What is it that causes some individuals to become so consumed with their painful circumstances that they just decide to check out?

I just heard of another executive tragedy in our area, and altho taking our own life may seem unfathomable to the average person, those of us who have walked through seriously grievous situations may have stood at the edge of that precipice before.

Sometimes checking out of marriage or even of life itself may look like the easier option, than dealing with the hopelessness and despair of the moment. There have been times when I thought it looked pretty tempting myself.

I also know what are the few factors in our life (my husband and I) that held us together and kept us from throwing in the towel.

Our most tragic family season was 7 years ago, and it has been a walk of faith for us to press on and find the purpose for these experiences.

Now in 2010, while offering wellness initiatives to the community, my friend, Kimberli, and I are seeing how desperately others are needing to be educated and encouraged to take care of themselves, learn how to manage stress, learn to invest in themselves and their own health. It is so important that we feed our mind, spirit and soul with the right stuff, so that when we (inevitably) will be facing an unsurmountable challenge, maybe even standing on the edge of that precipice, we will choose to hope. and choose to stay.

and press on through another season.

Everything is that…just a season.

So we are passionately sharing our hearts and our skills on the 24th of June for a night of Significance.

We are expecting great things on that Thursday night. It will be a night of closer relationships in the community, encouragement in each guest’s gifts and significance, and valuable teaching on self-care.

I hope you will checkout the information on this incredible evening, and pass along to all that you think may really enjoy it, and even need it, in their life.

Some of the things we will be teaching on:

-Longevity tips we learn from centenarians (you may be surprised at some of these)

-Office Yoga, stretching and breathing exercises we can do right there in our office!

- Stress management tips on staying balanced thru ANY season

- and of course, as our name suggests, encouragement in your own Significant value, gifts, and all you have to offer. It will be a great night for developing new and meaningful connections with others in our community.

Did I mention all the food, desserts and gift raffle??

We are looking forward to a sweet night….

Recently was requested to add Joshua’s memorial video onto youtube. It was an incredible tribute that was gifted to us by a wonderful graphic designer in jacksonville. We still love sharing him with others.

I bought a fancy glass pitcher the other day

At an elderly couple’s Estate sale.

It still had the sticker on it, as if it had never been used.

Then I brought it home

And asked my tall son to place it high up on a shelf

that I could not even reach.

Today I thought about my first son.

And how fragile he was.

He had heart disease.

Every moment of his life was a High Tea,

Served in a glass pitcher,

with good china.

We laughed, we danced, we celebrated-

unspoken clarity and understanding

that he was special.

Time was special.

and at any moment he could break.

And then he did

when he was eight.

And somehow we became plastic pitcher people.

We are protected and guarded-

In our health, our decisions

And even simple conversations.

We laugh less often.

My family is now tough and durable

My boys wrestle and argue

And grow

But I am realizing that every moment with them

is still fragile and temporary.

My response to my children,

Every look I give my husband,

All of life

really is that special.

They deserve nothing less than

the fanfare of the High Tea.

I should dress up

and laugh

and celebrate

more often.

And maybe even serve tea

In my new glass pitcher.

dedicated to Miss Kathy and her friends

and their High Tea.

I did it! I finally finished my E-book, compiling my years of speaking on wild boys, down to eight little chapters. I cannot believe I did it. I know this now starts the editing process, which may taper it down even further. But we have really pushed over that first hurdle and the baby is OUT!

woohoo!

Look for my E-book, coming soon!

I have finally taken the time to put a new page in my resources about physical health and our personal story. (It is amazing all of the little details I have accomplished while my guys are hiking through the NC mountains!) This is one aspect of our lives that we are tremendously grateful for friends, knowledge, and to live in a country that still offers us the freedom of choice with our doctors and medications and prevention. We PRAY that it remains this way. We are so thankful to God for second and third and fourth chances to make proper decisions for our health, and will continue to strive in this area. I hope this article does not come across as “selling”, but that the viewer will take any part of it that may apply in their life and implement for a better quality of life!

