When you wake up on a Tuesday morning, feeling like you need to write a post about your OneWord (Vision) and then you open your eyes and you just Can. Not. See... yeah. That.
That post will wait... (but not for long!)
I am limiting my screen time, hoping and praying that these floaters will go away. Having been born with cataracts and having had eye surgeries as a teenager, I am rather used to being somewhat blind -but floaters? Really? I rarely battle those and it is hard to focus beyond them when they are centered straight ahead and you are staring at a blank screen, waiting for art to happen! So - that said, I have not spend as much time online this week... which is best, because I have been up to my, well, eyeballs in Baby Shower cuteness - quickly throwing together a somewhat impromptu celebration for out of town relatives!
Oh but - first - the fine print: if you don't know what FMF is! Five Minute Fridays are hosted by Lisa Jo Baker. It is open to anyone, so to learn more about it - and to jump in yourself (the more the merrier!) or just to find a linky to see what everyone is writing about today - click HERE! The idea is to simply write... for Five Minutes flat... no editing, no deep thinking - or at least REthinking, no spell check - just write! Let it flow! We all write using a prompt that Lisa posts at 10pm Thursday night (EST.) I'm loving the community of amazing bloggers and the creativity that flows from these magical Five Minutes!
That post will wait... (but not for long!)
I am limiting my screen time, hoping and praying that these floaters will go away. Having been born with cataracts and having had eye surgeries as a teenager, I am rather used to being somewhat blind -but floaters? Really? I rarely battle those and it is hard to focus beyond them when they are centered straight ahead and you are staring at a blank screen, waiting for art to happen! So - that said, I have not spend as much time online this week... which is best, because I have been up to my, well, eyeballs in Baby Shower cuteness - quickly throwing together a somewhat impromptu celebration for out of town relatives!
Oh but - first - the fine print: if you don't know what FMF is! Five Minute Fridays are hosted by Lisa Jo Baker. It is open to anyone, so to learn more about it - and to jump in yourself (the more the merrier!) or just to find a linky to see what everyone is writing about today - click HERE! The idea is to simply write... for Five Minutes flat... no editing, no deep thinking - or at least REthinking, no spell check - just write! Let it flow! We all write using a prompt that Lisa posts at 10pm Thursday night (EST.) I'm loving the community of amazing bloggers and the creativity that flows from these magical Five Minutes!
{GO}
So I am a fan of seeing stuff... well, of seeing - ya know, just in general! I like to think I do not take sight for granted because - well, I was slowly losing it in my younger years. I remember vividly walking around in AWE after my first surgery! Who knew grass was not just green - but there was texture and actual individual blades? Who knew about sidewalks with actual rocks smashed in there or trees with bark that was so beautiful... yeah - when you can't actually see... and then you can... chances are great you will count it ALL Joy!
So waking up this week and having my vision impaired... well, when is it really a good time for that?
But as far as busy weeks and bossy lists, this was right up there! I am throwing a Baby Shower for my niece on Saturday, but we weren't sure if she was actually going to be able to make it to town... so no plans were made. My family - they know how I am and I find JOY in party planning, but there were no guest lists, no party favors, no themes picked out... we were on hold, and then suddenly - we were not!
But as far as busy weeks and bossy lists, this was right up there! I am throwing a Baby Shower for my niece on Saturday, but we weren't sure if she was actually going to be able to make it to town... so no plans were made. My family - they know how I am and I find JOY in party planning, but there were no guest lists, no party favors, no themes picked out... we were on hold, and then suddenly - we were not!
I am a Pinterest girl and I love me a theme party, but I had to quickly give way (and close. that. tab.) and focus beyond hte floaters in my eyes to see reality loud and clear.
Keep it Simple.
OK. I can do that. But I also want to Make it Special!
So, I let my budget and what was available at the local store down the road dictate my theme and decor and I am limiting the games (can someone else say Praise the Lord? Am I the only one who is not a super fan of Shower Games?) I am praying that beyond the blessing of gathering with friends and family and - of course, getting all the loot! - I'm praying that she will feel the Love!
I remember back to my own Shower days... the best thing about them was not so much the clothes and diapers and toys, or even seeing friends, it was the vote of confidence that I could do this thing! That I was going to be a good Mom.
So - really, if I can invite her friends, and surround her with Love - from us and from Him, and we can speak that over her and into her, again and again and again...
"You're gonna be a great Mom!"
This... with or without clear eyesight... yes, even if I am still battling this temporary lack of seeing... if we can do this, I will count it all Joy!
{STOP}
Five Minute Fridays gives us the chance to dive right in and share what He puts on our hearts! Click here to read what others have to say about "JOY"
What about you? What is your take on Baby Showers? Do you love them, hate them... what was your favorite game or piece of advice given at a Shower? I'd love to hear!
Praying your eyes clear soon- but I can see here in this post that your focus is clear.:) Great insights.
