Archive for the 'Friends' Category

Where Have I Been?

Published August 25, 2010 Family , Friends 3 Comments

Summer is over for us. The kids went back to school on August 16th. What did I learn on my summer vacation? I learned it is difficult for me to write when I have my kids 24/7. They exhausted me (mostly in a good way)! So, I had little time to write but lots of time to enjoy my kids.

Here are some highlights of our summer:

 Chelsea’s dance recital in the beginning of June.

Trip to NY in June.

My favorite thing about NY (beside seeing my family). The best pizza in the world (IMHO).

Hanging out with my new friend at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in S. Deerfield, MA.

If you love butterflies, check out Magic Wings. Thousands of beautiful creations flying all around you and sometimes landing on you. (My kids weren’t too excited about the landing-on-you part.)

 

Free car wash for Mommy!

Caleb’s third year of baseball at the Y.

Fifth tooth lost while Mommy was at She Speaks. Daddy had to be the Tooth Fairy!

Romantic weekend get-away to Chateau Elan for our 10th anniversary. Woohoo!

Summer was also days at the pool, s’mores, running through the sprinkler, 4th of July concert and fireworks, morning devotions, playgrounds, Friday nights at Grandma’s, reading time, Backyard Bible Club, picnics, the zoo with friends, a day at the water park, and lots of ice cream!

She Speaks Conference 2010

Published July 16, 2010 Blogging , Faith , Friends , She Speaks , Writing 16 Comments

The conference is only two weeks away! I’m excited about returning this year and meeting new friends who have a heart for the Lord.

I noticed a lot of comments on the conference blog about tips and advice, and a couple of people have contacted me asking questions, so I thought I’d share some thoughts about last year’s conference.

I was nervous last year because I was rooming by myself, and I only knew one other person attending. I thought it was going to be an ultra-professional, ultra-competitive environment. It was the complete opposite! The conference (and the atmosphere) was encouraging, uplifting, worshipful, and inspirational.

It was a group of women (mostly young moms) just like me! A group of women who love God and want to use their gifts and talents for God. A group of women with dreams and goals, searching for direction from God.

Lysa TerKeurst made it clear during one of the general sessions that it’s not about competition. It’s about encouraging each other. If you go with the attitude that it’s all about you and your agenda, you’ll miss the whole point.

Cheri Keaggy was the worship leader last year, and she did a fantastic job of leading us to the heart of God during all the general sessions. I felt the Proverbs 31 team organized the conference in such a way that all the women attending could hear from God.

So ladies, relax! Go with the attitude that you will be surrounded by loving women who are very similar to you. Be ready to meet new friends and make connections that can only be explained by the hand of God. Consider it a privilege if someone shares her heart and dream with you! Go with an open spirit to hear a special word from God just for you.

Practical tips:

Some of the rooms are very cold. Bring a sweater. I wore dress pants each day.

Last year, Proverbs 31 gave everyone a notebook. It contained notes with outlines or fill-in-the-blanks for all the sessions/classes. This was extremely helpful. I assume they will be doing this again this year. I brought a journal to take notes, but I didn’t need it. I also carried a small Bible in my purse.

Bring some business cards. I got mine from www.vistaprint.com

Take some time to get alone with God. Last year, there was a prayer/meditation room set up. I went in the room, and it was awesome! In addition to a quiet peaceful place to pray, there were tables with the names of God and a verse printed on papers. Under each name of God, the Proverbs 31 team placed the names of every person attending the conference. It was incredible to find my name and read about the character quality of God that was selected especially for me.

The most awesome thing about going to She Speaks was knowing that the team prayed for me by name, and I felt covered in prayer. I knew it was not an accident that I was there. It was a divine appointment.

I hope to meet some people online before the conference. Leave a comment with your website. I’d love to check out your blog, or send me an email if you don’t have a blog.

Overwhelmed

Published May 27, 2010 Faith , Friends , God Lessons 6 Comments

(I tried to think of a photo that depicts stress, and I remembered the day Caleb had his first hair cut. I think this is the only picture I have of either of my children crying. I didn’t want a bunch of pictures reminding me of unhappy moments. I’m thankful mental pictures fade over time.)

Last week I started to feel overwhelmed. A lot of things were piling up. One of my children has been dealing with much anxiety. The death of a friend. Lots of extra activities and volunteering at school. Feeling chronically behind in all my chores and to-do tasks because of our sick April. Trying to be all things to all people. And a few other things.

God reminded me that I can handle all these things. Not because I’m Wonder Woman. But because His grace and power enables me to deal with everything that comes my way, IF I give them to Him and stop trying to solve problems by myself. Did I listen to Him? Yes. Did I allow His gentle reminder to sink into my heart? No. I just kept plugging along, pretending I was fine, and WHAM, I had a meltdown on Tuesday.

I prayed. I sent a message to a friend, and I asked her to pray. I thought I was going to be okay. But then more stress was dumped on me, and I felt helpless. I talked to Kevin after the kids went to bed, and I just cried everything out. Nothing like a good cry to relieve stress.

