One Decision.....Changes Everything.....

It's funny how things happen in life. You make one decision and it impacts so much and you don't even know  how much your life or the lives of those around you will change because of that one choice.

I am looking back and forward at the same time. Next weekend will mark one of the biggest weekends in my entire life as I reflect on the same weekend 20 years ago....

My cousin and I (who were more like sisters) were going to head to Columbus, Ohio to see a friend. (Also happened to be a guy both of us had dated a bit in high school.) But, we were out of high school for a few years and were all just friends. He was going to take us dancing at some cool clubs! We were pumped! We would have a pretty large town house to stay at because all of his college room-mates were away. (Except 2 of them ended up choosing to stay home for the long weekend after all.....and this would completely change my life.)

We arrive and instead of just meeting Jim, we also meet Mark and Shawn.We all hit it off. We had a blast! But, Mark and I had some very good conversation that would continue over the miles from Columbus to Cleveland for the next couple weeks which turned into months and .....

Well, that was Labor Day 1992. I had no idea how that one weekend could and would change my life! We were married in February 1995. We had a daughter in December 1995, another in May 1997, another in October 1998 and another in November of 2000. We moved 8 times since then- sometimes, just across town, sometimes to another state. We have met so many people. But, life had changed drastically after going to Columbus for a weekend of fun!

Next weekend, I will find myself where I am currently living with my family.Firestone, Colorado. In other moves we made as a family, following my husband on his career path, my life changed.... our lives changed....but not to the degree they are about to here, in this place.

We will be opening a non-profit business for teens in our three towns to come and hang out, get help with homework, attend fitness and wellness classes, do arts- fine and performing and serve in the community together. A place called THAT PLACE. www.thatplacecolorado.com

This is something that if you asked me 20 years ago, I would have had NO CLUE I would be doing. If you asked me just 2 years ago when we first moved here....well, that's when I began to feel the nudge to do this.... Would it have happened if I would not have met Mark (my husband)? Would it have happened if I didn't have my four girls? Would it have happened if I had moved someplace else?

All I know is the path that has led me (us) here, has led us to this point...to do what we are doing, where we are doing it. And it all started one weekend 20 years ago......

It's Up to You!

It is one week and one day away.
Basically, in 8 days, we will celebrate the opening of what was just a vision or a dream a short year ago.

Hours and hours of work have been put in. Writing thoughts about that vision on paper. Meeting with all sorts of various people who MAY or MAY NOT be able to help make the vision a reality in some way... big or small. Doing presentations, holding meetings.....forging ahead. Sometimes it was very easy. Sometimes, not so much!

Throughout the whole process there were different types of people involved.
Some were so supportive, caught the vision and wanted to help.
Some did that for a while, and then for some reason, they were pulled away- a move, a job, a life-change.
Some said they were supportive, but then didn't really jump in to DO anything.
Some heard the vision, liked it, weren't in a position to be involved themselves, but knew someone else who could....
Some heard the vision- but saw it in a little different way and offered suggestions on how to make the vision a little different.... just in case, or for whatever reason.
Some were quite cautious. They seemed to throw warnings out to me all the time.
No matter what kind of person I met along the way, I had to be cautious.

I couldn't let their feelings, thoughts, concerns, desire or lack of desire take me off course or distract me from what I KNEW would eventually work.

Those who wanted to help, I of course welcomed!
Those who could help for a time and then moved on, I focused on the fact that they believed in it and helped when they could. I could not focus on the fact that they had to move on.
Those who said they supported it, but then did nothing- Well, I am kind of an actions are stronger than words person. So, I didn't put much into that. But, I thought occasionally to myself that perhaps they were the kind who would actually have to SEE it to believe.....
Those who were supportive- but couldn't be involved and still pointed me to another- I saw them as truthful and appreciate so much all of the people I got to connect with because of them.
Those who had a different vision, I would listen to, but had to be careful that I didn't jump on someone else's dream. I knew the one I had, was the one meant for me....and at the same time- we are all creative, so I needed to listen to be sure there wasn't something missing that they would offer that might help or improve the vision I had.
Those who were cautious and constantly throwing warnings and concerns up. I had to really be guarded. I could not allow myself to be discouraged. There was too much work already put in and too much ahead. At times, I felt like I was calloused in response to them and at times I felt like a horse with blinders on- but that's just how it had to be so I would not lose heart. So, I could press on.

