Hey Friends!
What a FULL season this has been! In addition to baseball games, Open Houses, Spring programs, field trips and more field trips ~
I’m also in the midst of things like…..
- preparing for the Speak Up Conference (this year I’m teaching 3 workshops plus a main session – yikes!)
- adjusting to having a high school graduate (sniff sniff)
- journeying with friends wrestling with health concerns, unemployment issues, homelessness, family strife
….all while killing the huge black ants that have decided to invade our yard and home (thankfully the exterminator comes tomorrow). What a month!
Anyone else experiencing a little bit of “fullness” these days??
Somehow I don’t think the “End of Year” craziness is what Jesus was referring to when He said in Him we would experience a FULL life in John 10:10!
How do we survive full, crazy days/seasons?
I am clinging to the words found in Hebrews 12:2 –
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…
When I take my eyes off of Jesus, and look at the circumstances, paper piles, inviations and TO DO lists around me, I easily get overwhelmed!
For today, I will choose to look Up! I will focus on JOY and GRATITUDE! I will not allow my circumstances to get me down!!
So here are the 5 Things (of Many!) that I am grateful for….
1. My first “Skype” interview –
I had the chance to “skype” (video chat) with a teenage Bible study in Christiansburg, VA while they had a Fridy night sleepover! What a blast!
Cindy skyping with girls in VA
The girls watched my video testimony “He Loves Me“, and then discussed with their leader questions they would ask me if they could. All of a sudden…surprise! There I was and each girl asked me their question! (Believe me, they were GREAT questions too!)
Yesterday my mailbox was FULL of precious personal notes. Wow! Thanks to my sweet, new friends in Christiansburg, VA. Y’all are the best!
Sleepover Gang from Trinity Baptist Church
2. Zondervan Taping
Cindy & Karen
What an awesome experience!
Karen is warm, authentic, gifted, and hilarious – and these teachings are powerful!
I love being a participant during Zondervan filmings (this was my 4th time!) – one reason being for the amazing women you get to know while you are there! I loved spending 2 mornings share life, coffee and lunch with this wonderful group.
Let. It. Go. gang
3. Jake’s Graduation
He made it! Jake is now a high school graduate…and I survived graduation, his Open House, and being the mom of a senior. My heart is FULL!
4. Summer Bible Study
Y’all know how much I love teaching God’s Word! Since I’ve been FULL with the “Red Hot Faith” project, I’ve taken a season off from teaching with a group of women.
I HAVE MISSED IT LIKE CRAZY!
I’m so super excited for “Living Balanced in an Unbalanced World” to start in July! Woo Hoo!
(West Michigan friends, we’d love to have you join us! There are a few open slots left – come join the fun!)
5. Field Trips
Benj at Capital
In the past few weeks, I’ve visited the Meijer Gardens, Judge Buter’s courtroom, Michigan’s capital in Lansing….and more!
The field trips may make my days FULL, but I love the chance to hang out with the kids (and the moms!!) – not to mention I learn a ton!
Whew! No wonder I could use a nap! My days have been FULL!
Sweet friends, in the midst of our crazy, FULL days – let’s STOP and reflect on the blessings that are surround us. What’s going on in your neck of the woods? 🙂
What are you thankful for these days? I would LOVE to hear from YOU!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! May your weekend be FILLED to the BRIM with much joy, love, laughter, and wonderful family time.
I thank God for YOU!
Can totally relate to the fullness of this season although the pieces in my life are totally different than yours, like caring for adult parents with declining health, adult children buying and moving to first house, a ministry project that “blew up” to much more than anticipated…so what am I thankful for? A God who promises to be give us wisdom (James1:15), and complete His purpose in us Psalms 138:8. I’m thankful for a husband who loves the Lord and is willing to learn and walk through this new season with me and a college-aged god-daughter who is cleaning my house right this minute!
Amen, Jody, Amen! 🙂
Hi Cindy!!! I can relate completely!!! In my case the fullness often comes from my own doing…putting too many things on my plate that shouldn’t be there (like the blog post I just wrote where we somehow decided to celebrate my daughter’s 5th birthday 3 times over one week!!!) I need to learn to simplify!!!
That said, there are SO many things that make our lives full that are good and just the stuff of vibrant family and church life…I find myself going back and forth between feeling SO blessed at all that I have and have in my life and feeling discouraged by all I have in my life!!!
Oi!! We’re all such a work in progress, aren’t we?!
I LOVE hearing about all the wonderful things going on in your life and thank you for the verses. You are such an encouragement!!! Praying for you today.
Hi Lisa 🙂
You always make me smile! I love your authenticity and vulnerability! Thanks for your prayers. Enjoy your family time this summer! 🙂
I love your thankful heart.
Thanks, Denise! I appreciate your encouraging words (always!) 🙂
Always a blessing to stop by and read your rich entries. May the Lord supply you with the energy and strength you need as you “go forth” in His name.