Tom Sawyer ballet at the Kauffman Center

It wasn't opening night, but it was the first ballet performance at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts . It was amazing--the Center is beautiful. The ballet performance of Tom Sawyer was entertaining. But the best  part of the evening was that I had the opportunity to experience it with my niece, Colby, who is my brother's youngest daughter. Although I love having a son, I sometimes miss the chance to do "stuff" with girls.

So it was great that Colby, who is in college, was on fall break. With my husband Steve out of town, it was a perfect chance to do girl stuff all weekend. And we did. We dined out, attended the ballet, and shopped the Holiday Mart. Girl, it was fun! Colby is one of the easiest going people I know and she is so fun to be around.

When I hang around with Colby, there are several things she always makes me remember about life:

1. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow -- and that's really okay.

2. People do matter.

3. Neat, clean and organized are good things.

4. Quality time is a must.

5. Dr. Pepper is the best!

My (very cool) landscaper

Annika is in charge of my fall and winter pots. She does a beautiful job. Yesterday, she was over to replace the exhausted summer plants with perky fall plants -- a happy day indeed.

I stepped out on the patio to visit with Annika, and she asked me what exactly do I do with More Than You Imagine Ministries. I told her that our ministry mostly encourages women to live out their faith every day, not just on Sundays.

As we were talking, I discovered that Annika does just that -- lives out her faith every day. Here's how: She and her sisters and mother have each chosen a day of the week to send an email to each other. For example, Annika has Mondays. She sends the other three an email of encouragement, a verse, a thought about life, whatever she wants to share that day about her faith journey. Then on Tuesday, her mom sends an email. (Annika said that her mom is amazing and almost always sends a verse or something really inspirational).

I love this idea!. Annika has found a wonderful way to live out her faith every day; while doing it with those she holds dear. What ways do you find to do the same each day?

Jumpstart video shoot

Last week, More Than You Imagine Ministries made its second Jumpstart Bible study video, planned for launch in January 2012. This was totally made possible by two Michelles: Michelle L, videographer, and Michelle F, Women's Ministry director for Church of the Resurrection (and director of the video shoot).

Turns out that working outdoors on a video during the middle of a fall day is a bit challenging. One neighbor was having a tree stump removed -- noisy. Another neighbor was having three trees replaced -- less noisy, but the workers talked really loud. And, we had to work around barking neighborhood dogs, scurrying squirrels, and Archie, my cat, climbing all around the set. Somewhere along the way, we prayed and the Holy Spirit took over the day. We were grateful.

What I learned from this video shoot:

• Let the experts do their jobs (Michelle and Michelle)
• Prayer does not replace practice (I spent many hours memorizing the talk)
• Prayer does replace perfectionism
• A video shoot has some stress, but is mostly fun
• Work is always more fun with friends - Becky, Kathy, Michelle and Michelle
•  

P.S. Video and study materials for the first Jumpstart study are available on the More Than You Imagine website for free! You can do the study in your own home with friends or family. Be sure to let me know what you think.

Sunsets are something you can depend on

"And God said, "Let there be light."and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He sperated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness He called "night." Genesis 1:3-5a

Sunsets. They happen every day--you can be sure of it. God created the sun, and it rises every morning and sets every day.

I love that God created something that I can absolutely depend on! There has never been a day where the sun didn't rise or set. I can go to the bank on that. 

So today, whatever you are facing, you can know this... God IS dependable. Sometimes He may not respond as clearly as the sunrise and the sunset. But He has provided them to remind you that He will never fail you. Depend on Him today--because you can.

My friend Betty

Several years ago, I had the good fortune to meet Betty. She is one of the "more-wonderful" people I know -- never unkind and always looks to the bright side of life. Betty is one of those people that makes you feel better about yourself just by hanging around her. What I love about Betty is that she lives her life in a way that honors the Lord, and therefore, honors others. I want to be more like Betty.

The other day, I stopped by Betty's office. If you look around, it won't take long to learn where Betty gets her inspiration. She has Psalm 23 taped to the wall above her computer. Next to her computer rest two old books. I asked Betty what those books were. She told me, "One is the New Testament. The other is a book on thanksgiving and praise." She commented that the content in these two books have the ability to carry her through any situation that may happen in a day.

What's in your workspace? Is it inspirational? Helpful? When others look at your desk or kitchen, do they see Jesus somehow? This week, be like Betty. Put a small Bible or devotional book where it is readily available -- and then use it.

P.S.I would love to hear what kinds of tools you use to help you throughout your day! And did you know that you can read the Bible online, or on your phone? Check it out!