May came in like a Lion and went out like a Lamb

The biggest thing that happened around here this past month is my oldest’s birthday and high school graduation. The fact we have reached this point is incredible to me. If you want a few more details, here’s the story. I am so incredibly proud of him and plan on enjoying his presence around here as much as possible before the end of the summer.

The most popular post for this month was still the ripple pattern which makes me so happy. I’m glad people are finding it and using it. If you use it I would LOVE to see your final results. I am sure they are gorgeous! There have been a few question and answers in the comment section, so be sure to look there as well.

I also had a lot of people visit my post on quiet times over at Songs of Prayer. I love it when God shows me He’s everywhere all the time. His presence is so comforting and reassuring, and when I forget He is here it’s so much harder. One way I remind myself that he is here is by something I recently started. I am Writing the Bible. I know, it sounds crazy, but I’m almost done with Esther. Maybe Nehemiah next? Maybe the Psalms. Though I do have some questions/comments about Esther that I want to breifly cover first. Maybe that will become post material.

On two last notes, I wrapped up my series about Sabrina, and I started a new monthly giveaway. In fact, if you go over today you still have time to enter. I announce the winner Saturday and I can’t wait to find out who gets the prize. What is it? Well, the ripple pattern is a hint for you. Come on over!!!

April Headlines

I can’t believe that April is done and over. Can someone please tell me how that happens? I wanted to update you with a few links from my blog you may be interested in.

First, the post that was the most popular actually surprised me for it was an older one. If you are a crocheter then this link is for you! My Ripple Pattern has been very popular with the hook-ers this past month. I have been told it is easy to follow, and easy to remember. If you try it out let me know if you agree.

I started a series based off of this bit of fiction, Wrapped Up. I have been exposing Sabrina’s lies, which, let me be honest, are my lies that I have or do live with now. Come join me as we learn to live in truth.

And for a personal triumph, come check out A Win. It was more than the trophy I walked away with at the end of the day.

There are many other posts you might find interesting as well including a Summer Book Challenge, links to some amazing blogs, and some lessons I learned from a non-conference. You know you are interested!

Be sure to let me know you dropped by!

Desires and Fears

Sometimes I wonder what I, an individual, could ever accomplish. Yes, yes, others accomplish much, and in all honestly I will be one of the first to encourage you to go out and do something even if you are on your own. Sometimes because you are on your own. If not you, then who? But me? For some reason I keep thinking that if I can’t find a group of people who do something and join up with them, then I am simply wasting my time. And this stops me. A lot.

I have had this idea that I have been playing with for about half a year. It isn’t the same as when it started, but it’s not that much different either. It’s simply evolving as I consider, think, dream, and plan. The thing is, I want it to move out of this planning stage desperately because I want to make a difference.

I want to reach out to people, love on them, help them love their life a little more, share joy and happies, and make a difference. I want people who are going through a hard time to know they are thought of, loved, and care for. I want people to know that prayers are said for them. I desperately want to reach out and share God’s love with others because I simply can’t keep it for myself.

And yet, I still feel that fear within the back of my head and center of my heart which says:

it simply wont work. So why try?

But more and more lately I have been reading about so many people, and learning stories of others who faced this exact fear, and chose to ignore it. They told that fear:

why not? so what? who cares!

I have been taking an online class recently that is giving me more information. Information that is good, helpful, and useful. Information that could sit in my brain, in my notebook, and never be used if I so chose. Or information that could help me take the next step which is needed regardless of which way things turn once they get going.

And then I think,

what if I just didn’t do anything? Who would be hurt by that?

But maybe the question should be…

if I only touched one person’s life, would it be worth it?

I already know the answer to that. I love being part of touching a person’s heart and life. I’m simply still learning how to shut out the doubts and fears.

[This was the most popular post for March 2012. Originally posted here.]

Definition by others

Sometimes I’m too much.
Sometimes I’m not enough.
Sometimes I’m simply not what is wanted or needed.

These are facts that will not go away.
It’s truth for me and those it involves.
But it’s not Truth.

Not Truth I can hold on to.
Or Truth that never changes.
It’s not Truth about me for always and forever.

It’s a moment
a relationship
a situation
a point in time

They can change their mind about me
But will I change?

In a sense, yes. I will become more of who I am.
And I will still be too much, not enough, or simply not what is wanted or needed.
Because THAT? That is defined by another person who is also sometimes
too much, not enough, or simply not what is wanted or needed.

Whatever reason another has
for not wanting a friendship
is not how you should define yourself.

How then?
By Truth.
Through the eyes of Love
Through Grace and Mercy
Through acceptance and forgiveness
Through understanding.

Then… go and define others in that way as well.
Even those that define you differently.

[This was my most popular post for 2011. Original Post]