I am so used to telling Joshua’s story, after 25+ speaking engagements, but have realized that I may have some internet viewers who do not know his story, or anything about our life over the last six years, since then.  So I have posted an article on my resource page, called ” We are not Consumed“, that covers his story, briefly, and a little about our walk through grief. Many of you have heard it, but I am noticing a good amount of traffic from all over, and wanted to officially introduce them to Joshua. He is worth meeting.

I wanted to share how I was so blessed today, as I drove to Daytona, and once again, told our story, Joshua’s story, and all that God has done in our lives through grief and blessings. The women’s connections have a specific speech that is prepared and approved, so I know it well, but I am still amazed at how much God uses it to remind me everytime of how far we have come with Him holding us all the way. I know it is also impacting to the ladies (and some men in the room). The subject of grief is powerful, and for many, consuming, and it is difficult to even touch there, but the message does so gently and inspiringly, so as not to overwhelm with the details of our story, but to help them reflect in their own life. Many times the ladies will want to talk afterwards of their own circumstances, or sweet blessings in their family like Joshua. Sometimes God has moved on them in a powerful way, and they scoot out, without a word. Sometimes, like today, they fill out a connection card saying they ask Christ in their heart, with our simple prayer. I pray and believe, whatever the situation, God has impacted them all to reflect on their circumstances and see how He can help them SHINE, seeking their own hidden treasures and gifts. It is so worth it for me to keep these engagements on my plate whenever possible. I am looking forward to being in DeBarry on thurs, and then Ocala on Tues.

Telling our story used to be incredibly difficult for me, and after doing so, I would be very emotional at home for about a day  or so. This went on for a year or so. The impact on others made it all so worth the cost.

I say sometimes that the hole in my heart, as a mother, God has allowed to remain unfilled to an extent, because it helps me to be more cognizant of others who are dealing with loss and allows me to feel more compassion for them. There is an emptiness there that will never be filled. But once I spoke at a women’s group at Celebration, and a beautiful african american mom came up to me and shared very soflty, that there would be a day, further down the road, when my memories would only be good ones..ones that made me smile. I thought I understood her at the time, because I was so aware of the blessings and gratitude of my eight years of mothering Josh. But now, about 6 years later, I can finally see what she was talking about. The pain of those eight years of challenges, or the last few weeks of his life, seem like a small moment in time, way back when. But the joy and the smiles and the pleasure, just feel unspeakably rich. That is the only way I can describe it.  Each time I am sharing this story and message and God’s unending goodness in my life, I am overwhelmed again. Maybe it is a by-product of growing older, and the appreciative lens we look through to view our life. I am just feeling so blessed. My cup runneth over.

I do not feel that heaviness that used to accompany me afterwards. I feel invigorated and inspired that God has placed me right where I am just for such a time as this. So I will enjoy my mommy duties, my extra piles of laundry, my business meeting tonight, my birthday party plans and cake design, and anything else that is placed on my lap this week.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Well, and I think He is okay with me skipping the dusting and vaccuming for now.

Have a blessed day-

I was perusing through the incredible devotional blogs of the CWO cafe and found this writing contest, about a courageous mom and her witness to others.  We did walk through some similar circumstances, but I was blessed with 8 beautiful years with my baby, and her story just helped me remember my gratitude and all of the incredible memories that I carry with me as mom.  It was a great story and I wanted to share it with all who have a few moments to pause and be moved. I will add the author’s site, Be still, to my links as soon as they are put back on my sidebar. We are doing some testing. 

 Have a blessed Sunday with your families-

The most common question I receive from women as I speak at engagements is, “What can I do or say for my friend/loved one that is hurting and going through grief/loss/divorce? For this reason I wrote the article in resources called “Just Be There”, and designed the new HOPE cards. They each feature one of the new butterfly paintings of the series I am growing this summer, and an encouraging scripture. I left the inside blank to write a brief note, like, “We are lifting you up in prayer” which in many cases, may be all you can say. it really is not important the exact words, but that you made a heartfelt effort to reach out.

5 years ago, We were so inundated with acts of kindness. We could feel the love from our church, homeschool and family and it played an essential role in our healing. God used our friendships and extended family to speak to us when we really could no longer hear his voice on our own.

I have had good response from offering them at my speaking engagements, and have almost sold the first printing. But will be glad to print more.