Audacious and Fluffy

I am currently studying a book titled "Audacious" by Beth Moore.  It is about learning to love God audaciously.  I love how she writes and I LOVE to listen to her. 

Please bear with me as I give the Merriam-Webster definition....

Audacious \ȯ-dā-shəs\ adjective
  1.a. intrepidly daring: ADVENTUROUS (an audacious mountain climber)
     b. bold (an audacious maneuver)
  2. marked by originality and verve (audacious experiments)
au-da-cious-ly adverb --- au-da-cious-ness noun

Bold.....that's a pretty cool word and kinda scary for this gal!

Today as I was driving into town, I saw a woman in her mid to late 60's mowing her grass.  She had a little "middle aged" fluffiness to her, like some of us and as I passed her I noticed that she was wearing a swimsuit.  It was (thankfully) age appropriate and modest and BRIGHT FLORAL!  There she was mowing her grass, minding her own business, in her own yard, oh...and puffing away on a cigarette as she mowed.  I giggled to myself...no, actually, I giggle out loud.  And I thought "that is so cool!".  And then I said, "No, that is AU-DA-CIOUS!  That is just bold!"  I thought, "I want to be like that.  I want to live and love audaciously".

I have to admit that I care too much about what people think of me.  It's a character defect of mine.  I don't want to be noticed or stand out, but if I'm noticed, I don't want there to be anything that anyone can criticize, make fun of or laugh at....  I'm just THAT insecure with myself.  But this woman....I just wanted to be like her....all fluffy (ok, maybe not puffing on a cigarette), but fluffy, out there in my swimsuit on my lawn tractor and mowing my grass.  No apologies, no worries of others' thoughts... just bold....just me.

This little scenario isn't exactly what this awesome book is talking about, but it (obviously) made an impact on me in a weird way.  I'm not saying that I'm going to be out on my John Deer in my swimsuit (we don't want to frighten the neighbors), but I just need to be... BOLD!  I'm working on it because my nature is to be quiet and blend in, but....
 

God wants me to live and love audiciously!

Just A Few Sweatbands

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to hear an awesome speaker that just spoke to my heart.  The subject of her teachings was geared towards Moms and raising children, but as I have learned over the years, it doesn't matter what the subject is.  You can always find something that can apply to your life whether the subject directly relates to you or not.  There will ALWAYS be small snippets or even big hammers that will speak to you, your life, your circumstances.

One of the most impactive statements from the speaker was that (paraphrased) "if you are blessed to wake up in the morning, it means that God has a purpose for you for that day.  It is then your responsibility to look for and act upon that purpose".  I think there may have been sparks coming from my head when that light bulb went off.  It was an EYE OPENER! 

Now, for quite a while, I have wondered and prayed for what my purpose in life is.  I think that maybe I have an idea, but this "daily" take on my purpose felt different.  It breaks it down for me, and as a detailed person, I need that.  Because, although I may have a specific purpose in life, my daily purpose will, most likely, vary.  To wake up every morning, thank God for another day and pray asking Him what my purpose is for that day.....THAT was huge for me.  Honestly, I have been in that place where every day seemed like just another day driven by the demands of life....work, four kids, cooking, cleaning and on and on.  I remember many days just feeling like "what's the point?".  It was a very depressing and self-defeating process.  I couldn't see the purpose, or rather, I didn't look for the purpose. 

So, yesterday, I woke up, thanked God and prayed for my purpose for today to be revealed.  Well, I can say that there was no post-it note on my mirror with my "assignment".  I just went about my routine, checked my planner and set out to accomplish my "to dos" for the day.  After a very busy weekend with my business, I was still really tired but I had one project that definitely needed to be completed yesterday.  So, I set out to work on 24 special sweatbands.  As I worked on them, I thought about, reminisced and gave thanks for the person that these sweatbands were going to honor.  I cried a lot and giggled some and just felt blessed to have known this person for about 15 years.  When Michael got home from work, we talked about our day like we always do. As I talked about this whole "daily purpose" thing, it hit me.  My purpose yesterday was to make 24 sweatbands to honor a man that gave so much.  THAT'S IT!!  It's a simple thing, but I'm telling you.....IT'S HUGE!

Your daily purpose doesn't have to be grandiose or something that will change the world.  It can be something small, maybe barely noticeable.  One little thing that will, maybe, just maybe, help heal some broken hearts in a small way.  Maybe make going back onto the ball field just a little less painful.

So, give it a try!  I'm only one day in on being more observant in this area, but that one day has already taught me so much......God's perfect purpose for me and me listening to Him.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" 
~Proverbs 19:21