• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Lauren Gaskill

Encouraging women to live in faith and joy

  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Book
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Speaking
    • Events

It's Not About Us

April 22, 2016 • 48 Comments

I was asked to write this post for the Valley Church of West Des Moines women’s blog. You can find the original post here, but I’m also posting it here on the blog today (scroll for the full story).

its not about us

Growing up, I was the kid who couldn’t stop writing. Most 10-year-olds dream about becoming a lawyer, doctor, nurse, firefighter, teacher, etc., but me? All I wanted to do was tell stories. When I wasn’t outside playing with my sister, I spent most of my time reading books, watching movies and writing my own stories. I loved everything about the communication process and enjoyed being able to convey a message through my words.

By the time my senior year of high school rolled around, I knew exactly where I wanted to go to school and what I wanted to major in. Without hesitation I enrolled at Ball State University to study magazine journalism with the intention of one day becoming the editor-in-chief of a magazine. This was my dream and my plan for my life, and so, I devoted my college years to preparing myself for a career in the magazine industry. As a freshman I became a contributor for the campus magazine and spent the rest of my college career working my way up the editorial ladder. Eventually my hard work paid off and after two internships and countless hours working for the campus magazine, I was chosen to be editor-in-chief.

Simultaneously during this time, I started this blog. I originally created the blog because I wanted to have a place outside of my journalism writing where I could share personal stories, life lessons and faith encouragement. After keeping the blog up for a year, my now husband and I had a conversation about the purpose of the blog over dinner one night.

He took a few bites of the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta I’d made and looked up at me and smiled. “You know what, Lauren, you’re a really good cook,” he said. “I mean, seriously — the recipes you come up with … they are so creative and inspiring! You should really start sharing these on your blog. Actually … you know what you could do? You could make the site about both food and faith inspiration and see where that takes you.”

At the time food blogging was becoming increasingly popular and I felt good about my husband’s suggestion, so that’s exactly what I did. Making the change was easy because I didn’t have many readers, and I also didn’t post very often because I was too busy studying or working at the magazine.

Little did I know the plans God had for the future of my blog and my writing career were about to take a major turn.

Life changed after graduation. Suddenly all the dreams I once had for myself came face-to-face with reality (paying bills, saving for a wedding, saving for a house) and I had a very hard decision to make in regards to my career. I had two options: work a part-time paid internship at the metro publication of my dreams, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, or work a steady full-time job as a communication specialist for a school district.

The plans I had for my life told me take the paid internship, but there was no guarantee that it would lead to a full-time position and for some reason, no matter how much I wanted to feel good about the decision, when I prayed I didn’t have a peace about it.

But God, I thought I was supposed to be the editor-in-chief of a magazine? That’s all I’ve ever wanted. What am I supposed to do now? I prayed.

He answered clear as day: “My dearest Lauren, I have blessed you with the gift of writing. I know you wanted a magazine career but I’m asking you to lay that at my feet and be faithful with the opportunities I’ve already placed in front of you.”

You mean like my blog?

“Yes! And the book you started writing, too. I know you see these things as a hobby, but I want you to use them to bring glory and honor to my name and to bless others.”

It was a bold calling from the Lord — to lay my dreams, plans and desires at His feet in exchange for an unknown, undefined career path. Part of me felt sad when I thought about giving up the magazine dream. I’d spent the last four years of my life devoted to becoming the best writer and editor I could be, and I grieved the thought of not pursuing that career path, no matter how risky it seemed.

That same day, “Shepherd” by Bethel Music came on my Pandora station. As I listened to the lyrics, I knew God was using the song to speak to me and urge me to trust Him:

“In the process
In the waiting
You’re making melodies over me
And your presence is the promise
For I am a pilgrim on a journey
You will lift my head above the mighty wave
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And in my weakness you are the strength that comes from within
Good shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on
You make my footsteps and my path secure
So walking on water is just the beginning
Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention
For You are calling me to greater things”

In that moment I realized though I started my blog as a hobby, God had used Making Life Sweet to do a work in my heart while strengthening and empowering the faith of others, too. Looking back on how the blog had evolved, I could clearly see that He was leading me on a journey of faith and calling me to pursue ministry in a greater capacity. Suddenly I knew exactly what I needed to do. I would be faithful to the Lord and take the steady job while pursuing a career in women’s ministry on the side.

