While some of this process to “fan a spiritual gift into flame” is taking place in my heart, some of it will take place on paper, too.

When we start a fire in our wood-burning stove, we literally put our face into the oven and blow at the embers – slowly and steadily – until they ignite into flame. There are certain things that I’ve just gotta do to fan this speaking gift into flame.

So here I am, with my head in the oven, staring at an ember. I’ve got my work cut out for me.

By the end of the month, here are the things I’d like to accomplish as I face into the ember that God has given me and start fanning it into flame. I’ll try to keep you posted as I tackle each thing…in no particular order.

1. Study to show yourself approved.

* Call the Registrar’s Office: Five-or-so years ago, I worked very hard on a Certificate in Women’s Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. Then I kept having babies. Today, I have no idea if I actually earned the certificate or if I still have some hours, papers, or projects to complete. I’ve gotta figure this out so that I can complete the program and be honest when I include it on my resume.

* Start studying: My pastor recommended that I check out some excellent materials that are available online for seminary-level instruction. He said that many are free, if I’m not looking for course credit. (More on this later.)

* Start reading: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope and Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones

2. Surround yourself with wise council and godly mentors.

* Get to know Sherilyn: This woman is a beloved teacher in the area, encouraging young mothers and offering retreats for women of all ages. I’ve got a whole list of questions to ask her…

* Continue to meet with the “Young Wives Club”: that’s what I call a group of women who have gathered together to pray for one another and encourage each other primarily regarding marriage.

3. Begin!

* Contact my pastor, youth pastor, and college pastor offering to speak at upcoming events.

* Contact the local Christian School and offer to speak at a chapel.

* Contact the local MOPS group and offer to speak at a meeting.

* Compose a speaker’s resume. (Ay yi yi.)

* Make a sample video of myself teaching. (Here’s hoping you’ll be the first to see it at the end of the month!)

***

SO, here we go! Would you pray for me?

And by all means, send along your insights, website recommendations, book suggestions, and questions!