Sometimes you know that doors will begin to open and you just don't know what those doors will look like.
Sometimes you wonder if you will recognize these opportunities and especially if you will be ready for them.
*********************************
About four months ago I was checking my email in bed…like I do every morning (I love my iphone).
There was an email from Amy, a woman I had "met" through blogging, and she was asking me if I would consider coming and speaking at her next three day scrapbooking/art event.
When I read her email I didn't know if I would say yes or no….but I did know that this felt natural and that a door that I had felt would open….was.
A few weekends ago I flew to Louisiana to be one of the guest speakers for Amy's Faith 365 event.
I was able to not only spend time with Amy but to meet so many beautiful women.
Amy has such an incredible heart for people and it shows in EVERY little detail at her event.
I know that she will have enormous blessings because of how she gives freely.
I also know that these blessings are already coming and that she is being rewarded because of her tender heart and unbelievable talent.
It was such a wonderful time to share my heart on where I have been…where I am….where I hope to go.
I spoke on our gifts, dreams and giving everything back to the One who gave us our gifts in the first place.
After I spoke I also led an art project based upon my original "Letting Go" piece but on a much simpler and smaller scale.
It was so fun to see each woman make such unique and beautiful works of art.
Amy..thank you for the wonderful opportunity of not only meeting you in person, speaking and teaching at your event…but for seeing your heart and sharing in this amazing experience that you put on.
I can't wait to hear how each of your events grow and what blessings come out of your desire to truly bless other women.
*************************
All photos are mine and are from my trip to Louisiana.
I will be sharing more photos from my trip on my photoblog all week.
Hi – amazing – really lovely to read. As you say – we never know what is round the corner. I love love love that ‘letting go’ picture. That sentiment just suits me so well! I must find one similar! If I had a theme it would be to give myself that advice – just ‘let it go!’. Thanks for clarifying that for me today 🙂
Louise x
How wonderful, Jeanne! (I’m off to show my mama your pretty handbags!)
: )
Julie M.
This is such an inspirational story, thank you for sharing.
I’m a little new to your blog (and I must admit completely in love with it). Would you be able to share with me the story of your ‘letting go’ piece? I would really appreciate it.
Thank you for being wonderful.
What a great opportunity for you Jeanne and as always ~ you photos are beautiful!
It is too early for tears. Every time I looked at you during the event I got tears in my eyes. Joyful tears, knowing God is present and you were there for a reason. So many ladies were touched by your words and you will forever have a place in my heart. Thank you for your kind words. You are an amazing woman. Big hugs. Miss you!
Congratulations Jeanne!
What a wonderful experience for you and all the women involved!
Happy day to you,
Mikal
Your photos are beautiful; your story is so simply but movingly told; your tribute to your friend, Amy, is so warm and I’m sure so well deserved. What a special weekend! And I’m sure it is one experience that will lead to many others. Keep trusting, brave girl:)
Jeanne, good for you for embracing your opportunities…i have said “no” to so many things…i am sure i am holding myself back…but it’s hard for a shy girl like me to put herself out there…maybe one day i will get the courage to put on my wings and fly…
Wow — how very cool!!
what a wonderful experience. for both you and all the women that got to meet you. wish i was one of them. love that candy table!!!
you rock jeanne!
Thank you for another dose of inspiration:)
Jeanne you are a true inspiration and I am so happy for you that your dreams are coming true!!!
Hugs ~
🙂 T
yay!!!
Sooooo lovely! You would be amazing….your talents are endless. Hugs today. xoxo
What a fun and humbling opportunity!
Would have been an amazing treat to hear you speak. What do you use to punch letters into metal? Would you be willing to share your art project online? Would love to try and make something like that.
Jeanne ~ I also would LOVE to hear the story behind “Letting Go”……… something I have a very difficult time with. And also would LOVE to do the “Letting Go” project. Thank you for sharing what the Lord is doing in your life 🙂
~Karen~
Fun, fun!! 🙂 These pictures are beautiful… makes me think we should do an event while you’re home in Illinois. 🙂
Whattaya think??
Oh… If you have an event I am so going to be there.LOL.
Oh Jeanne! I would have loved to have been there…it’s only about 45 minutes away from me! I won’t miss the next one! I checked out her blog and read all about it…it sounds so great! I can’t wait! I am so happy for you that God is opening up doors of opportunity for you!
xo,
Adrienne
You always tell such wonderful, inspirational stories Jeanne, it looks incredible! thanks for sharing 🙂
I am amazed that I stumbled onto your site…not a mistake I am sure….today, my studio arrived and I can hardly believe it…I have dreamed of this day for years now…Now that it’s here I wonder what the next step will be….I know I am on the right path…I just need to see the next door…THANK YOU for sharing…you have touched my heart more than you will EVER KNOW!!!….I had a DREAM!!
What a beautiful opportunity, sounds like it was a wonderful blessing!!
Have a great week!!
It’s so exciting witnessing {via blog} you grow with your passion, creativity, heart. You are not only an inspiration but a leader in living life with grace.
xo,
LuLu
Hi Jeanne,
I just love your blog so when I got an award, naturally I thought of passing it on to you!! When you get a chance come check it out!
I hope you are having a good day!
~Gail
Jeanne,
That was so beautifully written and illustrated. Again, I feel incredibly touched that you let us into your heart in this way. Of course, you were chosen to speak at this event. I would have loved to have heard you and soaked in all of your heartfelt words…I know I would have cried.
Hugs,
Suz
P.S. I love the collage!! Just so beautiful and so meaningful to me.
Beautiful blog…. so delighted you know the Lord! I especially like your FOOD photos! Saw a picture from your blog in Tara Frey’s book, Blogging for Bliss, Crafting Your Own Online Journal. We are sort of neighbors…. I live in High. Ran (abbreviated) north of you. Keep up the good work, and God bless you!
Jeanne,
What a blessing to share your passion with women who want to hang onto all that you can share with them…your talent and most of all your compassion in your words.
Beautiful women creating!
xx
Dore
I am sitting here sipping my coffee, watching my three year old put his train tracks together and looking at your beautiful blog. I ordered your sweet white ruffle purse yesterday for a trip to the beach with my family. I am so excited to have seen your blog in Artful blogging..you are incredibly talented and look at the world with such beauty. Have a beautiful day with your family…you have touched me today. Terri
I am loving your blog! So glad I found you over at Pretties and Posies! Congrats on your opportunity…isn’t the blog world amazing!
…such a fun and amazing opportunity ~ i love it when the open doors bring so much fun with them
I’m so glad I got to meet you too in LA! Your project was my favorite and not totally finished yet, but it will be…the thoughts are going! Now I know why you looked familiar! I had visited your blog! Everything from your photos, your words and your life are just beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for coming to LA and sharing a little bit about you!