About once a week or so, I make it a point to walk the pasture ground of our little acreage. Typically a herd of goats surround my every step, on all sides. Even causing me to trip over their short stubby, round bodies at times.
I take inventory of the grasses’ density, height, and color, along with any loose fence wire. All for the well-being of my nine little caprine pals.
Lately, at the middle pasture ground, I can’t help but notice the very hard beaten trail from goat hooves plodding across the same path—each and every day, as they make their way to the third and furthest pasture. The pasture with the tallest grass, the most vibrant coloring, and the thickest density. They never miss a day. In fact they have it down to a scheduled 7 AM graze session. They understand that the morning dew collects best in the third pasture’s luscious grassland. And that the grass grows more wildly and progressively over there than anywhere else that they’re free to roam.
Never tiring from repetition, (instead) my herd takes pleasure in their coming and going.
…Drawn by ordinary life lessons, I recognize the parallel between my goats patterned but purposeful behavior and how I want my faith-walk to look extraordinarily similar…
Like the early morning dew my goats crave, might I crave a long drink from the well of Jesus’ living water. Might my scripture reading be routine and deeply sought after just as my goats desire their 7 AM nature hike. Might the cover and pages of my sweet Bible show signs of strong wear marks much like my goat’s trenched path (they’ve created) while on the way out to their favored third pasture.
God’s creation sure doesn’t miss a beat does it? And oh do we have so much we can learn from the grandeur of it all!!
Lord, Lead my heart on a path that hungers for more of You. May my spiritual journey resemble a soul rich and well-nourished through Jesus—each and every moment. Amen.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. -Psalm 119:105
Hey there, sweet friends! It’s been quite a long minute, once again, since I’ve had a chance to post!
One day I might get consistent again. But in the meantime, I’m wrapped up with wedding planning for my daughter and her fiancé, while simultaneously polishing the insides of some book projects that I have going on. Exciting things but very busy work!!
I have several sweet little post ideas. But today’s, the one that is most near and dear to my heart, goes like this…
I’ve been walking a lot lately with my bestie. Early mornings, late afternoons, hot days, dreary days—any will do—and you can probably find us strolling along whenever we have a chance to.
Every now and then we’ll come across a nail on our path, rusty of course, and we pick it up to add to our collection of any others we might be holding in the palm of our hand.
Why, you might wonder?
Well, a sweet and joyful friend of ours, that loves Jesus like crazy, has influenced us.
She had told us of the many nails she’s picked up (along the way) during her many walks. And she’s explained to us that each nail represents or reminds her of the little blessings she receives every single day of her life. Our sweet friend wants to be mindful in not overlooking blessings, big or small. She doesn’t go out of her way looking for the blessings, it’s just what comes by her path naturally.
We can easily take things for granted, can’t we? Especially things that seem normal, habitual, or mundane.
A breath of air.
A penny.
A glass.
A shoelace.
…But a breath of air draws life.
A penny contributes to even the hundred dollar grocery bill payment.
A glass holds water to keep us hydrated.
A shoelace interweaves to hold our shoes on snug, giving protection to our feet.
Tiny blessings make big and beautiful differences. And so it’s incredibly important that we take notice of all the ways we’re taken care of.
Beyond any materialistic blessings, God gifts each of us the ability to smile, compliment, and love others—all blessings that offer encouragement and warmth for the heart. Twofold blessing—for ourselves and the receiver.
You see, our wise friend has taken home each of those nails she’s picked up on her numerous walks. Each bronze colored nail is dropped into a large glass jar, where it meets similar pieces of battered metal. And the blessing-reminders grow one by one, mile by mile.
To bring this post full circle, I want to end with the reminder that the greatest blessing of all, Jesus, had His own story about nails as He hung from a wooden cross two thousand years ago. Many bystanders watched and mocked…only seeing weakness and defeat.
They missed the truth that those nails represented…
“But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Those nails pierced. They fooled some in the crowd. They left wounds.
…But to those who take notice of the ultimate blessing, which resulted—they find a risen Savior.
Freedom.
Peace.
And healing.
Eternal blessing.