ReplyDeleteKatie, thanks so much - for your sweet comment and for the prayers! So glad you stopped by!
DeleteI remember my first pair of glasses in third grade - and thinking the same thing...I can see the individual blades of grass! I bet I drove my parents nuts! Years later, I sometimes struggle with my vision - it's pretty severe, but still correctable. However, the inner vision thing... that passage in James has been like corrective lenses for my soul, too! Thank you for the connection and insight. It sounds like your niece is going to have a GREAT baby shower - who wouldn't with the kind of enthusiasm you have? Janet
ReplyDeleteJanet, ah a kindred sister... so happy you stopped by! I understand the limitations and issues that come with severe vision problems! So glad they are still correctable - for you and me both! Have a blessed weekend!
DeleteYour vision may be impaired but your write BEAUTIFULLY and GOD has given you a "JOYFUL" gift. What a beautiful blog you have! thank you for sharing your thoughts.. I will be coming back to your blog .. I hope God continues to give you the sight to continue your beautiful writing.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am so glad that you stopped by! Thank you so much for such a sweet comment! (Now I am off to browse your beautiful blog as well! Looking forward to getting to know you more!) Have a blessed weekend!
DeleteYou are such a blessing to me, precious friend. Your page is something I look forward to reading.
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Ashley! I love seeing your beautiful face here (and those EYES... gah!) ANYTIME!!! (Thrilled you had such a great day with your Guy yesterday!)
DeleteAmen to being able to see! I remember my first pair of glasses and seeing individual leaves on the trees and so many stars in the sky. Amazing! And, you are right...keep the shower simple and shower with love. She will be blessed!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny - what people so often take for granted! I always read those passages in the Bible when the blind are healed with such a kindred heart... I remember that overwhelming sense of EVERYONE SEES THIS STUFF? So glad you stopped by! Happy Weekend!
DeleteAw, girlie, I love that despite your "floaters" you are charging forward for love and counting it all joy! I pray the shower imparts all that you hope it will to your guest and that you are back to seeing, and all the joy THAT brings, very soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the prayers my friend! I so appreciate them! Love you, girlie!
DeleteAlways a JOY to visit you and read the words God has spoken through you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your support Shannon! You always bless!
DeleteOh, you sweetheart. What a beautiful heart bubbling up to full JOY I see in you. Your attitude for these preparations in the face of physical challenges -- and your inability to see...well, you are clearly seeing what is important, as you always do, and embracing joy. How I love you (and those gorgeous eyes of yours). Praying for quick healing, love.
ReplyDeleteAnd happy shower with your family, friend. You're so right, we expectant mamas just want to be loved and hear 'you can do this.' Couldn't agree with you more. I personally love showers (though not the games) because I delight in celebrating life and new life. You help me celebrate life, too. xoxo!
Ashley... thanks so much for the prayers and the sweet words! You are too kind, my friend - and you are so good for me! You help me celebrate life, too! Love ya bunches!
DeleteLove baby showers! Totally hate baby shower games! Hope your vision gets better soon and that the shower goes well. I know you will be a great encouragement to that new mama.
ReplyDeleteI am with ya Holly - love the showers, not a fan of the games! Hopefully I will have found the happy balance for everyone! You were on my list this week for SnailMail but with my eyes, I didn't even think about it until now! I will get something out to you soon... just know, in the meantime, that I love you and I am praying for you!
DeleteWonderful post! So sorry to hear you are having problems with your eyes...I do trust the Lord will send healing to you soon. Love, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cheryl! I am trusting with you! So glad you stopped by!
DeleteI am shouting amen with you on the hatred of shower games. Truly they are terrible. I am so sorry you are dealing with vision problems. After having spent the better part of 2 years in a pediatric optometrist office with my son I know how trying a time it can be. You write beautifully and I know you must have blessed your niece with the shower. Keep it simple day after day and when the time is right the vision will improve. Sometimes we have roadblocks to slow us down for a reason (for a season).
ReplyDeleteI love reading everyone's different takes on the prompt. Yours was beautiful!
Casey - thank you! Finally a shout out for the whole fiasco of Shower Games?!! I was beginning to think I was the lone loather! ;) Yes... I spent many of hours in a pediatric optometrist office myself... born with cataracts, progressively stealing my vision, two eye surgeries and many follow ups and regular check up/s - I do not take my vision for granted! The odd (not really) thing is the things I am passionate about and feel called to are art, photorgraphy, and writing... (all coming after people, of course!) - so seeing is really really helpful in all three of those arenas!
DeleteI so appreciate you stopping by here and your kind words! You are right... sometimes the need to unplug and slow down comes in different ways - but I am paying attention and backing away from the screens a bit more! (Plus - you know, it's finally SPRING - so that helps!)
I love reading everyone's takes as well! Always such an amazing gathering of writers!
Have a blessed wknd!