Footsteps In Eden Reflexology - 30 Seconds of Limelight

Footsteps in Eden Reflexology (Memphis, TN) has 30 seconds of limelight this Saturday morning... that means along with 15 other ladies from Memphis' Ladies Who Launch incubators, I have the opportunity to share my 30 second "elevator speech."

What's an elevator speech? You know. Someone on the elevator asks you what you do (not likely -- people rarely speak on elevators), but you have about 30 seconds to respond and leave them with a GRRRRREAT impression. This is all Saturday morning at 10 at That Chic Shopping Show at the AgriCenter in Memphis, TN. There will be giveaways and fun, and a full day of great shopping for chics!

Anyone have any wonderful ideas for my elevator speech, I'm all "ears"!!!! (But ideally the speech will focus on "feet"!) I have one special gift to give away as well. Any really creative and fun ideas for that are truly appreciated!!!

So, this is definitely the post on which to comment . . . and if you're in Memphis come do a little shopping.

Why I Do What I Do Everyday

"What's my reason for getting up in the morning and do what I do every day?" I just came across the question being asked by the author of another blog . . . Live Your Dreams The author is hoping that others would leave their answer. I wasn't quite sure how to do that, but believed it might be an interesting question for a quick blog entry of my own.

From my profile, you know that I'm committed to living my life for Jesus every day. . . a Scripture from Ephesians says it all:

For by grace are you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

We're so precious to God that He gave everything for our salvation. He created us for the plans He had for us before the beginning of time. What a privilege to get up and do whatever He has called us to each and every day!

The hot air balloon at the top of the post (and the one in my profile as well) are one of my dreams . . . No, they have nothing to do with this post except that I was responding to the LIVE YOUR DREAMS question . . . so included one of mine here!!! Someday I'll be up, up, and away in one these . . . I pray it's one day soon!!!

Lush Meadows and Drink from Quiet Pools

Surrounded by so much chaos . . . stress and frustrations on the left and on the right . . . in front and rear too . . . take the time to sit . . . and rest . . . focusing your eyes on the one who securely holds your hand . . . perhaps meditate on the words penned by a famous shepherd . . . they may tickle sweet emotions long forgotten . . . speak soothing life to your parched spirit . . . If these words of the 23rd Psalm sound a little different, they are . . . smile! Take a fresh look . . .

From THE MESSAGE -- Psalm 23

GOD, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows; you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.

I pray you will find your lush meadow and quiet pools today.

Photo courtesy of BigFoto.

Now a Member - Reflexology Association of America

This is exciting! This week I've officially joined the Reflexology Association of America. Membership in a professional organization like this seemed like someone else's dream. In fact, taking the bold step out of my comfort zone and onto the path of learning and education to become a Registered Certified Reflexologist (RCR) must have been someone else's dream, as well.

In fact, in all reality, I believe my personal dreams were to0 deeply buried for too many years to even know they existed. Growing up with little encouragement from the home front to consider anything else than secretary or teacher as a future, I pretty much just made good grades because that seemed like the right thing to do, and received my B.A. just because it seemed like the right thing to do. That was in Journalism. Well, I didn't wish to teach or be a secretary, and it seemed like the next most right thing to do. . . . whatever the right thing is or was.

RCR, like many other endeavors in my life, came out of a journey I wasn't even aware I was traveling until post 50th Birthday. The discoveries are new everyday. And exciting events like being welcomed to join the Reflexology Association of America, and also recently, the East Memphis Business and Professional Women have been a welcome surprise along that journey.

You're always a welcome visitor at my professional website! www.FootstepsInEden.com

I've had some difficulty the last few days linking the blog to some of the other places I'd love for you to visit. Here are the web addresses. You may copy and paste to visit them.
Reflexology Association of America: www.reflexology-usa.org
National Business and Professional Women: http://www.bpwusa.org

Journey of Perseverance and Blessing

FOOTSTEPS IN EDEN is NOW OPEN! . . . . or at least it will be officially according to business license records etc. on Nov. 1. That's tomorrow! WOW!!! My feelings about this range somewhere between euphoric, numb, excited, is this really happening? to anti-climatic, and just about anywhere else along the track of highs and lows that roller coaster travels.

Adventures and misadventures of all kinds filled this two year journey. That first year I researched, surveyed, and researched some more, making absolutely certain that I would have the very best training and also be in compliance with my state's rules and regulations. Last November I traveled to Boca Raton, lived for ten days with someone I had never met, and completed the basic reflexology course requirements.

We were to meet again in February to complete the advanced training and prepare for our 100+ hour practical experience at home with family and friends. In May after three delays, the small class was back together at last. (One of those delays occurred after I had already been on the road for a full day and traveled half the distance. Terribly disappointed, I turned around and came home again to wait for the new news on the class date.) Back home again in mid-May, advanced training behind me, and ready to get the rest done, I set a goal to complete all the practical work and have my school certification in August 15th. VOILA!! TASK COMPLETED!!

With MY school certificate in hand I applied for registration with the state. What a totally disheartening shock to learn the state was unwilling to accept my education because of a "technicality" in the law. Today it's 2.5 months later, and that has equaled many, many $$ spent, lots of red tape and hoops, more out-of-town travel and lots of time. I am relieved to say that my registration has finally been activated by the State of Tennessee.

The scenario above is certainly the micro-mini version of the story, but it does speak volumes to all of the emotions I am experiencing today. I am excited that I have persevered rather than throwing the whole thing out for the birds to eat. I rejoice that God has been faithful in meeting the needs -- and they were significant -- to see this through to completion. While a giant leap of faith for me as I meandered the trail, I believe it is only the beginning of a marvelous plan God has in mind. He has allowed me a few tiny glimpses of the big picture. My vision is growing. It will be exciting to share more as the pages of the map unfold.

"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" Romans 5:3-5 (The Message)