Sharing...

I am on a much needed vacation from my realities in York, PA and having a chance to sit in sunny, humid Florida at a good friend's home. She is mommying me as I need right now and taking care of my children to see that I get some much needed r & r. There are times in our lives when we need to be mommied. My original plan was to vist my dad and step mom this weekend but I felt this was where I needed to be. She understands me...and that's who I needed to share with this weekend.

Anyhow, I'm spending my quiet time outside near the pool...reading, journaling, facebooking to see what others are up to. I felt the need to share something that I'm reading. This book fell into my hands a few weeks ago..."Living on the Edge" by Chip Ingram. It will be a church-wide study that we will be doing this fall at Asbury UMC in York, PA. I will be very involved as this book resonates with me at this point of my life and my journey to know what it really means to call yourself a Christian. Anyway, this is the part I am reading...

"When we are unclear or have a distorted view of ourselves, we tend to compare our differences rather than appreciate them. We compete with one another rather than realizing we were made different (by divine design) so that we might complement and support one another. It is in our insecurities that make us want to compare our gifts or talents with others. The result is always negative as we conclude that we are either superior or inferior." (Living on the Edge by Chip Ingram)

Wow...as a gifted-creative individual this hits me. I can't tell you how many years I have felt that "I wasn't good enough". Didn't matter how many people told me I was...when it comes to my designing I go back to being a 12 yr old and hearing my dad say..."It's ok...but you can do better." How many years did I let that hold me back?! I still do it today with comparing the art that I love like KellyRae Roberts (gotta look her up) and other inspirational artists. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that I heard my spirit loudly and told me..."Be true to who you are Jennifer...just as God created you to be...and share it with others...now."

Who I am is simple. My life is a bit complicated but overall I am simple. I like simple things, my designs are simple and graphic in nature, my love is simple. I am creative, eccentric, inspirational, love, hope, faith, goodness, kindness, peace, serenity, compassion, understanding, meaningful... This is who I am. Who I was...she is no longer. She is just a memory.

I'll leave you with one final thought... "Take the leap and...have faith." Coming soon:)

Much Love & Blessings,

Jennifer