The little backstory here may seem a little boring, but I hope you will stick with me for just a minute to get to the connection…
I have tried on several occasions to connect my blog and my Instagram—to no avail. I really posted on there far more than on my blog…same concept, but shorter posts (most of the time!) and lots of pictures…with the personal family touch. I actually felt that it was a way for me to let my light shine as I try to do here, except more regularly. I was loving it! Not that there weren’t challenges in deciding what and when to post; and I must admit, with who might or might not see it at times; yet I pressed on…still really enjoying it! I felt even fulfilled in it.
Then, all of a sudden after a post near Easter, I felt like, “Uhl.” It fell flat. I felt deflated. And I basically couldn’t figure out what just happened…what changed all of a sudden??!
I decided to take a fasting break from posting for the most part leading up to Easter. After the fast, I did decide to post, but still was feeling pretty much the same way.
To make a long story short(ER), that time away led into me deactivating my page, and coming up with a question or two, and some conclusions…
•Posting was beginning to consume me a bit. I would see a horse, or a barn, or a cloud, just about anything, and think maybe I could make a post out of it. Now, granted, I do love a good picture. I’ve been into photography since childhood. After all, in this case, I felt I was using it for a ministry. When I decided to break, following that leading in my heart, I immediately felt somewhat of a load lifted.
•I realized that I had become more engrossed in the approval of others than I realized. I have had that problem in the past, but had come a long way. I really think I was taking a few steps back. As I mentioned earlier, it might cross my mind as to who might see it; who might not see it; who might think I am fanatical, so to speak; who might think I am aiming it at them…you get the idea.
•If that was my current ministry, what was I going to—or supposed to—do now? That is how I prayed. Not unlike in times past, the answer immediately popped in my head. I do not like to say that it was 100% God, only because I know that I need to allow for human error; however, there are times when there is little doubt. The answer…
“Keep living it.”
For so long, in years past, I thought I had to figure everything out…my passion and how I would live that out for Jesus in ministry—ministry that had a label. For example, children / children’s ministry / public school teacher, etc. I thought I desperately needed to know—specifically. And I thought I did. And I pursued…I pursued hard. I was positive I had confirmation. (1) I achieved. And then—exhaustion and confusion. It was during that period of examining and searching that God allowed me to see that over the years, consistency in following Him had left an impression.
Living it out daily can have an impact. I am convinced that slowing down long enough to love by listening can shine a light farther than we can even realize. That’s not to say that you won’t have a specific ministry; many do. But, the key is following Him. Every. Single. Day.
During these crucial times that we are living, there is no time to let up from pursuing the goal of making Heaven our home and taking as many people with us as we can; but I’m reminded over and over about being equally yoked with Jesus. [See post from earlier this year.] I just want to be sensitive to His leading…
May I not be silent when I need to speak.
May I not speak when I need to be silent.
I desperately want to let my light shine, whether it’s an interaction with a co-worker, a waitress, a cashier, my husband. I truly believe we do that by living and walking in love.
“In every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.”
~Brennan Manning (2)
“…Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.”
1 Peter 3:1-2 NLT
Although those verses are referencing the wives reverence for the husband, I believe it can extend beyond the home. And we don’t have to know how far. We just live life with joy, peace, love, and let God “give the increase.”
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 KJV
You will find fulfillment nowhere else than in walking out your path in step with Him. Living with that purpose will lead you to your purpose—even if you can’t label it.
Live ready…
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:7-8 NLT
https://bible.com/116/1pe.4.7-8.nlt
(1) For more of my journey, see my book, “Celebrate the Finish,” posted in sections in the main menu.
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 
A little update on this post…
•I realized there were some interests that I missed following on Instagram, such as baking. For now I have created a more minimalistic Instagram for that…and following my kids. We will see where that leads.
•I should have mentioned above that I have not ruled out ever RE-activating my original Instagram, but the lessons learned as mentioned in my article are invaluable, and hope to be remembered and highly considered/applied if so.
•I HAVE reactivated my food Instagram and am trying to decide how to proceed as I do HIGHLY enjoy cooking!!
•Thank you for ‘listening’ to my endeavors!! 🙂
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