Friday, August 15, 2014

Words That Shape Our Lives ~

I hope your week has been blessed with His goodness and love.

Every year for the past 7 years, I have chosen a word (One Little Word by Ali Edwards) to focus on.

2007 - Live
2008 - JOY
2009 - Best
2010 - New
2011 - Intention
2012 - Dream
2013 - Amazing
2014 - Soar

As He continues to write my story, I am forever grateful for Godly friends, both men and women some of which include my family both far and near.  This year back in April, I had a friend call and prophesy these two words, Trampoline and Flower over me.  The word "trampoline" which came with the meaning that I would soar to new heights in the days ahead.  The word "flower" which she heard to be the meaning that I would bloom where I am planted in all I do and also that I would help others to bloom more beautifully with love and encouragement.  Love that God continues to write my beautiful story through friends and His word.  

These words confirmed to me that I would continue to focus on the word SOAR and would venture out in FAITH and dream again.  Dream Big and Boldly knowing that God would open the doors He wanted to me to walk through and that it would be up to me to FLY High and SOAR like an Eagle.   I often refer back to Isaiah 40:31, this verse is amazing!

This summer has been perfect in so many ways beginning with our vacation to Gainesville, FL to spend time with my sister at our other sister's home.  Can I just say that EVERY DAY was PERFECT.  Everyday started with my quiet time with God in the backyard nestled between palm trees, singing birds, dragonflies, monarch butterflies, and the yellow, warm sun shining so brightly.  A time to journal His love messages to me, write my love messages to my daughter, and write in my THANKFUL journal.  Every morning included a swim with my nieces and nephews.  It was my heaven on earth.  We spent 2 wonderful and relaxing weeks there and I can't believe all the fun things we did from going to Crescent Beach for the 4th of July, to going to Orange Lake for a day of boating and tubing, to family dinners on Sundays, to our visit with Gramma and Pappy who came from JAX, to going to Mill Creek Farm to feed the retired horses with our carrots and sugar, to painting at DO ART, to riding the airboats through the swamps to find crocs, to shopping, late night swims, to just enjoying whatever the day brought until we fell into bed at night.  I am finding that when we are willing to go with the flow and unplanned happenings that these times end up being some of the most memorable.  I even found time for a massage that Donna found through groupon.  That was a beautiful way to end our vacation and wrapped it with a red bow.  I believe I could have spend the rest of summer there enjoying the life at the pool, laughing and playing with Bry, Bella, Demi, Abs, Levi, and all the Islams, and Ariets who add so much to life with their sweet smiles and love of life.  Truly blessed and grateful that Donn and James are back in FL!!

I hope your summer has been as perfect with those you love.  OUR SUMMER HAS BEEN PERFECT!

The fountain of life in me has been restored and I am ready to be the spring of water for my family.  With the new school year upon along with a new position and season I am BOLDLY running ALL IN and feeling so excited about what is ahead for us.  Demi is entering high school and 9th grade and I am going to be the CONNECTOR between people and companies, how awesome is that?

I hope that you will find this same peace and JOY in the simple things and that you will hug those you love. At the end of the day, living, loving life with passion and purpose.  Sharing His love, your love, and loving your neighbors as yourself.  Sounds so simple doesn't it?  When we lost my 18 year old nephew in a USMC accident in January of this year, it made me realize again just how short life can be and is!  Even if life is not what you thought it would be or you are not in the place you hoped to be, there is so much to be thankful for right where you are.  There is beauty everywhere if you will open your eyes, hearts, and ears to what is right in front of you.  Sometimes we get so bogged down with life and the busyness that we sometimes forget that we have everything we need right in front of us and or when we lose something or someone we love, we are reminded of the gift of life and the same 24 hours we all have to delight in His plan, whatever that is NOW.  It took this vacation and time away to fill up my cup and rejuvenate my soul which has been so tired.  Until this happens again, I will continue to read scripture and books that speak to my heart. I am grateful for His word and my Bible that is my daily source of love and encouragement.

Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 36:7-9 If you want to see how much you are loved, you can read his message to you here.

Blessings,
Diana