Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thankful Thursday

I miss my blogging friends.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful for friendships near and far, known IRL and unknown IRL!

For the past three years, blogging relationships have been developed so dear that during my recent absence from blogdom--I find myself missing my blogging friends.

So today, I am going to share with you what has been keeping me from visiting and posting on a more regular basis.

My life has changed.

In a very good way.

As only God can do, I have been blessed beyond belief with a new partnership with Allison Bottke, author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing. I first "met" Allison online when I discovered her God Allows U-Turns site. She lived in Minnesota so I began an emailing campaign with her. She may have felt like I was a stalker (!), but since I have experienced my own U-turns in life and have been praying for our MIP's U-turn for nearly a decade--I was compelled to stay in contact.

We corresponded briefly and she invited me to fill out her questionnaire when she began writing Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children. I rejoiced when her book was released in February and participated in the Setting Boundaries Blog Tour. Then, in April, when I joined my husband in Dallas for a business trip--Allison (she now lives in Texas) and I met for coffee and met IRL. While we thought we were just meeting over coffee--God had other plans.

One business plan later--we became partners in Setting Boundaries, LLC on October 1st. How my life has changed!

I am so thankful that God faithfully uses the entirety of our life experiences, gifting, and desires to bring about His purpose. Although I recently graduated from college and am now a Certified Christian Counselor, I had been researching Grad schools...not knowing what I would do when I "grow up." In less than six months, I stopped searching for the next step and have taken a grand leap into passion and purpose.

I am living Philippians 1: 6. The joy is hard to contain as God has literally opened the doors and I feel His Holy Spirit guiding me through...at turbo speed.

While this TMZ (turbo ministry zone) has been all consuming, I want to stay in touch with each of you, my dear blogging friends. Partners in Prayer for Our Prodigals aligns well with Setting Boundaries, but it is so much more than that. I have developed life long relationships with many of you--for which I am so thankful. God knows our needs--and He always provides. Loving a prodigal is not an easy job! It's nearly impossible to live in a world where everyone else's adult children are going to college, getting good jobs, and entering adulthood without a glitch--when you own beloved adult child can't even get up in the morning. What I found here in blogdom is a divine connection with compassionate friends who have blessed me (and others) as we authentically walk through life.

Though our journey is sometimes painful, we never have to lose confidence--for His promises are sure. I am so thankful that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3).

Bless you for your visit today. Bless you for touching the lives of unknown brothers and sisters this side of heaven. Your life has been a blessing to me...and I have missed you!

13 comments:

Saleslady371 said...

Hi, Diane,
How wonderful to read about your new assignment. I wish you the best. I know what a thrill it was for me to meet Janet Thompson on the phone last spring after reading her book Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter. I had a life changing experience through her direction. I'm excited for you and the important work you do!

Lori said...

Diane,

I am so beyond excited for you girl. I am blown away (and why should I be our God is great) at the opportunities God opens up for us.

I can not wait to see how God moves in this new ministry for you!!

Go forth boldly girl!

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

And we miss you and your wonderful words! But what an amazing thing God is doing! Just amazing.

I haven't had a chance to talk to Pastor yet, but I think we need to talk on the phone to clarify more what I should be saying to him.

I imagine you'll be doing a lot of traveling. I really hope Colorado is in your future!

Valerie said...

Oh, what wonderful words! I am so thrilled for you. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your prayers as I start my journey as a mom of a prodigal daughter. It's painful, but it gives me strength to know that other woman have gone through what I am going through. And congratulations on your son's engagement!

Barb said...

I don't think you need explain any further, where you've been Diane.

What a wonderful opportunity this is. And based on the previous post, I'd say congratulations are in order!

Cynthia said...

It is always a joy to check in with you and see the things you are involved in and the prayers being answered for you, dear friend. Although we are miles apart and probably worlds apart as far as the world is concerned, I share a connection with you spiritually that is like only Christian women can share. I realize that I am distant and hard to get to know personally. Just my shy nature I guess. I have always had this fear of disappointing people IRL. LOL. However, through the years(yes, it's been years now since we met here)you have seen many sides of me, and yet you remain. Thank you for being a true friend. You give me hope for my future and my dreams. Love you.

eph2810 said...

Wow, Diane. What an awesome opportunity for your 'grown-up' life. That is so neat that God has put the two of you together :)

I so agree with you that even though we might not have met the people on-line, we have a connection - God and prayer.

Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.

Blessings to you and yours...

Unknown said...

Wow Diane,

I thrill along with you at what the Lord is doing in your life. Girl, I have missed you too.

Glad to hear from you. Keep following the Lord and I am excited for what your future holds. Hugs, me

Dee said...

that is so awesome! Praise GOD! Thank you for being willing to do the work that he has planned for you!
lots of love,
Dee

Laurie Ann said...

I enjoyed your post and loved reading about your assignment! Happy Thankful Thursday to you!

HolyMama! said...

congratulations! what an exciting time, and of course what a divine, perfect fit the two of you are!

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I'm glad that you seem to have found your niche. It's what you've worked toward in your schooling, and I'm happy that God has blessed you with a calling that is more than a job.

I pray God's blessings on this new phase of your life, Diane. Be happy an fulfilled as you guide others to the same. :o)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Nadine said...

Glad to have you back in blogland. I think it's so wonderful about your new adventure. I see great success for you and Allison.

I'm so glad we got to meet and look forward to seeing you again.