The next day? I was a different person. Happy, calm, secure. The only explanation is God. I didn’t come up with some grand solution to all my problems. I just knew everything was going to be okay. I knew God has all the answers, and little by little, He will give me the guidance I need to deal with all the unexpected circumstances that pop up.

Thank you to Kevin and TZ for praying for me. I was in the place where the only thing I could think to say was, “Help me, Jesus.” So I know your words moved the heart of God. Thank you for speaking to Him for me.

“Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:15

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 (AMP)

Winners!! (and tidbits)

Published May 21, 2010 Blogging , Books , Friends , Giveaways 2 Comments

Thank you to everyone who celebrated my blog’s two-year milestone with me this week! I had fun doing the giveaway! I sent your names to random.org last night, and they chose Rachel and Jessica as the winners! Congrats, friends!

Rachel, I’ll email the Barnes & Noble gift certificate to you. Jessica, please send me your address, and I’ll mail the book to you. Happy reading, ladies!

This has been a busy week with some challenges, but God is good, and He continues to lead and guide us. He made a promise to his children to hold their right hand and walk with them through everything, and He has kept His promise to me. (Isaiah 41:13)

Before I go, I wanted to share a few tidbits about my blog since this week is all about my baby. If you haven’t read the history of my blog, it’s right here. In the first year, I only wrote 31 posts. In the last 12 months, I posted 85 times. I would love to post every day, but I’m still learning how to keep everything balanced in my life. It’s been a good learning experience!

Thanks again for joining me on this journey…have a great weekend!

Second Blogiversary and First Giveaway

Published May 18, 2010 Blogging , Books , Friends , Giveaways 13 Comments

My blog was born two years ago today!

Until about a month ago, I had never heard of blogiversaries. I was hopping around the blogosphere, and I noticed some blogs had countdowns to their blogiversaries. When you spend a lot of time on your blog, it does become like a baby to you, so why not celebrate its birthday?! It’s always fun to find new reasons to celebrate.

So I’m having my own little blogiversary party this week! Several of you have spoken to me and commented and sent encouraging messages and emails about my blog adventure, and you have blessed me! Thank you! I have had a blast with this thing!

To celebrate and to say thank you and to share the love, I’m doing my first giveaway!

Because I love books, I’m giving away…

A $20 online gift certificate to Barnes & Noble.com

and

Daisy Chain by Mary E. DeMuth (scroll down to read a description of the book)

To enter, post a message about the party on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email. You could write something like, “Check out my friend Lisa’s blog at www.fulfillingmypurpose.com. She’s doing a cool Barnes and Noble giveaway this week!”

Then come back here, and leave a comment, telling me you posted a message to a bunch of your friends.

On Thursday night, www.random.org will choose two winners, and I’ll let you know who wins on Friday. :-)

I received this book last year as a gift from Zondervan at a writer’s conference. (I attended a session by the author.) Since I rarely read fiction, and it has been sitting on my dresser, I would love to give it to someone who enjoys fiction.

Here’s the back cover copy:

“A picture-perfect small town hides more secrets than the curved petals of a blood red rose. In the summer of 1977, innocent young Daisy Chance goes missing. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper has a sickening secret: He’s convinced it’s his fault.

“As Jed follows the trail of clues Daisy left behind, he traces the path of pain hidden in his own family as well. When Jed’s carefully constructed world comes crashing down, will he dare to find hope? Or will his guilt crush him forever? Haunted by Daisy’s memory and pierced by the shattered pieces of a family in crisis, this achingly beautiful southern coming-of-age story brings to life God’s sometimes confusing but always present redemption.

“Mary DeMuth loves to write about turning trials to triumph. Her debut novel, Watching the Tree Limbs, was a Christy Award finalist. Both it and its sequel, Wishing On Dandelions, were finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year. Mary’s nonfiction books include Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God, Building the Christian Family You Never Had, and Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture. Mary recently moved back to Texas with her husband, Patrick, and their three children, after spending two and a half years planting a church in southern France.”

Saying Good-bye

Published May 15, 2010 Faith , Friends Leave a Comment

A good friend of mine from high school passed away on Wednesday. Kenny was 34 years old. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I am praying for them.

I’m disappointed I won’t be able to make the 800-mile trip for the funeral, but I’m thankful I was able to re-connect with Kenny through Facebook over the last several months.

This difficult situation reminds me how life is fleeting. None of us is promised tomorrow.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

I’m grateful there is hope beyond this life. To all who receive Christ and believe in his name, he gives the right to become children of God. (John 1:12) …if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good-bye, Kenny. Thank you for being a true friend. See ya on the other side.

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Published April 11, 2010 Blogging , Friends 22 Comments

Welcome to the party! I’m looking forward to “meeting” lots of new bloggers, and I hope my new friends enjoy this little peek into my world. Glad to see you here too, old friends! Click on the button above, and have fun finding some great new blogs!

I’m an east coast girl. Raised in the North, transplanted in the South.

My blog is part of a 33-year journey in discovering why God put me on Earth and what it means to fulfill the purpose He has given to me.

