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Color outside the lines

jenna-age-6

I’ve always been a neat colorer. I use green for trees, yellow for sunshine. I stay within the lines.

But...do I have to? Is it time to color outside the lines?

I’ve been suspecting it, this need to shed a layer, to find out who’s really inside. Slough off a piece of myself—see if Jesus shines through. 

I want to change. I want to be bolder. I need to be transformed. 

A Sunday ago we spotted a man asking for a handout at the overpass intersection. Instead of looking the other way, we turned around to get closer. I rolled down the window and yelled out to get his attention. Then handed him a gift I keep in the car now for just such occasions.

A little thing. Things that maybe ordinary people do all the time, but things that are stepping out for me.

A venture here, a venture there.

Accepting an out-of-country responsibility I feel ill-equipped for. Signing up for an out-of-town conference alone. Breaking out-of-soul traditions that I’ve completed weekly for years.

Maybe it’s my stage of life.
Maybe it’s swirling circumstances around me.
Or maybe it’s pure Spirit.

I feel His breath inside me...the gasp for change to grasp more freedom.

It’s a little scary. And a little sad.

But the promise of fuller things—of God-things—draws me out.

I want to give Him all I’ve got.
Ready or not.
Every color in the box...for worship in AND outside the lines.

Watch for the new thing I am going to do.
It is happening already---you can see it now!
I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.
Isaiah 43:19 (GNB)

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Comments (29)

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I hope I know what out of town conference you signed up for! It's a great place to "color outside the lines" if you did but you might actually feel more like you've moved from coloring to painting a masterpiece.
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1 reply · active 689 weeks ago
You have internet this week! I didn't know. Been praying for you all week and wishing I were there with you. :-) Can't wait to hear about it.

I looked into Growing Deeper but realistically know it'd be better next year, not this one, but praying about it and will talk to Jeff. (I was referencing Nurture in the post).
My recent post Color outside the lines
Coloring outside the lines....... oh how I loved just giving my two year old class of kids a blank piece of paper and just let them draw and ask them about what they were drawing.

I never thought of drawing outside the line for my life as just doing something new and what I think God wants. I have wanted to reach out and make some new friends. I don't know how, so I finally did just a couple of weeks ago... terrifying.... we have gone out and walked twice now. I don't know where this will go, but I hope to have a new friend.
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1 reply · active 689 weeks ago
I miss the days of seeing my girls draw and color. Had to search back to get a drawing from Jenna from when she 6.

That's great that you are reaching out to make new friends. Yes, it is a scary thing. But you're doing it. I pray the Lord will bless your act of faith! And getting out to walk is a plus too! :-) Blessings to you, Katie.
My recent post Color outside the lines
I loved, and can relate to, this post. It's a season of being stretched.
My recent post Tapestry…
1 reply · active 689 weeks ago
Yes you can relate! I didn't know you were back from Ghana (until now). What a life-changing experience you must have had! I know it will stay in your heart forever. I look forward to seeing more pictures and hearing more stories. God is so amazing, isn't he?
My recent post Color outside the lines
Yikes! This is about the millionth time I've been slapped in the head every which way with the "hint" that I (little old ME) should be coloring outside the lines, too. I so comfortable in my comfort zones, but it's starting to make me
feellike a dishrag hanging out to dry. I'm getting the message!!!! I'm looking forward to what comes my way today. Thank you for this. And thank you so much for visiting my blog. Your comment was so much appreciated!!!
My recent post To Be In Control -- On Your Heart Tuesday
1 reply · active 689 weeks ago
I know what you mean, Cora. I've been getting this message from a lot of different places lately too. I'm glad God is so patient with us! :-)
My recent post Color outside the lines
A little off topic here, but are you referring to the upcoming conference at Lipscomb University in Nashville. If so, one of the folks there, Dr. Gary Moon, was my mentor and professor at Regent University when I was working on my Masters in Counseling.
3 replies · active 689 weeks ago
I was talking about Nurture that I attended a month ago--but yes, at Lipscomb, and yes, Gary Moon was one of the speakers. Small world. I really soaked in the things he shared. Now I'm reading some of his writings. I'm guessing you gained a lot having him as your mentor.
My recent post Color outside the lines
Yes, he was great to have. That was years ago, so I'm sure he's lost a little hair ;) I graduated in '92. If you ever get to talk to him, tell him I said hello. He may or may not remember me given he had so many students to teach.
Nice - some days I seek out the homeless too. Great method - love the gift idea.
1 reply · active 689 weeks ago
It's amazing how God will open our eyes to people in need all around us if/when we want to see them. Thanks for dropping in today.
My recent post Color outside the lines
Good for you, Lisa! Thanks for your honest testimony. May the Lord encourage you more and more that He has already gone before you when He nudges to leave your comfort zone.
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1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
Thanks, Christina. It's been an interesting year so far. I have no idea what's next, but thankfully I don't have to know, right? I appreciate your faith; it encourages me.
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smiles. i am proud of you....coloring outside these lines can be scary...but they also stretch us...just be smart...they are people too, just as flawed as well...and in need of love...smiles.
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1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
Thanks, Brian. I'll never be as brave as you. :-) But in my own little way, God is stretching me.
My recent post Prepackaged
path of treasure's avatar

