“God gives life to you to live, and you can either tell meaningful stories or boring stories.” ~ Don Miller
Yesterday, I wrote about breaking past our inner hurdles, in order to get to our Spiritual Tipping Point.
In short, it’s the place where the momentum for God’s change in our lives becomes unstoppable.
Today, I’d like to nudge us closer to our tipping point– by having us ask “What If”.
The “What If “List
This blog, actually came out of a “What If” list I drew up one weekend. I was sick and tired of being afraid all the time, accumulating regrets of what could have been, if only this or that.
I was struggling through my laundry list of “too late”, “too bad” and “not enough”.
Until God said,
“What If... it’s not too late?
What If… the time is now?
What If… I haven’t forgotten?… What If.. You can? …”
God knows, I didn’t believe Him. Didn’t even dare. For whatever reason, a glint of hope sparked in my dried up heart.
I opened up my notebook, before I could change my mind, and wrote down every What If I could think of.
What would I Do, What would I Change, What would I Start — If I believed God wanted it too?
I wrote and wrote, filling page after page, only stopping to eat and perform the necessary chores. For 2 days.
I was stunned to see, in writing, how much life I wasn’t living.
I decided to take that list and start checking them off. It no longer mattered whether the changes turned out to be winners or duds.
It was all about exercising my faith again– that God was bigger than me and there was room for a real story to be lived.
Five “What If” Questions
Can you imagine how excited I was when Don Miller challenged his blog readers recently, to write down five “What Ifs”.
Storytellers, when they’re writing their stories, often ask the question what if to keep the story going.
What if my protagonist falls in love, or quits their job, or adopts a kid?
What if you asked yourself a series of these questions?
What if you got out a yellow pad and wrote down a few story turns that you could engage? What if you ran a marathon? What if you renewed your marriage vows? What if you quit your job? What if you brought home a puppy today? What if you and your family adopted a child?
If your story has gotten boring, perhaps it’s time to ask yourself the what if question.
Try it, right now!
Comment below and brainstorm five what if questions.
Keep it real, but do it fast.
** Will You Vote For Me? ** I entered the The Million Miles Short Film Contest
and would appreciate your vote! The person with the most votes wins!
Everyone can vote once a day, every day until Fri 4/30/10.
Click Here To Watch The Film & Vote "Thumbs Up" Now! I would be very grateful! Thank you!
** Will You Vote For Me? **
** Faith Barista Jam Invitation: Take The What-If Challenge
Take the next step.
Follow through on at least one item on your What If List.
By next Thursday 4/22/10: Write a blog post to share what happened.
Let’s swap stories. Serve up your shot of faith by writing about: The What-If Challenge
1. Write 300-700 words about what happened when you tried to follow through on one What If.
2. Keep it real.
Next week’s Thursday post will include a section where you can share your post. You will be able to type in the url of your blog post & we can all read your thoughts on The What If Challenge.
* I NEED YOUR VOTE! *
I’m attempting to take my newest “What If” Challenge in real time, here on the blog.
I’m entering a contest and will need your help. The entry with the most votes wins!
I can’t wait to hear your stories! This is totally keeping faith hot & fresh!
Comment below and lemme know if you’re game!
Be sure to catch the previous posts on the series Say Yes To Joy:
Step 1: After The Rain: Say Yes To Joy
Step 2: A Trip For Ice Cream: What Do You Really Want
Step 3: Risky Business: Changing Negative Character Traits
Step 4: 10 Ways To Make Rest One Ambition
Step 5: The Tipping Point: Why We Watch American IdolPhoto courtesy of Photobucket.
[ This is an original post to Faith Barista, where Christian writer Bonnie Gray serves up shots of faith for everyday life.]
72 Comments
I am game because I LOVE A CHALLENGE. The only problem with this challenge is that is might require some personal change. Uh-Oh!
David, congrats on being the first guy to step up to the plate!
Love this, Bonnie. Just love it.
I’ve been doing the same thing. I’m wondering if we have to go through some pain and disillusionment before we can arrive at the point where this looks like a good idea.
Just a thought. God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him.
