When I entered the world of blogging, I became more observant. Workshops informed us that if we didn’t move away from our computer desks and enter the world we lived in, it would be difficult to find subject matter about which to write. Look around and you will find a world filled with information that could speak to my heart and as well as the reader’s heart.
I took that information seriously, and began strolling our streets, looking in my backyard, looking at God’s majestic mountains and artistic cloud designs. Those times outside tuned me in to Biblical principals and Scriptures that came alive through my observations.

These lessons spilled over into my chores around the house. One evening, I was serving dinner and my hands became greasy. Before I washed them thoroughly, I picked up a brand new spring centerpiece for our kitchen table. On the clay pot which wrapped the base of the blue and yellow floral arrangement was one spot. I was upset at my rush to place the centerpiece without taking precautions to clean my hands first. Later, I was reminded that nothing we do can erase our sins. But God assures us that He removes our sins from us as far as the East is from the West. He remembers them no more.

Not only were my observation skills growing in the subject matter I was gathering, God was also filling my heart with His word and applicable lessons as I spent time with Him before writing. Observation was not only important regarding my surroundings but also in concerning my heart observations in God’s Word. Without observation in both categories, my writing fell flat.

Look around, I tell myself. Listen. Look up. Talk with friends and neighbors. Most importantly, spend time observing God and His word with your heart.

From My Heart to Yours,
Janis Van Keuren

Linking with Five-Minute Friday