Why I do what I do

Why I do what I do…

For those of you that have known me a long time, you know that I’m a designer, and that I also am a network marketer.  For me, interior design began as a child in my great grandmother’s dollhouse that I was blessed to inherit.  I collected furniture and rearranged the rooms regularly, seeing how the spaces could be set and reset.  As soon as I was old enough to have a bit of leg strength, Mom said I would lock my door and she would hear my bedroom furniture being pushed around the room.  I could lie on my back and scoot the furniture around by pushing it with my feet. (If only I had come up with the concept of those little ‘man mover’ discs back then!) I was quite persistent and got pretty good at reinventing my space.  Once the door unlocked again, she could then come see my ‘new’ room. 

I have always loved color and fabrics, and just before I went to college, I learned how to do personal color analysis from one of the leaders in that concept at the time.  It was a great way to make some extra money while in school, plus I loved doing it. Most of you have probably never even heard of the idea, it was that long ago (yes, I am THAT old, lol!).  Once I was properly trained, I would drape clients in lots of different solid fabrics and we would see what palette suited them best.  Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall, or sometimes a bit of a combination was best.  Then we would find the right shades of makeup and their best metal for jewelry.  My clients would leave feeling great, with a little plastic flip/fold sleeve with mini fabric samples of their color family, and tailor made sheets to help them shop. (Believe it or not, when you wear ‘your colors,’ your face naturally lights up and you do look your best.)  During my training, I used to go to my instructor’s home where part of the training involved her taking about 300 squares of solid fabric (about 20” x 20”) and scattering them all over the floor.  I would then go through them, fold them and sort them according to season.  There would be lots variations of blues, greens, pinks, yellows, grays, browns, etc.  Once I was finished, she would go through and correct any that I missed, showing me my mistakes.  Eventually my stacks were always correct.

I believe as we move forward in our lives, the gifts and talents God gave us initially build upon each other, and if we are willing to learn, we get better and better at everything we do.  My mad moving skills as a child gave me a start into being able to recreate spaces for clients today.  I often go for a consultation and leave with the space already shifted in a new direction. I love working with someone and taking what they already own and reinventing it, or starting fresh and giving them a great new space, often incorporating the old with the new.  I thoroughly enjoy blending colors in ways that can be unexpected, but flow together so that you truly love being in your space.  It all started long ago and has been honed over the years (& years & years ;-) by learning from people better than I, and being willing to learn.

That’s the designer side of me.  The network marketer side began with my parents, especially my Dad.  Dad had a heart for people and he loved to serve, encourage and support everyone.  Anytime our doorbell rang and someone was selling something, he’d invite the person in and let them share what they had to offer.  Mom used to buy Avon, and I always loved getting the little sample lipsticks that were dropped off with her order.  When the Rainbow vacuum salesman came and dropped dirt on our floor and showed Dad all that came up with it, he bought a vacuum.  I must admit, I still use a Rainbow today because it does its job quite well, making my home feel and smell clean (which makes me smile).

Dad was a podiatrist, so he had a pretty significant career, but he also got into network marketing selling a health product called Barley Green.  This was long ago, when network marketing was a new concept and not very widespread.  I can still picture how his eyes lit up as he shared this new drink and all that it was doing for him.  We all got healthier a bit, and at the very least, we put some good things into our bodies to counter act the sodas and such.

I first started network marketing in my 20’s with a cosmetic company.  I had a great job at the design center in Atlanta, but I thought this would be a fun add-on.  I did parties, facials, and mixed my color skills in with my new skin care skills.  I thoroughly enjoyed making new friends & getting together for girl’s nights out. I did well and my friends loved how their faces looked and felt.  It was a win/win.  I can’t remember why I stopped, but I think it was when I left to study in Paris.

Over all the years, design has always been a constant.  I worked at the design center for a long time, and then I worked for one of the top designers in the field for a few years.  I’ve owned my own design business for many years now and still absolutely love doing it.  It makes me smile J

During these same years, I’ve gone in and out of network marketing while designing.  I’ve always chosen a company whose products are excellent and bring value to my life and the lives of my clients.  Many of you have supported me along the way, and I do so appreciate you! I loved making memory books and seeing the stories of my friend’s lives unfold on the pages of their albums.  I enjoyed helping people decorate their homes and bring a little light into their life with candles that burned better than any on the market.  I smiled as I moved into the health and wellness side of things and shared (with a twinkle in my eye) what was making me feel better than ever. 