.-= Cassandra Frear´s last blog ..Obscurity Can Be An Asset =-.
Cassandra, this post is whispering for you…
Oooo. Game on, girl! 🙂 Great way to rip that cord! One of my ‘what if’ priorities? What if I said, “In a minute…” “Maybe later…” or “Next time…” less, because they too often materialize into never.
.-= Susan@PrairieLilyArts´s last blog ..Music… A Story of the Heart =-.
GAME ON! Wahoo!
I could us a good challenge. I’m in, Bonnie. 🙂
.-= Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..My Fish & Loaves =-.
Really, Melissa? That would be a-w-e-s-o-m-e … rest well and eat well in the meantime, sweet girl…
I’m in!
What if I believed God truly is for me and not against me?
What would I do knowing He would move all of heaven and earth to accomplish His work through me?
What if I really wrote that book?
What if I finally learned how to organize my time effectively?
What if I forgave every person who I ever felt hurt by?
.-= HisFireFly´s last blog ..Word Filled Wednesday – Justice flows =-.
Hey Firefly.. wow. Yeah, you’re in!
@HisFireFly If you want to give writing a book a go, have a look at the book I just published:
http://www.pathtopublishing.com. I wrote it for anyone looking to publish or self-publish a book, and I hope it’s a blessing to you. Sorry to promote my stuff here, but I think you’ll find it a relevant read.
All the best!
Ed
.-= ed cyzewski´s last blog ..Life-Changing Books: Mere Christianity =-.
i read don miller’s blog the other day and took his challenge. im actually going to share this with my sbible study/ small group tonight. =] great blog you got here!
Patricia, you here in the SF Bay, too? … Would LOVE to hear how it all goes down with your group… Share your link here with us next Thurs! Just checked out your blog. You tore it DOWN on your “4.11.Victory” post…
thanks lady =] sent you an email too!
.-= patricia´s last blog ..4.11.10 victory. =-.
I’m game.
So here’s my partial list (one I’ve already done).
1. Quit my job to devote time to writing and speaking.
2. Go downtown at least once a week to talk to people who are homeless and give them a bag lunch if I have the resources.
3. Start a 24-7 prayer room.
4. Go on a three month road trip for a book project.
5.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Finding the Quiet Place =-.
@Kristine… Love how specific your list is… what was #5? Can’t wait to read your blog next week!
That’s the question…what is number 5? Still trying to figure that one out.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Finding the Quiet Place =-.
Yup, count me in! Just keep spurring me on, friend.
.-= Monica Sharman´s last blog ..For a Limited Time Only! =-.
The only what-if that comes to mind is “what if I succeed?”
Stay tuned…this could get interesting!
.-= Rachel @ the science of music´s last blog ..serendipity =-.
Rachel– can’t wait to hear what happens as you launch out! Things are going to get interesting… oh, yeah…
We’re already doing a ‘what if?’
What if our churched asked our community what it wants / needs then did our best to meet those needs and desires, regardless of whether or not they fit with what we think the church ‘should’ be doing.
I’ll keep you posted!
.-= Peter P´s last blog ..What Does Your Community Need? =-.
Hi Peter! Yes, we’re brainstorming 5 now.. pick to follow through with one… and share what happens on your post… as one reader said, things are going to get interesting… I can’t wait to hear what happens with your what if…
Okay you got me I’m in. I have my what ifs now I have to pick the most challenging one or two or three and just do it. Wish me luck and pray for me. It’s time to change the story.
.-= Chris Weigand´s last blog ..M is for Man is Mighty in the Lord =-.
That’s great, Chris! I am praying for all of us. Seriously, I am. This is a fun challenge, but it is also very real. Yeah– you’re in!
Here are my five what if’s and the last one really takes in the other four…
1. What if— I make love to my husband? (I know sounds easy, but is a challenge for me because of some mental health issues.)
2. What if— I really rewrite my YA novel instead of being married to my original which needs lots of wor?
3.What if— I pursued the new Bible study for couples that I got with my husband?
