This piece came out of my personal quest for an “ignited heart life”. (there’s a bigger version here)
I am researching answers not only in God’s word, but I’m examining my life with a magnifying glass to see where the spark needs to be lit. I’ve come up with what I believe to be the Six Matches for setting my heart aflame while I navigate this journey as woman in the 21st century.
Match #1: Maintain a spirit of joy in all circumstances
Match #2: Practice rituals of prayer and study to hear God’s voice
Match #3: Cultivate motivation and intention to fulfill a life purpose
Match #4: Honor family with mental presence and quality time
Match #5: Build female relationships that provide mutual inspiration and support
Match #6: Avoid judgment and practice kindness and patience
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I’ve become very skilled at getting in my own way when it comes to pursuing an ignited life. I can see now that in the past this quest has depended on circumstance and the daily happenings in my world.
What I know now is that the ignited heart must exist on its own.
A pleasing, fulfilling life comes simply from having a heart that is on fire with joy.
I had it backwards.
I’m beginning to correct my course…I’ve got my hands on the matchbox and I’m taking these six matches out…one at a time.
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This is an “up close” of the scroll over the fire…feelings I thought many women have about themselves at times of transition.
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There’s still time to sign up for Elida’s and my retreat being held in Camas on June 1st and 2nd. If you haven’t seen the video about the experience, take a peek here in the middle of the post.
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Give a-away winner of the Steve Simon photography book, The Passionate Photographer : Lynne B.! She said, “Edgy photography of real people, from every walk of life, I love watching human raw emotion from “the deep” to “the highs”, it’s a journey we all live thru and when it is captured by the lens it always touches something in my heart.”
I’ll be emailing you for your info
Happy weekend, sweet lovelies!
OX.
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This is such an amazing post! Love everything you said. It really spoke to me this morning and I needed to hear it. Sounds like your retreat is going to be wonderful! Oh how I wish I could come. Oh, and the photo is absolutely beautiful! Thanks for such great uplifting words and all of your inspirtation. YOU made my day and it is just beginning!
Lara- you have been such a blessing in my life beginning with the retreat and continuing with your blogs and photos. It’s a spiritual uplifting that has set my soul on a creative journey that is amazing. Thank you so much and may God bless you in everything. Wish i was close enough to come in June!
Lara, I LOVE the matches. You may want to check out my FB page, I do a Joy in Everyday post to remind me about how blessed I truly am. Have a Joyful weekend! oxoxJan
Working on similar things….many thanks!
So wish I could be at the retreat in June….my heart will be there with ya’ll!
I’m reading a book called “Sensible Shoes”, by Sharon Garlough Brown. Your blog posts make me think of different chapters in this book. It might just be me and where I am in my journey, but I have a feeling you might like it too.
Hugs to you!
Mikal