I was asked the other day why I recently changed companies after 5 years…was something wrong with the one I’ve been with?  Absolutely not.  The short answer is simply that I found a stellar company whose products are clean and have been successfully sold worldwide for almost 30 years, and they work better for me personally.  Plus, I know it will also be better for my clients.  We offer a 100% money back guarantee, so I can share knowing that the company stands behind our products fully and completely, which I’ve not had previously.  Overall, I truly believe that most products sold through network marketing are superior to others out there because the dollars spent are going into the product instead of into overhead, rent, etc.  Am I doing well?  Yes.  One, because I have something to share that actually can make your quality of life better, and two, because I work hard to learn what I can to be the best me I can be.  I try hard not to be ‘pitchy,’salesy’ or ‘spammy,’ because no one wants that. (If I’ve ever come across that way to you, I apologize!) However, if I hear you mention something, and I know that I have a product that can truly help, I may reach out to you, simply because I’d hope you would do the same for me.

Like my father, I love to serve, encourage and support those around me.  If I need a tool for my kitchen, I will try and order it from a friend that sells Pampered Chef or Tupperware.  If a neighbor opens a restaurant, I’ll go and take friends.  When a colleague is walking to raise money for a charity, I’ll donate.  When what I choose to use is available through someone I know, I’ll always try to support him or her, whether it’s through networking or traditional means.

Why do I do what I do?  I love life.  I enjoy meeting new people, building relationships and sharing this journey together.  It makes my heart happy when I get to help you make your home a place you love to live.  It also blesses me when I can share something with you that can make your day better and add to your quality of life.  And, quite honestly, we like having an additional stream of income to help us out along the way.

So, if you’re in need of a product or service, reach out to me…if I can’t help you personally, I’m sure I can recommend someone great to you (I have a lot of resources all over).  However, if you could use some help making your home or office the best it can be for you and your family, I’d like the opportunity to serve you. And if, like me, you find that along the way you need to lose some weight, or find your skin sagging south more than you’d like, or maybe your joints are letting you know who and where they are, or you simply want toxin free things like toothpaste, shampoo, skin care, or dish or laundry detergent…I’m your girl ;-) You don’t have to stalk my page to try and figure it out…simply reach out and ask me.  I’ll share and see what may work for you.  I look forward to serving you and sharing life together.

Life is short…let’s live it well!

Deborah 

An Easter Memory

I woke up early this morning flooded with memories of an Easter Sunday almost 30 years ago.  I felt compelled to share.

It was my senior year of high school.  For years I had been asking my Dad to let me go to Panama City, FL for spring break (like all of the ‘hip & cool’ kids).  This year he said YES!  The thing was, he included about 5 families from church & switched it to Fort Walton.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but I’d take it.

The last day, Saturday, we were all on the beach soaking up the sun and swimming in the surf.  The rip tides became incredibly strong and a precious friend’s husband was caught in them.  My sister and some friends were in it as well, but they had a float.  Several men went to try and help, almost getting caught themselves.  Finally, they managed to get everyone to the beach.  Bruce, however, could not be revived.

The rest of the day was a blur.  Mom & Dad helped do all that’s required in a situation like this.  Everyone packed up and we headed back home late that evening.  I rode with another family so Susan and her baby boy could ride with my parents.

As we were pulling into the Atlanta area, the sun began to rise.  Our church was having a sunrise service, and we arrived just after it had begun.  Looking back, the timing was perfect.  Everyone was already singing, so we could slip in and find a spot without having to do any talking.

I sat next to Susan, and the song that was ringing out was ‘He’s risen, Hallelujah; He’s risen, Hallelujah; Hallelujah…’  Susan was on her feet.  She threw her arms in the air, and with tears streaming down her face, she worshipped the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

As I teenager, I was incredibly impacted by her response.  She was doing what was in her heart to do, and her heart was seeking and crying out to the One who could bring her comfort and peace.  Her whole world had just been rocked, yet she still worshipped the Father with every ounce of her being.  

Little did I know that 11 years later, I would be the young widow.  My response was exactly the same.  Not because I was copying her, but because I knew Jesus the way she knew Him, and there was no other response. 

Do you know Jesus?  Have you asked Him to be Lord of your life?  If not, simply ask and He will.  He promises to do so, and I promise you’ll never be the same again.  “Ask, and it will be given to you; see, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  Matthew 7:7

“Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, Oh my soul; worship His holy name.  Sing like never before, Oh my soul; I’ll worship His holy name.”  ~ Matt Redman

Have a wonderful Easter!

