Sometimes the path forward is standing still and letting God speak. Listen. He will make it clear.
The Path Forward
hope
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.
Promise
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.❤️
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.”
What’s in a Name?
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
Do You Know?
Perfection makes impossible demands
Leaving you parched
Thirsting for drops of validation
Begging to be understood
To be seen
To be heard
But, dear one, do you know how lovingly you were formed?
Every hair numbered
Your life purposed
Your very existence a reflection of God’s glory
You are the apple of His eye
In His image created
Fully Known. Deeply Loved.
—L.A.S
Show Up
Step by step, day by day
Imperfect progress is still progress
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Tis the season, friends. And no doubt it’s…different. I found myself close to ‘Bah Humbug’ until I was struck by the words of an old familiar carol:
🎶God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan’s pow’r When we were gone astray Oh tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy Oh tidings of comfort and joy🎶
So today I offer tidings of comfort and joy To the believer and the unbeliever To the cheerful and the grieving To the hopeful and the discouraged To the gathered and the lonely
And I pray we all remember and come to know Immanuel, the One who was, is and always will be with us.
“…She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”- Isaiah 7:14
“…and He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”- Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Barnabas Blessings 