Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Quick Thought Because I Have Very Little Time

A friend of mine has suggested to me several times that I need to compile a devotional book (she is a big cheerleader/encourager). After I quit laughing, I asked her "Who would want to pay money to buy a book written by me?" (You guys read this blog, but it's mostly because you are blog-addicted and need counseling - just kidding hahahaha- But truth be told, you would never pay hard-earned money to read my scribble! It's free here anyway). Then I proceeded with the following argument:

Have you ever noticed the amazingly HUGE amount of devotional type articles there are on the internet? Blogs are full of them. Ministry sites have tons of them. Church websites are laden with them. There are more devotions on the net than spam! (Praise the Lord) If you go to Lifeway Christian Book Store or any other book store, you will find hundreds of devotion books. The one that always cracks me up is "The One-Minute Devotional". What's up with that? If you can only give God one minute per day, you need more help than a 60 second quick-read pep-talk can give (just my opinion - remember it is my blog). My point here is that bookstores are flooded with devotional books already.



Anyway, after we talked I was thinking about this. Isn't it funny that there ARE so many devotional books? Isn't it funny that there are so many blogs where people share their Christian faith? Isn't it funny that there are millions of believers in the world and God speaks something different to each one?

God has billions of children living on the earth now and those who lived in years past. He has a different word for each of us - a different plan for our lives. Each one of us could write a devotional book and each book would be filled with different experiences, different struggles, different victories. So many people, so many unique lives lived down through the ages --it boggles the mind - makes us humble.

I cannot fathom the enormity of the universe - my mind is much too simple (the blog readability test DID say I am on a Jr. High level). I cannot picture infinite time. I cannot understand how God know each of us long before we were knit together. It is truly beyond me how He could create trillions of people, each unique - with unique experiences, unique fears, unique appearance..........He wrote the script of our lives (trillions of lives) long before we were born. Each one different, yet each one of us completely His. Completely sinful, yet completely loved.


I find it all unfathomable, indescribable, amazing.

14 comments:

{patty} said...

I totally agree with your last few comments, I cannot even fathom God and everything that is Him. But not so much with your first few comments.

I think there are so many because so many people need something different. Beth, you absolutely amaze me with your knowledge and ability to explain the gospel. I was telling your mother last night that reading your blog is like having a bible study. You are truly an inspiration not only to me but to all the ladies at church who are honored to know you. I would love to see you come up with something even if it is to share with us at TCBC. If God has given you a gift, please unwrap it and share it with the rest of us!

HUGS!!!!!!

Alana said...

And we are meant to share our stories instead of keeping them to ourselves because what is the point if we don't share what God has done and is doing in our lives?

Enjoyed this post.

ocean mommy said...

He is a pretty cool God isn't He!

Amanda said...

You should do it!

Amanda said...

While your at it, could you also write a "Blogging for Dummies" manual. Ha!! Ha!! I know you must have plenty of free time, right??

Fran said...

Can't get my mind around it all either....but, yet its so personal and so sweet and so detailed. I mean...how does He do it?? :)

Simply beautiful though.

Cheryl said...

I would so buy your devotional book!

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

Eddie said...

OK, Daughter, you've been challenged now, so what are you going to do with that challenge. If God is so great in your life and if God made you different than everybody else and if God has a plan for everybody, then just perhaps your devotional is what He has in store for one of those specially made persons who hasn't even been born yet. Don't ever underestimate the Heavenly Father. Better still, don't ever disobey your earthly Father. Just do it!
Love you bunches.

Mommyluann said...

ummm, wonder who would have suggested such a thing? tee hee..and hey, just so you know...no one has "shunned me" personally recenty. I chuckled at your willingness to beat anyone up that would do that to me! ha...that's a friend...just my observation that a few "others" have been left out..just gets to me.

I'd love to write a Devotional book, but I'm like you , there are soooooooooo many..wouldn anyone buy it? and do I really have anything new under the sun to share..I don't know...

I think our church has many talented ladies. Wouldn't it be great to get about 30 to compile some of our faves that several of
us have, screen them, and publish ?? never know...I want to write a children's book, too...I have an idea..but don't know where to begin...I'm a dreamer..I dream of being thin too..that one turn out to be a nightmare!!!!!

Unknown said...

Girl, there may be tons of books out there already, but YOURs has yet to be written. There are so many times I think the same thing--"Who needs yet another book? The world is full of them already!", but then I remember all those books that have been life-changing, or encouraging, or educational, or __________--just what I needed. I've always been SO thankful the author didn't say, "why bother, there are already so many good books out there?" I, for one, would get in line to buy your book chica, so get writing!!! :-)

Mommyluann said...

I love the comments on this blog entry....let me add to my post in that I soooooo think if God is in something he'll make it a "go" in his time if we are faithful to follow his leading. Our minds and thoughts limit us...like my comment about so many books and would anyone buy it....but I do know that when I skim books in Lifeway, not all speak to me but some seem to grab me..they relate to where I am...your stories and the way you write and share will reach and audience too..your blogs do...well, God does it THROUGH the blog....

I love Bible Study tonight..whew...that may be an older Beth Moore study but it's message never changes. I think the whole back row was in tears when she shared her story about her mom. Good Stuff...thanks for being willing to moderate that class....

Anonymous said...

I couldnt agree with you more...

Earen said...

It's hard to fathom sometimes and is truly amazing. I would definitely buy your devotional book. I'm humbled by your love & passion for the Lord & His Word.

Sadie said...

Amazing is a word I use often when I am referring to our awesome Lord. I would love for you to have a devotional book. I know you could come up with some awesome stuff!