Jonah and I have a lot in common

Matt and I were called as the Young Single Adult advisors in May and we love working with these amazing people, but every week we have to teach a lesson from the Old Testament. I struggle with the Old Testament!  I have a hard time with how God is characterized and how the many stories seem to have almost a Hollywood feel to them. But I have learned a lot the last couple of months.  I have learned how to apply these people's crazy experiences to my own like and to realize that I'm probably a lot more like them than I would like to admit.  Last week I realized that Jonah and I have a lot in common.  Thankfully I have not been swallowed by a whale, but I have been running from a prompting I have had again and again.  

Probably about 3 years ago I had the thought that I should start a blog.  I remember thinking, "I wish my grandmothers had kept a blog or journal that I could refer to when I needed some inspiration or encouragement". They were both amazing women who had great wisdom and found beauty in all things.  They raised incredibly strong families and I wish I could see what their day to day lives were like and read the thoughts and intents of their hearts.  Unfortunately, I can't do that, but I could do it for my grandchildren.

My problem was that I let the illusive idea of perfection stop my progress. Again.  This has been a problem my whole life.  If I don't think I can do something really well/perfect then I'm not even going to try.  Piano lessons, singing, art, mountain biking, bread making and this list could go on and on.  Well, writing is also on that list.  I came up with every excuse in the book as to why I shouldn't spend time writing a blog. I hated sitting at the computer.  I'm a doer, not a thinker.  I don't know what to write about or how to.  I don't take good pictures.  My life is not exciting and I have nothing insightful to say. Blah, Blah, Blah.  All excuses!!!  

Every time I got serious and asked God what I should be doing I got the same answer, "Start a blog". I have run from that for years and I have felt inspiration being withheld from me because of my stubbornness.  So I have decided to make a commitment to myself to spend 15-20 minutes a day writing.  I am letting go of perfectionism and just letting what comes be good enough. 

Oh, what I would give to have writings and photos from my grandmothers!   I would love every word and event recorded, no matter if the photos were blurry or there were grammar and punctuation errors all over the place.  So I will share what is happening in our family and what thoughts are in my heart, so that someday my granddaughter might know that she should do things that scare her and that the imperfections keep it real.

In remembrance of my angel grandmother's...

Carolyn Davis Shuler

Joyce Nelson Provstgaard