“The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu
Before I left mother raccoon stopped by,
as if to say goodbye,
her six new kits following behind.
In our previous interactions,
we had an understanding,
this raccoon and I.
I believe she recognized, I too am a mother.
“Be true to yourself. To All. No masks. Be resourceful, be clever, follow the path.”
Then she walked on, along the dirt path, into the woods. Her newborns followed behind, one by one, camouflaged among the trees and shrubs, blending into invisibility.
I try to read my Bible, but some days I just cant.
I pray, continuously, except sometimes I just cant.
I listen to music; that always helps.
I DO remain in faith AND trust, that:
God know the needs of my heart before I do.
The Holy Spirit cries out on my behalf when I know not what to pray.
I let the waves of emotion engulf me, overcome me, I do not push the emotions away—not anymore.
Whatever brokenness I experience, I still have this place in my gut, my core, and there exists the presence of Jesus in my life, offering a ”peace that transcends all understanding.”
Pain, grief, they come and go. I move forward, one step by one step.
I look up. I look for beauty around me everyday. Nature.
I just keep going, and in my darkest pit and passing through the shadows, in my heart, I know that I am never alone.
There’s nothing quite like coming off of a writer’s conference…
The feeling of renewal, encouragement, refreshment. Reminders of why we writers write–combined with physical exhaustion and complete mental brain-drain from processing all the information and ideas.
I would like to thank Maranatha Christian Writers Conference for featuring me as a last-minute, full-in speaker, and I hope those I met with and spoke to received at least some encouragement, as I was encouraged. And always learning new things.
It was an honor and privilege, special thanks to Eddie Jones for not physically taking the microphone away from me. And to Sherry Hoppen, for trusting Eddie and taking a chance on me. I had a blast! To all the coordinators and staff and volunteers, a huge shout of appreciation! Thank you! And to Maranatha College and Bible Institute, I am deeply grateful for such accommodations.
Highly recommend this conference, the grounds, the professional speakers, the chance encounters with other writers who remind you of why you continue doing what you’re doing.
As a writer, I have been helped along the way, and I have long held a passion for helping other writers as I have been helped. I may have enough personal projects to fill a publishers pipeline for a year-if I only got them submitted-though in all I take great joy in knowing I have helped other writers along the way. We work in blood sweat and tears.
Luke 12:6-7 (New Living Translation) “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Inspired and shared during prayer meeting with The Father’s House OC
Parenting four children was not something I ever planned. And yet, after having children, my life is forever changed.
And each of my children amaze me in different ways-every single day! So different from each other, from me, from where I was at their age. Parenting is not for the weak! I have learned from my children and from my many mistakes, and I have learned concepts of patience, grace, and have been able to look upon my own parents with adult eyes.
I have watched each grow from an infant sleeping in my shoulder’s crook to adults entering the world. First the eldest son, then my second son, and now my eldest daughter.
Though I had not planned them, upon the boys leaving later, a story occurred to me. At different moments, different times, the analogies came to me, a dedication or “sending off letter” of sorts.
And yet, for you my oldest daughter, upon witnessing your immeasurable independence, you flew away with arms wide, a Phoenix prospering, and I watched… treasuring each moment in my heart.
Though I couldn’t come up with the wittiest, perfect analogy to describe you, but ALWAYS, in my mind, I said over and over, “Watch out world!”
Wherever your path leads, you are a leader and a force with a will of iron and resolve and knowledge which you have learned through hard work and harder experiences. You had become an independent woman to be reckoned with!
But with that constant Watch Out World I also felt a hole. A physical hole, like I envisioned the scene in Death Becomes You. My heart ached for you, for the desire to be near you; with pride in your independence and drive.
And then, upon your departure for your junior year of college, in the midst of a crazy world, I have come to understand that hole, and also the fact that it has been filled! A hole because I realized I was no longer needed.
Though now I realize the hole in my heart has been Being filled all along, filled, as I watch you grow and learn and go forth into this world—gentle as the lamb but bold as the wolf.
My heart is filled with joy at seeing you grow to be the independent, beautiful, knowledable, amazing artist and person—with a great sense of humor—keep Humor always!
And remember the teachings you have learned, and when you are older, they will lead you and guide you at every turn.
And when you do need me, I am thankful you call upon me for advice and help. I could ask for nothing more!
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” -Luke 4:18, quoted by Jesus from Book of Isaiah
“Elijah: Prayer Warrior,” illustration by Kyle Douglas Henry
A Day in the Light 