I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had snow here in Utah and I loved it! I was able to spend the entire weekend enjoying family time. Oh my Azalea, is getting so chubby! She loves to eat. It is amazing how FAST kids change and grow. Taylor and Spencer came over and then Matt & Kayla came with the kids. We made a huge pot of hot chocolate and watched Mr. Poppers Penguins. I packed for CHA and even finished up some projects for the booth. It was a productive weekend!
Church today was just what I needed. I am now able to go to Relief Society. It is where the women over 18 go for one meeting each week. The lessons are directed for us. Today the lesson was on PRAYER. The teacher was so inspiring. I think what stood out to me the most was that WE have to make the effort to PRAY to Heavenly Father. We need to accept the WILL of God in answering our prayers. Often, we think we know what is best and it's so important to know that God does things for us to help us grow and learn. HIS plans sometimes are different then what maybe we want.
I was moved.
I thought of something very personal in my life. My heart started beating faster and I KNEW I needed to share it with the women in the room. I knew that I needed to share it here on my blog. I want my kids to KNOW...my family and my friends to know ME. So here goes.... Many years ago when I lost my mother, I started to scrapbook to help REMEMBER her and those memories of her. It was THERAPY and a way for me to grieve and come to terms with my broken heart and loss.
When I met Lance (Mr. Rusty Pickle) at a scrapbook store- I was a NEWBIE. I had no idea HOW to design or do anything. I never thought in a million years I would one day be designing craft and scrapbook products and eventually own my own company. The truth is THIS was NOT in my life plan. I mean, I had SIX kids living with us and I was a full time mommy. I had no desire to work and thankfully we were in a situation that I did not need to work. However, God had other plans.
I was truly lead- God held my hand and I was giving wonderful opportunities to learn and grow. I designed for Rusty Pickle and left when the time was right. Next, I was given the opportunity to design a signature line for Junkitz. That is when it got TOUGH. I was NOT finding balance and I was questioning WHY I was doing this. I felt HUGE guilt every time I left to go teach or attend a event. I found myself being so torn. I loved what I did, but I loved my family MORE. I found myself praying often for guidance. I wanted to do God's WILL for me. I kept feeling that HE did want me to do this. I still felt doubts.
Then something HAPPENED. It was a sacred experience for me. I was at a cross roads. I decided to leave Junkitz. I had to decide... Was I done? Was it time to stop? etc. I remember getting on my knees in prayer. I prayed and cried and was on my knees for an hour or more. THEN it happened- an answer that I will NEVER forget. I knew with out a doubt exactly what God wanted me to do. In fact, the feeling was so intense. My prayer had been answered. It was not what I thought it would be. I knew that HE wanted me to keep going and I was not done with this journey. I got the answer that I was only starting. I felt such peace in knowing HE was leading and guiding me. It was HIS plan and will for me.
I am often asked, "How do you juggle so much?" "Do you ever sleep?", etc. I have to be direct here and tell you that Heavenly Father helps me EVERY single day. I am blessed to be a positive person and I focus on knowing that HE is helping me. I know that my inspiration comes from God and I am being guided by HIM. I am so grateful to know that prayers are answered. I am so grateful for this experience that allows me to grow and learn so much. I believe strongly and have faith that God does listen to us and does answer our heartfelt prayers. I have so much peace now.
Today on www.mycraftchannel.com you will see some of my favorite things.
SPARKLE & SHINE - and how to add it to EMBELLISH your creative life and projects.
Today I will show you how I add blingage to headbands, shoes, and more. I am also showing the book-
the SPARKLED box book that is featured in her my new " Teresa Collins" idea book. I hope you will watch my show segment today. The link is www.mycraftchannel.com/?omedia_id=822
Have a wonderful Monday!
