Vision

Trever and I have had many growing opportunities this past year. Some, were as tough as nails to get through and others, well, lets just say I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy! Last night, we were able to finally complete our "vision boards". We have been gathering and prayerfully contemplating what to put on them. If you don't know what a vision board is, (it has many other names too) it's basically a board with pictures of things you want out of life. Things you want to do, be, accomplish etc. We are both wanting to do and be so much more. The vision board helps to see what is most important to you and help you actually make decisions to better get you to that goal. We aren't talking be a millionaire super model. Realistic, important things that would fulfill and enrich your life.

One of the things I put on mine is that I wanted to be able to give my girls opportunities to expand their talents and their world. To try new things. We have never been able to afford those extra clubs, leagues etc for our kids. Things have just been super tough financially. Last night, a friend of mine called and said that things were taken care of by someone to have her give my kids swim lessons. They don't know how to swim well enough for me to feel comfortable with them going with friends or family, without me at arms length. Without a pool of our own and a husband (he used to teach swim lessons) who works endless hours to make ends meet, we haven't been able to put them in lessons. What a huge blessing!

Another thing I had on my board was a nice van, within budget that would fit all of our children comfortably. Unfortunately, that meant that I had to drop my pride and go for the "bus" of a van... But I am actually very ok with that. We have been trying off and on, to sell our suburban for a year now. We dropped the price over two grand, and still nothing. Anyway, I called my cousin who buys and sells used cars. He offered to do an even trade for a van. Last night I was throwing a fit because we had a guy who wanted it for a thousand more than trade in. So we were going to sell it to him and then pay cash for the van and keep the extra money. Something we could really use right now. He fell through and we were again back to square one. I was so bugged that "golden opportunities" have come up so many times in our lives, only to fall through. The perfect job, etc.

In the midst of my fit, my friend called offering the swim lessons. I later realized, that two things were getting crossed off my list already. I didn't say sell the car and make money, I said get a nice family van. The offer still stood, to trade in. I test drove it this morning and wasn't overly impressed, but liked the idea of the bigger van. it just didn't feel like "home". He said that it was in a "trade in" state, but they were planning to fix certain things and get it up to par. After Trever went to test drive it and talk to him about it, my cousin ended up offering to fix and add things that were not even part of the vehicle. He was willing to upgrade a bunch of things so that it was a better trade. He was willing to make less money off of the deal so that I was completely satisfied. With all of those things fixed and added in,... It defiantly felt like "home". Another huge blessing!  I noticed as I reflected on my true desires, the things I said and did, were different. Normally I would have felt pressure to just buy it, as is. Not pressure from him, just pressure on myself because I didn't want to inconvenience anyone or express how I really felt. Because of my board, I realized what was most important to me,and I expressed it. He was perfectly happy to make those things happen!

Expressing my feelings was another one on my board, which I was more confident with today. Another one is healing I have a picture of some cute, non frumpy clothes, including jeans. I have not worn regular jeans, for over two years! I want to heal and feel "back to normal" again. That includes getting into shape, having energy, and dressing better/do my hair and make up more often. We walked a few blocks to swim lessons today and I wasn't sore at all!!! The muscle tearing feeling didn't show up once. I felt awesome. I was shocked at how well I was able to handle that distance. I was three times further than I have ever been able to walk. Well post surgery anyway. It's so cool that things are already different with how I feel about and envision my life.

I was shocked last night after my fit was over, that things were falling into place and exactly how I wanted them. I was just too caught up in what I thought was how I wanted them... That I limited my vision to what is really going on. Doing this project has expanded my vision on life and changed the way I act towards that vision. It's absolutely amazing!

On a side note, please pray for Jenifer. She is going into surgery first thing in the morning .Please pray for her surgeons/doctors and nurses as well.