Matt Redman's song

Sticks & Stones...

It's been so long since I've taken the time to write, but I was compelled to do so this morning.  As I read the daily devotional from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, I was reminded of how a simple truth, taken to heart, can absolutely change your life.

Funny thing is that the last blog post, which was almost a year ago, was about a simple truth that has revolutionized my life.  No longer do I waste time looking for lost or misplaced things--I just pray Mark 4:22 and God helps me find them quickly.  HUGE time and sanity saver!
So, today's entry reads as follows:

"WATCH YOUR WORDS DILIGENTLY.  Words have such great power to bless or to wound.  When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself.  This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege, granted only to those I created in my image.  You need help in wielding this mighty power responsibly.

Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communications are quite different:  Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.  Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak.  I have trained you to pray-'Help me, Holy Spirit'- before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you.  If they are silent, pray before speaking to them.  If they are talking, pray before responding.  These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence.  In this way, your speaking comes under the control of My Spirit.  As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you."

In the kid version of this book, she quotes the saying "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," and acknowledges that this is not true.  Words have the power to leave a much deeper scar that can last a lifetime, or an encouraging echo that continues beyond.

When I think about the effect of words, I often think of my father.  I was a 'daddy's girl,' and I love that my girl is too.  While growing up, Dad used his words to guide and correct me, of course, but also to build me up.  All along, anytime I thought I could possibly do something, he not only told me I could, but made me think I'd be the best in the world.  He was a podiatrist, and over the years I worked in his office.  Whenever he was with his patients, you could always hear him telling them about the accomplishments of his children.  They may have been retold with the embellishments of 'fish stories,' but oh what it did for a daughter's heart to hear her father esteem her before his friends and colleagues. He's been gone for 17 years, but his encouragement echoes in my heart still.

So often now, comments & responses are given in "quick-witted retorts," as Sarah Young wrote. Sometimes they can seem clever, but a lot of the time they have a bit of a barb to them, intentional or not.  I've noticed that there are now so many remarks that come in the form of a question, rather than a statement.  For example, if someone did not like the way you were handling something, instead of saying something like, "If you don't mind, I'd prefer that it be done this way," they might say, "Do you really think that's a good way to do it?"  The first makes a correction...the second implies much more & is often accompanied by a sarcastic or cynical tone.

I caught myself doing this not long ago and it gave me pause.  Correction is necessary and is actually welcome a lot of the time.  When I work with or serve someone, I want to do so in a way that would bless them.  If there is a better way to accomplish something, I truly want to know.  When my daughter does something incorrectly or misbehaves, she is much more likely to embrace the correction if my words are chosen wisely and my tone is one of correction, as opposed to criticism.

Right now in America there are so many words being printed, posted, shared and even shouted.  From social issues to political issues, voices are crying out to be heard.  May those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose take a moment to invite Him to filter our words so that we can accurately express the heart of the Father.  Whether it is in our own home with our families, on public platforms, or through all the other avenues available today, 'May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.'  (Psalm 19:14)

Just as a simple prayer using a scripture has brought hidden things to light, and consequently made my everyday life so much easier, so can a quick request of the Lord to help us before we speak transform our every moment into ones filled with Grace and Peace.

"So then, my brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."  James 1:19 

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."  Proverbs 17:27

May you be blessed~

Sharing secrets, shining lights...

As I'm writing this, it's a lovely September morning in Mobile, AL, and I'm beginning to fill my home with little accents of oranges, browns, leafy greens, and rich reds.  We don't get the incredible leaf experience of the north, but I can create that crisp, yet cozy feeling inside, even if the temperature continues to climb outside.

Fall is one of my most favorite seasons, and being in the south, I really love when you have a moment or two when it FEELS like fall.  This morning is one of those moments, and I am savoring every second of it.

Have you ever have someone share a piece of information with you, just in conversation, and then you go back to it over and over?  Has it ever made a real difference in you daily life?  That happened to me a couple of weeks ago, and since it has blessed me again & again, so I thought it might bless you.

