While I was growing up I went to a Christian high school that gave out a “Christian Character Award” each year.
I didn’t understand it even back then but I sure as heck knew I wasn’t going to get it.
I always loved Jesus but I talked too much in class, doodled when I should have been listening, laughed really loud (really) and probably had too many opinions about everything.
Even as an adult I would get quiet when women would talk about their prayer schedule or I would see their super duper highlighted Bibles.
Crap, was I supposed to have a color coded system? I was falling short. That dang award was still out of my reach.
Was a colorful Bible the proof of my heart?
I knew it wasn’t but I did get uncomfortable if I wasn’t able to instantly find Habakkuk. Serious. It’s in there!
It took spending time with the Lord and hearing HIS heart for ME that helped me to see that I was exactly the Christian woman He wanted and needed.
I talk. A lot. So what! Look at all the good that talking has done for me! Heck, I have made a career of it it.
My doodling during class TOTALLY paid off.
My love of art is one of the most beautiful parts of my life.
I don’t know what I can say about my loud laughing except people really know I have joy:-) A lot of it!
Just ask anyone that has ever sat near me at any event. It can be a problem.
The opinions have brought me the most rich and beautiful friendships, discussions, heart for women, love of learning with my kids and the love of sharing my thoughts in my teaching.
Guys, I was never supposed to fit in a box and neither are you!
I hope you will join me for the next 8 weeks for the FREE series Becoming | The Unfolding of You.
I can tell you already that it is going to be good.
Not because I am awesome or the other women are awesome (which they are) but because the Lord is Awesome.
I know. I know. I know that He just wants you to see yourself the way He sees you.
We are going to just have fun.
We just want to be open and real with you guys and maybe something sweet will come out of that.
A few times a week we will have a few talking videos and a few creative videos.
Everything is pre-recorded so you can watch the videos at your convenience.
Did I mention it is FREE. Totally free.
To join this free study you just need to be registered at jeanneoliver.ning.com (registering is free).
Once you are on the site you will find this study, free videos (business and art), my Creativity Takes Courage series and new online courses along the left hand side of the page.
You will find all of our courses/videos under the COURSES heading.
To register for Becoming | The Unfolding of You
1) Go to COURSES along the left hand side of the page
2) Go to the bottom of the course and click “view all” to find Becoming | The Unfolding of You
4) Click on Becoming | The Unfolding of You
3) Click the +join button on the upper right hand side
4) All of the details are on the page and you are all set for the study to begin on January 6, 2015
Tell your friends!
Can. not. wait. I’m so glad you never, ever fit in a box. I talked too much in school and still laugh way too loud (once, a total stranger in a restaurant commented – very pointedly – that I must be from Florida, because people from Florida laugh too loud. Whaaaa???) and my sense of humor gets me into trouble alllllll the time. Still, for many years I tried VERY hard to fit into a “preacher’s wife” box….and ended up with a boatload of stories waiting to be told that I am scared to tell…
…like that time The Preacher and I were coming home from a weekend getaway. And I accidentally – unwittingly – took an Ambien that I thought was an allergy pill. Neither of us knew. We stopped for breakfast at Cracker Barrel and (he said) my pupils got realllllllllllly dilated, and I began to blow on my coffee seductively, and run my tongue over the rim of the coffee cup and talk crazy to him. Loudly. He realized something was terribly awry, and got me out of there before our food came.
I don’t remember a thing. Then, a few hours later, I emailed someone and don’t remember doing that either – and it got me in trouble. He should have sat by the bed and saved me from myself.
Oh this cracked me up! You see one of my closest friends is a “Preacher’s Wife” and umm this is something she would do. She loves to laugh and yes her husband even “banned” us from sitting next to each other in church because we normally ended up with the giggles… yep, right in the middle of the service… on a regular basis!! (i switched to sitting in the pew behind her.. it helped a little.. it wasn’t every service we got the “look” from the pulpit, ha ha! Oh how I miss her so much! by the way, she talked too much in school too while I didn’t hardly say a word in school until I was almost done and then it was only in certain classes.
it takes all kinds <3 He did an amazing job creating all of us with all of our specific fabulousness. He rocks.
SO excited and thankful I saw this going on! eeeeeeeee! Yay!!
Jeanne, you are such a special lady. You have inspired me for several years now and I feel like I know you and would surely welcome the opportunity to meet you in person. I am finally able to find small snippets of time to discover the wonder and fun of creativity on a regular basis. Your talent and the generosity of you and many other artisans, has truly inspired me. The sharing of individual talents and skills is overwhelming. Thank you for sharing your gifts. I look forward to this newest adventure. Sincerely,
Okee Dokee, it’s 6:03 am here in Virginia, I am drinking my coffee while the snow falls outside and am counting down the hours until it is 9:00 am for you 🙂 So super excited about this “Large Group” and know this is just going to be the best 8 weeks!!!!! Thanks again for always being you and caring so much for the hearts of others.
Love ya,
Debbie
I’m very much looking forward to this- I believe it will be a great path into my new year!
And Jeanne, reading about you in school- makes me laugh out loud! You are and always have been who you are supposed to be- I believe this because of the joy you share with others-it’s infectious you know! much love “)
Really looking forward to this! Between you and some of my other favorite bloggers, I know it’s going to be awesome!
I love this post crazy-much.
I’ve thought so many of those same church-people things!
Two minutes and twenty five seconds of powerful divinely delivered words…silent tears welling up..Just what this bruised heart needed to be reminded of. I am not alone. God loves me in spite of myself. I am His. Thank you.
And speaking of your laughing…my daughter ask me “so what was Jeanne Oliver like” after my trip to Italy last June. I said “she is VERY funny.”
I have loved all your ecourses and your art and your blog.
Hi Jeanne,
I’m following the wonderful Becoming class and happened on your post about Bellagio next summer. I wanted to leave a comment there, but just couldn’t find the proper link for some reason.
That class is really tempting in part because I live in Italy, although it is way down south! The cost is a bit steep for me, but I would like to know if there are still spaces available.
Thank you,
Anna Maria
Anna, we would love to have you join us! Here is the direct link to register. Please email me at jeanneoliverdesigns@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thank you, Jeanne.
Wish I had seen this earlier. Sounds like it would be a great study.