The many freedoms that I have enjoyed in my life include a grocery list of the good, the well-intended, the well- meaning, the not so good, the doing too much, the doing too little, the righteous, the spiritual, the edifying, the complimentary, the adaptive, the indignant, the mind reading, tap dancing , irreverent, creative , occasional Her Majesty the Baby versus the Wise Sage of known answers…
Oh dear.
The beat and the list does indeed go on.
What does it mean if the list is long? One of the things I will be discussing with mentor teachers at Thursday and Friday’s training this week is assisting the beginning teacher in the skill of reflecting accurately- which is no small task. Tried it lately?
And so tonight I am reflecting accurately in honor of the well-known, well-treasured and loved blogger, Stephanie Nielson, of NieNie Dialogues.
I am making my list after watching Stephanie on Oprah today. I promise with all my heart that this is not an exercise in gratuitous, overly sentimental mumbo jumbo. It really is not about me. This is about authentic love and beauty that is difficult to describe.
I am simply, humbly inspired.
In fact, months ago ,after discovering Stephanie’s blog and literally staying up all night reading her archived posts, I was inspired to do better .
Reading about her life before the crash and after the crash made me want to wear my apron all day – as Stephanie did- and as my grandmother did .
I want to honor my home, not as a place of stuff, but as a haven for whoever needs it.
I want to prepare home cooked meals and dance in the kitchen.
I want to hang baby jars with tea lights in a tree in my yard and set up an old dining table with unmatched chairs under that tree and have a blessed, simple meal.
I want to tell family, friends, imaginary foes , and my heavenly Father that I love them.
Thank you Stephanie.
8 comments:
I too have read her blog and felt the inspiration, but after watching her on Oprah I was in love. What a woman!
Debbie
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
I don't watch Oprah very much so I'm in the dark here but I'm checking this out!! :)
Laura, I have been following Stephanie for quite some time and have even encouraged my friends (none of whom blog) to read hers. I, like you, read her archives and vowed to do better. I taped Oprah yesterday and watched it last night. I laughed, I cried, I had chills...what an awesome, inspiring woman, mother, wife, sister and daughter!!
Lou Cinda :)
Laura, I too, am in the dark but will definitely check this lady out. Sounds like I am definitely missing something good. Hope things are going good yesterday and today.
Barbara
Hello Laura,
I am Yoli from deep south Texas. I was browsing around and the good Lord sent me to your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It is inspiring to me because I too often rush through my day, not slowing down to see the blessings.
Best Wishes,
Yoli :)
Oh Laura....you ALWAYS have such a wonderful way of putting your thoughts into words. I so wish I had that ability. I adored this post and am going to go check Stephanie out....
Hugs to you sweet girlie!
Spencer
I saw Steph too on Oprah. I had seen her on a previous show and thought she was one of the most wonderful thankful women ever. Her husband adores her. I adore her. She is strong, she is beautiful inside and out, and she inspires me to be a better person and to be thankful for the small things.
What a woman!
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