Changing of the Guard :o)

I just wanted to change the quote on the main page, but I just couldn't let this one drift into oblivion. So, I figured I would record the old one here...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -- Marianne Williamson

Stranger Danger?

Someone asked me how I treated strangers. The only reply I could come up with is, "I'm not familiar with that term. Could you explain it to me?" The question itself made me thankful for that part of me. No matter where I have lived or what I've been going through, I have really never met a stranger. I've met some VERY strange people, but I've never met someone I didn't feel like I knew, that I was sure I was connected with somehow, someway. (Yes, there were those nice guys on the train/bus that would propose, ask if I was devoted to someone, or whatever that I did everything I could to NOT connect with them, but other than that...)

Anyways, I wanted to get this on record mainly because I think it's part of what defines me. I hold true to this is a BIG way. When I was talking to the couple during the "lemonade trip", I realized, this is just me....SO me.

But my favorite of all time would have to be the Iowa ladies. Heh, heh, heh...I looked for the picture, but it's long gone, lost in the move. (too bad) So, what had happened was....

I was on my way back into the city from a meeting in the suburbs, just chilling on the Metra ("the way to really fly"). This group of about 5 ladies were so cute, all excited about their trip to Chicago.....you could feel the energy. So, I couldn't resist. So, we talked and had a great trip in. When we started approaching Ogilvie, they asked if I knew how to get to the Hancock building....only the BEST building in Chicago! So, I decided that a GOOD guide would TAKE them! By the time we got to Hancock (a nice little walk from Ogilvie), they had convinced me to at least go to Navy Pier so they could buy me a drink. (We were supposed to go to the Signature Room on the 95th floor of Hancock.) By the time we got to Navy Pier, I was going to Howl at the Moon with them. *laughing* Oh, what a night! I wouldn't trade that special day with those ladies for anything....yet it was such a special surprise that all started from a little conversation! Good times.

God Makes the Best Lemonade

Okay, so at the beginning of this summer, the prayer of my heart became really strongly to TRUST MORE, MORE, MORE!! I mean, yes, I definitely had a "want" list, but more than anything, I felt that if I just trusted more and focused on that, God would give me the desires of my heart that He wanted. (You know, it's biblical and all!) ;o) So, a dangerous prayer, I know. You'd think I would've learned by now (....or maybe I have)!

So, needless to say, this summer has not been ANYthing like I expected. Although there have been some truly amazing things that have happened, lately they've just been overshadowed by obstacles that just, well, started seeming REALLY big. I was trusting...but was wearing out. Saturday, I realized there was a mix up (my fault), and I didn't have the correct book for my class I am taking that has TWO assignments due tomorrow. *laughing* So, I had to drive almost 4 hours one way to the school (the beauty of online classes) and back today. Man, I was just a whole bushel of lemons, let me TELL you!

But that didn't stop God from giving me the proverbial lemonade! On my way, I just was taken aback by the AMAZING beauty of the glorious mountains around me. I love this area SO much!! I have since I was little! And most of you know home much I love a good nature spot! Why was I in a rush? I mean, I was going to have to stay up reading no matter what!

By the time I got to Black Mountain, the windows were down and the music was loud (yes, my 80s cd!) By the time I got to Waynesville, I was actually going 5 UNDER the speed limit (go ahead, read it again; I would, too!). It was WICKED AWESOME! I was LITERALLY and FIGURATIVELY up on the mountain!! So, I go get my book, with a huge smile on my face by this point! And then, I just hang out along the Blue Ridge Pkwy. I could be at least a few hours late--it's not going to make THAT big of a difference really.

So, I sat, climbed, walked, prayed, took as much of it in as I could! Basically, I feel like today was exactly what I needed to get back my perspective....and I felt like all of you guys were with me! I prayed for all of you, and truly thanked God for you! It was so awesome to just see HOW big, HOW amazing, HOW beautiful everything is! I even went up the Waterrock Knob Trail to the lookout. When I turned to go up, I had run out of music, so I looked for what else I had in the car with me. And what did I find? Third Day--Offerings! How cool to hear as I ascend the mountain! I had heard about it from the "locals". So, I ventured up (with my Rainbows on!!) And yes, I stood places that I shouldn't have! And of course, it wouldn't be a complete trip if I didn't meet people! There was this guy that was riding his motorcycle along the parkway, taking pix with his NICE real camera and this couple (Bud and Linda) from Sanford, FL who I shared a bench and a nice conversation with!

I thought it would be hard to come back down (and I already am ready to go back to the area), but it was good to get back where I need to be, so I can tackle all of the stuff back here in Charlotte!