The Original Pinterest Board

I invented Pinterest.

Seriously.

Just like Al Gore invented the Internet.

Ever discover something new and think to yourself, “I wish I would have thought of that!” (Like dental floss on a stick.)  Or even better… Raise your hand if you DID already think of this same new idea; however never imagined taking it to the next step?? (Both of my hands are raised high in the air!)

That’s me! And my son!  And Pinterest.

When our youngest son was a little guy (not in stature but in age,) we recognized he was a child of many distracted directions and thoughts.  Imagine the dog Doug, from the the popular movie UP….that was our beautiful boy.  So kind and tender and full of wonder, a heart full of love & light and naivety. And… easily distracted.  (Squirrel!)

He had so many interests. So many passions. So many collections.  And he had an equally organized mother who struggled with the accumulations of “matter” attached to these various interests, passions, and collections!  We needed a compromised way to organize some of his interests which made us both happy and that’s how the board of pinned interest was invented!

A large board, hung in his leopard-spotted bedroom, which we could “Pin” some of said stuff in an effort to become organized (for my sanity) and less distracted, (for his attention-span!)

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If we had only taken our idea to bigger and greater heights. Think of what would have happened had WE been the two to put it ON THE LINE! (Or online.)

When we moved recently from our home of 17 years, our son’s board of pinned interest came with us and has remained much as it was when it hung in his room as a little guy.  Looking over the board I’ve enjoyed the memories that have stirred within me and I am grateful to have them displayed to be reminded of the many wonderful interests our son has often had.

And I wonder if we all had this board of pinned interest publicly displayed would we be proud, as believers, of what our Lord would see?  Would our interests glorify Him?  Or would they horrify? What would our interests say about us as believers? What would Jesus want us to pin?

Recently, I discovered (again too late in the game) that other’s contemplate these same questions.  That there is already a great visual discovery tool ON THE LINE  networking people with shared visions, thoughts, & interests; who desire to live a life glorifying His holy name.

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https://wordpress.com/read/post/id/67048096/577/

when you write a message, share a photo, or a video online, do you stop and think about what it says about you as a believer?

I am enjoying the new discovery of this site and am encouraged by those who set a good example, by their pinned interests, of

  “living a life as servants of God.” Peter 2:16

And it truly is okay with me that THEY thought to take this idea to bigger heights before I did. Both my hands are still raised high in the air that I’m like-minded with them!!

Hugs n’ Blessings!

Unless the heart is knit in love….

Practice, practice, practice.  None of which has made me perfect. (Dratz!)

My first blogging 101 assignment is to publish “who I am & why I’m here.” I know that the title is an opportunity to introduce myself, describe what I’m about, and explain why ANYone would care to read my blog.  But…the annoying deep thinker that I am could not help but answer internally (to myself, I did NOT talk out loud  to myself…even though I was tempted.)

“THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT FOR THE PAST 40++ YEARS!!”

Who would have ever thought that this defining question in my life would one day be reveled to me by writing an assignment for a blog.

A scratch the surface answer would be: I am a creative-spirited red head who often needs to temper her passion for what she believes in & who has been privileged, humbled, and honored to have been a Domestic Engineer for the past 29 years. I am writing this blog because I have always documented my thoughts, prayers, joys, and struggles through journaling since a very young girl and blogging will be my 21st century rendition of this.

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The deeper answer is: I am a woman of faith who enjoys closeness with God and seeks Him out in all ways, always.  In the year 2000, while recuperating from surgery, I stumbled upon a book written by a seventeen century French monk, Brother Lawerence, who learned to practice the presence of God at all times.  The book, The Practice of the Presence of God,  promised “and you can, too.”   This has been my truth.

The book revealed to me how to practice God’s presence and see His glory in every facet of my life.  Even if it were only standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes.

“Lord of all pots and pans and things…

Make me a saint by getting meals

And washing up the plates!”

– Brother Lawerence

Thus, Brother Lawerence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.  And so too my journey began by attempting to put into practice the presence of God at all times.  How have I done these past 15 years, you may ask?  Terrible, I’m sure most would say!!!  (Especially when that human, less than perfect, side of me comes out! wink-wink!)  And so I practice, practice, practice, and practice some more.  And I am eternally grateful for my progress.  I see God abunduntly working & it has nourished my soul.

imagesThis past year, in particular, I have turned a huge corner.  I have come to experience, just as Brother Lawerence, that the soul that seeks the companionship of God may (and does) find Him.

I am certain my blogs will always, in all ways, include Him.

Hugs n’ blessings,

Dawn Marie