Let’s Try This Again

If you’ve followed me online for any length of time you likely know that I’ve been attempting to share the FaithLeaps message for several years.  FaithLeaps actually goes way back.  It was first created and shared as a series of lessons.  I shared this with a small group of ladies who volunteered to read the material and listen to me on a conference call for a few weeks ramble on and on.  These were recorded and then the pdfs and mp3s were made available to others.  It never really seemed to go anywhere.  I grew frustrated with my inability to get the word out.  I also had a well meaning person in my life tell me I wasn’t someone that others would listen to on the subject.  I wasn’t extremely successful or well known.

Unfortunately, I  listened to this person and it wasn’t long before I pulled FaithLeaps and gave up on the idea all together, at least for the time being. Of course, It wasn’t too many months later, maybe a little over a year, before God nudged me again.  He kept bringing FaithLeaps back to mind.  Usually the idea would come to mind anytime anyone would mention writing a book.  It has long been my dream to write a book.  Of course, I’d struggled with whether or not I should pursue traditional publishing or self-publish, then as of late Kindle and e-publishing has become so popular that a third option only caused me to be even more indecisive about the whole thing.

Last summer, I attended a book workshop.  This one supported the idea of self-publishing and I returned home late last June fired up to write my book.  I knew I had the FaithLeaps idea deep in my heart and the passion for helping other moms do what I have done.  Become a writer, a speaker or create a business that would allow them to live out their own passion while at the same time still being a mom.  My aim is to help other moms be able to pursue their passion and still be a full-time mom.

Last June and July I focused almost solely on writing this book, basically I pulled together the old lessons of FaithLeaps and updated them with new stories and lessons that I had learned in the years since it was originally written.  I had a launch date of October of last year all set and the goal in mind to publish my book prior to my 30th birthday, November 2, 2011.  Unfortunately, I once again became discouraged, and the date slipped by with the practically finished manuscript still resting in my computer’s Dropbox folder.

A few weeks ago, God nudged me yet again.  I’m hoping and praying that the third time is the charm, as I am now working towards making FaithLeaps, the book a reality.  I have plans to release it before  my 31st birthday, November 2, 2012. Watch for a release date coming soon!  I also hope to relaunch the FaithLeaps radio show that I started last summer, where I interview other Christian moms who have taken a leap of faith and are following their passion.

God’s Relentless Pursuit of Me

As a Christian, you know when God has pressed something upon your heart.  It is a feeling you cannot shake.  God is a God of relentless pursuit.  No matter what God is calling you to, He’s persistent.  Ministry and God’s calling is upon every one of our lives as Christians.  Whether He is calling you to lead a Bible study, sing in a church choir, help the little lady next door, or travel across the oceans to tell others about Him.

If you ignore God’s call or try to put it on the back burner or on a high shelf, He will pursue you, relentlessly.  God will not stop until He has you in the center of His will.  Aren’t you glad our God is this way?  Relentless.  Persistent. Patient.  

God has been relentlessly pursuing me.  It wasn’t something that started yesterday, but LONG ago.  I’ve known I was called to ministry for more than half of my life.  I spent time ministering even as a teen, served in children and youth ministry as a young adult, and finally at the birth of my second child took a leap of faith into pursuing speaking and writing, what I felt God calling me to do ultimately.

It was a leap of faith at the time because we were growing from a family of three to a family of four and resigning from my children and youth ministry position meant giving up a steady income.  We went from two salaries to one and gained a baby all at the same time.  As time passed however and our little family grew larger, from four to five, I grew weary and frustrated.

I knew in my heart I was doing ministry for the right reasons, but ministry brought little to no income and as a one income family we struggled.  I began an online business to supplement my husband’s income. This was over five years ago.   For several of those years, I attempted to balance ministry and business, but as I began to desire to grow the business well meaning business mentors encouraged me to put down the ministry.

I also felt guilty that I couldn’t give both the business and ministry the attention that I felt they deserved.  So finally, a little over a year ago, I lay aside the ministry to focus on the business.  At the time I think the feeling I felt most was one of relief, but as the months passed all I felt was loss.  You see I’ve spent most of my life ministering. Studying scripture was not just a part of my life, but it was what I did.

To say I missed it was an understatement, fellowship and the atmosphere of those who live their life in God’s service is unique.  Once you spend time there you won’t want to leave.  As I ventured only into business circles I began to feel like a woman in a foreign land.  So lately, God has been pursuing me.  Reminding me of His call on my life.  Speaking and writing for His glory are calling my name.  Sharing stories from my journey is what is on my heart.

From the anxiety that I have felt over the past five years, to the lessons I have learned through faith, God is calling me to share them in both written and spoken word.  What is your biggest struggle in pursuing your God given calling?  Please come to my Facebook page and share - - https://www.facebook.com/alyssaavantbiz