Do you see someone using their gifts and talents beautifully?
TELL THEM.
Recently, someone I admire and respect took the time to believe in me. To encourage and push me to be the best designer I can be. She gave me advice and spoke life-giving words. The power of LIFE is in our TONGUE...so let's USE IT!!! Let's allow those around us to FLOURISH by speaking life into them, not to receive anything but the joy that comes from seeing someone live life to it's fullest!
Olive Leaf is a line of products I designed and Janie Seltzer penned the beautiful poetry. My favorite pieces are the mugs!! The shape is perfect for a big cup of coffee in the morning...and I definitely need a big cup of coffee in the morning :). These were released in the middle of 2009 through DEMDACO and are available at bookstores and retail stores around the country. [www.demdaco.com]
I have been a part of the MeganHearts team for a little over a year now and it has been so much FUN! Kimi and Megan started a publishing company called Kegan Publishing and they published their first book "Megan Hearts Baking" in 2008. I came alongside as the art director and we [Kimi, Megan and I] have been taking this book on the road. Our goal is to use every minute of the hour and a half event to redefine FUN! Our hope is that each girl walks out of the room a little more confident, knowing that she too can find JOY in unexpected places through giving, encouraging others and having a positive outlook in all situations!
January 8th-12th we were in North Carolina--With almost 300 kids & adults and 5 events we have many crazy memories and moments from this trip! Here are a few highlights via our facebook status' in case you missed them :)
ON BOOK TOUR: Charlotte, NC...was getting odd looks at Starbucks...which was odd till Rachel reminded me that a Mohawk isn't normal [megan]
BOOK TOUR DAY 3...a little 6 year old girl just told Megan she had "fonkay hayer"...seeing girls leave more confident then when they walked in has been amazing!! Kimi-we MISS you. [me]
STOP #4: Asheville, NC @ gas station dressed in purple sweatpants & lime green/purple striped beanie & was greeted with, "you girls ain't from around here, huh?" [megan]
Final stop: Salem-Winston & Colfax, NC. I asked the inevitable question, "so do I sound like I have an accent to you guys" to which a new friend replied, "no darlin, you just sound like those people on them tv do." We all delighted in her answer, drank some tea, and then discovered we have two different definitions of ......the word Shag. Thankfully, they were referring to "dancing" with their friend's dads.
left 14 degree weather in NC and arrived to 74 degrees...eating breakfast outside overlooking the ocean in manhattan beach. thank you california. [me]
VERY SPECIAL THANKS to the guys house in Charlotte, NC and for Sandlin & Hunter Douglas for housing us [and for playing our little game :)]
There was once a young man who decided he wanted to change the world. His mission in life was to make a difference in the lives of others. He worked tirelessly each day trying to cure hatred, poverty, and violence. As time passed, he concluded his dream of changing the world was unrealistic, and he therefore turned his focus to his country. He got involved in politics, met with decision-makers and tried to change laws and policies. After years of exhausted efforts, he again found himself overwhelmed and unable to change his country. So this man turned his attention to his town. He was confident he could make a difference and a valid change for the better within his community. However, by this time he was an elderly man and after hours and days of working, he was tired and worn out. This man, defeated and unsuccessful in his endeavors, felt shameful and disappointed. He sat wallowing in self-pity, angry at the world and all alone. It was in this moment he realized all his efforts were strictly to bring glory and recognition to himself. The more aware he became that it is Christ’s power that changes the world and not our own fortitude and pride, his pursuit for Christ became more personal and intimate.
Out of the overflow of God’s love for him, he changed the way he loved and served the people around him and in his community. He watched as they began to come together, as one body, making an incredible impact for the Kingdom of Heaven. This man finally realized that true change had to start with his heart and his relationship with God, unfortunately, it just happened to be so late in his life.
as the new year begins... each of us consciously or unconsciously begin to look at our life and evaluate where we are and where we want to be. Our goals, passions, desires and dreams begin to surface. This morning I had coffee with a friend who shared how she keeps hearing God ask her, "What are your motivations behind your wants and desires? Is it to bring ME glory or yourself?" I was struck by the one word...motivation. Many times I act or serve in hopes to fulfill some need or desire I have, however, when my motivation is strictly to be a light and to bring glory to God (and not myself) my life begins to flourish in unexpectant ways.
flour·ish (flûr’ĭsh, flŭr’-)
[v. flour·ished, flour·ish·ing, flour·ish·es]
1. To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive: The crops flourished in the rich soil.
2. To do or fare well; prosper: “No village on the railroad failed to flourish” (John Kenneth Galbraith).
3. To be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence: a poet who flourished in the tenth century.
4. To make bold, sweeping movements: The banner flourished in the wind.
May our lives reflect Christ and FLOURISH as we seek to bring HIM glory and not ourselves in this new year.
