Our 31 days have come to a close. But not really. There is so much left to say. I have dared to write what I am most passionate about, using this series to pull and stretch around my edges like filling the round pan with pizza dough. It feels risky, hesitant, and even a little foolish to do the thing you know you were made for. Sounds crazy, I know. But I’m growing weary of wishing away the passion. You have warmly, and eagerly received it. As a writer, there is no greater gift.
I’ve struggled with worry, I’m being too deep! too serious! too much! while at the same time, knowing I could go so much deeper. And in my book coming out next Fall, I do. I go deep. And there’s fear in that, too, fear I know will come around again when the critics are free to read at their leisure. But that is the job I signed up for, and even in the fear, I am so grateful for it.
This series on grace is the closest thing I’ve written on the blog that represents those things I most love to write. But it has only been a taste, a sampling, never enough. Writing that book was a lesson in undoing, as I had to explore this grace thing from all angles, include my own inside out. But this series reminded me of all there is to say about it, so much more than I could ever put in a book. I am so thankful for that.
And so today, I have two feverish babies home with me and my college roommate coming to visit this afternoon and at least 20 linkies I still haven’t visited from the link up on Saturday. Even so, here we are on Tuesday November 2, the first Tuesday back to unwrapping. Writing this month has been a sweet reminder of the way I am made, of the beautiful readers who gather here, and of the unbelievable gift of grace.
I know I haven’t talked much about starting Tuesdays back so maybe only a few of you will link today. Whether you link to a post you wrote earlier this month or write a shiny brand new one – I look forward to seeing any of you who remember. Don’t forget to link using the permalink to your unwrapped post and slip a link back here to Chatting at the Sky. If you have questions, visit the Tuesdays Unwrapped page.
I have so enjoyed reading your thoughts on Grace.
I hope your two little ones feel better so that you can enjoy your visit with an old friend.
Sidnie´s last [type] ..rodeo clowns
Thanks! … and me too.
ohmygosh i could’ve written this word for word about what I write about and how scary it is but how good it is too. yet here i am 2 days post series and paralyzed to write anything.
love you and your ability to just say it and make it beautiful. thank you.
Hi Emily. I just discovered your blog and your series on grace. I think that I might have to go back and read your older posts.
What is incredible (well, is anything NOT incredible when it comes to God?!!!), I JUST picked up a coy of “The Grace Awakening” by Charles R. Swindoll and have begun a 30-day devotional study on Grace. How amazing? Here I am…feeling all alone in my desire to study and understand about grace, and you’ve just completed a 31-day series on this exact concept.
Looking forward to reading your blog and learning more about you.
Blessings,
Valerie
Valerie´s last [type] ..In the Navy
I was thinking the other day about the way that God is spirit and we are flesh. We are so weak. If the amount of love for example that God has, had to course through our body, it would explode. We can’t even stand up to earthly elements eg fire or violent storms. But God loves to show how strong, amazing and awesome He is, through us because we are weak. His glory shines through when we are His. That is so much grace. He doesn’t have to, He wants to.
Naturally Carol´s last [type] ..Spring Green
I have a little feverish one home, too — don’t you love all the viruses that come with fall?
I’m delighted to see Tuesdays Unwrapped back today — linking up a post from earlier in the month. And I just have to say again how much I loved your grace series — you totally rocked it out (can grace rock? Yes, I think it can!).
Michelle @ Graceful´s last [type] ..The Albatross
The pumpkin picture is perfect.
stacey´s last [type] ..Multitude Monday
as is your comment, my dear. All those ‘p’s!!
But I’m growing weary of wishing away the passion.
I feel this way too. What a beautiful expression of what it is like when God’s dream burns in your heart.
Eyvonne´s last [type] ..Who do I follow
Beautiful words and pictures, Emily. I enjoyed your grace series.
i am so glad you wrote the grace series. i loved your honesty and absolutely needed the reminders of what Jesus has done.
kendal´s last [type] ..matthew 28-16
i didn’t have time earlier to read your whole post, or to comment, but i couldn’t wait to get back for it. this is my favorite…
“It feels risky, hesitant, and even a little foolish to do the thing you know you were made for. ”
i love watching you risk all to be who God made you to be. love you friend, and i hope your day at home today is a little sweeter than you thought it might be.
oh, and give that sweet faith (and baby) a hug from me.
