It dawned on me this past weekend, that in my attempt to get ready for the "Remember December" classes I have coming up and the kits that I have still to make, I had completely disregarded November, all in one day. Just like that, BAM...November..GONE! It was almost as if once Halloween was over on Saturday, Sunday was all about Christmas and I REFUSE to tell you that we have our Christmas lights up on the house (even though we do! It is a little manly competitiveness we have brewing on our street...)
Anyways, I sent myself directly out to the ol shead-teau to create something (pictured above) to get myself into focus and to be the home for the many "thankfulness-es" & "Great-Full-Ness-ess" I have in my life. I will be adding things to this book through the month and will be sharing them right here on my blog (lucky you!)
Now, do not get the wrong idea, ooohhh no....I am already listening to holiday music (occasionally) but I am going to respect November all month long and at the same time, will also focus on Christmas and my love for all things holiday-ish. Part of my "Thank-ful-ness" stems from the fact that there would be no "Remember December" classes or special blog, no scrapbook paper covered in holly and berry leaves, no die cut dancing snowman throwing glitter in the air, no chestnuts roasting on the open fire....nor any holiday excitement had it not been for one thing...
Jesus.
Hello, duh! and when I think of Jesus, I stop and in my own nerdy, "can-not-pray-out-loud" way and I thank him, for him,
and
for my family that loves me unconditionally
for my friends that support me through thick and thin
for my bible study that teaches, reminds and strengthens my faith
for my blog family, so that when there is a need, I can call out and I know that you will be there
for my feet, so that I can run, focus and pray
for my mind & hands, so that I can create
for my church that gives me so much comfort
for my battles
for ...
for my battles????
yes, for my battles.
Here is the good news of the day...
"You do not have to be perfect to help others" whew! In fact, the worse the battle, the better the helper you will become...that is, after the fact.
Are you picking up what I am putting down????
My battles and my weaknesses may make absolute no sense while they are happening, may be direct result of poor choices and /or circumstances, BUT...they are what I learn from, what I share with you and what I am able to reflect on when I need to be there for someone. I learned this past weekend at church that my greatest ministry will flow out of my pain.
Isn't that strange??
Up until this last Sunday, I truly thought that it was my strong points that were what I was to reflect on when helping others, ya know, like learning and then teaching others how to make a paper flower, or being able to doodle...when really, it is not about a paper flower or the doodle at all...those things are just bonus parting gifts.
So, here are things to remind yourself EVEN WHEN IT IS DARKER THAN YOU EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE....
when YOU are in the midst of a battle, feel like you are underwater, feel like you just can not go on, want to crawl up in a ball, etc...PLEASE try to remember this verse because it APPLIES to every single on of us REGARDLESS of faith or religion...
and just in case you should want to print this out and color it yourself...here is the link.
I know that it will sound completely absurd, but the BATTLE that you are facing, struggling with or will deal with in the future will help you help someone else and that,my friends, is a BLESSING!
