Writing from the Heart
  • Home
  • My Story
  • My Writing
    • Published Articles
    • Favorite Writing Books
  • My Blog
  • Contact Me

Open Doors

1/20/2014

10 Comments

 
PicturePaula Sands & Me
I've never cared about being the center of attention. The mere thought of public speaking makes my hands sweat and heart race. In fact, I’m perfectly content spending time alone with my thoughts in my nice, peaceful office. 

There. I've said it. I enjoy my quiet, comfy life.

But sometimes God takes my comfortable life and stirs it up a bit. After all, He knows me so well. He knows if I didn't have a little push every now and then, I’d never leave my comfort zone. Well, last week, God gave me a push – and sent me straight into panic mode. I immediately called Curt at work.

“I just got an email from the producer at Paula Sands. They want to know if I’ll come on the show and talk about last week's blog.”

Curt burst out laughing.  

“Thanks a lot,” I said, feeling a tad bit offended. “You don’t think I could do it?”

“Sorry,” he said, “I know you could do it.” He paused, trying to restrain his laughter. “It's just, there are people that would love to be in the spotlight like that. And of all people, they asked you!”                             

Yep, Curt knows me well, too.

I’m not too proud to admit I was completely flustered. Did I mention the name of the program? Paula Sands LIVE. Yes, the show broadcasts live.

Speaking on live TV just seems crazy. There’s no time to mull over my thoughts. No checking a thesaurus for the perfect word. No hitting the “delete” key.

I knew it was a great opportunity. I just didn't know if I could do it. Then I remembered the pact I made with God when I first started writing. It went something like this:

“Okay God, if you’re gracious enough to open doors of opportunity for me, I’ll do my best to walk through them.”

So there I stood, staring at an open door.

Amid all my hand-wringing, I called my mom. “It’s funny,” I said, “I tell my girls to ‘get out of your comfort zone and do it afraid,’ but when it’s about me, it’s not that easy!”

I hung up the phone with a groan. That’s the tough part about parenting. You have to practice what you preach. My mind drifted to each of my girls.

Picture
Madison, Taylor & Emily (on top!)
If Madison can crawl onto a four-inch beam, leap through the air, spin around and do handstands while judges study her every move ... I can do this. 

If Taylor can stand at the pitcher’s mound during the last inning of a play-off game and pitch three beautiful strikes right over home plate ... I can do this.

If Emily can walk into a school full of strangers, make new friends and try stuff she’s never done before like volleyball, worship arts and cheerleading ... I can do this.

So there it was. I wanted to inspire my girls, but they had already inspired me.
I’ll conclude with this word of caution. If God asks you to do something, I highly recommend you do it. But be warned. You might be surprised at where He’ll take you.

Speaking on live TV was one of the most exciting, (albeit terrifying) five minutes and seventeen seconds of my life.

So far anyway.  
Picture
Curt snapped this picture during the show
Picture
What do you think? Perhaps a career in meteorology?

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.”  
- Mother Teresa
10 Comments
Denise Valuk
1/20/2014 09:00:22 am

Sheri, you are amazing.

Go for it and be brave!!!!

So thrilled you had this opportunity, however terrifying it might have been!

Reply
Sheri
1/20/2014 09:18:44 am

Thanks, Denise. It really was a neat experience. Nerve-wracking, but neat! :-)

Reply
Tammy Pfaff link
1/20/2014 11:09:32 pm

Sheri I am so happy for you!!! You go girl! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement :)

Reply
Sheri
1/21/2014 08:42:51 am

Good to hear from you, Tammy! Hope all is well with you. Thanks for stopping by!

Reply
Deanna M. Severs
1/21/2014 12:48:51 am

Thanks for sharing and being obedient to the Lord. He is the one who carries us through all the hoops of life. He asked me to sing solo's and I got sick to my stomach, but, I did it many times and who was alongside of me, you guessed it, the LORD. Every time I sang I relied on Him for His special touch, and He always came through. God Bless you Sheri and accept many more blessings.

Reply
Sheri
1/21/2014 08:49:41 am

Thank you. I guess it's like Noel says, we've gotta "do it afraid" and trust that God will go with us!

Reply
Robin link
1/21/2014 04:46:20 am

"I wanted to inspire my girls, but they had already inspired me."

I LOVE this...it is so true, isn't it?

Congrats on your continued success...and your obedience! You do truly inspire me.

Reply
Sheri
1/21/2014 09:11:34 am

Appreciate your words of encouragement, Robin!

Reply
Caroline Updyke
1/21/2014 05:36:26 am

PROUD OF YOU!! You have a voice and something to say--glad you are using it!

Reply
Sheri
1/21/2014 08:57:24 am

Thanks Caroline. So great to hear from some of my GP friends! Take care.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Like me on Facebook!
    Follow Blog via Email

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    May 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Attitude
    Contentment
    Farm Memories
    Fear
    Friendship
    Glimpses Of God
    Gratitude
    Guest Posts
    Guest Posts
    Lessons From My Kids
    Marriage
    MS
    Parenting/Motherhood
    Patience
    School Visits
    Writing Journey

    Picture

    I am a member of COMPEL Training

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.