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Monday, August 23, 2010

like-minded women

Yesterday I promised to tell you about Karyn.
But first let me say that this whole blogging thing is a gift from heaven. Truth be told, if someone were to ask me who my "best friend" is, without a doubt I'd be picking from my pool of blogger friends. Truly.
I've known Karyn about 4 days. But just like I feel about many of you, I can honestly say that Karyn is my friend. A while back, Karyn had an accident that put her out of work (not to mention the pain). It was a few months into recovery when Karyn had a stern talking with herself. In her own words:
"I knew I had to put my “Big Girl” pants on, switch out my cup of coffee for a big cup of COURAGE. I had to find a way to pull myself out of this slump and use this solitude to rediscover myself and find out what it is that I REALLY wanted out of life. Just after that thought, a beautiful BUTTERFLY flew in front of me and paused to flutter for a tiny moment. Ah-Ha…yes, I am a caterpillar about to transform in to a beautiful and free butterfly."
Most of us have had caterpillar stages in our lives. Now here's something I really believe: The sooner we realize that being a caterpillar is joyous in its own way, the sooner we get our much needed rest in the cocoon and the sooner we emerge as a free butterfly. But the trick is that we really need to find joy as a caterpillar. It's doable. It really is.
Karyn's blog is up solely for the purpose of bringing like-minded women together. There is no other motive. Although it causes pain for Karyn to spend much time at the keyboard, she still writes, reads comments, and then gets to know those who read her blog. She is an inspiration to me.
Karyn's self revelation has brought her to
Still in the early stages, Project Butterfly's aim is to empower women and to lead us each to our own personal discovery.
I'm a believer in a Heavenly Father who knows and loves each one of us. I believe that he puts others in our paths as answers to our prayers. I have no doubt that Karyn has been an answer to many prayers - prayers that have been uttered, and those just felt in hearts. This quote by Jeffrey R. Holland describes Karyn beautifully:
"... when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods... Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind."
May we all be an angel to someone in need today.

19 comments:

  1. Reading your post today was so touching on many levels. I can relate to Karyn on so many things .. especially the butterfly - I chose that as my symbol last year!!! I will pop over and say hello to Karyn... XO

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  2. "find joy as a caterpillar" - indeed! Wonderfully simple and very powerful. You are both quite inspirational women and I'm happy to know you and meet Karyn. Good days.

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  3. Okay...you made me cry, but tears of joy! I could have never known when I started blogging a year and a half ago that I would meet so many wonderful and inspiring women.

    The most amazing thing about blogging is that it makes the world a smaller friendlier place...where strangers are just friends that you haven't yet met in person but that you already know.

    Thank you Sweet Friend for featuring Project Butterfly and I believe that you are a wonderful, inspiring gift from God and I truly adore you!

    Hugs and Butterfly Kisses!

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  4. Silly me...I got all emotional and forgot to tell you that you are so right...it's okay to be a caterpillar too! Especially when it's explained so eloquently!

    Thank you for your sweet words!!

    xoxo
    Karyn

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  5. This just sent shivers (in the best sense) down my spine, because a girlfriend and I were just discussing the *same* thing this weekend! Embrace your caterpiller phase, basically. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

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  6. O can't wait that the project start....so nice idea of her......i follow her blog a long time so i know about her accident and her troubles and pain.....i send my butterfly to her as start........my story follows later perhaps....great to do this together......i believe with the help of God.......happy day i also send you my butterfly today......by mail darling.........love Ria

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  7. This is such a great message to keep holding onto. The catepillar phase can be fun. Yes!

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  8. I am a caterpillar! This isn't the first time that I have been in this little cocoon. (how many times does this happen in a life time? ha ha)
    But, like the other cocoon times, I am growing, learning, getting ready to emerge and FLY! It can be lonely- but, oh yes, so Joyful, because it is is a special time with our Heavenly Father. He is so good to us! He knows when it's time for a cocoon and when it is time to fly. I will just keep lifting up my hands to Him and continue saying Thank You!
    Aaaaahhhhh...Joy!

    Thank you so much for posting this and I am going to go check out Project Butterfly right now.
    Hope things are going well for you and for your Mom,
    Joyce

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  9. I love the quote about finding joy in being a caterpillar too. Very profound for me. I'll definitely pop over to the Butterfly Project and check it out!

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  10. This certainly brought tears to my eyes. Once again you have filled my heart with joy Denalee. I love you so much!!!

    Thank you so much for your comment on my post yesterday I feel like I have not talked to you in foreer. I missed it lol. I wish I was planning a trip west. I am going to Florida for a few days in October though and I am looking forward to the break. I hope some day we get to meet face to face because despite the distance I consider you one of my best friends. It's funny, just the other day I was thinking about how much joy blogging brings to my life. I have been introduced to some truly amazing people and it really feels like a blessing.

    Much love and God bless. xxoo Jill

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  11. the goosebumps are still travelling up & down my arms. i am sooooooooooooo there. will stop by karyn's for a visit. you're right... BLOGLAND does take you to a different world... a world of absolutely wonderful people!

    and thank you so much for your lovely compliment on my blog this morning. you are truly a GIFT to me!

    hugs :)

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  12. What a open- honest, caring post. I must visit her blog. Denalee, you are one of the shining stars in blogland. You made my heart smile like the first flower of spring.

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  13. I love being a caterpillar and Karyn sounds lovely too. I will be visiting!

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  14. : ) love those words!! Your words are always encouraging!!! I think Karyn sounds like a great person to know : )

    Thanks lady!
    Cheers

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  15. Awesome post! I agree, it is so easy to get connected with people through blogging and become friends. Great post!

    xo M

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  16. This is just so beautiful & moving Denalee! I'm heading on over to check her out now.

    Hope you're having a wonderful week, sweetie! xoxo

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  17. Lovely words! I will be popping over to her place to check it out. Caterpillars are great and butterflies are amazing. I use a lot of butterflies in my card making. They just seem to "speak" to me sometimes.

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  18. I can see why you love Karyn. I am following her now too. Thanks for sharing her with us.

    Denalee ~ Your words...as usual...I am not crying, I just have something in my eye.

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