This year has been a year or stretching and growing and overcoming.  And the best part? It's only half over.  I don't know where I will end up by the end of the year but as long as I'm with God and He's directing my steps I know I will be in a good place. 

At the beginning of the year, I got Isaiah 41:10 tattooed on my forearm.  God has been working with me for a long time about fear and anxiety.  He said enough is enough and told me the scripture to get to serve as a reminder for the rest of my days. 

I still wrestle with fear from time to time and don't like to step out of my comfort zone but when I do He has been faithful by being there with me and meeting me where I'm at. 

In March, I went on a women's leadership retreat.  Although I knew many of the women there, I went alone and almost chickened out but God spoke to me as He so often does..."You could do that but do you really want to miss out?" and of course He likes to use lines I use on my children right back at me, keeping me humble by reminding me that many of my kids traits come from me.  "Do you really think I would make you go it alone?  Or that I have bad things in store for you?"  Sometimes I need those reminders.  So I went to the retreat.  I spent Friday night on the verge of tears and barely slept and then Saturday morning I knew God had something for me when a tissue box was dropped on the floor next to my seat.  Sure enough!  I couldnt tell you what that session was about but I can tell you God addressed my identity and where I have held to misconception and other peoples disappointments as a reflection of my true worth.  As if that wasn't enough of a growing experience I received a word from Him while I was walking on the beach.  I shared with one of the women there that I trust much and she later asked me to share with the entire group.  Then I received a request that would take me out of my way and mess with my plans for heading home but I said yes.  I'm glad I did.  It was a nice trip home and a time of blessing.  I got to deepen a friendship that afternoon. 

And that only carries us up to date thru March.  Let's jump ahead a smidgen and share my current stretching.

I asked God for a list of things I could do to increase my income (trying to save for some lofty goals) and He gave me quite an interesting list.  At the top of the list was write.  You have no idea how excited this made me.  I have dreamed of writing and writing stuff that matters since I was a little girl of 5 years old getting my first dictionary for my birthday.  For those that are wondering, yes, I still have that dictionary.  But I digress.  Other things included selling jewelry that I design.  The last one came out of left field, never been a thought ever so I know it had to be God...voiceovers for commericials and audio books etc.  I'm still looking into that one.  Who knows where it will lead but I am excited at the possibilities. 

Well that just about catches you up with my world and my walk.  God is good and He is faithful and He will lead me too good places.  Those places may not always be easy but they are necessary for my growth and refining so I will keep my eyes on Him and hold his hand and when His hand isn't available I will hold the hem of his garment. 

Thanks for being here.  Come back soon.  It won't be so long til my next post.