TAC Simply Inspired

Your Victory Garden Counts More Than Ever!

I have recently been reading a book called The Noticer. Today the term "victory gardens" jumped off the page and caused me to dig a little deeper (no pun intended). Though I know they were talking about a literal garden, I immediately saw an analogy, waiting to be unearthed.

Historically, Victory Gardens were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences during WW I and WW II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply. In addition to indirectly aiding the war effort, these gardens were also considered a  "morale booster" in that gardeners could feel empowered by contributions of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. In the United States they sprung up in backyards, on apartment building rooftops, in vacant lots, in sections of lawn in New York City and San Francisco Golden Gate Park. Even Eleanor Roosevelt instituted a Victory Garden on the White House grounds.

Today there is a return to planting "Victory Gardens." Many have found great rewards in helping others, growing their own food, the physical exercise that it provides, the connection to their parents and grandparents and easing some of the stress of these difficult economic times. A growing number have increased the size of their gardens by at least a third so that they can help feed other people. They have in essence, been growing to give to others.

So... it got me to thinking. Do I have a garden of victories? Where are they springing up? Do I use the successes or triumphs over an enemy or a battle to bring encouragement to others? Are my victories a "morale booster" to others? Fruits and vegetables, harvested in the traditional "victory garden" contain the very nourishment that each of us need to be healthy and strong. If we think of our symbolic victory gardens, are we growing fruit in order to give to others? Does the fruit of our labor bring health and nourishment to those around us?

In these challenging times, many people have found many different ways to be there for each other. A sense of community and understanding is fostered as many of us experience the same battles. Whether you are sharing food from a victory garden, or the strength of your triumphs in your symbolic victory garden, let's be the type of people that increase the size of our gardens in order to feed others.

Now, more than ever, your victories count!  Take good care of each other!

Abundant Blessings,

Debbie~

Be True to You

It is hard to believe that Seminar 2009 is over!  It was a wonderful event, filled with helpful information and lots of fun! I had the privilege to share in a couple of classes... "Speak From Your He{art}" and "Lead From Your Heart."  Here are the quotes that I promised from the first class.

"There is only one you. God wanted you to be you. Don't you dare change just because you're outnumbered."   - Charles Swindoll

"Who you are is who you are on the inside and there's not a mirror in the world that can show you that."

"You are the one and only you that ever was or ever will be. What you are going to do in appreciation of this miracle is a question only you can answer."      - Dan Zadra

"We are all born originals - why is it that so many of us die copies?"   - Edward Young

"There is no such thing as 'best' in a world of individuals."   - Hugh Prather

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few wil catch your heart. Pursue these."  - Michael Nolan

"There are many wonderful things that will not be done if you do not do them."

"One's art goes as far and as deep as one's love goes."   - Andrew Wyeth

"All the arts we practice are apprenticeship. The big art is our life."

"She was an artist and life was her canvas."

"You will do your best work when you stay true to you."  - Debbie Rivers

Abundant Blessings!

Words to Live By

Thanks for checking my blog! I apologize for not posting on Friday. There was just not one extra minute in the day. I kept thinking that maybe I would get it posted before midnight, so it would still technically be Friday. Then I thought maybe I would get to it on Saturday. As life would have it, the weekend held few extra minutes either and the ones that I did have needed to be spent with family. One daughter had been out of town the whole week, Father's Day needs to be celebrated and I will be out of town this week for our upcoming Angel Company Annual Seminar.

What I want to share with you today is not original. In fact, it was written by Mother Teresa. It just spoke to me. I don't know about you, but I have those times when much of what I do seems to come up short (usually of my own expectations but sometimes of those of others too).  Martina McBride has a song called "Anyway" that I referenced in another blog quite a while ago. This may remind you of that. I hope you find a bit of encouragment or a morsel of inspiration in these words. 

"People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway."

-Mother Teresa

Be encouraged and don't grow weary in doing good!  Have a wonderful week!

