God's Leadership Moment for Me.

What an amazing sense of accomplishment. We finished the first phase of the BarefootKids make-over. There are some finishing touches and some areas that need attention, but what an impact phase one will make.

As we were working today, God really opened my eyes to what serving and being in leadership is all about. When we allow people to be a part of the vision and encourage people to participate, God will not only do amazing things in the ministry but in the lives involved. I had the honor today of hearing one of our team members express how much joy they received by being a part of the Under the Sea make-over party. How awesome is that. Lives have already been affected.

While working, Nancy Challis stopped me to say, "Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this project. As I turn back to see what has happened in this room, I'm just so excited to see the response of the kids." (wording not exact)

I just have to give praise to God for allowing me to be a part of His team. To help people move closer to him while serving. To see people excited and jazzed about what they're doing to impact the community for a kingdom difference.

I learned so much about leadership from this project. That by encouraging, empowering, and equipping God's people to do what they've been called to do; God will get the glory and lives will be changed. It's nice to be able to allow people who've got ahold of the vision to let loose. Go TEAM!

Thanks again to: Heather Vaughan, Nancy Challis, Chelsea Key, Brandi Edwards, Jennifer Tucholski, Kathryn Dennis, Kina Allen, Shane, Nancy Duprez (for watching Liam), Liam O'Connor (for being such a great kid & supporting his mom), and last but not least Lance O'Connor (my wonderful husband who encourages, empowers, and equips me with his support, love, & understanding). I love you all.

Volunteer Excellence

Wow, what a day. I had a great group of High Capacity volunteers show up to help take our Under the Sea children's wing from a blah environment to a hurrah environment. It's nice to have a team that gets the vision. Being able to lay out the resources in front of a team of people and for everyone to work together to accomplish the same goal is awesome. No one was trying to assert their own creative desires, it was an actual team effort. I love when I can put my selfish, prideful self to the side. My old self would have ordered how to do things and I would've been watching every move each person made. However, this group of volunteers know what the vision is and with freedom to use their gifts and talents, they accomplished greatness. I can't wait to see the faces of the families as they walk in the doors of Under the Sea.

Special thanks to: Heather Vaughan, Nancy Challis, Brandi Edwards, Chelsea Key, Kathryn Dennis, Kina Allen, Laura Weaver, Aunt Nancy Duprez (for watchin little Liam), and Liam O'Connor (his patience with his momma) for their hard work.

Here's a sneak peek, you'll have to stop by in person to see the finished product:

Getting Back on Track

As I sit here and work through an asmtha attack, which I haven't had in a long time. I can't help but think that my creator is trying to get my attention. I sit and write because during these times I often sleep in a way that keeps my wonderful husband up. So, he's taken a head start this evening in getting to bed. My prayer is that when I finally do hit the sack, my breathing will be at peace and not bring about sleep disruption.

So my thoughts are: 1) Am I making wise choices in the things that I eat and drink? 2) Am I getting a good nights sleep? 3) Since my asmtha is usually stress or emotionally induced: are there stressers or emotions going on to contribute to the dilinquencey of air in my lungs? 4) How am I honoring God in the life that I live? 5) What immediate actions can I take today to make a change? 6) What I do, who do I do it for? 7) What do I see others as having more value than myself? 8) Can I focus upward instead of outward? 9) Who is the center of my life? 10) Am I willing to make the changes necessary to get back on track? And who can I ask to be my accountability partner?

Lord, I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray that I allow that to resonate in my heart and not just my head. Lord, my desire is to make you happy in the way that I live and lead my life. I pray that I may be the light that you've called me to be. I pray that I receive wisdom in doing the things that challenge me. I pray that I be able to embrace change and create change in all areas of my life. Change is good. As the leaves fall and winter takes its entrance. The earth begins its preparation for renewal, rebirth, and resurrection. These areas where we feel dead are great because just as Christ died, so have I and I have been reborn into his family.

Embrace change, it's inevitable.