The Right Words at the Right Time.....

So this has been something that has been on my mind the last few weeks.  Many times a thought, a compliment, or an idea will pop into my mind, and more often than not I brush it away.   Over the last month or so, however I have been trying to slow down and really acknowledge those thoughts....  The name of the person I haven't talked to in years, or a comment someone made that if I think deeper about could tell me so much about the state of their heart.

Each one of us has experienced the life we have because of both a series of our own choices and by God's design.  We are who we are for a reason and we may not ever know that reason, but it is our job to be who we are and share our hearts with others in hopes that we can connect with them and reach into those deep places where they may not even know there is hurt or pain.

The reason this is heavy on my heart begins about a month ago when I had someone's name so heavy on my heart that I couldn't get it out of my mind.  We are just acquaintances really, however in order to clear the heaviness I messaged her through Facebook (since I don't have her number) and come to find out she had been praying for someone who could just pray for her.  To feel that urge and to have confirmation that it was God's voice made my heart leap and my mind a little more sensitive to those urges.

Fast forward a few weeks and I was hosting an AdvoCare mixer.  During my mixers I always share my story, where I was when I found the opportunity with AdvoCare.  Sometimes it can be tough to be so transparent and admit some of the feelings of failure as a mom I was having during that time.  However I feel that in order to touch other's lives and really help them to change and reach their goals I must be transparent in my pain.  After that mixer I was talking to someone who said "I really thought you had gotten info about me before because I felt  like that part of your story was aimed straight at me"  To continue to talk to her and know that she is making strides and gaining confidence and encouragement in being a mom who now has the energy and excitement be engaged with her babies has once again made my heart leap.

And then there was today.  A dear friend came over for a visit.  She brought coffee and just sat and chatted.  As we chatted, my dreams and goals with AdvoCare came up.  And to be honest, today I was in a place where I felt a little defeated.  As she spoke words of encouragement to me, they not only went in my mind but reached deep into places of my heart I didn't know where feeling doubt.  It just continues to amaze me how far a small gesture (like bringing coffee) or a nice word (one of encouragement) can change the course of a person's day, and in my case maybe even the course of my journey to achieve my dreams, because my heart has been lifted up by (what I'm sure this friend thought) were "just a few kind words"

So as you continue on your journey I urge you to slow down, pay a little more attention, and don't brush off the fleeting thoughts of those around you.  You never know what a small word of encouragement or love will do to the course of someone's hour, day, month, year, or life.  And don't be afraid to lift others up, encourage them, and love on them. I promise the more you pay attention to these things, the more you will experience them in your own life.

Free to Dream

Where does your mind go in the silence?  When there is nothing distracting it.  Those moments right before you fall asleep and you are too tired to worry about the things weighing you down.  Where does your mind go?

I'll let you in on a little secret, here's where my mind goes: 

Many times as I let my mind wander it often wanders to the people in my life.  I think about them and their situations and circumstances.  I think about their struggles and troubles and worries.  And then I find myself imagining them telling their story of the day that all went away.  The day that they found freedom and their life changed.  The day that money wasn't a worry, or their difficult child began to obey.  The time where their marriage was repaired, or their depression was lifted.  The time when they slept through the night and woke up rested and not afraid to face the day. 

As I hear these stories in my mind, told by the people I care the most about, my heart burns and stomach leaps.  

This is dreaming, this is hoping, this is love.... 

Many of you wonder why I have a passion for AdvoCare, and this is why.  I believe that God has given me a vehicle that will allow my family and others to dream again.  To make the thoughts of my late night daydreams come true.  To help people find whatever they need to face another day.  Whether it be a boost of energy to make it through that moment when they want to sit down and quit because they feel as if they take one more step they will not make it.  Whether it is those few extra dollars that will pay that bill and take a little stress off their shoulders so they can lay their head on their pillow for one night and just sleep, without stress, without worry, just sleep.  Whether it is a quest for significance.  The feeling of helping someone else accomplish their goals give you a great feeling of accomplishment and significance.  Whether it is to lose 1 or 100 lbs.  Whether it is to hear a message of a savior that doesn't care who you are, where you are, what you've done, or where your life is at, you are free.  You have been saved and washed clean, and watching the freedom that brings.  Whether it is a shoulder to cry on, or a boost of confidence.  No matter what, everyone is looking for something and I love that I have found the confidence in myself to help them try to find it.

When I dream about my family I dream of the day we are all together every day (yes I do understand the kids have to go to school someday)  I dream of the day we get to say "yes" to freedom and "no" to debt.  I am so excited for the day that we spend our day helping other families have what we have worked so hard for.  I am really excited for the day that I get to show my children the world.  Life, it's worth fighting for.  Maybe some of my goals will not come true, but what is life without dreams and goals?

This journey is one of bumps and bruises.  Ups and downs.  Tears, laughs, failures, and accomplishments.  It is a journey that I would not change for the world.  As I become more of the person that I was created to be I hope to lock arms and hope that people join me.

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything"