Order & organization, methods & plans…this is what usually makes me tick. But on this faith journey I’m constantly reminded of and blown away by the “messy” blessings. The blessings found in the unorganized and the unplanned. The blessings I might have missed because a person, place or situation didn’t render on my “perfection” meter. … Continue reading Messy Blessings
My name is LaShona with a “La” for melody, a capital “S”, and a long "o" . But I’ve been called LaShonda, Shalonda, Shalona and (a favorite) Lasagna. Like a mispronounced name, sometimes we are labeled as something or someone we are not. Those labels can be hurtful, demoralizing and relegate us to boxes that … Continue reading What’s Your Name?
Sometimes faith looks like walking in the opposite direction, going against our natural tendencies and everything we think we know. It’s uncomfortable, intimidating and…like a breeze of fresh, brisk air awakening the senses. Listen carefully, walk closely, God is doing something great.
Ready, set and we’re off! The holiday season is in full swing. Expressions of gratitude, tidings of comfort & joy and shopping deals abound. But for some of us there is only stress and trepidation. The goodness and beauty of the season are eclipsed by neverending to-do lists and unrealistic expectations. So what if we … Continue reading What If
Isn't it funny how we attribute our own characteristics to God? We change our minds all the time so God must change His mind too, right? How often do we embark on a mission, project or task only to let it fall by the wayside? We become distracted with other endeavors or discouraged by imperfect … Continue reading Continue
Assumptions are not Truth Yet narratives are created Lines are drawn Walls are built On the shaky foundation Of what someone thought Misunderstandings and offense Fueled by the unknown When all one had to do was Just Ask -LAS
If you’re a creature of habit like me, you might agree that routine is our groove. It gives rhyme and reason to our day. Our routine seems to set everything right in our little world. But what happens when our little world shifts? What happens when our routine collides with possibility? Possibility wrapped in the … Continue reading Routine
Sometimes the path forward is standing still and letting God speak. Listen. He will make it clear.
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, … Continue reading God’s Goodness
Barnabas Blessings: thoughts, verses, words... to encourage... 