Ignored, BUT not forgotten

My last post here was November 15th…I haven’t forgotten about this space, really I haven’t…

…its just been ignored.

The picture a day, project 365, that I worked on in 2011 started out FUN FUN FUN, until it became something I had. to. DO. DO. DO.  That’s what I had been sharing here, just a picture and a reflection EVERYDAY.

What happened?  why did I stop?  I had to eliminate something from my life and that’s what I chose.  YES…I kept taking the pictures, I just stopped posting them here.  I was falling behind, couldn’t keep up with all of my irons-in-the-fire so I decided to ignore this space.

Now…a few months later — I’m back.  With a renewed spirit and a desire to write. to share my thoughts. to expand.  SO that’s what I’m going to do — share in this space.  No more project 365. No more attempting to post each day.  No set schedule.  No rigid plan or theme or writing schedule to adhere to.  Just sharing when I feel compelled – I will just write…

Today I am so grateful for these gifts…

the sun shining
Fay who prayed with me
Jill who’s helping me prepare for our Valentine’s Day party
Rebekah who has taken over The Refine Conference blog
my parents who lovingly look out for my best interests
the experiences that are refining me

Yes, it was was ignored, BUT not forgotten — What are YOU grateful for today?

Transparency

{Photo 313/365}  Have  f a i t h  …trust the process.  God amazed me again…I am not surprised — He continues to do that in BIG ways and in little ways.  Transparency invites in SO much;  healing. restoration. connection. truth.  Life-long friendships were developed this week, in this little room as we embarked on The Ultimate Journey.  Each time I facilitate one of these groups they look different.  I have learned to have one expectation…on God, for Him to show-up.  He did. He is faithful.

Another Day Deep Sea Fishing

{Photo 294/365}  This afternoon we ventured out again, on the same boat that we always go out on — 13 miles into the gulf to catch some fish.  Our goal is always to catch a grouper that we can keep, but none that we caught today were keepers.  Zach caught a couple little ones that he was able to keep and eat for dinner with his grandpa Bob.  When we got back to the marina, when Jason as done skinning all of the fish for everyone, he let Zach put the line in one more time — this is what he caught…a Jack {that’s what they call it}  They are not fish you eat, they are just ones to catch and release.  It took him several minutes to pull this feisty one in, but he did and he had fun.  It was another great day deep sea fishing with my nugget.  priceless.

The Book

{Photo 293/365}  He was sure to tell me that he hadn’t finished a book since college.  I had no expectations and have no expectations for anyone to read my book, Overcoming the Nevers, I just don’t.  I understand there are many people who don’t like to read.  I understand that even if someone does enjoy reading, the title may not appeal to them.  I also understand that certain people are into fiction and not non-fiction.  Whatever the case may be, I know that the book I wrote will not appeal to everyone — there will be mixed reviews — some will love it, some will not.  My prayer for anyone, including my father-in-law, who decides to pick it up and read it is that their heart will be touched in a special way.  That’s it.  I’m grateful that he chose to pick it up.  He told my husband that he likes it. =)

 

Down Time

{Photo 289/365}  We had absolutely nothing on our schedule today — it was fabulous!  A walk/bike ride this morning down to the beach for breakfast.  Naps.  Grilling.  Jacuzzi.  All of us piled on the couch watching XFactor {sleeping}  Me and my boys — all 3 of them and my father-in-law — today was simply enjoyable.  Nothing spectacular…just precious family time.

Cheerleader

{Photo 287/365}  God has strategically placed people into my life in a very big way over the past 3 years.  She happens to be one of them…Yolanda, my coach, my cheerleader, my friend.  Through our relationship, she has opened my eyes to so many things.  She has challenged me to think bigger and to embrace more of “who I am.”  She is a channel of encouragement to me and I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to work with her on my journey with the book.  Today was a day of {emotional} celebration — we met, planned, reflected. grateful.

Overcoming the Nevers

{Photo 286/365}  My alarm went off at 3:30 this morning; my flight departed at 6:30 — Charleston, SC bound to attend my publisher’s annual Author’s Marketing Summit.  My plan today was to get some rest once I arrived.  Massage.  Pedicure.  Shopping on King Street.  Then, a quick bite to eat before I headed to bed, early.  While I was eating alone at the hotel restaurant, I got a text message from Brooke, the Senior Editor, Publicity Manager — she was insistent about seeing me.  My text response was, “I’m a crusty mess been up since 3:30am got a massage {my hair is greasy} and I haven’t eaten yet today…”  This didn’t prevent her from stopping by.  After I gave her a BIG hug, since I hadn’t seen her in one year, she smiled and graciously pulled my book out of her bag and handed it to me.  I had NO idea I was going to get this today – truly.  In fact, the publication date was estimated to be the 15th — I was thinking I would see it next week on my door step.  But no, here it is…I’m holding it in my hands…this project, my heart, my soul has poured into.  I was speechless, still am.  Excited.  Emotional.  Happy.  Nervous.  Here I sit now, in my hotel room, just me and the book.  Reflecting.  Praying.  Joy in my heart.  Grateful for the journey.  Looking forward to what lies ahead.  {now I can start filling the “pre-orders” –> download the introduction, watch the trailer video, order the book here}

Thy Will

{Photo 285/365}  We are working Step 3 together, me and my “sponsee” — Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him — S U R R E N D E R!  The best part about working with others is that it forces me to, again and again, work on me.  I needed to review this message today — THY will, NOT my will.  It’s that simple, yes it’s that difficult.  I need this constant reminder to keep me grounded, focused, and to slow down!  I need this constant reminder to not get ahead of His plans with my plans.  I need this constant reminder in all my relationships to be more accepting, more patient, more tolerant.  I am grateful for the opportunity to “carry the message” each time I do, it affirms within me too.  blessed.

Candle Light Dinner

{Photo 278/365}  We had a mid-week date, an unexpected evening out.  We went to one of his favorite restaurants — this light flickered between us.  He drinks wine, I drink lemon water.  We talked, caught up on our oh-so-busy-lives, laughed.  Simply connected.  Love my man.

Unmatched Socks

{Photo 276/365}  While my parent’s home is “under-construction” they are staying with us for a few days (with their little dog) — it’s a BLESSING!  Last night the boys had a sleep over on the floor with grandma and grandpa.  They love playing with samson, the dog, and this morning my mom made them pancakes.  That was a treat, since I typically make them eggs {or we just have cereal or toast…blah, blah, blah}  In addition to all that, my mom took the time tonight to match the drawer I had full of unmatched socks.  They’ve been piling up since the last time they were matched back in August.  I am grateful for the help. truly.