I was helping with a wedding reception for some friends when there came a bit of a frantic search for something among all of the guests.  Turns out, the photographer was taking an picture of the groom's wedding ring, on top of the cork, on a bottle of champagne.  The cork blew off, and the ring disappeared.  (Thank goodness, the bride & groom were outside having a bite to eat and enjoying the band, so they didn't have to be in the throws of the ring search.)  Shortly thereafter, the lost ring was found.  Now, it was not found on the floor, or on a table...it was hidden inside the curve of the fondant bow, on the tippy top of the bride's cake!  A friend had taken her camera, held it high, and took a shot to see up there, thus finding the groom's ring, nestled in his bride's cake.  (They cut that particular portion to share :-)

Chatter about it abounded for a few moments.  I, too, was talking about it to a friend, and he shared something profound with me.  He said that he has found so many lost things, much more quickly, by praying a particular scripture.  He said he couldn't remember it word for word, but it basically says the hidden things will be brought to light.  He gave a couple of examples of times when he or his wife were searching for something, as soon as they would pray that scripture, they always found what they were looking for quickly.  Moments before the ring was discovered, he had prayed that the hidden ring would be brought to light, and it was.

Now, I have prayed for God to help me find lost things before, and He has.  But there was something that stuck with me about that moment, that conversation, and it came to me again and again over the next few days.  Such a simple thing, yet not.

Prayer is indeed a powerful tool, but praying the scripture is like the best of the best!  Have you ever had your child pull out some truth that you have taught him or her, at just the moment it was needed, and 'stand' on it because s/he knows it to be true?  It's a beautiful thing to behold!  I believe God finds us standing on His Word and grabbing hold of its truth beautiful to behold as well.

Let me give you some personal examples...I was heading out to a photo shoot, and I could not find my camera anywhere!  I looked, Rick looked, we all looked.  Even though a professional photographer was going to be taking the shots, I wanted to look through my lens to see the angles of the room, details of vignettes, etc.  I almost got frustrated, then I remembered the conversation with Dennis and grabbed my bible.  I couldn't find the verse, but as I was loading the car, I prayed anyway saying, "Lord, you know Your word says something somewhere about the hidden things being brought to light, and my camera is hidden from me now, but You know right where it is...please show me."  I put my box in the back of the vehicle, then looked way under the seat and there it was.

This same kind of things happened a few times before I had the chance to actually sit down and find the actual verse.  From a key, to Kathryn's shoes, to a document filed in one of those "I'll never forget where I put this places"... Each time, I would pray quicker and quicker, before I even had a chance to get frustrated.  I figure God doesn't want us wasting time looking for things that He can reveal to us right away.

Finally I took the time to search the scripture and find the actual verse.  It is Mark 4:22.  I don't have it memorized yet, but I am working on it.  The NIV says, "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open."  The NKJV says, "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light."

This verse, or the various translations of this verse, have been ruminating with me this week.  Not only for finding things that have been lost, but for matters of the heart as well.  For me personally, I do want those things that are hidden in me that don't need to be there anymore brought to light and dealt with.  (Truth be told, it makes me a little nervous writing the above sentence, but I do mean it, come what may.)  I also want God to show me the things that my daughter may try and hide so that truth will be revealed.  I know He did that for my Mother...there were things that she never should have known except for God shining His light on it for her.  I wasn't so grateful then, but am immensely grateful now.

Just last night I was looking for a very small something in my rather full garage.  After about 30 seconds, I spoke that scripture (to the best of my recollection), out loud, and literally the next place I turned, there my little bag was.  It made me smile.  Some might chalk it all up to coincidences, but I know it's much more.

Sitting and sipping my cup of Joe this morning, I was reading the October pastoral letter from Charles Simpson, and several bits of it jumped out at me with regard to all of this.  In it he wrote, "There is something uniquely powerful about the spoken Word (see Psalm 29; Romans 10:14-17)"  He continues with, "Sound has power, uniquely so when that sound is the voice of God, by whatever means He may use."  He also states, "The Word was specific and to a specific individual.  The Word of God is not vague...The Word was personal and taken personally."  Actually I could keep quoting and quoting, because there is so much in his letter that is so applicable, but I'll just encourage you to read the whole thing at http://csmpublishing.org/pastoral_full.php?pastoral=150 (be sure to look up the scripture references also).

Now you may, or may not, have a relationship with the Lord where you share your day to day experiences with Him.  You may, or may not be sure that He is even real.  I know to the core of my being that He is real, and I would not be alive at this moment if He had not spared my life, on more than one occasion.  But if you are unsure of Him or His desire to be part of even the most intricate, tiny details of your life, give it a go.  Next time you are searching for something, be it a tangible thing, or a matter of your heart, or even something with your kids, ask Him to reveal what is hidden...to bring that which is concealed out into the open.  It's not a test, it's just an opportunity for Him to make Himself known to you.  Speak the Word out loud, let His voice ring out through yours, and watch Him reveal His unique power to you personally.

