Each Saturday Ruth Ayres invites us to share and celebrate events from our week. Looking for small celebrations has certainly improved my outlook on my week. For that, I am certainly grateful to Ruth and to all of you who choose to celebrate with us.
I am so excited about my celebration this week - heart tugs!
Last summer I read a post on Jaana's Writing Blog about a special book club for adults with disabilities. It is called the Next Chapter Book Club. When I read her story, I felt an instant heart tug. So I inquired about getting one started here in my hometown. The training was quite expensive, and I had no idea where to start. I put the project on hold.
The first of December my daughter told me how her education club at the university she attends, works with a group of college aged students with disabilities One of her professors was in charge of this group. Again, I felt a heart tug. I emailed the professor and told her about what I wanted to do and asked if she would be interested in helping me. She replied that she could not commit but thought it would be perfect for her group. Again, I put the project on hold.
In January I received an email from the director of NCBC stating they had lowered the registration fee by almost half. At the same time, I came across a book called God-Sized Dreams by Holly Gerth. Again, I felt a heart tug and this time it was pulling harder.
We have a church in our community which supports local community events. I put some feelers out about the church funding the training for this project and received some positive feedback. Once again, I felt a heart tug.
It is Friday, and I just came back from a meeting with the pastor. They are going to fund it! To say that I am excited would be an understatement!
I have a dream and wrote about it here. My dream involves literacy for all ages but I have no clear idea of how it might look or where it may lead. I know starting this club may be a small part - but it is a start to reaching that dream.
Starting this club has been tugging at my heart since summer. Sometimes when we feel a tug, we ignore them for whatever reason. We think it is impossible, too big, or even stupid. I tried ignoring this tug, but it just would not go away. Today my heart is filled with possibilities. I am so glad I listened.
March 27th I will being going to Columbus, Ohio with a special education teacher to be trained by the Next Chapter Book Club. I can't wait to bring this back to my community and REACH out to another group of readers who sometimes can be overlooked, but who still need to feel important and loved.
Today I celebrate heart tugs!
OH my what a wonderful idea. I really want to hear and learn more about this wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Leigh Anne, for feeling the tug, pursuing, but then although on hold, continuing to pursue when something else came up. It'll be interesting to hear about your training and this new adventure.
ReplyDeleteYou keep listening to your heart and look where it led you! Congratulations on finding a dream come true.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, I am SOOOO excited for you!!! God is amazing! I can't wait to read what will happen with this project in your community! Special kudos for having ears that listen and a heart that does not give up.
ReplyDeleteYour heart has led you on a journey that is only beginning. What a way to make a difference in the world! Congratulations on getting the funding and beginning this exciting endeavor.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I'm so happy things worked out for you. I'm glad you didn't ignore what was pulling/'tugging' at you. I love when things like that come together. It seems like it is by something that is bigger than us. What a great celebration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and for reminding to not ignore what is in my heart,
Jen
Wow - you are making your dream come true, Leigh Anne - and bringing the gift of a reading life to those who may never know the joys of it. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Leigh Anne. What a great experience for you and the members if your book club. I hope you will keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteSo excited that you kept paying attention to those heart tugs. I can't wait to hear more about this journey that you've begun!
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne- Sounds like God has definitely put this on your heart and what an amazing answer to prayer! Seems like the pieces all just "fell" into place! I can't wait to hear more about this as you move forward!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I'm a big believer that the more you believe in your dream and share it with others, then it has a better chance of becoming a reality. Continued good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message!
ReplyDeleteFascinating how reading Jaana's writing inspired you and has led you to take actions. You are changing the world.
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