Moving Forward into 20.16

A man may desire to go to Mecca …and may drown before getting to Port Said; …his desire may remain eternally frustrate. But he will not be tormented in the same way as the man who, desiring to reach Mecca, and harried by the desire to reach Mecca, never leaves Brixton. ~ Arnold Bennet, How to Live on 24 hours in a Day

This statement has meant a lot to me over the last couple of years.  It sums up how I am living my life these days… being a Do-er. I’m pretty sure it’s been over 2 years since I downloaded that book and read it on my Kindle; and this December, it’s been 2 years since I made the statement ,here on my blog, that I was considering going to college. My daughter had just completed her training, graduated from the nursing program and was a huge encouragement for me to do it.  Many of you also encouraged me to go to college. 

Honestly, I never thought I would.   I have confidence in a lot things… but remain stagnate out of fear, frozen with anxiety. 

That’s a lot of the reason I’m m.i.a. here on the blog sometimes.  It’s not that I don’t have anything to share.  I have plenty to share—but just how much, or what will people think?  That’s a big issue. 
I know most of you can relate.  I think it’s something we all contend with when it comes to blogging.  Do we hit the delete button or publish it for all the world to see, subsequently allowing strangers into our own little part of the world?

Blogging has helped me--
Some of the most pivotal posts I’ve written on my blog were the 31 Days posts, particularly From To-Do to To-Done and this year it was ICAD 2015. 

When I began making those little 3 X 5 pieces of artwork.  I liked it. It was fun.  Showing them on Instagram and here on my blog… that was scary!  But it made me less afraid.  ICAD 2015 was a stepping stone to my decision to finally go to school.

One of the last tests I took in English/Comp this year required me to give an extended definition of the word “courage” (not a dictionary answer), I wrote--

The word ‘courage’ can be summed up best, I think by the saying: “BEING AFRAID, BUT DOING IT ANYWAY.” A person shows true courage when they are able to face their fear and stand still in the moment; or by fearfully moving forward in spite of the unknown. – (me, Patricia R)  

I feel like there is so much left for me to do and accomplish.  I’m less afraid, but still somewhat fearful.  I used to JUST quote Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  But now, I know it well within my soul.  It is the truth.  Looking back over the past year— I am encouraged and confident and look forward to the year to come.

‘Til next time, be blessed and bless the Name of the LORD!
Patricia