As a child, my favorite day of the summer was Monday. I had the most difficult time waiting for Monday every week. You see, Monday was the day – the only day – our elementary library was open. The school librarian often found me sitting on that old wood floor waiting for her arrival.
For the first hour or so, I helped her with the returns and ever so gently placed each book on their proper shelf. And then it was my turn. Row by row. Shelf by shelf. Book by book. I pondered by next choices. With just minutes to spare before the door closed for another week, I checked out my five books. Just five. Only five. That was the rule. I didn’t like it one bit, but this first-born, rule follower, couldn’t bear to lose my library privileges girl chose five.
Authors inspired me. Their words took me to places I couldn’t go. Their adventures helped me dream of my own. Their emotions brought clarity to mine. Their stories gave me hope.
Authors inspired me then and their inspiration continues today. My basement is my library. And my night stand. And the sofa table. And my kindle. Lots of inspiration in all of those places.
My friend, Holley, inspires me with her words. She’s been given a gift and she’s using it all for His glory. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of Holley’s God-Sized Dream Team this past year. She has generously shared her words and has been our biggest cheerleader in pursuing our dreams.
And sometimes you get an amazing opportunity to meet the person whose words have changed your life. On Friday I get to hug sweet Holley for real and get to talk to her face to face. I’m so excited!
To celebrate my friend and her inspiration, I’m giving away a copy of You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream and her newest book, You’re Going to be Okay.
Just comment below. Tell me who inspires you. The winner will be announced on Monday. I’m looking forward to reading your comments.
It’s Wednesday and that means it’s Coffee for Your Heart day over at Holley’s blog. You’ll love the inspiration you find there.
Like you Deb I am inspired by authors who have taken me on more journeys than I ever could manage or even imagine and I am inspired by of course my mother who bought me my first prayer books at 2 to 3 years old. When I was 5 she bought me my first BIBLE . The summer before I started second grade she took me to the library every week and I received a special certificate when I started school for the books I had read.
Reading is such a Joy!
Marie Bride
So many people inspire me, it’s a struggle to pick just one. Since you talked about authors, I will tell you that Emily P. Freeman inspires me a great deal (author of Grace for the Good Girl and blogger). Her book struck a deep chord with me in 2012 when I checked it out from my library. From there, I found her blog and have since been truly inspired by her writing on a regular basis. And, through and because of her blog, I’ve found this whole world of encouraging Jesus-loving bloggers out here that I never knew existed before! I am one happy girl, all because of Emily! (God, of course, being the grand Author of all. 🙂
Today I am thinking about my students; the ones that come from war torn countries, broken families and broken dreams. Yet these students want to change their lives. They want to be successful even when they struggle to learn English. They persevere. These are the people that inspire me today.
Reading inspires me as well. One of my favorite authors is the late Dorothy L. Sayers–all of her works: mysteries, theological works, and translations inspire me. You also inspire me, Deb! I feel very fortunate to have had so many opportunities to hear you speak and read your words. The transparency of your life is an affirmation to mine. Keep on doing what you’re doing for the Lord.
So many people inspire me! Most recently as I have started my blogging journey, Emily Freeman has inspired me to not be afraid to tell my story and to embrace the grace God has for us “good girls” too. My friend Heather (also a new blogger) also has inspired me as she’s shared her marriage story. Books also inspire me and I’m currently reading Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts. Last year my husband and I read Radical by David Platt and it changed everything for us! Holley’s books are also on my “to read” list for 2014, so I’d love to win them. Thanks for the opportunity!
I am your neighbor at Holley’s. I loved your post. I call my favorite authors my “book mentors”.
I really find christian music to be an inspiration to me. The lyrics, music and the melody can speak so loudly, so clearly and so powerfully. It truly “moves” me, encourages me and makes me so thankful that I serve an awesome God!