Find Joy.

If you are anything like me, you may find yourself dreaming of the way things were 'supposed' to be. 

Let me just put this out there, right up front, things are exactly as they are meant to be. Now, whether or not they are what you expected them to be, is a totally different story. Hopes and dreams are constantly dashed when people, things, events, don't live up to our expectations- but those are our expectations- What if we were willing to accept life as it comes (I'm not talking about being apathetic here) but what if we let people be themselves, events turn out as they may, and learn to live in the ebb and flow of a chaotic world, yet be filled with peace? 

Is this even possible? Can the world be falling apart, rather our expectations of what we think ought to be happening in the world, and can we still live in a peaceful state?

I'm going to wager a giant YES on that. I'm going to say that in my situation, AND I live in someone else's plan B of my life, I feel a sense of peace. Knowing that it is ok not to know, and not to be in control, and for me to find gratitude in the moment, and joy in the unexpected story I live...I say YES. 

We can live a life that was not our expectation and still be filled with peace, joy, gratitude. 

Now let's talk nitty gritty... because it totally SUCKS when things don't turn out the way you want them too, and when you wake up in a world that is beyond your control and you have to navigate the hurt, the shame, the unbelievable pain... healing doesn't happen over night. You can't will yourself into being filled with joy when you are at the bottom of a pit heaving just to breathe the pain is so thick... no you can't will yourself to be happy... and the "fake it t'ill you make it" just doesn't work... when tears leak out of you, and you seep pain... it is hard. It sucks. I can't tell you it doesn't. 

What I can tell you is that in time, lots and lots of time, things change... you never stop missing what you've lost, you never stop hurting when you think about it, but you can find peace with it, and in finding peace, you can find joy... I know for myself, joy started to seep in when I started focusing on the things in my life I had to be grateful for. Gratitude is a ribbon that runs through my life, it has changed my life, gratitude and time are healers. In time, gratitude breathes joy, and joy in life... creates an underlying bedrock of peace... not that weird happy all the time crap, but that deep seated peace that no matter what the situation, you know, that you know, you will survive... time will help heal, nothing stays the same forever, and you will grateful for the story you are living.

Everyone of us has a story that is filled with pain, if we were to compare our hurts, we would all one up each other... but what if we stopped comparing, started sharing, and helped other's see light at the end of the tunnel, because one thing I know is, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope in the darkest night, and there is peace to be had... change your focus, be grateful, hold on to your hope, because... Joy is coming... There is Joy in the story you are living...hold on. Just hold on.

Two printables for you to choose from... take your pick for whichever you need :) 

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M.

 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. Romans 15:13 NLV

On a technical note, I cannot respond to any comments that you leave... I'm so sorry, it's extremely frustrating, but I am in no way shape or form a techie- so alas it is how it will stay. If you want to reach out and share with me, please use the contact me button on the side of this page, and that will go directly to my blog email, and I will get it and respond. M.

LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable,
 Free for personal USE ONLY

LostBumblebee ©2019 MDBN Free Printable,
Free for personal USE ONLY

It is well... with my soul.

... all in all, it is well...

So much is happening here, I just can't believe it.  I am packing up a house, my hubby is currently renovating our restaurant -literally at this moment... renovating! We were up at 4:30 this morning and off to the restaurant to clean up a little, move a few things in order for the gas guy to come in and re-hook up our gas appliances... So yup, mid renovation.  I cannot believe how fast this week is going! And me, you ask? I'm home, working away at organizing, cleaning, fixing, prepping, and hauling stuff out of this house, my mom was here last weekend, my dad arrives this weekend-it's a revolving door of craziness! And on top of all of that, the hubby has a big exam on Monday... re-opening day... when we decide it's time to get to work, what we really mean is how much can we actually jam pack into 7 days and stay sane? let's see... well we may actually be teetering on the sanity line...

Not every week is like this... I'm not sure if they were, if I could survive let along thrive in life...

Last weekend was our presentation of our Living Life On Purpose 2015 Uganda Journey and I wanted to share with you the video we made of some of our photos...  plus a little print... "It is well... with my Soul" because when it comes right down to it, not matter what is happening externally in my life, I know that all is well with my soul... and there is this unexplainable peace that is just blanketing me at this moment, and I am so grateful for that.

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M.

Living Life On Purpose 2015

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DECEMBER!

