Life is Great in Mesa Arizona: July 2006

Moment of Silence

A young, 22 year old woman, was shot and killed last night . . . many of us at Devine Memories knew her and her family. Our feelings of hope and faith and prayer are with them today. As I contemplate how fragile life is and how tradegy can affect any one of us at anytime, I am so thankful for my family, friends, and faith to help me through. Each one of us is a precious child of God and we need to remember that he does love us and does watch over us and will comfort each of us in our individual times of need. I don't understand the violence of the world but I do know that we are not alone. The tapestry of our lives continues to be woven a strand at a time and it is because of family and friends like you that my tapestry is becoming a work of art!

Please keep the Blasnek family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the death of their beautiful daughter. Some of you may know that they lost another daughter in a tragic car accident about ten years ago. They are an incredible family but need many extra blessing at this particular time in their lives. . . and I know that we can help with our prayers.

Keep your families safe, don't go outside late at night by yourself, don't let your children go out by themselves, lock your doors, and report any suspicious activity that you notice around your homes and neighborhoods. There is strength in numbers and life is too precious!

Today, life is not so great in Mesa, Arizona.

Thanks, Heidi!

Thank you Heidi and Colton for a fun and very entertaining evening. I hope you made it home safely. What an incredible rain storm. I don't remember seeing one like this for a very long time. We hung out at the store until 10:30 p.m. and then decided to brave the storm and venture home. It was a little scary, ok a lot, but we all made it and are now warm and dry and getting ready to crawl into bed.

As I mentioned earlier, we had a wonderful time with Heidi and crew! The customers loved it and couldn't say enough about the new techniques they learned, what fun it was spending time with Heidi and learning more about her life. A highlight was her son Colton . . . what a great kid!

It will be an early trip to the store in the morning. Need to pick up a wet/dry vac and attack the carpet. The rain was literally pouring into the store through the frame of the back door as the wind was blowing in just the right direction. We mopped it up as best we could, put a towel on the floor to help stop the rain from coming in under the door, and hope and pray that we don't find a bigger mess in the morning.

Sleep tight . . . the rain is muchly needed and smells so good . . . life is definitely great in Mesa, Arizona.

Autism Weekend

It has been an incredible weekend for all of us at Devine Memories. . . the autism fundraising event exceeded our expectations in more ways than one. We met so many incredible people and listened to so many amazing stories about autistic children and the blessings of life that they bring into our families. We are all precious children of our Father in Heaven.

The fundraising event went over the top. Michelle had a dream and vision to increase awareness in the scrapbooking community about the various spectrums of autism. With the help of friends in the medical community, other parents of autistic children, and my son-in-law Tom Erekson who put together our family video, we were able to answer questions and share what we have learned in raising three wonderful autistic boys. We also learned much from each of you.

The generous support of the scrapbooking community was awesome . . . vendors and scrappers alike went above and beyond to donate product, time, and money to this event. We are grateful for all of you! With your support we were able to raise $2700 for the Autism Speaks Organization. These funds will be used to help sponsor the Devine Memories Scrapbook team for the Autism Walk to be held March 31, 2007. More details about this great event will be shared in September, but mark that date on your calendars as we want to put together an incredible group of walkers.

Again, it cannot be adequately expressed in words how grateful Michelle, Jen, and I are for your kindness and friendship and support. It is people like you who make this world a wonderful place!

New Picture

Any comments on this one?

Sunday . . day of rest . .. day of peace . . day of contemplation

Sunday is my favorite day. There are times that I wish I had "7" Sundays a week, but then I realize it wouldn't be my favorite day anymore. The biggest thing on my mind right now is getting through this next week and being able to accomplish everything I need (or want) to do. Some things I have no choice (cleaning out files at work, packing up the office, saying my good byes) and others are because I don't want to leave anything undone. The question about HOW? is my greatest challenge.

I am a woman of faith and I know that I can accomplish miracles if I put my trust in God's hands. I will admit that I really, really, really want to see the store be successful. At this point in time, my life depends on it! I also want to see the "Autism Awareness Campaign" kick off a new tradition for Devine Memories so that we can give back to the community and to others who need love and support. Michelle has such a strong vision for this and I want to see her dreams come true.

I find great comfort in the hymns and as I was looking through the hymn book today, I found these words to be calming and encouraging . . . I have highlighted what seemed to jump out just for me.

"Be still, my soul: The Lord in on thy side;
with patience bear they cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heavenly friend
thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, they confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

In my heart of hearts I know I am doing the right thing. In my heart of hearts I know that I am not alone. This is the end and the beginning of a new ME!

LIFE IS GREAT IN MESA, ARIZONA!

Which picture?

Please comment on which picture you like best . . . one, both, or none! Michelle gave me some tips on taking my own head shot and I did some editing and liked these two the best.

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