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)
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
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.
Let’s hold fast to the promise of
redemption and restoration,
grace and growth,
purpose and provision,
a hope and a future.
God’s transforming power and enduring love are at work. Don’t lose heart.❤️
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
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.”
Let gratitude be the attitude of the day.
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”
Psalm 9:1 ESV
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
The dance is familiar
Though she can’t place the song
The gentle back and forth
The explosion of vision
A steady flow
It is inspiration
The Creator breathing into the created
To reflect His glory and make Himself known
-LAS
If you’re scratching your head thinking “Wait. What happened? Barnabas Blessings? I thought this was The Published Journey. Is this right? Am I in the right place?” Yes! Same blog, different name. Let me explain…
Who is Barnabas?
Acts 4:36 introduces Joseph, nicknamed by the apostles, Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement. He was known for his service to others, a good man, full of the Holy Sprit and full of faith. He gave generously of his resources. He encouraged those around him in their life and faith. He cheered for the underdog and offered acceptance to the outsider. He was a grace giver. He didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk. Read more about Barnabas here.
Why Barnabas Blessings?
Nearly 15 years ago, at a time in my life when I desperately needed encouragement, I was compelled to pay it forward and thus began “Barnabas Blessings.” Along the way “Barnabas Blessings” became a book (a slow but steady work in progress) and my blogging focus turned to my journey and musings as a writer (“The Published Journey”). But sometimes God leads you back to the first thing, the main thing that you are so uniquely wired for, the thing that flows so naturally you might miss the significance. Encouragement has always been the undercurrent of this blog so the name change is simply a return to the Creator’s blueprint.
Why Jesus?
Just in case there was any question…Jesus is the reason for everything. I am who I am because of my faith; a personal, committed relationship with Jesus Christ that I pray informs every expression of my being. Some would have you believe you have to jump through hoops and make yourself worthy to come to Jesus, but He says simply, “Come.” No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, He loves you and invites you…baggage and all.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28 NLT
“However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.” -John 6:37 NLT
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16 NLT
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” -Romans 10:9-10 NLT
Finally, whoever you are and however you’ve come to this space… Welcome and Be encouraged!
Blessings,
LaShona
Barnabas Blessings 