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Oh December- It's the most Wonderful Time of the year... can you hear it, can you smell it... It's beautiful, stressful, full of crazy relatives, phone calls, cookies, Christmas trees, extra stuff in my house, friends, wine, cheer, sadness, Advent, church, more people, food, chocolate, lights, snow, worry.... it really is the most wonderful time of the year... if we keep in mind what Christmas is all about.

Instead of worrying if you've done enough... know that Jesus did it all, celebrate that and know you are enough.

Christmas in our world can cause so much pain, hurt and frustration... try to focus on what really matters to you... don't load up your credit card, instead make stuff, don't spend money on stuff no one needs, spend time instead... don't do what doesn't fill your heart... gently bow out of invitations you don't want to say yes to- and do what does fill your heart, another evening with hot chocolate and popcorn watching a christmas movie with your family, is doing Christmas. Driving around looking at the lights with your hubby, IS Christmas. Don't compare what is important to you, with what is important to someone else... if you don't have time to decorate your house because it takes you away from spending time with those you love, don't decorate your house...

Pick and choose this year what will fill your heart and soul and make you happy... leave behind comparison, which leads to feelings of inadequacy - choose your peace and happiness instead... know you are enough, your children want you, not stuff... your husband wants you, not stuff... be present, be in the moment, capture it in your memory, and if you remember, take a few photos...  this will be the best Christmas yet!

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M.

Check out my Advent Calendars:

Rustic Christmas CHEER Calendar, a fun and inspirational way to celebrate the Christmas Spirit throughout the holidays:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/247817498/christmas-advent-calendar-rustic-holiday?ref=shop_home_feat_1

Calendrier de L'Avent en Français (Bible): 
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/247943589/calendrier-de-lavent-en-francais-25-4x6?ref=listing-shop-header-0

CHRISTmas Scripture Advent Calendar Version 2:

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/258695253/christmas-advent-calendar-version-2?ref=related-4

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Live Laugh Love

I'm procrastinating. I have yet to pack. We leave tomorrow.

I'm wallowing in this amazing feeling of not being prepared and being totally calm. I'm in a zone that feels so peaceful... now this could just be the calm before the storm... I don't feel stress, I feel total peace. It is a very weird sensation. Because I know myself. Technically, I should be freaking out, grabbing extra stuff and shoving it in a suitcase 'just in case' but I'm not... I've checked off my list(s) (-there have been many!),  except a little run to the dollar store to pick up stickers for the teachers at the school to be able to give to the children... maybe another run to the camping store for a towelette that will be used to dab sweat (glorious though eh?) also pick up some Tim Hortons coffee to take over as a little taste of home for the Missionaries...

(i may have just compiled another list- I'd better get packing!)

On another note- I'm not sure what kind of internet hook up we will have while on our Living Life On Purpose 2015 Journey to Uganda. I'm hoping to be able to keep you all updated weekly if not more, we shall see! Keep us in your prayers! We appreciate all of your support!

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M.

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Every Child.

Every Child Begins the World Again...
-Henry David Thoreau

Last night we had a family gathering, and we started talking about babies, adoption, surrogacy, DNA donation- etc., etc., etc., Maybe not your usual dinner table conversation but when you're a family who has dealt with fertility issues for the past 10 years, it's not unusual to come up with some pretty crazy funny ideas.  The norm would be more IVF or adoption- and we've talked about it, we've thought about it, and we will probably start the adoption process for a baby or little human child in the future...

I was asked how I felt about it... and my response was, "if it happens yay! I'd be happy, if it doesn't happen yay! I'm good with that too." and I am.  I really am. Has it been a long journey to get here? Yes. Do I believe that God has a perfect plan and that I can rest in the unknown? Yes. Is the unknown a place of rest? For me yes, for some perhaps not.  My Mom (she is so wise) always reminds me... "Miss, we are on a need to know basis with God, and sometimes you just don't need to know..." Would I love to see a snap shot of our lives in 20 years? Yes of course, but would that bring peace or anxiety?  I don't really know...

I'm in a wonderful place right now with our lives, we are Living Our Lives On Purpose and going to volunteer in an Orphanage in Uganda , we are going to share our love with Children and Youth who are already here, who have already changed the world just by being born- and in a good way. They will forever change my life. I know that going to Uganda to volunteer will change my life forever... will I impact a life over there- I hope so, I hope that they will know they are loved- but the biggest thing that will happen will be to me. I will be different, my world view will change. What will it be? I have no idea but I'm resting in the unknown.