Here are the kiddos. They are older now (7 and 4), but it’s sweet for me to look back at these toddler/baby years. You’ll see pics of Caleb and Chelsea on here often because I’m doing Project Life this year, and I share most of the daily pictures I take (POTD=Picture of the Day).

Another passion I have is pursuing good health and natural living. I have a little love affair going on right now with organic fruits and veggies and all-natural whole foods. So I post about things that make me healthier, and I also share some yummy recipes.

Most importantly, I am a friend of Jesus. He has rescued me from some desperate places, and I love to share what He has taught me. So you’ll see His name here quite a bit.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you will visit again soon.

Hey! Before you leave–there are some cool prizes to win at this blog party (and you don’t have to have a blog to win!). Check out the list. Here are my faves:

US67 – DaySpring’s Blessings Unlimited Blessings Blocks – A distressed white-finish frame holds nine colorful blocks with letters and symbols. Value $39.00
Provided by: Sandra Joseph

US22 – A fun Beach themed gift basket filled with an assortment of hair bows and clippies from ribbonrockstar hairbows. (Prize Value: $50)

US6 – Hand Stamped Personalized Necklace valued at $48 The Double Stacked A Lot Of Love.
Provided by: Kristen’s Custom Creations

USC 19 – A free ring of the winners choice.
Provided by: Beadworks by Marcy

Also wouldn’t mind winning US11, US31, US32, or US52

For My Friend (and me!)

Published April 1, 2010 Family , Friends , Nature , POTD 2 Comments

I want to introduce you to my friend Marla Taviano. She’s a fellow Cedarville grad, but I didn’t meet her at CU. We graduated in the same year, probably shared some classes, and maybe even sat at the same table at Chuck’s (the cafeteria), but I don’t think we ever met each other at school. Weird. I discovered Marla’s blog about a year ago, and it has been a blessing to me. It’s one of the very few blogs that I read every day.

Last year, Marla and her family did something really cool. They travelled around the country and visited 52 different zoos in 52 weeks! I followed their adventure on Marla’s blog, and I learned that we have something in common–we both have a thing for giraffes. Giraffes have always fascinated me, and I like them a lot, but Marla *LOVES* them. You have to check out these pics of Marla feeding and kissing a giraffe! Love ‘em!

Yesterday, I took the kiddos to our local zoo, which is one of my favorite places to go with Caleb and Chelsea. (Marla would be proud that we have season passes.) I’m so glad we finally got some giraffes about a year ago! I snapped some pics of my two favorite animals, and these special pics are dedicated to Marla.

Just beautiful.

Looks like he (she?) is smiling.

I love this! They were nuzzling and hugging and getting all smoochy. It was adorable!

So now I want to hear from you, friends! Have you ever seen two giraffes hugging (in real life), and what is your favorite zoo animal?

A Special Surprise

Published March 29, 2010 Family , Friends , POTD 4 Comments

The kids and I had a big surprise waiting for us when we went to Whole Foods today. We have developed a friendship with one of the ladies who works there, and she gave Caleb and Chelsea huge Easter baskets that she made herself! Wow, what a blessing! We are thankful for her love and thoughtfulness.

Robbing My Brothers and Sisters

Published March 23, 2010 Chiropractic , Faith , Friends , God Lessons , Purpose , Sunday School 3 Comments

I mentioned doing a series of posts about lessons I’ve learned in the past eight months (since I became a chiropractic patient). This post is the first of three. 

My recent trip to the ER was a blessing in disguise because it led to a friend calling me last week, which led to God driving home a BIG lesson: I have been robbing my brothers and sisters.

I’ve been very hush-hush about the struggles with pain I have had recently with my chiropractic journey. I know the reasons why, but I won’t go into all of them here. You don’t have time to read a novel. I’ll just boil it down and say pride and fear of what people will think are at the root.

So last Wednesday my friend Amanda (from Sunday School) called and asked how I was feeling. I opened up, took off the mask, and shared with her my doubts, fears, frustrations, beliefs, and hopes. She listened. She shared some of her own personal struggles. We prayed for each other over the phone. She ministered to me big time. (Amanda said a couple things in her prayer that brought two major breakthroughs–more on that in the next post.)

My willingness to share my true thoughts and feelings allowed my friend to help me. And in return I helped her. When I refuse to reveal the difficult stuff in my life, I rob my brothers and sisters of the opportunity to minister to me. I prevent them from using their gifts and fulfilling their purpose.

Most of the time I am a self-sufficient, I’ll-handle-this-myself-thank-you-very-much kind of person. I don’t want to burden others with my problems. But that 45-minute phone call proved to me that we are not made to handle things alone. We are made to lean on each other. I don’t want to steal the joy that a friend could experience from helping me or my family.

I am asking God to humble me and give me a willing heart to accept help. By His grace, I will choose to be real and allow others to walk alongside me, sharing the burden.

Next Page »

Follow Me on Twitter

Contact

I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at lisakellywrites (at) gmail (dot) com.

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 7 other followers

2009 and 2010

Since Sept 2009

  • 12,765 hits
All content and original photographs on Fulfilling My Purpose are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent.
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.