4. What if— I really committed to and stuck to a diet and exercise regimen for a week? (to start with)
5. What if— I really let go and let God?
.-= Chris Weigand´s last blog ..M is for Man is Mighty in the Lord =-.
Whoa, Chris.. #1 .. “make love”. Did I just read that?! You’re fearless! 🙂
Ok, I think I’m in…I’ll have to do some brainstorming tonight, but I’m sure I’ll come up with a good one. 🙂
.-= brett barner´s last blog ..Some Small Changes and the Dish About ‘Gravatars’ =-.
Hey Brett, we get to put “skin in the game” this time…
Oh..I am going to think about this one..sorry can’t do it “fast”.
Actually the first “What if” that came to mind…b/c we just went to a game last night in our new outdoor stadium…..”What if the TWINS win the World Series this YEAR?!” OK..so that is not the most profound “what if” but it was the first thing that popped in my head. 😉
I will get back to you on the other 4 what if’s that REALLY may change me/my family/ my life.
Alright, Kathy! … Sounds like your brainstorming juices are flowin’.. Cool…
Bonnie, I love how you engage people in your blog. It seems so much less self-contained than most of them, including mine. You reach out to others. I have trouble even asking a question in a blog post. Maybe that could be number one on my list:
1. What if I started engaging people through my blog?
2. What if I started running, rather than putting it off through fear?
3. What if I lived in faith that God will provide?
4. What if I didn’t get stopped so easily?
5. What if I didn’t procrastinate?
.-= Julie Benner´s last blog ..Thoughts on Blogging, Blogs, and Bloggers =-.
Julie, these are awesome! … I hope you DO “IT” 🙂 … whatever that one God puts on your heart for this challenge.
Whoa. Some of these could be mine (big time). I’ve added a couple more:
1. What if I accepted my health limitations?
2. What if I didn’t try to do-it-all?
3. What if I lived in faith that God will take care of things (in his way)?
4. What if I didn’t get stopped so easily?
5. What if I didn’t procrastinate?
.-= Carol H.´s last blog ..Saul: The Before Snapshot =-.
Very cool. I’ve got to think about it though… I guess my first ‘what if’ could be ‘What if I wasn’t having such a crazy busy day and could think of what if statements right now?’ 🙂
Thanks Bonnie! We’ll see what turns up…
.-= jasonS´s last blog ..Moving Toward Restored (An Allegory) =-.
One of those days, huh? … Thanks for dropping this challenge down the “what if” shoot… Will be curious what turns up, Jason…
What if I took a writing retreat…
What if I pursued that volunteer work I’ve been putting off…
What if I focused on my next theology book no matter what the acquisition editors say…
What if I wrote more fiction…
What if I visited my family in Philly more…
These are great, Ed! Looking forward to hearing which one bubbles up…
Okay, Bonnie. Here are some “what ifs.” They aren’t very noble, but they’re each something I could focus on for a week. And who knows where they’d lead?
1. What if I gave up Bejeweled Blitz?
2. What if I walked every day?
3. What if I was in bed by 11 every night?
4. What if I sat and did nothing for at least 15 minutes every day?
5. What if I took that online novel writing course?
I guess this means I’m in. Gulp.
.-= Sandra Heska King´s last blog ..6 Lessons Learned on a Messy Monday =-.
Bonnie,
This is a message God has placed on my heart, too! I am in!
I can think of some what if’s (several), but feel nervous about writing them down. I’m such a dork. Needless to say, it’s high time I get on with it and start my FBJ post TODAY!!
Love ya girl!!
.-= Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms´s last blog ..Curling Up with Grace =-.
Bonnie,
Loved this post!
What if I consistently made a Holy Hour each day?
What if I lived each day without fear of failure?
What if I took the time to compile my best blog posts into a new book?
What if I put more focus into relationships and was not so focused on programs and producing results?
What if I lived every moment of every day with a deep, abiding awareness of God’s infinite love for me?
I might keep going with this on my own time! Now I’ll have to follow through with a blog post. Great idea!
.-= Fr. Michael´s last blog ..Wounds Healed by Wounds =-.
