Welcome to another EOM PP INSPO 

(End of Month Personal Post - for Inspiration to "Live Life" #4)

by April May.

I like keeping it real and the reality for me is this:

The month of April...

It's always a little tough for me -

as I recall the loss of my little girl, Anna Grace,

and I also remember my mum, who died in April, just last year.

But I have discovered a secret I want to share:.

Joy is a choice

and life is best - lived

and living it well - is also a choice.

Despite our circumstances,

We can choose joy

During the month of April, this is what I got up to.

May you be inspired and encouraged by my personal post today.

So, during April, I ...

Celebrated Jesus at Easter time at a beautiful church in Richmond called Richmond Baptist Church.

There was dancing and singing and I was uplifted as i was reminded, I am not alone.

Went to the Dentist - THREE TIMES!

How sucky is that? How grateful I am though for things like Tooth Mousse!

Received a letter from my granddaughter.

Yes, snail mail is still alive and still has the power to uplift a heart so much!

Scored some free "MICKEY MOUSE" print PJ's for her sleep over birthday party I've been invited to!

One of her faves! #winning!

Tried my hand at Archery! (Nelson)

I wasn't very good at it but, it was a lot of fun trying something new!

Said RIP to my dryer - this dryer was over 25 years old (so faithful)

Found an ‘as new’ dryer for cheap from a lovely couple that chatted for an hour over a car they'd restored from the early 1900's!

I love divine meetings like this.

People are fascinating!

Stayed overnight in a ghost town called Waiuta.

I highly encourage you visit this place. Walking through this town and discovering it's rich history was mesmerizing.

At night time, I looked up at the stars and was equally mesmerized.

Those stars were there before that town ever was!

I also counted more than 16 satellites!

Got a job working with Primary school aged kids.

As such as I have played tree chasey, Jenga, Twister and playdough!

Was finally able to afford to book flights to visit my family soon, by faith, (petrol pending - eek.)

Held a pony club dinner at The Stables (see what I did there) after my team of motorcycle enthusiasts successfully WON at an Equestrian Hobby Horse competition!

(we turned our hobby horses into motorbikes lol!)

The Stables in Richmond do a yummy, cheap roast and dessert on Tuesday nights btw!

 
Went to a local writers group.

There I shared my recent magazine article and met someone new - a new upcoming local author who has an inspiring new idea for a children's book that has the potential to save kid's lives!

Bought a couple of handfuls of books about Kiwis for my Aussie Grandkids. 

They were only $1 at The Warehouse!

Wrote 5 chapters of my upcoming book, He is Faithful from A to Z Volume 2!

Boarded a train called The Marlborough Flyer from Blenheim to Kaikoura - to celebrate a 93yo Birthday Girl!

Jumped my fence to watch a Dog Show

Have you ever seen an Australian Shepherd?

My goodness, I was in love!

I did feel sorry for the poodles with hairless bottoms though if I'm honest.

Helped wash a stinky rubbish truck.

Some things are not fun but ...

some things you just do, for love, right?

Planted some vegetables

because the Pukekos pulled out all of my last crop!

Saw “Michael” at the movies

This is a MUST SEE!!! for any Michael Jackson fan. Silky Otter Cinema in Richmond has cheap seats and bottomless popcorn on Mondays!

I was so excited I even moon walked out on the cinema floor after the movie!

Remembered my Anna Grace,

my little girl that was buried in 2007 

She is never forgotten. Her life mattered.

Her book "The Baby Who Went Straight to Heaven" is her legacy.

This precious book is available at the

Richmond Library and Richmond Paper Plus

for any young children wading through grief that need comforting x

Remembered my mum who died one year ago.

I was very fortunate that despite our extremely rocky relationship,

her last seven weeks saw me by her side witnessing some amazing things: incl.

Miracles - in her heart.

I devoted a podcast to her on the April May Gems Radio Show.

If you'd like to have a listen and be super encouraged to know that,

There is life after death:

You can be directed to that podcast here

Walked most mornings, slightly frozen 

(my Australian blood needs beanies and gloves, even in April!)

Got an email from a National bookstore, 

requesting some of my books to consider placing on their shelves. They own seven stores across New Zealand.

I was also invited to have a coffee with the CEO next time he is in Nelson.

(I hope he doesn't mind having coffee with such an ordinary person!)

Reached out and received much needed prayers, because truth be told,

I had a meltdown - and my heart hurt!

Prayers went up and healing came down

For this I am eternally grateful.

Quite possibly prayed for you…

If you ever need a specific prayer or a word of encouragement

Please contact me here

Chose JOY, even when it was hard.

I even wore my Christmas T-shirt that says "JOY" in sparkly gems!

Be encouraged.

Live life.

Take lots of photos.

Share good stuff.

Choose joy.

God bless you

April May.