Taking Leaps

So I did a thing. Fleshed out an idea. Took a leap!

First, The Published Journey now has a logo! *woohoo and and a round of applause for Canva* Check out the header.

Second, you can now follow The Published Journey on Instagram & Facebook. This was a major leap. Why? Because I have a love/loathe relationship with social media. I love the connections, community and encouragement I’ve found (especially on Instagram). But I loathe the negativity, distraction and discouragement. Am I the only one who has gone down one rabbit hole too many, wasting precious time and occasionally left questioning my whole life? Then, there’s always a nervous anticipation that comes with sharing words and thoughts that only you may understand. But I’m constantly reminded that, even with an audience of one, I am honoring God with the gift He’s given me.

So a huge WELCOME and THANKS for following this journey…a work in progress. I’ve stopped and started this blogging thing many times over the past decade. I’ve revamped, changed directions and moved from Blogger to WordPress. I’ve plugged away on book ideas. I’ve submitted, fielded rejections, and pondered constructive (and not so constructive) critiques. But I keep learning. I keep going. And maybe I can encourage you to do the same.

Keep going. Take a leap. Write on, friends.

Docu & Chill

These days my idea of a relaxing night includes a bag of SkinnyPop popcorn (tossed with olive oil….mmm…mmm…good) and a good documentary. I love a story that educates and enlightens, challenges my perspective and in some cases, compels me to action. I’m absolutely intrigued by the snapshots of humanity and by lives so different from what I know. I’d like to recommend a few of my recent viewing pleasures…

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Suitable_Girl_(film)
http://www.littlewhiteliethefilm.com/
http://closuredocumentary.com/
https://www.sundance.org/projects/one-child-nation
http://www.sisterdocumentary.com/

Happy viewing and may these stories compel you to tell your own. Write on, friends!

Bloom Anyway

Planted
In rocky soil that refuses the moisture your roots crave
Bloom anyway

Planted
Where the harsh sun and wind threaten to wilt and strip your leaves
Bloom anyway

Planted
Among weeds that push to overtake and choke you
Bloom anyway

Planted
Where your beauty is ignored and your worth questioned
Bloom anyway

Endure. Grow. Survive. Thrive. And against all odds…Bloom anyway. -LAS

Never Delete

Have you ever felt as if you’ve written a phrase or sentence so perfect, so poetic only to realize it just doesn’t fit the piece you’re writing? As a writer, one of the most valuable bits of advice I’ve received is to “never delete.” Words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs that may not work in one piece may be perfect for another. As a result, I’ve created a file of my deleted ideas and words, my own personal word bank ready for withdrawal.

The past few weeks I’ve run the gamut of emotions from grief, to anger, to fear, to hope and joy. And with each of these emotions there has been a flow of ideas I couldn’t fully flesh out, words that just wouldn’t jibe and dueling sentiments I couldn’t quite convey. But I’m okay with that. And so words have been saved, deposits have been made and perhaps one day the withdrawal of those words will present a clear picture of my mind’s  musings. In the meantime, let’s write on, friends.

Give a Little Grace

On this ?? Day of social/physical distancing and isolation I’m checking in…How are we doing?

Well, over here, I began eager to maximize this time…”I’m going to write! And write some more!” But my creative juices didn’t get the memo, so most days it felt like trying to squeeze water from a dry sponge and on the days I was suddenly awash in ideas and words, I’d sometimes lose half of it before I could put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. *Sigh* What is it they say about best laid plans? My expectations have been realistically adjusted. I also learned early on my anxiety around this virus was real. Although my brain didn’t register it, my body certainly did. My remedy? A whole lot of prayer and turning off the news, filtering the talking heads and limiting my scrolls through the Wild West of social media.

These days…Takeout is a highlight of the week. Weekly early morning store visits are as much an indulgence as they are a strategic maneuver. Music is vital, each day has a soundtrack that calms and energizes. I’ve talked to more distant family and friends in the last few weeks than I probably have all of last year. I’ve Zoomed, FaceTimed, Duoed, HungOut and I’m pretty sure I’m nearing video chat burn out. I’m also convinced we all could use mega doses of patience and grace right now…

Grace for the spouse grappling with unemployment
Grace for the child hitting the keyboard in frustration with virtual learning
Grace for the lonely family member or friend sending random texts in the wee hours of the morning
Grace for every essential & front line worker, the visible and not so visible
And grace for ourselves, just winging it one step at a time.

Be safe, be well and write on, my friends.

The Goodness of Friday


Discover the Power of Love in Good Friday

In remembrance
Of an act of love so amazing
You and I were on His mind
The joy set before Him
Bruised, Pierced, Crushed
For His beloved
He acquitted us from sin’s penalty of death
Ransomed our souls
No longer enslaved  by the darkness of our hearts
Reconciled to the Father
Jesus, the Son
Endured the agony of the Cross
For you and I
He cried, “It is finished!”
But that’s not the end
Sunday is coming… -LAS

“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