O Bonnie… Your sweet heart just rocks with sunshine! Ya know, I played this game a lot with myself in my 20s, even in my 30s. And while I think it’s awesome that you’re touching on introspection, I’ll sit on the bench for this one and observe. I am really learning that, at least for me, what ifs aren’t always healthy. I am realizing that living in God’s love {reeeeally living in it} and loving other people are what God asks of me. And when I’m doing those two fully in my life, the what ifs disappear and I’m completely satisfied in Him.
This is a great idea. xo
[…] A good way to start might be to prayerfully take the Faith Barista’s ‘What if’ challenge. […]
I’m in! God’s been really speaking to my heart on this very topic! I excited to see what unfolds.
.-= Karri´s last blog ..Some Adventures Make You Tired… =-.
Both this post and the Spiritual Tipping Point post hit me square between the eyes. I’ve been holding back a lot for a long time! And I’ve been asking “what if” for the past few weeks or so. Here are five off the top of my head:
1. What if I give up trying to control my life and acknowledge to myself and God that he’s really in control… of everything? What would that look like?
2. What if I quit my job?
3. What if I stop making decisions based on what everyone else thinks (which is actually paralyzing since no-one agrees on anything)?
4. What if I finish writing Ellie’s story (I started writing it in the fall)?
5. What if I forgive myself?
.-= Joy´s last blog ..The Opaque Veil in Our Hearts =-.
I’m in!!! Just need to spend some time thinking up the “what if” questions 🙂
.-= Katy´s last blog ..my heart is… =-.
I LOVE this idea, Bonnie!
.-= Billy Coffey´s last blog ..Every season =-.
Teaching about this right now! What a challenge by the Holy Spirit. You know, those who can do and those who can’t teach. I need to not just teach about this, but do it. Some awesome ideas above. Very scary, but God is great. I’ll have my list later.
.-= Frank´s last blog ..R12: What does a surrendered life look like? =-.
Thank you for the invitation – I think perhaps I am living it myself this week, sorting, editing, processing, pulling back a bit, pouring out a bit more. I’m going a route I never thought I’d go. I don’t think I’ll have time to participate here; I’m even keeping my blogging as simple as possible.
You’re awesome, Bonnie – keep it up. I am SO looking forward to seeing where all this goes!
.-= Kelly Langner Sauer´s last blog ..breathe =-.
Ok, I have some. This is scary!
What if I enrolled in college
What if I wrote my memoirs/testimony
What if I sponsored a child
What if I read the bible everyday
What if I turn over my finances to God
What if I send a care package to a mexican family from my mission trip
What if I put more effort in relationships
What if I told my hubby I loved him everyday
What if I learned how to play violin
What if a homeless person walked in our church
.-= 50centlove´s last blog ..Remember =-.
I am going through a divorce and looking for work for the first time in 18 years. My skills have become outdated since I spent the last 15 years working part time so I could care for my daughter who has epilepsy and emotional/social disabilities from an in utero stroke.
WHAT IF each time Ieel sorry for myself, overwhelmed, or defeated, I tell myself that this is a journey I must take. That my higher power will direct me to use my time and talents to create a life that will bring greater fulfillment to me and those whose lives I will touch.
Linda
I posted the gist of this once, but somehow it didn’t “take”. It was hard enough for me to get up the grit to do if once, and even harder the 2nd time.
Bonnie, thanks for your faithful blogging, and your “what if” challenge. It seems to me, from your article and the comments, that this is mostly about self-actualization. “I will believe more, have more faith, expect God to answer more.” Or, “I will be braver, stronger, truer, do something I love or want,” etc. That’s really great for those who are strong and capable. But some of us are too weak and sickly and broken to just expect more of ourselves, or to find more energy to do “one more thing on a list.” . If God doesn’t give the faith, the expectations, the miracles, the strength, then we absolutely don’t know how to be overcomers. So my “What If”is a little different (but just as heartfelt, just as needed).