The words that we share, through stories & testimonies of God in our daily life, may not seem like a big deal at the time, but they can bring light and life to those around us.  Just as a flash illuminates the dark corners and details of a room, so the Word illuminates the light of Christ in us.  Thanks, Dennis, for sharing with me, and in turn, sharing with those of you who read this.  Don't keep your God moments a secret--bring them out into the open and see what He'll do with them.

Mark 4:22 (the Message)
"We're not keeping secrets, we're telling them; we're not hiding things, we're bringing them out into the open."

Blessings to you, this beautiful day~may your light shine brightly!       Deborah

                                                       Carlos Prieto Photography

Jump & jive, I'm 45!

This morning when I woke up, my first thought was to thank God for making me, putting me in the family I’m in, for my lot in life, and for just being my Father.  It was a great start to the day, actually.  This afternoon, I popped on Facebook and saw all of the birthday greetings...definitely makes a girl feel like she has a ‘network’ of friends!  From those that you see every day, to those that you just ‘visit with’ online.  It’s rather fun, really.

You know, I’m an odd bird.  The older I get, the more I enjoy my birthday.  For me, it’s not about parties and presents...it’s about being alive.  Not ‘alive’ in the ‘thank the Lord I’m not dead yet’ mode, but alive in the sense of loving life and living it to the fullest.  

I was remembering some of my ‘milestone’ birthdays.  My 25th birthday was spent in Paris.  (I just decided that my 50th should be, too :-)  I got together with my group of friends from all over the world, and although I did miss being with my family, I felt so grown up.

My 30th birthday fell in the midst of a very difficult time in my life.  But a dear passel of friends, in Hebron, MS, threw me a surprise party, and I felt loved and encouraged.  The  next few years took me to from the valleys of immense grief & sorrow, to the mountaintops of inexplicable blessing & joy.  

Along came the 40th...truthfully, I couldn’t wait!  I was so looking forward to being 40, and had been for a year or two.  I knew that it was going to be a step into a new decade full of incredible God moments.  I can’t explain it, but I did wake up that morning feeling...smarter.  You just never know what’s coming, but on that very day, God put it on my heart to be open to having a mastectomy.  Happy Birthday to me!  :-)  

Short version of a long story...He reminded me of a book my aunt had given me on breast cancer and dairy, so I ‘took the day off’ and read.  Sort of an odd way to spend your 40th birthday, but I enjoyed it, felt His favor, and spent a quiet day with the Lord and an odd choice for a book.  Little did I know how that day would come back to me & comfort me, time and time again, throughout the following year.

So, here I am, forty-five and happy to be so.  I’m not ‘forever 29,’ ‘forty-something,’ or any of those phrases that try to disguise.  I feel like a fine wine ~ I think I get better and better the older I get.  With every passing year, I feel better in my own skin (even though my Wii Mi goes ‘doyyyinng’ and ends up looking like a gourd on Wii Fit).  I have laugh lines around my eyes, but praise God I’ve had joy in my life!  I do have to wear reading glasses IN ADDITION to my contacts now, but I don’t have them on a bedazzled chain...yet.  If gray hair is a crown of wisdom, I’m one wise woman...but that one I’ll grow into “Nice & Easy” ~ I wouldn’t want Kathryn’s friends to think I’m her grandma!

So I encourage you today~be who God made you to be.  Embrace, enjoy, love & live life to the fullest!  Each moment is a precious present to be continuously unwrapped, given to you by your Father who loves you ~ you beautiful child of God.

And now, even though I'll enjoy all of the 'in betweens,' I can't wait to turn the big Five Oh!

Keep walking...

I am still using Sarah Young's Jesus Calling as a daily devotional, and it was one that I wanted to share this morning.

"Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you.  Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart.  I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you.  Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain.  The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak.  Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy.  All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction.  Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend.  Stay on the path I have selected for you.  It is truly the path of Life."

Have you ever had the feeling that there were 'sparkling surprises just around the bend?'  I know I have, and I do at the moment.  As soon as I read this this morning, my mind was flooded with memories of times that I felt like the scenery was dull at the moment, and the path was difficult, yet there always were sparkling surprises around the bend.  I'll give you some examples...