It’s never been about us. It’s about the greater story God is writing.

Click To Tweet

Since I graduated college in 2013, the Lord has continued to lead me on this journey of ministry, teaching me many things along the way. With His guidance I have stepped out in faith and written a Christian women’s inspirational book, which I am currently working on getting published. More recently, after feeling a nudge from the Lord to start speaking, I launched an inspirational podcast called “Finding Joy.” Balancing these things on top of a full-time job hasn’t been easy, but God has given me the passion and joy I need to stick the course. More importantly He has grown my faith to a place I never thought it could be while allowing me to touch the lives of many through my writing. There are people who come to my site for recipes and then stumble across my faith posts, where they learn about Jesus. For these things, I am forever thankful.

When I started blogging, it was mostly about me and what I could get out of it. I wanted to have a place where I could share my thoughts with the world and write about whatever I wanted to write about. But over the years, as God has called me deeper into ministry, I now see that it has been and never will be about me. It has always been and will always be about Him and the GREATER story He is authoring.

My book may never be published, I may never get to do ministry full time, my podcast might not go on forever, or the very opposite could happen. Either way I know in my heart that whatever happens I am grateful for the opportunity to be, as Mother Teresa once said, a pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.

Have your plans for your life been interrupted by God? What has He called you to and how can you learn along the journey?  I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

 

Share This Post

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

You May Also Like

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda says

    April 22, 2016 at 9:44 am

    So inspiring to see how you are following God’s plan for you! You are a blessing!

    Reply
    • Lauren Gaskill says

      April 22, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      Diddo! So thankful for your friendship, Amanda!! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Andrea says

    April 22, 2016 at 10:35 am

    It’s all about Him…..period…

    Reply
  3. Lisa Appelo says

    April 22, 2016 at 11:30 am

    Lauren, stepping out in huge faith is never easy but is always the place of great blessing. Yes, before we ever know the question from God. That is right where He wants us. Love this, love your heart.

    Reply
    • Lauren Gaskill says

      April 22, 2016 at 12:57 pm

      <3 <3 <3 Amen! Love you too!

      Reply
  4. Sarah Koontz says

    April 22, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    I am learning to embrace the interruptions, to trust that where God is leading is far better than any path I could have crafted for myself. He is so faithful, Lauren! Grateful for all the beauty He has woven into your life and story, and excited to lock arms with you on this journey. Wherever He may lead…..

    Reply
    • Lauren Gaskill says

      April 22, 2016 at 12:59 pm

      I love the way you put it, Sarah! “Embracing interruptions” is exactly what God wants us to do when they are from Him. So thankful to be on this journey with you too, and OVERJOYED to meet you face-to-face in July! 🙂 🙂 🙂 XOXO

      Reply
  5. Kelly says

    April 23, 2016 at 7:22 am

    It’s SO not about us! Wish I had known that in my 20’s! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Faith says

    April 23, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    Lauren, your story resonates with me on so many levels! I really appreciate your heart of faith in going above and beyond to do what God has called you to. I hope the Lord will bless and prosper your work.

    Reply
  7. Maria Hass says

    April 26, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    He is the author and perfector of our faith, the finisher of the work He began in us! Praise God, He can make really good stories. And our stories are worth sharing. Thanks!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. BruCrew Top Ten - Inside BruCrew Life says:
    April 30, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    […] Yes, times a thousand to this post from Making Life Sweet on sharing how It’s Not About Us!!! God is always doing something in our lives, and we need to be open to how He wants us to share […]

    Reply
  2. wp website says:
    September 25, 2021 at 8:41 am

    wp website

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  3. travel tote says:
    January 15, 2022 at 6:30 am

    travel tote

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  4. husqvarna chainsaw 440 says:
    January 15, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    husqvarna chainsaw 440

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  5. wallpaper table toolstation says:
    January 15, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    wallpaper table toolstation

