Monday, January 21, 2008

Take Time

Every New Year I think to myself...
"How should I use the time God gives me this year? Where
should I invest my time, energy, talents?" Although,
through the years, I've learned to practice this process
of evaluating seasonally to keep life in a better balance.
As a woman, wife, mother, friend, volunteer...I know you
can relate to all the hats we wear...each season has new
things to pray about, reconsider, add or delete. The time
I need for refreshment, growth,and to simply enjoy life's
journey doesn't just happen...if I don't plan ahead, the
schedule fills up quickly and there is no time left breathing.
I don't believe that when God promised us an abundant life*
he was referring to an overloaded, frantic, do everything
so you don't miss out on anything pace which inevitably
leaves us stressed, irritated, angry, discontent, joyless
and wanting in not only our relationships but also our inmost
being. That kind of pace is not worth the price we pay.
Here is a simple list of things to take time for this year...

TAKE TIME...To Breathe...To Laugh...To Pursue my Dreams and
encourage others to pursue theirs...To Greet each new day
with Open Arms and Open Heart...To Enjoy a moment with a Friend..
To Slowdown (see life up close not as a blurr)...To be Thankful...
To Reflect on the Beauty around me (a smile, a hug,
a fresh snowfall,an unexpected kindness shown to me)...
To make the world a Better Place for having been here...
To Invest in the Lives of others...
To be Generous with my smile...To Think more Kindly of others.

All the things I take time for reflect my heart towards God and
my heart towards others. My deepest desire when I get to the end
of this year is to have grown in these two areas.

Remember - If you are willing to take time to refresh yourself
and refresh others your days will be well spent.

Wishing you Joy in your Journey! Eva

*Bible Reference - John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Friendship Journey

"Welcome to a New Year!!!"
"I love new beginnings, like a fresh canvas waiting to be painted on.
I'm excited about what this new year has in store."

For quite some time I have wanted to create a space where I can share inspirational thoughts, ponderings and creative ideas with my friends...so for all of those who have encouraged me to share the joy I find in living & giving...my home & heart are officially open for visitors. Welcome!

This year I want to invite you to take a Friendship Journey with me...
I'm hoping to get reacquainted with old friends who I've lost
touch with and meet new friends along the way.

There is a saying that states...
"A stranger is a Friend you haven't met yet!" ...everyone you
meet is a potential friend (a hidden treasure to be discovered).

A heart filled with love, working with hands willing to serve,
will make everything we touch more beautiful...
not only in our homes but also in our community (and beyond).
This year ask yourself...What can I give?
Is there someone with a burden I can help lift?
What seeds of Joy can I sow?
How can I invest my heart, knowing my life does make a difference!

Think of me as your friend just down the road,
around the corner, nestled in the woods...
ready with a warm "Welcome" and always glad you came!
Wishing you Joy in your Journey today and every day, Eva

LET'S TALK...
"Share your heart" - ideas for beautiful living & giving, how do you create a "welcoming" home for those you love.
Suggest a topic for a future visit; question/answer, how tos, ideas needed for...