Welcome, readers and listeners! 

Here is my Audio Blog – Project Magnificent Messmaker! Workshop – Save the Date.

This blog is about my experience with the save the date announcement for my forthcoming Project Magnificent Messmaker! Workshop taking place this coming Fall on September 15th. I attempted to do the announcement on my own, starting off wanting it to reflect the essence of simplicity as well as the beauty in mess-making (imperfection). Instead, the result was an appearance that my beloved Coach Kate said looks like a postcard! My initial perception of her response was that is was a bit pristine, although that is not at all what she meant. As difficult as it was to hear that, I knew the real deal. I sent the announcement to her because I had gone overboard, and it did not convey the intended message. I looked at it and saw anything other than a MESSage. It was a picture of crisp, shear perfection! I had already cleaned the MESS right out of my MESSage! How Dare Sheryl!

I called my friend, Ann-Marie, to sit in the muck with me because I was so frustrated with myself. I’ve planned and facilitated many events for which I created various forms of announcements. I didn’t understand why this was any different. One thing I have learned is that, no matter how well we know or can do something, there may come a time when we are less creative, less productive, and nicely botch up the simplest of tasks!

Ann-Marie was very calm, reassuring, and willing to help save me from myself… to help me get over myself and get on with it! I could hear the smile in her voice as she chuckled and tried to help me calm down, which she successfully did. Praise God! I asked for her assistance with the announcement because I had a full day and didn’t want to further delay. I shared the effect I desire of the flyer, which is a simple save the date notice. She laughed and commented about needing to help me to make a mess! I confirmed my need for her help with making a mess, hence relinquishing my inner control gremlin that insisted on perfection. The struggle was real, so I asked for help.

I went to the Internet and looked at simple save the date announcements, which reminded me of my initial intention. I was okay after that and knowing that, with help, I would soon have an announcement I want to share. As simple as this sounds, it was quite an experience for me and a little shocking for Ann-Marie!

Another lesson I’ve learned (or confirmed) is the beauty of relationships and having others to help us in time of need and through our own nonsense. Yet, another lesson is the benefit of immediate note-taking or journaling and voice recording! These are powerful tools for reflection. Reading what I’ve written here has helped me to grasp what transpired. I had taken what started off as a super simple task and made it unnecessarily difficult by ‘not so discretely’ trying to hide any hint of imperfection. Have you ever done that?

I am reminded of the Triple Threat:
Transparency. Transformation. Transition.

What’s that all about? It’s about accepting that God is gracious and, therefore, extending self-grace that provides for our openness to inevitable, ongoing change in life. I talked about self-grace in my previous blogs, What’s in a Vision and Vision Garden. Know that sustainable change takes time and is worth the self-investment. Likewise, the Triple Threat is about overcoming obstacles; courageously acknowledging, embracing, and applying what we learn from our mistakes and messes such that we continually grow rather than allowing them to keep us from pursuing the wonderful opportunities and experiences awaiting us. This is empowering!

My desire is that my message and what I share are simple, practical, and effective. Thankfully, this MESSage is already proving to be helpful as I was able to go through the day more calmly, creatively, flexibly, and productively knowing I will ‘fail’ safely into success as I put one foot in front of the other. In doing so, I continue along the path God has for me and accomplishing what He has set before me in service to Him and others. How can I be sure of this? I know that God is with us in MESSES and SUCCESSES. Both are necessary aspects of our Divine processes.

Lovingly & Faithfully Me, Sheryl

Guess what happened when I allowed a fresh sense of hope to ignite my vision?

I began to feel vivaciously alive, and it became my Vision Garden! I am excited, motivated, curious, intrigued, and determined to take steps toward further identifying and living out my vision for the life of abundance God has for me.

 

Don’t Grow Weary while Doing Good

It hasn’t happened overnight nor has it been without challenge, but it’s worth the time and effort it’s taking. It did not start out as a clear vision, but I gain clarity as I refine and begin to live it.

I love that my vision allows me to creatively and critically consider those things that are meaningful and desirable in my life, whether grand or small. I appreciate clarity as I think about seemingly trivial intentions (or goals) that eventually lead to deliberation and manifestation.

Ultimate Vision 

I am grateful for my ultimate vision of serving Jesus Christ. From this stems my personal vision which serves as my compass to keep me on the right path. It is my centering place where I am restored and re-energized to press forward. Thinking about my vision makes me happy! I am gratified in knowing that God’s plan for my life involves honoring Him through serving as a source of love, peace, encouragement, hope, and resourcefulness in the lives of others.

Vision Evolution 

My vision has evolved to be my Vision Garden. How beautiful it is! Working in my Vision Garden is as peaceful, serene, and therapeutic as working in a home garden. I fertilize my Vision Garden using soil infused with love, disciplined self-grace, patience, knowledge (evolving as wisdom), and trust in God’s process of unfolding His plan for my life while also cultivating transparency, transformation, and transition from seed to bud to blossom.

Stay the Course – Seasons Change

I remain committed to tending my Vision Garden no matter how fruitful or bleak things may appear. I recognize that even stormy days have a role in my growth process. I choose to stay the course in anticipation of seeing a rainbow in the clouds. I know that, like the clouds, the sun and rain are God’s majestic creations which burst forth to nourish my Vision Garden, producing beauty and bringing Him glory.

A Hint of Hope – You Deserve It

I say all of this to encourage you to hope, dream, desire, and act. As it did for me, a hint of hope can make a life-changing difference during times of stagnation when we need wisdom and energy to take the next step. Hope is help when desiring something to look forward to, which can become the start of a beautiful vision.

Your Vision Garden – Sowing Inspiration-Seed

What’s stirring within you? What’s in your soil?

You inspired this article. I share it as inspiration-seed whether you are thinking about, crafting, refining, or taking leaps and bounds with your vision.

No Need to Go It Alone: Co-Cultivate

Thank you, Kate Larsen, for tilling soil and sowing inspiration-seed in my Vision Garden.

Meet me back here on Friday to read more. Peace and love be on to each of you!

Hillsong’s “With All I Am” YouTube video beautifully inspired my Vision Garden. Enjoy!

Lovingly & Faithfully Me, Sheryl