Inspiration for the Morning

This morning as I put the finishing touches on getting ready for the day, I reached down to get a bottle of perfume from the many options under my hand. Which scent should I wear today? I have on a blue shirt, so perhaps I will go with the blue bottle. As I sprayed, I realized I have had this perfume for many years, but somehow it still has some left. Probably because this particular scent only takes a little squirt. It is strong. As I placed the bottle down, I looked down to see what the perfume was called. It was there where I smiled: Inspiration by Lacoste. Just like the perfume smells strong, those that inspire are strong. Inspiration means strength.

As I sat down to read about Jesus and write my prayers and write eucharisteo, I began to think about that word again. Inspiration. Inspiration. Inspiration. I began to thank God for those that inspire me to be better. I prayed that I would be an inspiration to others, that I would not live for naught. That I would use my time in this world for God's purpose and that my inspiration for others would breath out of God's inspiration in me. 

Then, I did what I always do after my time with God: check my email. Because Heaven forbid we go a second without doing that. When I checked my email, I had a few emails from a good friend from Liberty law school. I was delighted to see an email from her because this is no ordinary woman. She is a treasure. The kind of woman you only meet once in a lifetime and when you do, you remember her forever. She is the "remember forever" kind of girl. Then that word hit me again as I read the emails: Inspiration. She is an inspiration. To me and to everyone she comes in contact with. And she makes me want to be a "remember forever" kind of girl too. Inspiration is a pattern. 

You see, she is the girl that the doctors said to abort. That she had a heart problem, and a mineral deficiency and no limbs. But her parents had a different idea. They were inspired by God. They said no to abortion and yes to life. Thus began the journey of inspiration. And she beat the odds because the God of inspiration had a different idea. You see, He gave her legs, and arms, and no heart deficiency, and no mineral deficiency, and a brain that worked well. So well in fact she obtained a degree in Statistics and Actuarial Science from the University of Minnesota. And then a degree in law. Two of the most difficult degrees out there. Yes, she is smart. Because God created her beautifully. Yes, God inspires. As a result, she inspires. You can hear about her story here and you can be inspired too.  

So, in this email, I read a story about my friend and how she has always wanted a car, but they have always been too expensive. But someone was inspired and put her name in the hat to win a car in honor of National Mobility Awareness Month because she is considered a local hero. Heroes inspire. And she said I could vote to help her win a car. And you can vote too by clicking here. And if you click on the green box beside it and get the question right, you get two votes. 

The doctors said she would amount to nothing. Well, I guess the doctors can eat their words. Because the girl I know amounted to something so much more than nothing. She amounted to a friend, an attorney, a hero. She amounted to a divine inspiration of God's faithfulness. 

We serve a GREAT God. His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our ways. He creates each of us in His image and knows us even when we are in our mother's womb. That is the God I serve. "Value does not come from our abilities but in His image and because of the blood of Jesus, we have value."

Yes, inspiration is a pattern. God inspired Kristal's parents through their conviction and His word that their daughter was made in the image of God and had value. He inspired her with His beautiful plan. She inspires me with her strength and testimony. Hopefully you have been inspired as well. So, vote for her to get a car, and if you are inspired spread the word!

Until next time be blessed.....

Journals for the Journey

I know I mentioned that I am taking the journey of Eucharisteo.  I knew it was going to be an exciting journey, but I did not know how good it was going to be. To learn the art of living a life of Thanksgiving and Thanksliving is rich, life-giving. Then I got an idea. How about ask those life friends of mine to take the journey with me? If I have been changed, perhaps they will too. And perhaps we can take this joy dare together and learn what a life of thanksliving means in good company.

I had plans to meet up with these precious sisters. So, I drove down to the store, picked up some journals, making sure they were the perfect size and style to carry around. And then I drove to meet them. And the fellowship began. And the hugs. And so did the eating, stories, and laughs. And I waited until our stomachs were full of good food from our favorite little spot in Waco. And I waited until our hearts were full from the time spent, laughs had, and memories made. Hearts full from that sweet fellowship of sisterhood, SING, and familiarity. Familiarity of a town we used to call home and of each other. This is what I like to call deep communion...life changing communion.

It was here where I shared my own story about how Eucharisteo was changing my life and mentioned that everyone gets their own journal for their own journey into thanksgiving. Only if they want to. No pressure, but I think it could be a journey worth sharing. A lesson in caring for each other's journey.

Our sisters from Zeta did their show, the one where they sang about having the time of their lives. Yes, I did have the time of my life. But as they sang, I realized, I am still having the time of my life. I guess that is what they call the good life, not the perfect life where nothing goes wrong, but definitely a good life. A content life. Especially now that this is a life of learning eucharisteo. Yes, sisterhood communion was good. If only twelve hours in each other's company, it was good, sweet communion. Needed communion.

And so the journey of sisterhood continues. But I hope the journey of sharing Eucharisteo is just beginning.