Giver of Life

Lord, Today is Mother's Day. You created women to be the givers of life. In your design and in your creation we see the splendors of your love. You show us your love in All living things, plants, animals and the crown of your creation, people.  Lord, Thank You for all of the wonderful men and women you have blessed my life with, thank you for All of the amazing Mothers that I have grown with and whom have helped me grow along my journey.

Leadership

It's not easy.  Maybe for some people it comes naturally, but I'm afraid I'm not one of those people.  I took on a leadership roll for my dear friend's wedding and I'm pretty heartbroken about the outcome.  It started out as a creative spark that lead me to volunteer to design and produce her wedding favors and turned into managing the entire decorating process of the wedding reception.  I'm glad I could help and was very grateful for all of her friends that volunteered to help me too, i know i couldn't have done it alone.  But... I was still in charge and I let people down. Specifically her friend who offered to lend out her daughters wedding decorations. At the last minute we decided to use some fabric squares that she provided and her only stipulation was that she would need them back. Well... I am and afraid I will always be a girl who can get overwhelmed by my emotions. It was an emotional day for me. I found so much Hope in that day and witnessing what I believe was God's Love shining down on two people who know that putting God first is of vital importance. All of my emotional release left me pretty exhausted and out of it that by clean-up time I wasn't all there and just wanted to get the job done.  I know I gave away several of the squares to Alyssa and her friend, but i still don't think that accounts for all of them.  It's hard not to feel like the whole thing was a failure... and maybe that sounds a little dramatic, but it's just a prime example of a Good leader versus... well... me. I hope it's a lesson I learn from... make a list, write it down, DO something to help prevent these kind of mistakes.  arg.

Art

Last night was our last Echo art class. I got there earlier than I had been lately and I brought with my large music painting. Honestly, in hopes of getting some insight from the girls about how to finish it off! I've been stuck on this one for months now... it 'looks' done to others, but i know i've got some details to make it what I know it really can be. Ha... kind of sounds like me really, Lord I know from the untrained eye people might see me as a finished product, but I know you are still working on me, working in me to be the best that i can be. I thank you for the ways in which you carefully and thoughtfully mold and shape me. All your ways are good.

there... by the grace.

Lord, I know you always have us just where you want us, even when we don't "feel" like we are doing anything good.
my current cube buddy has only been working with me for maybe 6 months now, but already has revealed to me some pretty heavy things about her family, specifically her teenage daughter.  I've shared with her a few verses and also told her about my love of christian music. She just showed me a few cds she picked up at the library of christian music and said that her daughter really likes them.  She thanked me for telling her about some of the artists.  I pray that this music lifts her daughter up in such magnificent ways like it has uplifted me over the past 5 years.

Life Together

Tonight was my first "Life Together" group experience. Jan and John invited me to join their group of several Central members. Tonight it was at Connie and Harlan's house. Scott and Joni Schramm were there, Katie Vick and her son Jonathan and about 6 other couples that i'm not as familiar with. We read and discussed Mark 1:14-20, Jesus asked Simon and Andrew to leave their fishing boat and follow him, and just like that they left.
Thank you Lord for your ever Loving and guiding hand. I truly know that your Plan for My Life is Far Greater than I could ever know, and that trusting in you every step of the way Is All I have to do, that you truly are The Way, The Truth and The Life.
Thank you for leading me to this group, I pray that I am open to recieving every lesson you have for me to learn through this journey.
Amen.

5 years of Grace

It's been over 5 years that God's Grace rang loud and clear in my then cluttered ears. God revealed His Grace to me in abundance and a depth that only He could give.  Growing up I really didn't understand the power and awesome wonder of our Loving God's magnificent Grace. I was taught all of the rules and just made sure i did my best to follow them. Of course, when I failed I felt guilt which always lingered far longer than I care to admit. As my relationship with God has grown deep and wide these past five years, I've learned such invaluable lessons about putting God first. Trusting in His incredible Word and in His Amazing Love. Last night we celebrated His Grace Ana with many friends and family. I pray that our lives truly live out what it is that God has given us.

Harvey and Mabel

Yesterday was our second to last Echo Art Class.  I was running late as usual and i stopped by the apt. in hopes of changing into nicer flip flops (as it was 80 degrees and gorgeous out).  As I was just leaving a cute older couple stepped out of their car and asked if there was a leasing office inside our building. I said no but that i would be happy to take them in and show them my messy place!  I brought them in the main door and Ron was just heading out of his apt. (not a coincidence there i imagine ;0) )  Anyway, he offered to show them their place and we all went in together. I stayed and chatted for a bit then left them in the able hands of Ron and Delores. I'm excited about this. A couple in their 70's will be moving in to Joni's old place in July... and I just have a hunch that Harvey and Mabel might even beat them to the punch and move in to Scott's old place sooner yet! I'm praying for lots of cribbage tournaments ;)