Looking Toward the Future

'Today I saw the future. She was sitting in a lawn chair in the center of the road with a sign that said, "Don't go this way." She doesn't always take the direct approach. She might camouflage herself behind traffic jams, alarm clocks, burnt toast and deadlines causing the urban observer to believe she's really not there. But no matter what, she always leaves a little trail of hope leading to her infinite arms.'    - Monique Duval

I love this quote. Having just celebrated a birthday, I have been a bit reflective this last week or so.  I wrote down the jobs that I've had and the major life milestones by decade. Birth-10 was thankfully uneventful and pretty traditional. My second decade was much more eventful. We adopted my younger sister, my parents were divorced, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and at 18, moved out on my own. Ages 20-30 saw the most major changes in my life. A serious, long-term relationship ended, I graduated from Bible College, moved to Kansas from California, got married and had Hannah. Age 30-40 were quiet years as I had our second child and stayed home much of that time raising our two girls. Ages 40-50 were the years of the most incredible opportunities thus far: I was a Christian School Principal, traveled throughout Canada on my way to and from British Columbia and Nova Scotia, and got my job at The Angel Company. It also was the saddest time of my life thus far, as I lost my mom.

I won't bore you with the myriad of jobs that I held down since the age of 15.  I just wrote them down to see if I could see my future sitting in a lawn chair. I also wrote them down as a record for my girls. At the ages of 17 and 20 they continually feel pressure to know "what they want to do" with their lives. I look at that decade in my life and I had less of a clue than they do. As I look back, I can see that my goals and destinations were often camouflaged. The direction was sometimes right there in front of me disguised in ordinary events and seemingly insignificant decisions. But I've learned that each right decision; each time I've listened to that still, small voice (that occasionally screams!), I've remained on the right road. Each wrong decision has had its consequences, but none so terrible that I haven't been able to learn from them.

And so it is, that as I begin a new decade, I look forward to the opportunities it will bring. I have learned that things don't always go as planned and that it is ok. I have learned that I may think I know what I want to do, but that an unforeseen option could be even better. I have learned not to despise the inconveniences and traffic jams that may have even kept me from a major accident. I don't know where I will travel or how things will go but I am determined to travel that 'little trail of hope'. Perhaps even more importantly, I have purposed to leave a bit of a roadmap for my girls, as well. There is an old song that I love whose chorus says, "May all who come behind us find us faithful." That is it in a nutshell. When they look at my life, THAT'S what I want them to see! 

Navigating Life's Roads With You,

Special Education

My husband and I have been involved with special needs kids and adults for almost 25 years. Even at our wedding over 22 years ago, we had those with Down Syndrome, autism and a variety of other physical and  mental disabilities in attendance.  Many of them squealed, screamed or giggled when we kissed at the end of our wedding ceremony. It is that honesty of heart that we love!

I have been a guardian for two people who have no family who can or will claim them. They both have multiple disabilities and need much supervision and care.  They live in group homes and I visit them throughout the week.  Yesterday was Warren's birthday. He turned 45 but you would never know it. When people asked him yesterday how old he was, he held up two fingers. In many ways he functions at about a four year-old level. It is very simple to please him. A visit, a "pop" (caffeine free diet coke), a "ride" and a "dolla" (money) and he is one happy camper.  So we arrived at his house yesterday with balloons and a 12 pack of "pop." That's when he discovered it was his birthday! He has limited speech, and doesn't read or write but understands much more than people give him credit for. When he found out it was his birthday yesterday, he was EXCITED!!!  Because of all that we had on our plate this weekend, I did not have a present picked out and wrapped for him like I usually do. So, we took him to Target. We knew he would want to go straight to the "DD's" (cds). What we didn't know is that he would want to tell everyone in Target that it was his birthday! He can't say the word birthday so we would have to interpret. Most people were understanding (while keeping a safe distance) and some were completely comfortable, continuing the conversation and wishing him Happy Birthday! He would squeal with delight every time. By the time we left the store my husband and I were laughing and Warren was as happy as could be. We talked about how genuine and fun his unharnessed emotion was!

Less than 24 hours later, there were three messages on our answering machine from another special needs young man that calls my husband many times a week. The first message was unharnessed emotion as well, but it was gut-wrenching tears and incomprehensible words. The second message was his wife, explaining that his grandma died. The third was her again with more explanation.  I was struck by the raw purity of his grief and sadness.