So this morning as I drink my Coffee and reflect on the conversation last night,  and rest in the unknown, what I do know is that I have peace, that I believe God is in control and I'm so grateful that He is, because I'm not sure I want to be...  As I contemplate our upcoming Journey and perhaps even the possibility of adoption in the next couple of years,  I rest in the unknown... and what I do know... that every child begins the world again...   This one is for you, those of you who hope to have a child, who have adopted a child, who are having a child, who have had a child, who's friends are having a child, who's friends are adopting a child... hold dear to this belief that every child begins the world again... Rest in the unknown and trust...

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M.

Just a little reminder: *Please note all free printables and images are free for Personal Use. They may not be used for resale or commercial use without written permission. >> If you are using these images on your website or your blog you must link back to www.lostbumblebee.blogspot.com

Please visit our INFO page.

Thank you :)

M.

All LostBumblebee® Prints ©2009-2015 Melissa Dawn Baker-Nguyen

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Trust.

What is your heart's desire today?
Mine is...

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour
-Hillsong United Lyrics

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M.

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Stand.

This verse was a request... while I was creating this printable, it just overwhelmed me with peace...
Just wanted to share the peace.
Share the love,
M.

Want to add this overlay to your own personal photos to make them works of art? >> Click here <<

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Peace, Love, Joy & Merry Everything!

Yup it's that time to celebrate, love, joy, peace... hopefully those are values we celebrate all year-every year!

This morning, the coffee is on, Christmas lights are on, I am enjoying the peacefulness this morning...    (I interrupt this blog post for a conversation with the hubby) Well it was peaceful, isn't it crazy how a little spat can change the course of a day?

But I'm choosing to refocus-  I've got too much do be thankful for, I've got too much to do, and there is just too much goodness around me!

When you choose to focus on positivity, hope, gratitude and love, you will always be met road bumps - that is natural, but what isn't always natural, is making the choice to refocus on positivity. It is easier to wallow in pity, frustration, anger and well... basically pout. But you know what-  You've always got a choice. You choose what you focus on!

So today, I will refocus, again, and again, and again- and it will be hard, but it will be worth it!

So here's to Focusing and Refocusing on the important things in life; love, joy, peace, gratitude, hope, and everything else that is positive and refreshing and beautiful!
Merry Everything & Happy Always!

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M.

Let's stay connected via Google+
Click on my face over there (on the right) and let's be friends!

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Give Thanks.

Gratitude, always. There is always something to be thankful for, you've just got to look for it, celebrate it,  and give thanks for it.

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M.

I know we haven't even made it through Thanksgiving yet, in Canada -> this weekend and in the USA-> end of November- But if you are starting to think about Christmas- make sure to check out my Christmas Cheer Advent Calendar here >> CHRISTMAS CHEER << or my CHRIST in Christmas advent Calendar here >> CHRISTmas << 

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Love.

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16

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M.

If you haven't read about our Living Life on Purpose Africa 2015  >> Please take a read and if you love free printables please consider giving a donation to help us on our journey! 

 

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Wanderlust

It's kinda crazy around here... I just got home, now I'm preparing to jump on a plane again... 

This year I've travelled by Train, Plane, Automobile and Boat... all I need is a donkey and my repertoire of travel methods will be full !

It has been a whirlwind, and it continues to be...  2015 may or may not settle down, and I may or may not be excited about it either way- full of travel, or full of home time, I can't decide yet. But I do know that my heart and mind are open to both...

Wanderlust : is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world. 

Usually my wanderlust keeps me wandering around my back field imagining it full of cows. I used to do this when I was little and I still find myself daydreaming about it now :)

So this one is for all of you who desire to see the world, or who just wander around your back field- or for those of you who just let your mind wander... 

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M.

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fruit.

I was talking about this recently with a friend... don't just talk the talk, walk the walk... easier said than done. This is a reminder to myself what the fruit of my life should look like... don't just say something, let your life say it.

oy,
Happy Monday!
May your life be fruitful!

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M.

Scroll down for your free printables :)

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His Eye is on the Sparrow...

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches over me...

Something to think about today...
Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6,7 

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M.

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