My Experience with a Dragonfly

I do not have a fetish for dragonflies! Although they are one of the fastest insects in the world and they eat mosquitoes. That gives them some credence.

A few years ago, I received a beautiful dragonfly pin. I was visiting my daughter who was living in Newport, R.I. and Mother’s Day was approaching. She took me on a tour of the town knowing how excited I was to finally visit an east coast state. She saw my appreciation of all the interesting wares in a little gift shop we entered and encouraged me to choose a mother’s day present from her. That’s how I got the dragonfly that affected my life for years.

My dragonfly pin halts foot traffic just about every time I wear it. I meet curious people in airports, supermarkets and it has become a catalyst for meeting strangers in church. It’s how I met Patty. I had just arrived at the Joyce Meyer Conference. I was nestled in the side of a hallway absorbed in cell phone conversation when a strange woman caught my eye. She got so close to my face, I thought she was going to demand that I leave the area. No, she was gesturing to me that she admired my pin and just had to tell me right then and there! My call ended and we formally introduced ourselves and I told Patty the heartfelt story of my dragonfly gift. Just then my daughter, Amy, exited the church’s bookstore showing me and Patty the Joyce Meyer book she just purchased. She paid way too much money for it leaving Patty and I gasping at the same time. Patty insisted she take it back and went along with her and then accompanied her to Joyce’s resource table where that book and tons of other things were sold as a bargain tote bag of goodies. Amy perceived that Patty was one of my close friends the way we were talking together. When Amy returned to our row of seats, we all marveled at her smart purchase. Shortly thereafter, we got another surprise. Our new friend, Patty, took her seat in the row directly behind us!

This is the way it is at these conferences. It’s a slice of heaven to make new friends and meet all kinds of people. You just know good things are awaiting you! And this time God used my dragonfly to pave the way!

This post connects to What's on your Heart Tuesdays hosted by Shanda at Pause on the Path.

The Daisy House

I work at my desktop with the children at my feet. A makeshift area rug made of white butcher paper lines the floor where the baby, crayon in hand, imitates her big sister. Sister focuses on the finishing touches of the house she designed. The catchy children’s song, Wheels of the Bus, blasts from the Toddler Station on Pandora Radio. Six year old Sookie unveils her masterpiece and I ooh and awe at the sketch. “It’s a daisy house!” I exclaim. “I love the colors. I wonder what the inside looks like.” Without hesitating, Sookie describes each room. “There are five rooms and they are all different colors. One is Mint Chip, another Strawberry. There is a Vanilla room, and a Cookies & Cream room and the last room is Rocky Road. You have to wear a sweater inside because it is very cold.” “A house made of ice cream,” I reply. “It sounds heavenly!” I dug into my Bible readings that morning ...

Marriage Tip #44: Do What He Wants

I thought about our upcoming anniversary. I prayed one morning for the marriages in my family, and a sentence about my own dropped in my spirit: “ Do What He Wants .” I paused, “Really?” He’s his own man. What if I end up in the wilderness camping by night and target shooting by day? What if a coyote decides to have me as a late night snack? We celebrated our anniversary early this year, Before the kids come next week. And we did it his way . This is how it happened. I never asked him about a plan or even mentioned our day. I remember how it all unfolded at the roundabout just as we drove into Sedona. He asked me if I would like to go to a baseball game. I responded excitedly, “Yeah!” Before the day was over, he purchased tickets for a Diamondbacks home game. He printed them out. He booked a hotel room so we wouldn’t have to drive home from the city after the late evening game. ...

A Memorial Day Reflection

Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls. Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts run through my mind. The journey of loss takes on various emotions. The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness. In a split second, I would forget he departed forever. I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home. My mind is realistic now. He's not coming back. There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars. He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day! And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...

DeniseFebruary 20, 2012 at 10:47 PM
Nice post my friend.
AnonymousFebruary 21, 2012 at 1:17 AM
I love the camaraderie one experiences at women's conferences.
Kim @ Homesteader's HeartFebruary 21, 2012 at 5:04 AM
What a great story. Isn't it funny how something can trigger a conversation. Of course it doesn't take much to trigger a conversation with women. LOL!
Have a lovely day my friend.
Kim
Mrs.BFebruary 21, 2012 at 5:26 AM
I love conferences for just that reason!

So glad you had a lovely time

Journeying with Joy
Mrs B
RCUBEsFebruary 21, 2012 at 6:45 AM
Amazing how something so simple can lead to a bigger thing! God knows what's in store if He wants to use the pin and your warm smiles...God bless and protect you always sister.
Kathleen February 21, 2012 at 11:46 AM
Isn't it incredible what the Lord will use to connect His people? Nothing is wasted!
ShandaFebruary 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM
I love how God brings things together and I love how conferences bring out the comradeship in us!
Mevely317February 21, 2012 at 6:10 PM
I believe there are no coincidences!
... This story just made me smile! 'Hope I'll get to meet "your" dragonfly some day.

Hugs,
Myra
MFEO2009February 22, 2012 at 11:05 AM
So true...friends are a slice of heaven! I mentioned how thankful I am for one of my new friends in my post today. God used her to reach me AND FILL ME in a deeper way this past week. I am so thankful!
Just Be RealFebruary 22, 2012 at 2:30 PM
Thank you for sharing dear one. Blessings.

Choose Joy in the Journey

Search This Blog