The Creative People In My Life

Today, I met with my good friend, Jeanne Young.  She is also the illustrator of one of my children's books--part of a series called The Fairy Bunnies.  My five year old daughter and I created the concept for these book together.  Dressed in a pink tutu, she sat daintily in my lap, one day, telling me her fantastical dream of little girls, a jolly moon, and bunny friends eating carrots in the garden. Her enthusiasm had me hooked! I grabbed a paper and pencil and madly scribbled out her words!

Now, here we are 6 months later,  After a round of fresh sushi and some rejuvenating conversation, my friend pulls out her full-page sketches of little girls, jolly moons, and bunnies eating carrots in the garden.  I am awestruck at her skill to transform my simple words written in black and white!  I am challenged by the creativity of those around me.

One Step At A Time...Is Enough To Get You There.

In life, our dreams and passions motivate us in a direction.  We sometimes assume that the euphoric feeling we have affirms God's blessing.  It may not be until we hit the first obstacle, that the hugeness of our project sinks in. And the unlikely candidate we are to complete it.  We stop and look down at our insignificant hands and dusty feet.
At this point, many people stay, stagnated by indecision and fear.
•Where did I go wrong?
•Is God telling me to abandon this work?
•The Devil is just trying to slow me down.
•What was I thinking? I'm not smart/talented/rich enough to succeed at this.
•I don't understand why is God punishing me?
•I'm not moving until God changes this situation.
•Being bold and strong is not something I'm good at.

I love the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
While this verse doesn't quite solve or answer all the questions we have, it does calm our overwhelmed thoughts and refocus our consciousness (away from self) and back on God.  
The next verse is the nuts and bolts to renewed action.  "In all your ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6)
The more I learn about my areas of passion, the less I feel capable to succeed.  Still, God speaks that verse to me.
Regardless of my doubts, He's counting on me to do my part.
So, my promise to Him is, "If there is a step in front of me, Lord, I will take it."
His steps are not going in the direct route I would have chosen. Nor is the way as glamorous or day-dreamy as I imagined. But, by trusting His goodwill for me, leaning on His bird's-eye view of each situation, and acknowledging His judgment in picking me for the job--I know He is directing my path.

What is the balance between forward action and waiting for God's leading?  Is there a motto that sums it up or verse that guides you?

Today, I have added Facebook, MySpace, and Blogspot to my repretoire.