What if I could know God actually approved of me not paying any more bills for a woman in need whom I’ve tried to help, but my effort only amounts to bandaids when she needs much more, and accidentally taught her that I’ll come to her rescue when other efforts fail. She has some income, but not nearly enough for her situation. We’ve explored as many options as possible, and the doors just keep closing. With padlocks. What if I could know that God wouldn’t think I was being a “bad” Christian, or guilty, or discouraged, if I paid no more and then maybe had to watch her die, have a nervous breakdown, go to jail, or at least be fined heavily for not meeting court-mandated obligations that were beyond her means? (I’m not being melodramatic.) Because, emotionally, physically, and financially, I’m getting slaughtered. What started out as heartfelt compassion has become a bondage.
.-= Marilee (kingfisher)´s last blog ..Beliefs =-.
my “what if”, continued
Or, What if some faithful people would agree to stand with me in prayer for all of her needs? What if some from your blog, or elsewhere, were willing to expect God to do great things, since I’ve gotten too burned out to expect a real solution? What if they continued to stand with me, and to let me know often that they were believing, and not just say “I’ll pray for you” on the fly, and then I never heard from them again? What if those who read this would not judge the woman in any way without even knowing her situation and how heroically she’s tried to “make it”? And what if people cared enough to love, without insinuating I was a fool for even trying to help “that kind of people”?
Or, what if God mysteriously answered the fervent prayers my praying friend and I have said for years, and delivered this girl of her many bondages, her mental instabilities, and dangerous physical conditions, her financial peril? Or provided a “way out” from the constant threat of homelessness and of not having loving people in her life to look after her and take her in or give her a sense of “community” or be godly role models even in the midst of her other problems?
.-= Marilee (kingfisher)´s last blog ..Beliefs =-.
Wow, so many times I try to stay away from the “What ifs”…they can be scary! Here goes…
What if I gave my “what ifs” (a.k.a worries) to God?
What if I truly showed love to those that don’t love me?
What if I wrote in my prayer journal every day?
What if I laughed more?
What if I stopped worrying about what others think and focus on what God thinks?
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Science brings beauty… =-.
What if I danced like nobody was watching?
What if I ran through the sprinklers again?
What if I got my friends to climb a tree with me this summer?
What if I fell in love passionately and wholeheartedly and God was for it?
What if I let go every day to the expectations around me and just lived in freedom from all cares?
What if God is going to bless my life with every amazing gift from His heart?
What if I choose to pray for the next teenager who has a hurting, bleeding heart?
What if I God opened up the opportunity for me to both teach and lead worship?
What if I sang my heart out boldly and proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ for the whole world to hear?
What if I made a couple CD projects: prophetic song and piano instrumental?
What if I loved people every day out loud and expressed to them the love God has given me for them?
I believe that God is going to do some pretty incredible things. 🙂
Thanks for the challenge to TRUST GOD!!!!!!! 😀
.-= Christine´s last blog ..What I Learned Today at the Job Fair =-.
[…] week, fellow blogger Bonnie Gray challenged us to take the “What if” challenge. Her challenge was to brainstorm five “what if” questions and then to live one of […]
Great exercise! What if I stopped blogging and started working on that book? That’s the first and only what if I can put out there right now… But today, all my what if’s are screened through a prioritization of “what must be.” The realities of work, home, kids, mortgage and tuition payments, eight hours of sleep…(I’m backing myself into a corner, aren’t I?).
.-= Bradley J Moore´s last blog ..How To Keep Selling While Saying You’re Sorry =-.
[…] week, I issued a “What If” challenge to the readers here, to nudge us closer to our spiritual tipping […]
[…] week Bonnie over at Faith Barista shared her own spin on Don Miller’s “What If” Challenge. She asked readers to list 5 things in a “what if” […]
[…] week, Bonnie Gray suggested to her readers (which would include me), to challenge those ‘what ifs’ and ask ourselves […]
What if I didn’t know Bonnie??? Life would be sad
thanks for the challenge
here’s the link
http://wp.me/pDORj-xO
What if I started writing again (and I don’t just mean on my blog)?
What if I went to the church on my street every Sunday instead of waiting to go to my grandparents church on the rare weekends I visit them?