path of treasure · 689 weeks ago

I love that you have something special in the car to give like that.
I am confident the Lord is creating a beautiful masterpiece of, and in, your life. May he continue to show himself before as he nudges you beyond comfortable lines.
Visiting from Imperfect Prose. Blessings.
My recent post The Mysterious Beautiful… Ache
1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
...which reminds me that I need to refill my car...I only put two gifts in at a time (oh me of little faith)...

Thanks for your encouraging comment. There is a certain degree of change that I like, but God is pushing me beyond it this time. As you wrote, love aches, but at least we know that He can redeem it all for his purpose.
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I want to join the fun and color outside the lines too! Thanks for challenging me. Barbara
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1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
I've got a feeling you already do color outside the lines, Barbara! :-) Keep it up; it's encouraging.
My recent post Prepackaged
oh friend. i feel this too. he is moving amongst us... and it's so, so beautiful. e.
My recent post imperfect prose on thursdays: when motherhood is a desert and love is our oasis (and free giveaway!)
1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
And what's wonderful to me is that as God does the moving, we can just dance along with him. He's not playing hide-and-seek in the dark. I just have to let go of my *need* to know what's coming next and instead just trust that he knows; that's enough.
My recent post “Ready or Not”
At 3am this morning i was asking God if he was really there and if he actually knew what he was doing in my life but that scriptures says it all - He is doing something i just can't see it yet but i will in time, thank you. Good luck with all your venturing.
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2 replies · active 688 weeks ago
I'm glad that scripture ministered to you too, Beverley. It is hard to see what God is up to sometimes. I really have no idea what he's doing with me in this season, so I'm just having to trust, one day, one week at a time.

Yes, we will see in time! It'll be interesting a year from now to look back...
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Have peace this weekend my friend and let God show you what he has for you because i know it will be far greater then anything we could imagine for ourselves x
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Gasp! Color outside of the lines. My inner child has so been whispering this to me lately. I just didn't know how to articulate it. Of course, my perfectionist, have to know self has just not made the leap. But after this weekend of real life with the inRL webcast and your post I see that it is time to dump all the colors out of the box too. Even the ones I think are broken.
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1 reply · active 688 weeks ago
"Even the ones I think are broken" - now that's yet another insight to add to the picture. Thanks, Melinda. Those pieces have value too... May we both let go of the need-to-know how the picture will turn out and just enjoy the coloring.

Sounds like the inRL webcast was a great thing. I'll try to catch it next time!
My recent post Where’s the Spirit?

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