I share all of this simply to tell anyone trying to follow a dream. Trying to make a difference. You WILL run across all types of people. There WILL be obstacles. If you believe in what you are doing. If you KNOW that this is what you are supposed to do, YOU have to determine HOW you look at things and people and opinions. You can let them destroy your dream, change your dream, or help your dream. So, really, it's up to you!

THIEVES!!!!

Thieves- they are everywhere!

They try to take away your purpose, your passion, your love, your enthusiasm, your focus.

They look like fun, sometimes. They feel good- at least for a while.  

Occasionally, they look more important.

Sometimes the thieves come in and cause pain or fear and immobilize.

The only way to stop them?

FOCUS!

On truth, on love, on loyalty, on the goal, the passion, the purpose that is before you.

What makes you tick?

What moves you?

DON'T let anyone or anything take it from you. IT IS YOURS.

You have been designed with purpose. Multiple purposes.

If you accept the challenge of those purposes, expect the thieves.

DON'T focus on them- keep your eyes on the prize!

Controversy

The Chick-Fil-A thing....

I am not a huge fan of Chick-Fil-A. I have eaten there a few times and was never all that impressed. Give me the classic chicken at BK with cheese and tomato or some KFC or Popeyes and I am GOOD!

I don't like to watch the news, because frankly, it is usually depressing and I prefer to focus on positive.

This Chick-Fil-A thing, though, it's been all the rage. Lots of my FB friends have been asking lots of questions and most of them have been directed toward Christians.

I am a Christian- and an imperfect one at that! (Actually, there is NO perfect Christians- but there are some who pretend to be.)

I believe the Bible is God's blueprint for our lives. Within it, there is much information about life and how to get through it in the best way possible.

There are sins listed in the Bible. PLENTY of them. Each comes with a consequence. (I believe there is a consequence for EVERY action. Positive begets good and negative begets negative.) As a Christian, the biggest consequence from sin is separation from God. The biggest thing about sin is that ALL sin and fall short. This is where Jesus comes in- the perfect lamb, sacrificed for all and for all time. (This kind of gets in to another story, so I will just leave it at that for now.)

So, sin. Yes, Christians believe homosexuality is a sin. So is gluttony, slothfulness, pride, greed, adultery, idolatry, fornication, jealousy, lust....

The Bible says in Galatians that :

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Hmmm.... so I doubt seriously that anyone breathing today can honestly say that they NEVER over-eat, or get lazy, or are prideful, or greedy, that they never worship or put anything before God, are completely pure, never hostile, jealous, never have an angry outburst, or get selfish or jealous.... some people may only have one hang up- but it is still a hang up.  I have plenty.

So, here is the thing. I know I am a sinner. I know that the Bible also teaches us that "He who is without sin cast the first stone." I cannot cast a stone.

We are all on a journey. Each with our own struggle, path, story.

Judge not, lest you be judged.

I have friends who are gay. I love them. I do not judge them. I have NO RIGHT to force my way of thinking on anyone. For heaven's sake! God doesn't FORCE Himself on anyone. Instead, we have choices and freedom. I can share my thoughts and my beliefs with others as I have that freedom. You can share yours.

This whole controversy is sad. Sad that a person states their opinion and imediately there is division. (hey, that's one of them listed up there!) People feel they have to "side" with someone. I didn't go picket them,  because we have something called "freedom of speech" in our country. And yes, picketing is a peaceful protest which we are also allowed to do- but I am not going to protest against a freedom. Enough of those are already being taken from us.

The good part of this whole thing is that it has caused conversation. Some people are actually taking the time to talk to people they know who are gay and learn about it. Some people who are gay are talking to Christians to learn why they call it a "Sin".

Whatever, the case.... we are called to LOVE people. Not certain people. Not people who do this or don't do that. We are called to LOVE everyone. I am trying. Are you?