Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Recent Comments

Public Domain Image submitted to Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures http://pixabay.com/en/profile/PublicDomainPictures/photos/
I am always so grateful for comments on my blog posts.  I would like to review some of the most recent comments to share reader's insights and inspirational submissions.  

Challenges do seem to open the door to new beginnings and a time to learn, expand and grow. Thanks for sharing the significance around the turning lemons into lemonade because it can have a greater meaning to each situation or journey that we are in. on Lemonade, The Lighthouse, And The Drawbridge
on 5/30/12
Many years ago I was at bible college for a short time. One of the tutors used to say 'We can't be overcomers unless we have something to overcome!'. As life goes on I realize how true this is. But there have been times it feels as if I cannot take a step further. The problems and pain of life seems to be too much. I lost my health in 2005 which meant I had to give up work. It was tough. I loved my work. But I manage to trust God in it, believing that everything that happens in our lives has a purpose, and every life experience is a lesson and a way of shaping me to be more like Jesus. But then in 2008 my eldest son died in a accident, he was 25 years old. I have written about it here http://www.squidoo.com/losingyourchild . This has been the biggest challenge to my faith. How do you find meaning in the loss of your child? How can you see 'good' in something that is evil? It's a struggle. It challenges your faith deep to the core. One thing I decided early on was that I would on Lemonade, The Lighthouse, And The Drawbridge
on 5/30/12
Your bridge theme fits your journey perfectly! And yes, without challenges, we cannot experience the joy of victory! Wow! what a post! on Lemonade, The Lighthouse, And The Drawbridge
on 5/30/12
Of course, a swim with your precious granddaughters! Delightful! I remember your saying "I wonder where I am going to swim." :) Oh yes, everything is working out perfectly and in Divine Order! on The Swim Suit, The Swimming Pool, and The Scenic Route
on 5/23/12
I so deeply admire you for what you're doing in this situation. I am certain that someone "out there" will be drawn to your words and will receive the nurturing and the knowing that they are not alone. You are leaving a trail of lights to help another as they journey through their own dark night of the soul. May God richly bless you and reward you for your service. on No Time For Tears -- Until We Meet The Sea
on 5/20/12
Enjoying reading about the journey and all the friends that you have met along the way. Hope the journey continues to go well, and that it's a wonderful experience to look back on. on No Time For Tears -- Until We Meet The Sea
on 5/20/12
Oh yes, Deb, God's provisions for your trip - physical, spiritual, emotional were a joy to watch. Every time I think about your visit here, I smile! From fragrance lessons to spiritual experiences, I learned something every day. Your journal will be a treasure of real life experiences and lessons for us all! on Faith, The Umbrella, and Lavender Bath Salt
on 5/16/12
I am looking forward to your book, and even more to that point in time when we can meet face to face. Wishing you only the very best, now and forever. on The Hat, The Camera, And The Journey Poem
on 5/11/12
Wishing you an interesting and amusing trip where the interest doesn't come from solving problems and the amusement is immediate, not "we'll laugh about this later." on Start Your Engines...
on 5/4/12
And so you're off! I am so excited for you and will pray for you every day of your 40 day journey. :) You're amazing, Deb...have fun! on Start Your Engines...
on 4/30/12
Thank you Joan! I am looking forward to meeting you. I'll be sure to take pictures at the beach. ♥ I'll keep my eyes open for natural wonders. on What Would You Like To See?
on 4/29/12
Oh you will have such a wide range of things to see on your travels. I would opt for natural wonders in each part of the country, treasuring the differences as you travel. I would also want to see a few historical sites, but I like that kind of thing! And then there are all the funny things too! would be fun to have a series of funny photos -- people are just funny! and so are animals! and you will meet so many! Looking forward to your arrival in South Carolina - enjoy the beach! onWhat Would You Like To See?
on 4/29/12
Following your journey with anticipation of blessings for you and for those for whom you are shining a light. {{hugs}} on When God Prepares The Way
on 4/24/12
Thank you for sharing your personal and inspirational story. You are awesome! on God Knows What We Need -- HIS Plan is Always On Time
on 3/4/12
This story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I love that you're moving in this direction with your blogging - I think the world needs more stories of hope and encouragement, and you are just the person to deliver them. May God Richly Bless You and This Endeavor. onGod Knows What We Need -- HIS Plan is Always On Time
on 12/20/11
This is awesome, Deb. Thanks for sharing your God conversation. And thank you for following my blog, Tickell Expressions. I hope you were able to add your link to my contest for a digital scrapbook software from My Memories. The draw is this Friday. Blessings, Teresa on Letting Go – With or Without Hesitation – One Day at a Time
on 9/14/11
on 5/3/11
I talk to God like this too. This is life. It is not easy. I feel like this with things in my life also... onLetting Go – With or Without Hesitation – One Day at a Time
on 5/1/11
Thank you Jenn, I really appreciate your comment. I hadn't thought of it as a revelation, but you are right. I just know I was not happy with the way I was feeling and I was desperate to find the "real" solution to whatever it was. ♥ Thank you Mari, I like your spiritual teacher's idea "just drop it" and I am delighted this message has helped you today. I know it was helpful to me and I felt it might help others as well. Glad you found it (You are right - somehow we sift through the mass amount of information and stumble upon just what our heart desires). Brightest Blessings, Deb onLetting Go – With or Without Hesitation – One Day at a Time
on 5/1/11
This is so beautiful and profound. It is exactly what my own spiritual teacher tells us to do. It sounds so easy--lol! One time when I was with my spiritual teacher someone asked her how to let go of anger. She took a glass of water and literally dropped it to the ground as a demonstration. She then smiled and sweetly said, "Just drop it!" I tend to perseverate when I am upset about things so this can be challenging for me at times. I am learning as I am going! Meditation, prayer and going for walks helps me! Amazing write and just what I needed--funny how that happens too! on Letting Go – With or Without Hesitation – One Day at a Time
on 5/1/11
Wow Deb, what a revelation! I enjoyed reading this. I never thought in terms of holding on or letting go. I need to think about that for myself. Wonderful write :) Cheers Jenn (aka Duffee from RG) on Letting Go – With or Without Hesitation – One Day at a Time
on 5/1/11
Want more information about the banners used as examples on this post? Go to http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo-marketing-lensography to meet the Squidoo Marketing Co-Sponsors #SquidMark on Banner Sale - Web Page Headers & Blog Banners
on 7/29/10
Thank you, GypsyOwl! I am excited and having fun with the Zazzle lenses -- so many beautiful products -- and original, too! on Squid Joan - Your Squidoo VA
on 10/29/09
Thank You and I appreciate You:MrGMy son and daughterMy MomMy Brothers and SistersI am grateful for:School (the honor and opportunity)Business associates and FriendsI have a longer list...I'll be adding more each day all this week.Who would you like to Thank?IN~JOY,GypsyOwl on Can You Count Your Blessings?
on 11/22/08
Thank You MOM! on Can You Count Your Blessings?
Anonymous
on 11/22/08
Very cool button, GypsyOwl. Nice job! I'm coming to you when I do my next launch! on Say Thank You To Top Producers
on 11/1/08
Thank You @barefoot_exec 5000 Tweets @barefoot_exec Winners!!! @johnmorgan @KristenArnold @BizOwnersOnline @Bonkus @GypsyOwl $100 each = $500 to fav charity onCan You Count Your Blessings?
on 10/18/08