Starting in 4th grade with glasses, my physical transformation heading downhill (in my opinion) for the next SIX YEARS!  Seventh grade added braces, orthodics (Dad was a podiatrist), and a lovely back brace (after being pulled out of the health line at school with scoliosis).  Top that off with me being in a school play singing, "I feel pretty, oh so pretty, I feel pretty, and witty, and bright..." not so much.  But, once 10th grade rolled around and I was set free of all of my shackles, I was surprised at how sparkley I actually felt.  Plus, I had forged a love for reading :-)

Fast forward to being in my late twenties...ALL of my friends were getting, or had gotten married, and kids were starting to come.  I, of course, had thought that I'd be married by twenty and have a house full of children by this time.  Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy my life at this point, because I got to travel, eat out, buy shoes, etc., but I did hope for my 'sparkling surprise around the bend.'  Then, in the most unlikely of places, at the most unexpected moment, God gave me my 'sparkling surprise.'  This has happened for me not once, but twice, and it is always, always, always worth the wait.

The memories go on and on, from places to live, to jobs to take, to a daughter being delivered straight from the Father.  That story is almost reminiscent of a stork delivery, but it was a heavenly delivery~God is so creative, and clever...I know He delights with us as we experience our sparkling surprises!

So, as you travel down this path of Life, remember that He is there with you, guiding you step by step, and holding your hand along the way.

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."   ~Psalm 16:11 NIV

L'chaim!

Deborah

Swimming with the shark...

What a great tag line for Good Friday, huh?  It reminds me of a message by my pastor, when I was living in Atlanta.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning Mother's Day.  Instead of sharing on the blessings of a woman, the legacy of a mother, you know, those typical Mother's Day messages, he shared a sermon entitled "The Wrath of God"!  I loved it and remember it every Mother's Day with a smile.  So, I thought of him this morning as I felt like God wanted me to share this today.

A few weeks ago, I had a dream.  I know, we dream more often than we remember, but this one I happened to remember.  In this dream, my daughter was taking a bath.  She LOVES to take baths, and usually fills the tub with nine million toys, or sometimes chooses just one.  She has an assortment of animals, one being a rubber shark.

In my dream, she was 'swimming' and playing in the tub, but with a shark that was real.  Real fins, real eyes, and real teeth.  She wanted to play with it, but I kept trying to teach her how to push him away when he came near, so he wouldn't bite.  She would say, "But Mommie, he's not going to bite me.  I just want to play with him a tiny bit.  It's OK, I'll be OK."

Again, in the dream, I must have had a screw loose, because I allowed her to stay in there.  I just kept an eye on her.   If the shark came too close, I (calmly, actually) told her to either move out of his way, or to bump him in the nose so he would swim away & wouldn't bite.  And he didn't, at first.  But, after some time, and before you could do anything about it, he took a big bite out of her leg.  That's when the dream ended.

Now, it wasn't that traumatic the next morning for me.  Partly because I only vaguely remembered it, and partly because I knew it was a dream that made no sense...yet.  As the days unfolded, though, I felt like God was bringing it back to my mind to teach me something.

One morning, I was reminded of the dream again.  God took a few moments to share with me.  He said I needed to be careful not to actually put Kathryn in the tub with the shark and expect her to protect herself.  WOW!  He had my full attention.

This particular time, God was very loving and gentle with me.  He didn't scold me for anything, but just wanted to make me aware of the choices that I make in our day to day activities.  I think we are sometimes unaware of the effect some of the outside influences have on our children.  With all of the electronics available now; TV's, movies, computers, games, music...are we really in tune with what is 'swimming' with our children?

Truthfully, I am so grateful and encouraged that God would show me this now, while she is just 6.  We don't engage in anything that I would immediately say, "Oh, that must be a shark," but I am just trying to be aware of the subtle ways the enemy tries get near our children and 'get in their tub.'

So, on this Good Friday morning, I am going curl up on the sofa with my little girl.  We will pull out the Resurrection Eggs read the Easter story together.  I am so very grateful for the sacrifice our Father made.  I am grateful for the obedience of His Son, and this gift of eternal life to all who invite Him to live within their heart.  God is not just waiting and watching to see how we will survive in this 'tub' of life...He is right beside, inside us, guiding us as much as we will allow.  He was, and is, and is to come.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--"  1 Peter 1:3-4

Have an abundantly blessed Easter celebration this weekend ~ He knows you, He loves you, and He gave His life for you.  

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!  Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!" 1 Chronicles 16:31-32