The Truth & a Lie

Justified lies still lie

Selfishly protecting comfort

Desperately hoarding acceptance

Necessary truths left unsaid

Denying their power to set free

-LAS

Instead we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.” – Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

God’s Goodness

When I think of God’s goodness, I alternate between tears of gratitude and dances of joy. But maybe you’re thinking “God is good? How is that true with all that’s happening in the world? With all that’s happening in my life?”

Because God’s goodness is not conditional. Goodness is His nature. He is always present, providing ways, offering grace and giving comfort.

I pray you see and experience His goodness today.

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The Blessing of Accountability

I’d stopped and started more times than I could count. Waded into the water only to quickly retreat to the familiarity of the shore.

What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I needed to do something different. I needed accountability.

I’d done writing conferences and workshops but always shied away groups. I’d convinced myself I wasn’t a group type of girl- I dreaded group projects in school, I was the poster child for “works well independently.” But obviously that mindset was not serving me well as a writer.

So when I finally took the leap and joined the YBJ Writing Accountability Group, my expectations were tempered. I figured I could gracefully bow out if it didn’t suit me. What I didn’t expect was to feel immediately and absolutely at home with a group of women I’d just met. Led by Yvonne Marie, M.Ed., these women were determined to live life on purpose with Christ at the center, using every gift and expression to serve and honor Him. As a writer and beyond, the group has challenged, encouraged and motivated me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

What does accountability mean to you? Where in your life do you need it most? Pursue it, invite it, embrace it -because you’ll never know the blessing that awaits.

A New Thing

Understanding what was

The gift of hindsight

The wisdom of experience

At peace with what is

Reconciling expectations

Forgiving what can’t be known

Hopeful for what will be

Buoyed by promise

Walking by faith

Envisioning endless possibilities

A New Thing.

-LAS

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”- Isaiah 43:19 NLT

“Why Not?!”

Around this time last year, I tried my hand at microfiction with The Writer Magazine’s 100-word contest. I don’t consider myself a fiction writer but, with time and a $10 entry fee to spare, I thought “Why not?!” So color me shocked when I finished as 1 of 50 semi-finalists. Ok. Not bad. Was I convinced I needed to begin creating characters and plotting a grand story? No. But I was, and still am, encouraged to keep challenging myself; trying new things, flexing new muscles and thinking outside the box. Step by step, a little more each day. How about you?

Here’s my 100-word story “Dear Kelly” (with a little homage to the classic Les Miserables):

“Dear John,
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I’m headed to New York. I can no longer deny my destiny. If I stay I will be devoured by bitterness and regret. I hope you understand. Please find a way to move on without me. Also, I have taken Marius. I don’t feel you ever had the time or capacity to give this brilliant soul the care he needs…
Dear Kelly,
A little surprised but also quite relieved. Hope you find what you’re looking for. And Marius was more your pet anyway. I’m allergic to cats.”

She Thought of Suicide

She thought of suicide today

No dark obsession

No detailed plan

Just a fleeting moment

With the weight of the world on her shoulders

Her mind teetering on the edge

“What if?”

She thought of suicide today

And felt ashamed

Comparing her plight

A life seemingly uncomplicated

Despising her weakness

She thought of suicide today

For just a fleeting moment

And then…

She reached out for help.

LAS

You are not alone. There is Hope. There is Light in the darkness. Hold on. Reach out.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