Ode to the Dragonfly.

Funny story.

David happened to take Ella outside to play the other evening.  As he opened our screen door, in flew what I can only describe as a dragonfly.  It was big, and it was buzzing loudly.  I let our new little buddy fly around inside for awhile, but when David came back in, I pointed to it and kindly asked him to "take care of it".

Just as a little boy capturing a bug would,  he immediately replied, "This is what my Grandma would always do!" He quickly grabbed a cup and a sturdy motivational mail flyer about starting your own business, and it was go time.  He trapped the dragonfly between the window and the cup.  I could hear the dragonfly's poor buzzing increase and could also hear his head hitting the inside of the cup.  I'm sure he could only be thinking "Get me out of here!!!!"  Soon after, David slipped the sturdy flyer in between the cup and the window.

And then he started to walk the dragonfly and his temporary holding place out the backdoor.

As he walked the little bug out, I could still hear his buzzing and his head hitting the tupperware cup.  "You realize he is terrified right now, don't you?  And he has no idea that he's about to be set free!"

Wow. How profound.

Thank you, dragonfly.  You have served me well with a life lesson.  Next time I try to fly inside--thinking for whatever reason that it might be better in there, I will remember this.  And, when things start to close in on me, just like a blue tupperware cup, I will remember.

Sit still.  Don't give yourself a headache trying to desperately to get out of that cup early.  The cup is a only a temporary ride to get to my new destination.  OUTSIDE.

So, here's to you, dragonfly!! Cheers.

Thank You.

It's been a strange few weeks.  We've hit a few bumps in the road.  Allergies. Low energy.  Strenuous schedules. Family emergencies. And today, a toddler with a fractured tibia and fibula.  Some have been a little more life-altering than normal and some have just been the little things of life.  But when the rain doesn't just rain, but instead pours a little bit, I always have to stop for a moment and ask God what He's up to.  And in addition, I always tend to ask...did I go off course somewhere? Sometimes it's not a matter of me going on a bunny trail---but other times it is.  This time, I'm still figuring it all out.  The path of resistance can be productive or  unproductive.  Either way, God can redeem it, and for that I am so thankful.  And yet, in the process of understanding where the resistance is coming from, I do have a responsibility to ask where my actions and my heart fall in the process.

No matter where that is, and maybe I'll end up letting you know when I find out, I know one thing.  Resistance hates praise.  And so, as I embrace a small amount of suffering, I will still lift up my hands and say thank you.  Thank you for the trials, for learning experiences in which to grow, for Him loving me enough to take me higher--even in the midst of mistakes.

So, I decided I'd start my little journey by sharing with you some of my Thank You's!  I have lots to be thankful for!

1.  I am thankful that my little bug-a-lug lives in a society where she can get a hot pink cast for her fractured ankle...quickly.  What a blessing it is to have the medical facilities that we do in our very own small town!
2. As of October 1st, my same small town has taken flouride out of our city water! Now, some of you may be saying...but what about cavities? No worries.  There are other ways to clean our teeth, and flouride is very toxic! So, I'm celebrating less toxic water to drink, brush my teeth with, shower with, etc.
3. My huh-knee buns has been working on a very big project for work, and it will be available next week!  If you live near a Kroger (or a ton of other places...but who doesn't go to Kroger?! ha!), keep an eye out for the Here's Hope Bible that will be displayed by the registers.  It's an inspirational and testimonial infused Bible with stories from Breast Cancer survivors.  And, well, my huh-knee implemented that baby...and carried it to full term.  You go, babe! Not only am I thankful but so will many breast cancer patients and survivors who read it.  You've shared HOPE!
4. I got a voice over job a few weeks ago.  Oh, yes. I've decided to make a conscience effort to agree with God, and we're making our dreams come true.  And, for those of you who have been reading for awhile, you'll note my favorite number through my whole "believing" process has been 44.  God has used it to confirm my dreams, to encourage me, to heal me.  Well, after I received the email stating that I had gotten the role, I looked back at my audition outbox.  This was my 44th audition.  God, you so crazy good!!!  If you missed the 44's, you can follow here and here.  Oh, and the job? For none other the most delicious of treats.....Reese Peanut Butter Cups.  How fun is that??
5.  In addition to this, I received my paycheck for said job yesterday.  This paycheck has given me the mula I needed to progress with the book I'm writing.  What a provider He is...and what a Believer He is...in me.  And for that, I am thankful.  He's constantly calling me higher...helping me to let go of more...and helping me to receive more. Yay God!
6. It's Fall. Enough said!
7. I am thankful for Ella's toy airplane that often starts "talking" during the most random of times, even when no one is playing with it.  It constantly speaks to me, "C'mon! Let's go! Let's fly around the world!" How is that for encouragement?  Thanks, God, for her prophetically speaking airplane toy that reminds me not to stay grounded...even on hard days!
8. I am thankful that a dear friend, who has had lost two babies in the womb over the last few years, has beaten the odds.  She is about to deliver her full term baby (name and sex to be announced) in just a week or two.  Thank you, God!
9. I am thankful that we just got into the best milk co-op in the good old state of Tennessee! We've been on a waiting list for 10 months.  Organic milk and butter, eggs, and cream....only $2 per item. What a steal! Thank you, God!
10. I am thankful for you all! My readers.  Though I don't always get to write as much as I want to, I am constantly blessed by your emails and Facebook messages.  You are so encouraging and refreshing.  Thank you for supporting me in my process of being free in my writing!

So, with that, I guess it only appropriate to ask...what are you thankful for? I realize that Thanksgiving is still a ways a way, but I want to cultivate a lifestyle of thanks.  Not just for certain days, but every day.  No matter what I'm going through.  No matter if I'm in a bad mood or not.

Let's kick that resistance to the curb!