Only two questions, because they’re really big things to me.
.-= Kristine´s last blog ..Training =-.
Hey, Bonnie, mistimed the challenge. I have taken on one of my what ifs, but forgot to blog about it to connect with your blog.
I am very impressed with your own challenge: the film about your life and the choice you have made to follow your own path according to your Heavenly Father’s will. I have been voting for you, and I hope you win. Keep it up!
.-= Julie Benner´s last blog .."Consumed With The Person Of God" part 2 =-.
What if…
https://www.thebonniegray.com/2010/04/take-the-what-if-challenge/
When I took this challenge last week I figured it would be easy. I should have known better. One of the reasons it has taken me so long to write my follow up post is because when it came to doing the follow up on my 5 what ifs it wasn’t so easy and I didn’t do so well.
So now I’ll report on my progress:
1. What if I make love to my husband? Didn’t happen, I had the best of intentions all week, but when crunch time came I didn’t do it.
2. What if I really rewrite Twelve Pillars? I did look at it and started on the second chapter, but I just did some editing and not any major rewriting. It seems I picked a chapter that didn’t need much rewriting. So I guess I have to go back to chapter one, since my beginning is weak and then move on from there.
3. What if i started that couples Bible study with Al? (He is my husband). We did do that. On Wednesday night we went to bed early and did the first chapter. We talked and communicated our feelings and actually did not get angry or fight. Now we’ll have to see what happens with chapter two.
4. What if I really stuck to and committed to a diet and exercise plan for a week? Another one of my didn’t happens. I did go to the gym twice this week and ride the exercycle for 30 minutes, but the dieting went out the window. However I have to keep moving forward and plan on going at it again next week. God grant me the strength I need to follow through with this one. I know I need to lose the weight for so many reasons and I have admittted that I am f…..a…….t (wow that’s even hard to type), so how do I move on to the next step where do I find the motivation and the stick-to-itness I need. I keep telling my daughter she needs to find it within herself with God as her help. How do I take my own advice?
5. What if I really let go and let God? You should be able to tell from my previous answers that this wasn’t very successful either, because if I had let go and let God I would have had more successes this past week. Sometimes I do and I have seen the results, but it is so hard to let go of all the stress and worries and let God handle it. I’m not sure I know completely how to do that.
So that is the result of my What if challenge. Maybe I will keep them where I can see them and continue to work towards them coming to fruition.
Bonnie thanks for the challenge.
.-= Chris Weigand´s last blog ..S is for Savor God’s goodnes =-.
Well, I obviously missed the “challenge”, but I’ve been living out the “what ifs” in my life over the past few months. Reading this tonight really encourages me to keep pursuing them.
.-= Grant Jenkins´s last blog ..Rebuild In Progress… =-.
[…] Leave a Comment A week or so ago, a fellow blogger in the A to Z challenge blogged about the “What If” challenge. The idea intrigued me… I bookmarked the page… today I came across this web page. And […]
[…] week Bonnie Gray invited me in a blog comment here to take a “What If” […]
[…] comes this beautiful girl’s challenge, this best friend’s advice and this brilliant writer’s words and I am […]
[…] 5. Take The What-If Challenge […]
[…] Bonnie challenged readers last week to identify what has been holding them back from growing their relationship with God, follow through on one, and see what happens. It was providentially-timed for me. I’ve been teetering over the edge of a few big steps for months, maybe longer, not moving forward but unable to change direction either. At exactly the time that this internal battle came to a tipping point, she wrote about spiritual tipping points. […]
[…] and life-stages, my brother’s thinking and mine seems to coincide. Read, for instance, the ‘What-if Challenge‘ he linked to in his blog yesterday (which I read after choosing today’s quote). […]
[…] Kristine McGuire April 22, 2010 Leave a Comment What If… Last week, my friend Bonnie from The Faith Barista, issued an interesting challenge. We were asked to create a list of "what if's" […]
[…] kristinemac April 22, 2010 Leave a Comment What If… Last week, my friend Bonnie from The Faith Barista, issued an interesting challenge. We were asked to create a list of "what if's" […]