Anastasia Drake and GypsyOwl (Deb Bryan) -- Stroke of Red Studios Photo Take With Permission of GypsyOwl and Anastasia Drake
All along the journey I learn and grow on many levels.  As each new experience presents itself I have choices to make.  I can enter into the opportunity with an open heart and with complete trust, I can enter with preconceived ideas and fear, or I can enter with the faith that each time a preconceived idea surfaces during the experience I can choose again to accept courage over fear.  

This is an ongoing process.  

I remember a time when everything was black and white in my experience with life, it was this way or that way, miles from what I am able to experience today.  Today I am pledged to exploring my thoughts as they come up and honestly looking at them to discover which of them are going to best reflect the world as it is now rather than what it was before.  

Living in the past will not serve us.  Living in ideas of the past will only hold us back.  The only way to move forward is to explore the past, evaluate the choices we made, and what lessons we learned... and then let the old ideas go to make room for new ideas, new opportunities. 

Spirit Sisters
Do you have a mentor, a role model, someone who inspires you and adds to your understanding of living?  I “met” my mentor, whom I hadn’t realized has been in my life for several years but, I wasn’t aware of how inspirational she has been, until as we visited the many times our paths have crossed became apparent. 
She is a spirit sister for me, I hope I am for her as well, and just when I needed, and was ready to receive, she gave me newer perspectives into life and the joy of being authentic.

The Art Gallery
Many of the people I have been meeting have been long time friends which I hadn’t met ‘in real life’ before this journey began.  Others I have met by being introduced by the friends I am meeting.  When I made an appointment with Anastasia Drake – Stroke of Red Studio in Kansas City, I did not realize I would also be there on the day she found her new studio. 

My hostess and I saw some of Anastasia’s work, toured the new studio, went out to lunch with Anastasia, and had a wonderful time brainstorming ideas and sharing about our lives and our experiences.  Something really magical happens when you put a few dynamic passionate caring women in the same space… the universe stops and sits awhile to listen in and to offer assistance. 

The $5 Hair Cut
If you know me you know I have usually cut my own hair.  Nothing really remarkable, I would just part it down the back, comb forward, cut straight across.  Then I would braid it up.  I have been talking about cutting my hair so it would be more manageable for awhile. But, I couldn’t decide on a style and I didn’t want to do it until I made a choice. 

Then I realized it was time to just get a haircut.  Whatever that might turn out to be, it was time.  I found a beauty school, gave them a call, and got an appointment the same day. This is when I met Paige.  She is one week away from graduation, beams with joy in her work (you can tell she really enjoys what she is doing), and she is easy to talk with. 

Not only that… it turns out I was at the beauty school on a Monday which is Ladies’ Day $5 haircut day… so I couldn’t have asked for a better haircut, at a better price, and her work is amazing.  Not only that, I met a new friend on my journey. 

Inspiration About The Journey...
I am asked what this journey is about and I believe it is gradually becoming clear.  At this time, this is what I believe it is about...

My 40 Day Journey is about putting off life changing decisions in the wake of a major life changing event. It is also a time to reconnect with Life Force Spirit and practicing God's presence. A Re-Alliance Process with The One who is LIFE, learning, once again, to process life with the heart. Because a life processed with physical mind is muddled with rules, fear, and perceived challenges which do not exist in SPIRIT.

To Be Continued…
Day 19 - 22 Sponsors
DAY NINETEEN SPONSOR
Gift Shop Store
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GypsyOwl
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Ravenko

DAY TWENTY SPONSOR
Gift Shop Store
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Ravenko
DAY TWENTY ONE 
Gifts for gardeners
donated by
Ann 
AShoppingGuide
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DAY TWENTY TWO
Square Red and Retro Decorative Kitchen Canisters
Donated by GypsyOwl
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DAY TWENTY THREE
Bodacious Black And White Kitchens
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Purchased By 
CCGAL 
DAY TWENTY FOUR
Robotic Pool Cleaners
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GypsyOwl and
mbrownauthor
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DAY TWENTY FIVE
Mexican Kitchen Design
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GypsyOwl and
mbrownauthor  
Purchased by Paul Winter