I have long had a passion for writing. I feel as if it runs in my blood, constantly coursing and moving - flowing. Unfortunately, I have always had a problem getting what I want said down on paper (figuratively of course, for here I "write" on a computer). When I speak of writing, I don't mean private thoughts - because I journal constantly. I mean stories, or even simply musing about whatever is on my mind. I don't discriminate between fact and fiction when it comes to what I prefer to write, although fiction has always been more of a challenge for me than non-fiction. When it comes to writing (publicly) I am often vexed by a general lack of dexterity on my part to "get the job done." I think that this issue is largely due to a lack of confidence on my part about the subject matter, or it could simply be impatience. But both tie in to my concern for originality. "There is nothing new under the sun." When I set out to write something, I often doom myself from the start by rehearsing that phrase in my head.

So what could I write that has not already been written? What could I say that has not already been said? If the answer is that I could never write, or say anything that has never been written or said, then why write it or say it in the first place? It is at this that I throw my hands up and walk away from the pen and paper (or computer).

But I think I have learned something valuable - especially in relation to writing about my faith. I hear God's word speak:

"Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." Psalm 107: 2-3

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Check that out! It seems so simple, no? Just say so! I guess God's word speaks to all of His children in different ways, but it is always the same story being told, is it not? His grace is abundant - it saves, redeems, fulfills - I believe this. But out of fear of sounding cliche, or redundant, I have refused to speak, or write. I often think, someone much more capable than I has already said that! But it leaves me silent, and my insatiable desire to WRITE about the things that God is teaching me remains unsatisfied. Why should I be so concerned about originality if it is almost unattainable these days any way? I found an awesome quote on originality - from the mind of C.S. Lewis:

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

So here, in this blog, you will be hearing from different Christ-followers, myself included. Here we will share our hearts, and God's word as He has taught it to us. Some of the articles you read here may be deep - others may be more light hearted. You will hear from the young and naive, as well as the more seasoned, "wiser" folks. You may agree with whatever theology is presented, or you may not. Think of it more like a bible study, you know, the part where everyone present gets a chance to share whatever it is that they may have heard the Holy Spirit speak to them - or how God uses what ever word may have been brought to open their eyes in some way.

We are no authority on scripture, for God's word testifies of itself. But you will hear from unique, beloved children of God who have made the choice to share with you something precious - and invaluable - that God has laid on their heart. If it has been written a thousand times before, here you will read it written again!

And I leave it at that! Happy reading, and may Christ be MAGNIFIED!