WARNING: A LONG ONE...Grab some coffee, tea...or drink of choice.
We all have a specific "purpose" and several years ago, when I not only "heard" that, but took it SERIOUSLY did I "get it" (no, not "my purpose" but the entire scope of what it means)
I was EXCITED to know WHAT my purpose was, because I never really "knew" what I wanted to "be" when I grew up besides a wife, a mom and a PTA member (hold your comments !!!!).
Insert screeching breaks....
Ummm...It is not like you stand in line, wait your turn and then be handed a slip of paper that tells you what your Purpose is and, "Duh"...it's not really what "we want to be"... (I thought I had to figure it out...)
NOPE.
Our individual purpose is "what we were created to be" and up until a handful of years ago, did I REALLY get it...and I had to "grow through" what I had to go through* to understand it all and now I get it. I mean, I got it...
My Purpose, that is...
and here is the thing, everyone else around you may be able to "see" it and "know it" and even tell you what "it", your purpose is, but until you REALLY get it, you don't...
Oh, I hope I have not lost you because here it is:
I am starting to feel, think and see things differently than I really ever have before and with that, I have to say...
It's not about scrapbooking...(duh)
or doodling.. (eek!)
or making things from paper..(drat!)
or baking things from dough and batter..(whatttt????)
or stitching things from felt...(gulp!)
or painting, stamping or really anything thing else....It, MY PURPOSE is about inspiring, influencing, teaching, reminding and loving all of the above and creating a community around it.
Insert falling confetti, letting colorful balloons fly, blowing party horns, clicking heels like a leprechaun, lighting fireworks..
It only took 42.75 years to figure it out..now I have 42.75 years, give or take, to work it.
Thank YOU for being part of my PURPOSE!
amen.
I love you Stephanie.. and you inspire me everyday! I am so glad, proud, giddy, but mostly.. BLESSED.. to call you a friend!
xoxo
Posted by: Tammy | January 23, 2012 at 06:47 AM
Never mind 'what if?'. We say... "of course you can!"
Posted by: Lisa WrightStuff | January 23, 2012 at 06:47 AM
I am always amazed when we are surprised that His plans and purposes are far greater than anything we could hope or imagine. I am daily blindsided by His grace and mercy and yet I marvel that I am surprised. He is faithful above all else so why would today be any different than yesterday in terms of His faithfulness? (Insert minor head slap here!) I love your doodle; I love the openness of your heart; I love the inspiration you share here on your blog. I can't wait to see where He takes you next as you walk boldly into the future. Wishing you His best!!
Posted by: Elizabeth V. | January 23, 2012 at 06:48 AM
great post!! i'm still figuring out how to put it all down on paper. it's a bit overwhelming.
Posted by: mama bleu | January 23, 2012 at 07:06 AM
I love this so very much. :) And can you teach me to doodle?
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | January 23, 2012 at 07:22 AM
I love this beautiful doodle!! And, I can so relate to your post...the part about how everyone else may see your purpose, and it may take us a bit longer to "catch on". My family, hubby, and friends always tell me where they see me "bloom" the most, and I do know this deep down but just have to figure out how to incorporate it back into my life again. I had a tea room/gift shoppe several years ago and loved it...being with the people was when my heart soared! I don't miss all that homemade cooking and early morning runs to the market getting fresh goodies...but, what I do miss is the people and the connection I was able to share with them. Our class is helping me to see this even more so I'm so excited to be on this journey!! And, happy to be experiencing it with you! Beautiful post!!
Posted by: Ann-Margaret Arnold | January 23, 2012 at 07:42 AM
Thanks Courtney....I am so so excited about the explosion of purpose!! and to YOU!!!!!!... Congratulations on your book..it is on my list to read!! YOU are amazing and I am thinking that together we could insire, influence and create together!!!!!Watch out world...
Posted by: stephanie | January 23, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Thank you for your thoughts and compliments Ann-Margaret...CONNECTION is huge and worth the "homegrown" work!
Posted by: stephanie | January 23, 2012 at 08:14 AM
Mama Bleu, If I can suggest to you..do not force nor push..let it all happen and write it down as it does!!
Posted by: stephanie | January 23, 2012 at 08:15 AM
You my friend are an amazing artist!!!!!!! So blessed that what you see can go from mind to paper so beautifully, so effortlessly! Seems like I should be able to walk in to a Hallmark store and see your doodles on stuff! (monthly wall calendars, mugs, check book covers...) Keep up the beautiful work! And thank you for sharing it will all of us.
Posted by: Cori | January 23, 2012 at 09:39 AM
aahhhh girl....and the best part of your "purpose" is to give all glory and honor to the ONE who made you so perfectly designed to fill this call! And you're doing that with amazing grace and beauty!! Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiration with us....with "God and a list"...all things are possible! :) Doodle on girlie!! :)
Posted by: Marge | January 23, 2012 at 10:57 AM
I discovered your blog like two days ago, and you've already seriously touched my heart! I could gush for an embarrassing long time, but I'll spare you. Please just know that what you wrote about today connected with me. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kelly | January 23, 2012 at 11:06 AM
Your excitement is palpable. I love your sharing style, and I too need a class on doodling!!! See you on HSHB!
Posted by: Wendy Sullivan/Cowgirlz Spa/Wind Gypsy | January 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Who knew that WHY could or would be so important? I was about to give up until it clicked! Now to find the words to match the feelings!
Posted by: Janet Forrest | January 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM
What a beautiful post, doodle, and purpose Stephanie! I so wish I knew mine. :/ Feel like I don't have much of one right now, but your doodle is inspiring me to look!
Posted by: Kate Ware | January 23, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Once you "get it", it all seems to make so much send you're surprised you didn't get it before, right? Love your illustrations...
Posted by: Jen Norton | January 23, 2012 at 03:03 PM
Yay for you! I LOVE this.
Posted by: Shona Whittington | January 24, 2012 at 01:25 AM
Love that "WHY"! It is right on target! Glad we are "family"! Hugs!
Posted by: Staci Shuck | January 24, 2012 at 07:17 PM
Thank you for saying the things that I needed to hear. I have been thinking of my purpose lately as well and you have inspired me to find it ! Thank you.
Posted by: Kristin | January 24, 2012 at 07:38 PM
Wow! I've said it before and I'll say it again...you inspire me big time on all levels! Hope your travels bring you to South Africa soon...you and your family are welcome to come and spend some time with me in Hermanus.
Posted by: Sandra | January 25, 2012 at 01:34 PM
HI Sandra...fingers crossed that I will be returning to one of my favorite places..maybe, dare I say..sooner than later!!!
Posted by: stephanie | January 26, 2012 at 04:43 AM
What a touching post and doodled page. Isn't it marvelous that we live in a time were we CAN be inspirational to so many others in ways we would never have imagined. May God bless you greatly for weaving your faith into what you love to do and share. I've loved your work from the first moment I saw it as part of an interview you did with Lain Ehmann!
Posted by: Kristie | January 29, 2012 at 07:58 AM
It is absolutely amazing... Here I am at a different time and place and I stumble onto your page... I am so inspired... Thanks for being at the right 'place' at the right time... Enjoy Abba Father's input and Be Blessed.
Posted by: Corni van Zyl | April 21, 2012 at 07:03 AM
thank you. it's really inspiring. and thank you for smile, put on my face. what you do is great. glad that i've read this )
Posted by: Marina | July 24, 2012 at 03:14 AM