to a mighty God. I am always amazed when the Lord uses me to touch anyone's life in any way at all. What you said is soo true. To find ways to encourage others, lifts you to place you never imagained. To bring a smile to someones face puts a bigger smile on your own. To look for life's blessings brings about contentment and a happy heart. Oh how I wish I could make others to understand this. Have a wonderful week, and may the Lord continue to bless your work.

Debbie

Denise said...

You are such a joy my friend, bless you.

Kathi said...

Thank you for reminding me to pray for alertness and that God would use me. Bless you sweet Lorie, as God continues to use you for His glory. Kathi

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

This is so refreshingly honest and beautifully written. As writers, we never know where our words will end up, even if they're only written in a stapled newsletter. The power of the pen is immeasurable. Thank you for touching my heart today. I like what you said about not putting limits on ourselves. So true. I always say God isn't concerned with your abilities, only your availability. He will equip you, if you're available.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Beautifully said! Thank you for reminding me to not put limits on how God can use me! What a blessing to so many people that you were open to the courage God gave you to share your heart!

Cathy said...

Thanks so much for sharing that, Lorie. God has blessed you and used you mightily for His glory. Love and Hugs to you, my sweet friend ~

Musings of A Minister said...

Keep writing!! You inspire, uplift and encourage many. However, if you only helped one that would be a great blessing. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Lorie, I love this post. I'm so glad God led you to share in this way. You have blessed so many lives, and you bless me every time I read one of your posts. Thank you from my heart.
Charlotte

Charlotte said...

I don't know exactly what happened, but just when I started filling in my name and URL it all went away and said it was posted. All I did was type C under name when it flew away. I was telling you, in case you don't get the first comment, how much you have blessed me and today's post was wonderful.
Charlotte

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Your testimony is wonderful how you have touched so many life's. Your a blessing and I'm so glad that you share with us here on Spiritual Sunday.
God Bless,
Ginger

Lisa said...

Thank you for your obedience to The Lord and for your wonderful ministry!

From the Heart said...

You have a great testimony and all because you followed what God wanted you to do. I am so in awe of you and what you do that helps so many others.
Blessings, dear one,
AliceE.

Cathy said...

I have an award for you at my blog.

crochet lady said...

Thanks for that great reminder. Our words really have so much power to bring life or death.

Rose said...

Lorie, thank you for the beautiful reminder of the power of words, both spoken and written!

Blessings,
Rose

Debra said...

It's beautiful, Lorie. You do shine for Him. Love, Debra

Karen said...

Your post encouraged me so much. You are indeed a blessing. Our pastor said yesterday, "You don't need special equipment. You ARE the equipment."

Leaon Mary said...

Wow; how awesome that your newsletter "went out" like that. It's such a great reminder to me today that we don't always see where seeds are going... but the Lord in His mysterious ways, places them where they need to go.
Thanks for sharing this Lorie! You are an inspiration and your words are LIFE.
holykisses

Deborah Ann said...

You know, Lorie, there are so many of us who feel the same way...there are so many gifted writers in blog world, it is really quite humbling. But I'm here to tell you that your sweet spirit jumps out and grabs my heart when I come to visit you. God is using you greatly!

Rachel said...

Lorie, Thank you so much for sharing your journey - its one I identify with. When you step out into God's purpose it is often filled with doubts and fears because we have to go beyond yourselves so that our reliance is completely on Him - so that it is His work and not ours.

Smiles,
Rachel
http://stirringthedeep.com

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...
Your post reminds me that we each have a choice to make. We can choose "dis" or "en" when it comes to "courage".
Thank you so much for reminding me to choose to "encourage" others.
God bless you,
Deb

Jonny said...

Your poetic writings are truly inspiring. Your gift of sharing your beautiful written words and encouragements are so uplifting You do have a gracious heart and a lovely site, Thank You for sharing. Sincerely, jonny

Simply Debbie said...

DEAR LORIE,
HOW REFRESHING IT IS TO VISIT A BLOG THAT LOVES JESUS. IT IS LIKE TAKING A SWIM IN THE RIVER OF LIFE.
YOU ARE VERY ANNOINTED AND I LOVE READING YOUR POETRY.
I HAVE WROTE POETRY FOR MANY YEARS AND LIKE YOU, PUT IT IN A LITTLE NEWS LETTER TO CHRISTIAN AND NON CHRISTIAN FRIENDS.
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION AND AN ENCOURAGEMENT OF HOPE.
I WILL BE BACK MANY TIMES FOR A FRESH DRINK OF WATER.
ANGEL HUGS
DEBBIE

The Victorian Parlor said...

How beautiful:). You are so right in that God does use our gifts and talents to encourage and lead others in their walk of faith. God Bless you and your message as you encourage others in God's will.

Blessings,

Kim

VIOLETA said...

Hello from Romania ,
please read the blog – My heart His words – at archive blog please look at November - Humbled and Convicted-

, my friend Tammy Nischan wrote them the story and some pictures of some hungryes poors kids , what we try to help them for future and especialy to make for then alittle brighter , Christmas .Our LORD will be so proud of us if we will do something! Many kids dont have food ,or Christmas tree becouse theu are so poors ! I fight so much to help this kids but i cant alone ~ if anyoane wants to know much more or wish to help in anyway you can please let me know email me at :

tibivio72@yahoo.com
I love you blog,
sweet blessings and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Violeta

Joy said...

Lorie, Thank you for starting that newsletter all those years ago. It is amazing what God will do with our willingness. You have blessed so many. I'm so happy you did start your blog and I've been encouraged and blessed by your and your sweet spirit that shines thru with each post.
♥ Joy