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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Search Engine (10/06/11)
Sunday:
It’s me, God. Lyndsey. It’s been six months since I gave my life to you. It’s been wonderful, but challenging sometimes. I’m not complaining. Well, maybe I do complain a little sometimes. No sense in lying, huh?

I guess right now I’m searching for something more. I’ve always been such a work driven person. Mom says I’m like the little engine that could or the Energizer Bunny.

What I’m searching for is something to do for you, God, to know what my calling is, my gifting, or my place in the body of Christ.

At first I didn’t get that “place in the body” phrase, but I get it now. I decided to devote this week to prayer, reading my Bible and seeking direction. Am I a potential pastor’s wife? A Bible teacher? A musician? A worship leader? I’m not sure because I have many talents.

So at the end of the week I’ll be yours to use however you want, once I know what that is.

Monday:
Well, God, I prayed a lot today, but got distracted from studying my Bible because my neighbor Beth’s little boy was real sick. She needed a ride to the hospital. I decided to stay with her because, well, you know, she’s all alone with her husband being in Iraq.

She was scared, and I just couldn’t leave her. I prayed with her, held her hand and offered comfort. By the time I got home, I was too tired to read anymore Bible. You understand, right?

By the way, Beth’s little boy will be fine. It’s the flu.

Tuesday:
Hello God. While reading my Bible on lunch break today, I noticed a co-worker was crying. I closed my Bible, moved over next to her, hugged her and asked if I could help. Seems her husband is having an affair and asked for a divorce. She’s really devastated. I was just a listening ear and shoulder to cry on, but she said she felt so much better after I prayed with her.

When I got home, mom was sick with the flu, so I fixed dinner, cleaned the kitchen and tended to her. I’m all she has since daddy died last year.

Anyway, I didn’t get as much praying and Bible reading in like I wanted.

By the way, God, don’t forget about my co-worker, okay? I invited her to church Sunday.

Wednesday:
Hello, God, it’s me again. Well, today I did a little Bible study at lunch with my co-worker. Nothing fancy, mind you.

I went to church tonight with great anticipation, thinking surely something would be revealed in the pastor’s message to help me. Instead though, I was asked if I could help in the nursery because someone hadn’t shown up. I reluctantly said yes.

That poor nursery worker was so happy to see me. She was the only one in there with twelve little ones.

By the way, God, those babies and toddlers are adorable. They loved me singing songs with them. It was kind of fun being in there.

Just a little reminder, God, I’m still searching.

Thursday:
Hello again, God. I have to admit I’m feeling a little anxious. I haven’t heard from You about what I should be doing. I even tried to google an answer but that didn’t work out so well. I got lots of good scripture and even some people’s testimonies.

I drove an elderly neighbor to do her grocery shopping tonight. Mom usually does but she’s still not feeling well. Maggie and I had the best discussion about how good you are, God. She said I’m such a blessing. Imagine that?

By the way, God, it would sure be nice if there was a web search engine that could link me directly to you. Perhaps then I could get an answer.

I love you so much, God. I just want to be used.

Friday:
Time is running out on this weekly search I’ve been on. I attended our women’s Bible study tonight. I was asked to share my salvation testimony. I guess people are interested in how a former atheist found God.

By the way, God, I’m so happy I found you.

Saturday:
Hello God. I woke up feeling really discouraged, then mom said something so simple yet profound. She said every day our lives can be used by You through showing love, kindness and helping in any way we can.

Hmm! By the way, God, is it really that simple?
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This article has been read 1056 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bob Johnson
10/21/11
I liked this. It seems to be a common theme among us Christians. Wanting to do so much more and yet sometimes not realizing that God is using us all the time if we're willing. Thanks, I enjoyed this. The journal entry style was a nice touch.
Catherine Maher
10/21/11
I loved this entire piece. Very well crafted. It is so true too. The only thing is I am not sure it is really on the topic very clearly. Perhaps if I look at you as the search engine, then it might fit better. But I still have this as one of my favorites I've read this time.
C D Swanson 
10/21/11
I loved this. It was straight from your heart.

I liked the message that during the course of your day, you found time to "ease, comfort and provide love" to those who were in need. And that certainly in a major part of Jesus' ministry/practices.

I am thinking the search engine - was "the posting, and soul searcing with God."

Nice job! God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/21/11
I really liked this. How often do we search for our purpose when God is showing us point blank. I do think you missed the topic as it was to be about a search engine on a computer rather than a personal search. It would be agreat entry for this week's blog entry though:) I really needed to be reminded of your message right now.
Linda Goergen
10/22/11
This is a touching, tender entry, as it shows the innocent search for understanding of a baby Christian! This may be on topic as on Thursday in the MC’s journal, she talks about searching in Google for answers – I’m not sure if that’s enough. But using the MC’s heart & soul as a search engine, seeking from God, is a perspective the reader could take. Topic aside, I love the way this shows how the girl is living God’s will in helping others and doesn’t even realize her worth in God’s eyes. This story exemplifies Matthew 25:34-40. This was a joy to read!
Patricia Protzman
10/22/11

I agree with Shann, the piece would be an appropriate entry for this week's theme, "Blog." I'm afraid "search engine" is not the central focus of your story. You were successful in writing about the emotions and feelings we often struggle with as Christians.
Terry Lee
10/24/11
I saw many layers in here. The MC was the little engine that could, determined to search her soul through God. I saw a woman trying to find her purpose while beautifully living that very purpose.

And the layer I enjoyed most of all, was a woman very much in love with God. I aspire to have that sort of deep and personal, open, and ongoing conversation with God. How He must love that!
Edmond Ng
10/25/11
Ministering to people around us is a ministry, and in searching for ways to serve God, our circumstances and our heart sometimes play a big role in guiding us to do exactly what we seek. This story reminds me of the Bible teaching about ministry to the saints, as well as encouraging one another and building one another up (2 Corinthians 9:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). You've conveyed this meaningful message very well within your story.
Danielle King 
10/25/11
And it really can be that simple - as your MC's mom said. This was a delightful piece and it flowed beautifully but I have to agree with others comments in that it doesn't quite hit the topic of a computer search engine in the way that was mentioned on the boards. However it still is a lovely, heartfelt entry.