These are just two of the guys that have graced our life and given us a "special education." There is much they continue to teach us throughout the challenges and joys we face alongside them. I'm not sure how we would fare with such unharnessed emotions in our workplaces or homes, but I must say, there is something very refreshing about it all. It is just one area that they may be able to teach us a few things.

This week I encourage you to squeal with delight and cry if you must. Those who love you anyway, will love you even more!

Abundant Blessings,

Thanks for checking my blog.  I apologize that there is no update today.

Our younger daughter had surgery today. I have found myself busy with the details and a little short on time and inspiration. I hope to post again on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

I'm Not Lost - I Just Missed It!

One of my daughters missed an important road home today from South Dakota. As a result, she got home about two hours later than she had planned, but safe and sound nonetheless. As I was guiding her through the situation via cell phone, she insisted she was not lost, she just never saw the turnoff for the interstate that she needed to bring her home. I thought of a note I had written her about four years ago. I thought I'd share it with you as well.

Dear Hannah...

I got lost today. It was a weird thing. First of all, I don't often get lost. I usually call ahead or mapquest for directions, and have a good sense of direction if I do somehow stray off the beaten path.

I was on my way to yet another scrapbook store. If there is one within an hour's drive and I have the time, there are few things I enjoy more than purusing the shelves lined with beautiful papers, inspiring books and words galore. I imagine my pages and get great new ideas. I feel refreshed by giving place for creativity in my life.

Anyway, I had the wrong off-ramp written down. Unfortunately, I went at least 15 miles out of my way before I knew that I had missed it. I had driven completely out of suburbia and was now in the middle of an ugly, industrial area. Knowing I had to turn around, I exited, only to find myself in a maze of one way streets, dead ends and railroad tracks. All I knew was that I needed to get back to 29 north. I never did find 29 north, but I did see 35 north and knew that not only would I be headed in the right direction, but that they would eventually connect.  I ended up at the scrapbook store 45 minutes later than I had planned. Oddly enough, I was never worried or scared. As I thought about this little adventure, I thought about you and your journey in life. Here are some pointers from the lesson I learned:

*** Start moving toward something you love. I know it's hard to make a decision about which way to go, but traveling towards an exciting destination really helps!

*** It doesn't really matter if you take the wrong off-ramp because you have some extra time.

*** You have a good sense of direction. You will know in your heart that you are going the wrong way, if, in fact you are.

*** You are traveling in the light of God's love and purpose for your life. I was traveling in the daylight (as she was today from South Dakota) and had no fear of the areas I was in even though they were foreign to me. As believers we have the constant assurance that God will never leave us or forsake us.

The choices of which destination you should pursue may be overwhelming to you right now. I encourage you to walk in the light. Keep your goal in sight. Pursue something you love. Be safe and enjoy the journey.  Love, mom~

Today when I came home, she was coming down the stairs with her arms open wide to hug me. (Amazing how getting a little lost can make us appreciate home so much more). Though years have passed since I wrote that to my now 20 year-old daughter, I must admit that my advice to her would be much the same today.   I hope it can in some tiny way be an inspiration to you as well.

Enjoying the Journey with You,

We Can Grow Anywhere

A friend of mine has a pile of dirt at the end of her driveway.  A BIG pile. It's been there a while.  A good four weeks, maybe more. I see it every time I go to visit, and, I have to admit, I've become quite used to seeing it there. It was an unexpected "gift" from a neighbor that they have not been able to put to use yet, but they are not complaining. They have a specific purpose for that pile of dirt. All they are waiting for is the time to commit to the project (and maybe a friend or two to come help shovel!).

Today I took her home and that pile of dirt that I've grown accustomed to seeing, caught my eye. It had fresh, bright green sprigs of grass growing out from all over the pile!  New growth and fresh life... from a pile of dirt.  Now I know I drive my family crazy sometimes but I could not resist the analogy...

Are you displaced? Do you feel as if you've been uprooted from where you belong and are sitting dormant on a slab of cement?