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  6. best workout dvd 2017 says:
    January 15, 2022 at 8:50 pm

    best workout dvd 2017

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  7. davina mccall dvd says:
    January 15, 2022 at 9:33 pm

    davina mccall dvd

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  8. swiss Made automatic watches for men's says:
    January 15, 2022 at 10:44 pm

    swiss Made automatic watches for men’s

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  9. Husqvarna 450 chainsaw says:
    January 16, 2022 at 3:46 am

    Husqvarna 450 chainsaw

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  10. best male sex toys says:
    January 16, 2022 at 6:00 am

    best male sex toys

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  11. ego power Plus string Trimmer says:
    January 16, 2022 at 8:58 pm

    ego power Plus string Trimmer

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  12. travel tote backpack says:
    January 17, 2022 at 12:37 am

    travel tote backpack

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  13. hatsan vortex air rifles says:
    January 17, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    hatsan vortex air rifles

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  14. davina mccall super body workout says:
    January 17, 2022 at 10:55 pm

    davina mccall super body workout

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  15. dooney and bourke handbags says:
    January 18, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    dooney and bourke handbags

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  16. phanxy wave motion says:
    January 18, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    phanxy wave motion

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  17. makita angle grinder 18v says:
    January 18, 2022 at 4:20 pm

    makita angle grinder 18v

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  18. husqvarna 365 chainsaw says:
    January 18, 2022 at 4:48 pm

    husqvarna 365 chainsaw

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  19. luggage sets on sale canada says:
    January 19, 2022 at 1:39 am

    luggage sets on sale canada

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  20. My Site says:
    January 19, 2022 at 3:24 am

    My Site

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  21. artego online says:
    January 19, 2022 at 6:36 am

    artego online

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  22. leather satchel purse says:
    January 19, 2022 at 8:37 am

    leather satchel purse

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  23. betsey johnson keychain wallet says:
    January 19, 2022 at 10:16 am

    betsey johnson keychain wallet

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  24. mouse click the up coming post says:
    January 19, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    mouse click the up coming post

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  25. phanxy wave says:
    January 20, 2022 at 2:35 pm

    phanxy wave

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  26. premier man women's clothing says:
    January 20, 2022 at 11:14 pm

    premier man women’s clothing

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  27. makita 7 inch angle grinder says:
    January 21, 2022 at 8:16 am

    makita 7 inch angle grinder

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  28. shampoo Artego prezzi says:
    January 23, 2022 at 7:55 pm

    shampoo Artego prezzi

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  29. makita battery angle grinder says:
    January 23, 2022 at 10:18 pm

    makita battery angle grinder

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  30. videogiochi 2020 says:
    January 24, 2022 at 2:06 am

    videogiochi 2020

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  31. makita angle grinder 7 inch says:
    January 24, 2022 at 8:23 am

    makita angle grinder 7 inch

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  32. mitutoyo digital caliper 12 inch says:
    January 24, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    mitutoyo digital caliper 12 inch

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  33. zte tablet says:
    January 26, 2022 at 2:10 am

    zte tablet

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  34. Magnetic Building Toys says:
    January 26, 2022 at 7:10 am

    Magnetic Building Toys

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  35. hornady digital caliper says:
    January 26, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    hornady digital caliper

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  36. vintage suitcase canada says:
    January 29, 2022 at 6:02 pm

    vintage suitcase canada

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  37. paper bag with handle says:
    January 31, 2022 at 2:32 am

    paper bag with handle

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply
  38. radical says:
    March 7, 2022 at 11:49 am

    radical

    It's Not About Us – Lauren Gaskill

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi, dear friend! I'm so glad you're here. And though I wish we could be meeting face-to-face over coffee, I'm grateful for the chance to know you here. The community here inspires me, and I hope you feel like you belong while you're here. If you'd like to connect with me, please follow me on social media. I want to hear from you, so please reach out! And don't forget to sign up for my newsletter — you'll get access to special content and freebies.

Connect With Me

Subscribe for Weekly Inspirational Updates!

Into the Deep Book

Order Today!

Categories


BACK TO TOP HomeContactSubscribeEvents
© Lauren Gaskill
Designed by Cocoa Creative
Developed by Earl Grey Creative