I was feeling like had been so caught up in my business & in what I had started to think I needed to do to be 'successful' . . . that I discovered that I was losing hold on the 'love' & the reason why I started designing. It was getting swallowed up by the pressure to promote & the fads that come & go. . . They weren't me & I the contentment that I have from designing & creating were getting swallowed up in them.
So, I purposefully took a step back. . . & I began to get in touch with what I wanted my business to be. . . my life to be. I stopped looking at what others were doing so much. . . & I began to look at what really inspired me. That's when I started working in a local quilt shop. It's the same quilt shop that I took my first quilting classes in . . . & it has been so wonderful to get out of my home studio & get to meet, assist & get to know what is important to other quilters.
It was the beginning of a 'coming home' for me.
Since then, I have been re-thinking a lot of the things I was doing in my business. . . & the way I was living my life.
I'll be honest. . . it hasn't always been so easy. There are times that I still feel like a need to play some game. . . to follow some unwritten code of what I should do to be successful. But day-by-day it has become increasingly easier. I'm hearing (& listening to) my own drummer again. . . & all around me I am finding reminders of what my heart knows. . . Just this morning, & heard again something I used to have on a bulletin board:
"God does not call us to be successful. . .
He calls us to be faithful."
- Mother Theresa
Which brings me to the photo of the book above. It is the current book on my bedside table, & it is such a 'gift' in it's own right. The timing of me discovering this book is nothing short of the impeccable perfection of God's timing in my life (. . . which I've experienced over & over. . .), & it is a part of filling my heart (& head) with the things that help me really see the blessings that surround me.
I've also discovered that so many others in the blogging world are also reading 'One Thousand Gifts', & that it is also having a profound affect on their lives as well.
Here's a little preview of the book. . .
So. . . here's to slowing down & looking for & seeing the gifts. . . & when life feels all frazzled . . . here's to realizing that it doesn't change the fact that the gifts are still there. . .
. . . for me, it's life changing.
Even though I knew it all along. . . it's been such a gift to be reminded. . .
♥ Bren
20 comments:
What a thoughtful heartfelt post. I agree, there comes a time when we all must stop and smell the roses. Now, I am off to find that book!
Brenda, thank you for your inspiring post.
A gorgeous post Brenda and Oh so true.... I am off now to get the book - Thanks
Thank you, Bren, for sharing these peaceful and inspiring thoughts! I'll check out that book soon!
Sounds like you've reached a wonderful place in your life!
Hugs, Karen
Bren, the book sounds wonderful, will need to read this one, many times we need to just sit back and take stock of our lives, we do seem to forget about ourselves and what is truly important. Find peace and then you will find happiness.
Thank you so much for yet another delightful, inspiring post. I truly appreciate the book recommendations that you so generously share with us. Of the blogs I follow I wanted to let you know that yours seems to come from someone who is already at peace within themselves. I also think that working as you do one on one with the customer base at the quilt shop gives you great insight as to what our needs are when it comes to design and color as it is obviously working! Have a blessed week.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you once again for an inspiring post. I was recently diagnosed with a degenerative medical condition at age 26 and often find myself wondering "why?" You blog has been a source of support for me throughout this entire process and I just thought I would let you know that in many ways you have given me the same gift that this book gave to you.
Thank you again,
Katie
Wow, sometimes we find just what we need where we wouldn't expect to find it. Thank you, I needed to hear your words and the words of the video. I recently finished Finding God's Will and still find myself struggling. This looks like a good book. God Bless you. Lisa in Texas
It's amazing how often we get caught up on what we think we have to do as opposed to what is best for us. You do seem to have a great focus on your life. Thank you for recommending this book. I've just ordered it.
Brenda, thank you for this post -- just got around to reading my favorite blogs today. I've shared with you before my journey with my mom during these last months as she struggled mightily with the last stages of Alzheimer's. She went to be with the Lord last Wednesday. We celebrated her life yesterday in a very beautiful service. I spent her final four days by her side every minute and was able to hold her hand and whisper in her ear as she took her last breath. My thoughts have been very much along the lines of "One Thousand Gifts", and as my daughters and granddaughters and sister have been here with me this week, we've had many discussions about what is really important in life -- this little video just underscored what we've been talking about. So my life will be different now, but I've more time to spend with my husband and, of course, my quilt room! First project on the horizon is "Remember Who Loves You" quilts for my granddaughters. Thanks again, Brenda.
Bren, I am also reading 1000 Gifts. It is making me think about all the gifts I receive from God every day. The good and the sad are to be received with thankfulness. David Crowder Band has a song on their new CD,Church Music, called How He Loves Us. You might take a listen and marvel at how much we are loved.
A post from your heart - I love it! Yes, it is so easy to get caught up in all of the stuff others are doing and forget to listen to our own heart. Be still and know I am God......my favorite verse and one I think about so often. I will look into the book.
Blessings,
Becky
Brenda, thank you for sharing your heart with us. I think I will have to go get that book... it has recently been a reflective time for me too.
Jacquelynne sent me here today, although I've visited before. I love what you wrote. I will look for that book. One that is being read and shared in our Bible Study Group is "Thrift Store Saints: Meeting Jesus 25 Cents at a Time" by Jane Knuth. It is a very heartwarming little book. I think you might like it. :-)
Bren, you voiced all of the things that have been in my head for quite some time.
Thank you
Mary
Ahhhh I sew hear you Bren, ...years ago I was indeed fortunate to hear an amazing lady share her wisdom with me..." if you had only one week left- what and who would you spend it with?" Funny enough I live my life with that thought every moment. As selfish as it may sound, I chose who I want to be with, what I want to do every moment of the day and I have never ever been sew filled with bliss. This moment it is with you. Sometimes we are just ready for the wisdom. Blessings
I had not heard of this book,but after you blogged about it, I ordered one. Thanks for sharing!
Brenda,
How wonderful for you! It sounds like you have paid close attention to the callings of your heart. I have been a HUGE fan of Ann's blog as long as I have been yours. You both have lovely ways with words that provoke thought and peace. Grace to you on your journey. V
Brenda, Your post is so touching and beautiful. I was just hopping around lurking on a few blogs and stopped by...I was stopped in my tracks by the photo of this book. I ordered it over 2 months ago and have yet to even open it. I had an unexpected surgery and have not done much but lay around and stare at the (shudder) television...talk about wasting time! I ordered this beautiful book after reading the first chapter on the Authors page. NOW, I need to read it. I'm finally up and around a bit. Was hoping to try a bit of sewing today but don't think that will happen so instead, I think I will give myself "One Thousand Gifts". Don't know how to thank you except to say, God Bless. Hugs...
Oh Bren, thank you for such a wonderful Easter thought....and a powerful wake-up call!
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