Petals of Friendship

We're all searching. We may not realize it, but we are. We try to find that perfect thing that will make us feel loved, valued, and complete. And so, we search. We try to find it in our work, our kids, our causes, etc. The list is endless and it provides a temporary fix. We all belong to the same club. A club filled with broken people...in search of. But God sees us. He sees us running to whatever it is that catches our attention for the moment. He sees that we're tired and weary as we pursue what we are truly in search of. And what is that? Love. A Love that can only be found in HIM. And so for me, I pray. I pray I can be aware when I am caught up in my "search". And instead of looking down, to the left or to the right, that I would lift my head and gaze into the eyes of Love. Into the promise of God who says... I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!   Jeremiah 31:3  The Message This Christmas, know this... You a

I recently heard a statement that said September is the new January. I get that!  I am so ready for the crisp weather that's around the corner.  The fall also signifies new beginnings for some of us.  Starting school, new projects, etc.   Yes, I'm a little sad to see summer go, but I am also anticipating what God has around the corner. Since I "retired" earlier this year, I've been busy and one of the things that has been in the works is a workshop I am presenting in September called the Discover Your Personal Mission Workshop. Does that sound intimidating to you?  Well, it might.  But don't check out just yet. What is a mission statement anyway?  Dave Ramsey describes it like this: A personal mission statement defines who you are as a person (or as a team member where you work) and identifies your purpose, whether that’s in the office or simply in life. It explains how you aim to pursue that purpose, and why it matters so much to you. To me, a mission stateme

Blooming in the Gray by Re Kielar A few months ago, I made a huge decision. I decided to retire.   I use the word retired, loosely because I truly feel I have more of me to give in life.   The problem is, I just don’t know exactly what that is.   In January, after undergoing shoulder surgery, I was certain I’d be back to work and slide easily back into place.   Nope.   Not a chance.   The recovery time period was never really explained to me (maybe I wasn’t paying close attention), so I was propelled home after an unsuccessful return to my job.   I found the rest I needed at home, and after more time passed, I finally felt ready for a second attempt to return to work. I was all in.   Sort of.   Something in me was stirring and I wasn’t sure what it was.   I shared my thoughts I had with my husband and he matter-of-factly said a few words that seemed to set me free.   “Stay home,” he said.   I almost asked him to say it again, but I didn’t chance it.   Instead, I cried a str

It has been a tough winter, hasn't it?  We are more than ready for a new season!  For some of us, it might mean a change in a season in our lives, and that could look like many different things. Maybe it's simply a time to get back to the basics of understanding how deeply loved you are.  To really allow yourself to rest in that and to fully invite God into your journey.  Baby steps, my friend! This post include a devotional to help you take one baby step.  You will enter the story of Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well, and will explore the kindness and grace of God. Be bless on your journey- Re A Walk to the Well Devotional - click here

Write your mission statement! In my last post, I talked about purpose.  More specifically, I talked about creating the foundation of your purpose by writing a personal mission statement for your life.  I realize this may sound daunting to some of you, but let's review the benefits of this exercise.  If you had time to consider your spiritual gifts, knowing what those are can be a great help to help you form your mission statement.  Your personal mission statement will: Validate your gifts. Give you direction on what you will and will not do in life. Be an inspiration to yourself, and it will inspire others as they see you working through the gifts God gave you. Give you freedom and clarity, enabling you to live through your God given gifts. Where do you begin? Set aside time for prayer.  Ask God to show you your gifts and talents. Write down moments in your life when you were doing something and you felt most alive. Take note of those moments as they

Purpose.  It’s a word we hear and we can either run to it, or run from it.  If you are drawn to it, then maybe this post is for you.  If you are already thinking this isn’t for you.  Give it a chance.  If anything, you might find a piece of your heart. So, I’m really not going to talk about purpose so much as I am going to talk about the foundation underneath it.   And while we have heard the word purpose a lot, we may not have heard the idea of crafting a personal mission statement. Businesses have them, typically.   But in real life, who really has one and does it resonate the truth of who you are?   I am not suggesting that this becomes a self-serving exercise.   It’s actually the opposite. There is a nudge or stirring in each of us, especially when we reach that midpoint in life that adjusts our focus to look forward to our "second half".   Some people think it's retirement.  Or, maybe you haven't reach that midpoint in life.  That's okay.  The n