Are you discouraged about the timeline in your life? Are you thinking maybe you could have been used by now for a greater purpose, and instead, have just been set aside?

Or, perhaps to be a bit more literal, you just feel like dirt. Valueless, ugly and well... dirty. What good could possibly come to your common, mundane life?

New growth. New life. It's quite amazing. Out of its element and against the odds, new grass is growing and is beautifying the pile. There is only one explanation. Seeds must have been sown. The incredible thing is, it doesn't matter where and when those seeds were sown. They remain there, lodged within the soil, and responding to the elements. We've had some rain lately and we've had beautiful sunshine the last few days. And so it is, that regardless of where that dirt is sitting, growth is continuing to happen. Planting a seed can sometimes take hold.

I don't know about you, but that's encouraging to me. I have three piles of dirt camped out in the driveway of my life. All three are looking pretty unattractive and discouraging. My comfort comes in knowing that the Homeowner knows the full plan. He could use each one to fill in my character where necessary, and with His landscaping genius, He could even use them to add beauty to the property. The hardest part is that only He knows the timeline. Only He can orchestrate when, where and how those piles will be moved. I've learned something though. I can sit around and complain about the piles of  dirt in my driveway, or I can believe that growth can still come while I wait. I know that seeds have taken hold. In the meantime, it is my hope that those who pass by, will not see the soil or the 'pile', but will instead be pleasantly surprised by the new life, albeit in the most unlikely places.

So, here's to the seeds that take hold, no matter where we are in our lives!

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.   - Doug Larson

You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.   - Jim Rohn

Unexpected Inspiration

I recently had the privilege of going on a quick, four day tour with my best friend to Branson, Missouri.  If you have never been there, it is a beautiful area. Branson is known for their family-friendly environment and their great shows. While there, it is not uncommon to hear God being praised and veterans being honored. How refreshing! To make it even more inspiring, we were accompanied by thirty senior citizens. These are people who have said "YES!" to life. Regardless of their age or the many things that life has brought their way, they are determined to get out of their homes and their comfort zones to meet new people and see new things.

There are a couple of women in particular who inspired me on this trip. The first is ninety-two. She was traveling with her fifty-four year old daughter from Texas, who has determined to spend more time with her mom, while she has the chance. They held hands much of the time. This dear woman looks great! When asked if she wanted to stay at the hotel while we went to a shopping area, she declined, saying "I do not want to miss a thing!" At ninety-two she could have assumed she'd seen it all... a store is a store... or quite understandably, just stayed behind to rest. Eight other people, some much younger than her, stayed behind to take naps!

The second, was an eighty-six year old woman who was traveling with her fifty-nine year old daughter. I never saw her without a smile on her face. My friend has known her for years and says she is always like that, despite some very difficult situations in her life. She didn't say much but it was obvious that she is determined to enjoy each moment given to her. She had to twist her daughter's arm, but together, they rode the roller coaster at Silver Dollar City!  By her account, she had a blast!  From her daughter's account, her mom "lied to her" by telling her it was not scary. It's interesting to see how our perspectives on life are revealed through the simplest of situations. The daughter complained and her mother smiled.

I was also inspired by our bus driver, known on tours as the "coach operator." He is a kind and humble man who has seen some adversity himself. When an accident crushed his ankle and impaired his walking, he nearly lost his business and his hope. After pressing through a series of setbacks and surgeries, he has now driven a coach for the last year and a half and just three months ago starting writing poetry. While on tour, he entrusted me with his chunky spiral bound notebook that he keeps between the steering wheel and the window of the bus. I sat and copied down some of his thoughtful and inspired poems. What a privilege that was!

I saw some great shows, ate some good food and had a wonderful time. The highlight though... spending four days in a row with my best friend, and the people I met throughout the journey.  None of us are ever sure where this road of life will take us. The important thing, as I've learned it, is who you are traveling with. Whether on detours, the scenic route, the hectic interstate or pausing at a rest stop, the company we keep can give joy and meaning to any situation. Though I've loved all the destinations  I've been privileged to travel to, I've also realized that the really important places aren't even on the map!  I encourage you to grab a friend, venture out and be inspired! 

Abundant Blessings,

Debbie~