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 had the privelege yesterday of speaking to a Christian Women’s Connection in Rockledge (Cocoa Bch) Fl group. It was delightful. Since each of these luncheons are designed around a feature presentation and then an impacting testimony, I was invited to do the feature as well, with all of my art. I used the theme of my article for RadiantMag.com and encouraged the ladies in their creativity in every stage of life.
I told them of our great Aunt Polly, who has spent her whole life caring for others, is in her eighties and cannot get around the way she used to. So what did she do? She improvised and learned all about the internet! She is an email evangelizing queen, ministering and sharing with people all over the country. Most of the emails we get from Aunt Polly are usually at about 3 in the morning. She is a busy bee! She found a way to continue to use her gifts and talents for God’s kingdom and glory and she is an awesome lady!
I love getting out and sharing a message of hope and God’s love. I am amazed at how many in the audience have lost children and can relate to our story.
But then I come home and pick up the boys and find out all about their day. I am typically mom – driving to school, packing lunches, planning dinner and throwing in another load of laundry. All the while disciplining, instructing, teaching, joking, loving and listening.
Speaking is such a blessing for me as well, because I come home with a higher perspective of my purpose in this role and my appreciation for it all.
It has been a good day.