How many licks does it take...?

I was thinking about that line - "How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop lollipop?" Do you know? Have you ever counted them? Have you tried it? I think I succeeded once, but it was so long ago I couldn't tell you how many licks it took. Most likely it was too many; which is why after a few licks in, my teeth take over and crunch, I find the best part - the chocolate.

So is this post about being patient? Is it about not giving up? Is it about, well, at least you tried? The end result of this post won't even be written here; because it has yet to happen.

I have a FaceBook (FB) page. I'm sure several of you have been on it - it's most likely that you were on that first before going to my website to find my blog. I started my FB page to highlight short stories from my life - from birth to death and everywhere in between; and it's also used as a place to share inspirational posts that I see in my news feed (on my regular FB account). I also wanted to highlight the book, Emerge, that will be released on Amazon on September 14, 2015. This book allows me to claim the words "published author" on my resume'. I'm excited for sure because my chapter is about me - it's where I've been over the last ten years and gives a glimpse of where my journey might take me. I know I need to stay plugged into God, leaning on His Word, His Way, to be able to find my way. (Hence the title of my chapter - Finding My Way).

Writing my prayers helps me express to God how thankful I am, even for the little things in my life. Writing has always been a passion and is a great way to release the things that build up inside of me. My life has been intertwined with trials, joy, struggles, and happiness, -all to show how God continues to be my strength during this life journey. Many have said that I have been an inspiration to others and I hope it's because they see how much God has provided for me through the years. I believe my purpose is to continue to inspire others, sharing His love through my writing.

The other night I was watching the movie, "God's Not Dead". Remembering the scene in the church when the minister was asking Josh about how many of those kids in his class would step foot into the church building and Josh responded probably none. And so the minister said, then it's your job to bring God to that classroom.

Like Josh, I need to be the seed planter, and the one who waters, and let God do the harvesting. My seeds are planted in my blog, my website, and my FB page; as they all belong to God and it is through those avenues that I hope people will be able to meet God.

So how many licks does it take? or in my case, how many likes does it take? Amazon says a minimum of 500 likes on a FB page or website before they will allow them to become an Amazon affiliate - that is, a place where one can access Amazon and purchase the book, Emerge, along with anything else they want. And if God directs me to point them in the direction of a faith-based movie or another book, then that's what I'll be doing. (That's 500+ people who might not ever step foot into a church building.)

So this as my mission field. A ministry, per se. Wherever I am where my fingers can type or my hand can hold a pencil - that is where I can share Christ with others. I don't have to travel across the ocean, but I might; I don't have to live in a grass hut, but I could; I don't have to eat grasshoppers (though I have); I don't have to walk miles to and from villages (though I could try) and I don't have to leave the comforts of my home (but I probably will). Through my God-given gift of writing, I can inspire and encourage so many more for God. Therefore, the end result of this post is only known to God. It's truly up to Him.