What do you do when you find yourself in a place you've never been before (physically, emotionally, mentally)? According to the Encyclopedia of Adrianne you make yourself so busy and so tired that you contract Mono for the second time in your life... but that's not a real answer (or a healthy one for that matter). Now then, let it be known - I'm ONLY speaking from my personal experience when I say this: don't take yourself too seriously. My Dad told me a while back  (paraphrasing), "Don't let your mind run away with you. People aren't nearly as concerned with your life as you think they are". (As a girl who is CONSTANTLY plagued with fear of what others are thinking, I have to try and believe this is true - if for no other reason, just for my own sanity). It's hard living in a very small town where everyone knows everything about you. So, what do you do? Do you hide in your tiny house with your cat? Do you bury yourself in so much work, and so many projects that you can't see straight? Do you manage your time in such a way that you can't be reached? Those have been my tactics, and as far as i can tell, none of that helps. The only option you have is to move forward with the strength of Wonder Woman. Forget the past. Move forward, and know that God has more in store for you than you EVER imagined. He has more in store for you than you're even ready to take on! Now THAT is an awesome feeling! Once you acknowledge that He has an amazing plan for you, all kinds of crazy doors will open.

AND don't forget the little things like wheelbarrows and kittens...

Summer Showers

Tonight I had a meeting with some friends at church. I made it home just in time to beat this summertime rain storm we're getting. I LOVE rain. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing like a clear sunny day to make me smile, but there's just something about rain that soothes me. The sound, the smell, the very thought of washing the day away. I love it. On my way in the house this evening I felt so thankful for the rain because it would help my newly planted flowers get prettier and healthier. That got me thinking about "rain" in my own life...you know, something hard to endure, but in time it helps you grow. During this time there is most likely scary stuff like lightening, but in the end you are better and stronger than before. I realize I'm possibly over simplifying this process, but I'm a simple person...

These are just my ramblings to anyone in a "rain storm" time of their life. Whether you've lost your job, lost a loved one, or are struggling with depression or addiction, don't lose faith. I have endured a few storms, (and no doubt will endure many more since I hope to live a good many more years), as long as any of us hold on to our faith in Jesus Christ we will continue to grow from these storms. Praise God!

2 Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."

Fancy Towels

As many of you know, in addition to working at Decorating Unlimited I paint rooms and furniture and pretty much anything that sits still. Most of this week was spent painting for a couple in Plains. Besides going above and beyond to make me feel totally welcome and at home, they are just adorable! They fed me a home cooked lunch and told me they "enjoyed visitin' with me". I assure you, the feeling was mutual. These folks are precious.

The second morning I came to work the lady of the house showed me where the towels were in case I needed one (I was working in the bathroom). Laid out in front of me was a very pretty set of monogrammed towels that I would not dare come near with paint on my hands. "I never wanted anyone to use these", she explained. "They were special because they have my initials on them, but now they've rotted because they've sat unused for so long." She pointed out holes in the towels and we laughed a little at the irony in that fact. As we turned to leave the room she laughed again and said "Why did I save them? It's not like those are anyone else's initials!". 

The idea stuck with me throughout the day as I continued painting. She saved something for use at a later time and yet, because it was unused it rotted away. I began thinking of the talents and gifts that God has given us, each one specific to us as individuals, like a monogram. Two people may have the same gift, but would use it in two totally different ways. Sadly, some of us (myself included) think we should wait for just the right time to share our gifts or talents, or to serve our community, but while we wait we are wasting time and wasting our God given gifts. The image of those pretty towels with holes in them will be on my mind for a long time and will encourage me to use my God given gifts as soon as possible.