Is it me? Or is there no place to “link” up? Having trouble. Help
Angela´s last [type] ..A new place to write
I feel the same. I’m writing two books, but one is for a contest. It’s nonfiction and it’s digging deep and pulling me inside out. It’s to help those who are broken. But it’s like reliving each painful and joyful moment as I compile it together into diary form. By the time I clock out from writing I am emotionally tired. Happy, but tired.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..Guest Post- Advocate Anybody
Wonderful to have your unwrapping party back again.. grace surrounds…
HisFireFly´s last [type] ..On- In and Around Mondays – November breaks
My kids are sick today too, and I just can’t find the time to write anymore lately. It’s sad, but maybe it’s not my time, this season, I don’t know.
I do enjoy reading your words. They are encouragement! Thank you.
JoAnn´s last [type] ..Choosing Between Unmarked Furniture and Writing
what a sweet surprise to click over & find tuesdays unwrapped waiting… i only made it about 1/4 the way through last night… and i have to say, one thing i enjoyed the most, was the brevity of your posts…. not a lecture or droning on of… left me to think about my own thoughts/beliefs on what you touched on.
can’t wait to see your book!
and kudos to you for being brave! what else is there?!
patty´s last [type] ..Halloween Masquerade Party
oohhh… and i forgot to tell you that i love that pumpkin shot!
patty´s last [type] ..Halloween Masquerade Party
I really enjoyed the 31 days of grace. Thank you for hosting that. We kept up Tuesdays at our blog through October. So glad to start it with you all again.
Here come the holidays! Yes!
Hi Emily! I’ve been quietly coming and going. But I’m still hanging here with ya’. And loving The Grace. And needing The Grace. And basking in The Grace. Thank you for your heart of grace.
I loved your series on grace. I think my favorite post was the one that listed what grace is “not.” Because we all get hung up on it.
I can’t wait to read your book.
You inspired me in October and every day, actually!
Love you Em!
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer´s last [type] ..Balcony Girls- Vim and Vinegar!
Such a beautiful blog you have, both the words and the pictures. Use your gifts to the fullest!
Mary´s last [type] ..Fun with My Latest Fall Vintage Find
This: “And there’s fear in that, too, fear I know will come around again when the critics are free to read at their leisure. But that is the job I signed up for, and even in the fear, I am so grateful for it.”
Yes, this… fear. So. Can we sign up together? Especially the grateful part…
You do what you are made for beautifully, Emily…
I felt it all month.
It made me smile.
I love coming here to see you doing the thing you love — just to make Him smile.
So grateful for you…
Ann
Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience´s last [type] ..The Only Way to Become the Bride of Christ
I don’t remember how or why, but your blog was one of the first I stumbled upon last fall when I entered the “blogging world” and determined to begin blogging myself. I love your beautiful pictures and even more beautiful words. It is my first time linking up…thank you so much for hosting!
Alisha
Alisha´s last [type] ..Holy Cow
Yay! I’ve missed Tuesdays Unwrapped. I linked up a post from earlier in the month.
And, after reading your grace posts, I’m so eager for your book. This is what you were made to do.
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..The Useless Emotion
So glad you chose to write on Grace for a whole month…I was totally blessed by it all. Looking forward to the book! For some reason I’m off and just getting this on Wed morning. Anyway, love the pictures, and have a great day!
Keep writing about Grace, you have a gift for it.
…and if you ever decided to publish your musings into, oh say, a daily devotional, I’d buy it. Just sayin’.
I agree with Christy A. You have been a real encouragement to sooo many, myself included. I loved this post about fear and our passions. I write this message to you on the eve of me teaching a lesson on how to feed your family and your soul to a group of MOPS moms. I know I have been called to teach and hold the truth out to others, and to encourage. However, fear plays a role. And each time I teach that fear gets less and less. It also keeps me relying on my Savior at all times. I need HIM. I will always need HIM. And that may be the shortest way to summarize my talk for tomorrow….I need HIM to feed my family and to feed my soul.
Thank you for your encouragement. And when I do get around to starting my blog, I will let you know.
I am so excited about your book! Is it complete yet? But not yet titled? I cannot wait!
Bernice
Ramblings of a Woman´s last [type] ..Living the Balanced Life- Perfectly Imbalanced