My jar of nails may just be getting its start. But I’m counting them one by one, a blessing at a time…with gratefulness that points to Jesus.
This past week I found myself with the words of a really encouraging song from Hillsong United playing in my mind—I guess they came as part of a mental celebration I was feeling.
Here’s the backstory before I share the song’s lyrics: I’ve been working (probably overkill) on two separate books that I hope to publish before the end of 2024. One of them I had been struggling with a few pieces in three separate chapters, so I made sure to step away, catch my breath for a time, work on a different section and then the other night I finally came back to those troubled areas.
I cut, copied, pasted, rearranged, fought through a migraine, rearranged some more, and then reread and gradually my heart warmed over the words in my writing.
You see, academics isn’t my thing and therefore writing doesn’t always come easy for me. In fact, in high school, my freshman and sophomore year, I could’ve cared less. I think I was failing home-ec class. Who does that? That’s like one of the most “piece of cake” classes and I bombed it. Judging by the burnt offerings from my kitchen my husband could probably vouch for why I failed. Junior and senior years, some how, I was on the honor roll with distinction. I had pulled myself together dramatically, only by my grades—the rest of me was a complete mess.
And so sometimes when I go back and read some of the things I wrote in a blog post or in these couple of books I’m working on, I’m absolutely blown away. The words just wow me. They humble me too. Because God is using me to share Him in this way, through the Holy Spirit’s guiding. I question my intelligence almost daily, this is a very real and ongoing struggle for me, and yet the fact that God would use me, in my insecurity, amazes me.
Writing only comes naturally to me by His grace and His leading, and my obedience in listening. I’m thankful to recognize that, and God is glorified as a result.
He is so full of goodness. His love knows no boundaries. He brings order to chaos and peace to anxious thoughts.
And He brings words to my writing just when I think I’ve run empty of anymore.
So as I wrote, and sense started being made out of the chapters I was working on in my memoir book, I was also reminded of the words to this worship song…
🎵 I don’t know how You make a way but I know You will🎶
Those seem like pretty simple words but when they’re integrated in this way they’re pretty powerful, aren’t they?
When trouble seems to threaten
When the path seems too cluttered without a clearing in sight, can we just echo these lyrics and believe them in the depth of our soul, as they point to Jesus’ divine capability…
In the worry
In the confusion
In the hurt
In the overwhelm
In the sadness
Even in the midst of our doubts, can we be brave enough to proclaim—
🎵I don’t know how You make a way but I know You will🎶
Doesn’t that take the pressure off ourselves? We don’t need to understand or problem solve because God is already standing firmly over our situation with the solution…His perfect solution. He is the answer to any of our problems. He relieves any and all burdens, and as we draw near He leads our way through the wilderness.
When the bottom drops out, but we choose to consider the Lord’s past faithfulness (and trust in His righteousness) it makes it that much easier to say, Lord, I don’t feel stable where you have me in this moment BUT I surrender even this to you, because I know that only through you I will move forward, and most of all:
🎶I don’t know how You make a way but I know You will🎵
Friend, whatever trouble might be ailing you, understand that you don’t need to know how God will prevail, but instead trust in the sureness that He most certainly will.
Athletics and coordination aren’t my thing but where the sub jobs calls, I’m likely to follow.
This last week I substitute taught as the PE teacher in the very gym where I once grew up running warm-up laps, dodging speedy dodgeballs (sort-of🤪), and hopping over twirling jump ropes as a kid. And although my elementary gym memories stem from decades ago, it feels as if they occurred only a couple of short years ago.
This is just one of the places where (when) I’m taken back to, I feel a calm sense of warm fuzzies. Few places do that for me, but with a crazy childhood, school always felt safe, supportive, and stable.
Most of the school building where I attended has been entirely replaced. There are some parts that are still original; the gym is one of them. But even it has found itself sporting shades of newer color on the walls, along with swapped bleachers for better suitability, as it transitioned from the blue and gold Bears, to the (now) purple and black Falcons years ago.
Being a sucker for nostalgia, I find myself purposefully noticing bits and pieces of the school (in the gym and neighboring rooms) that still hold some carry over (old remnants) of yesteryear.
The dark stained doors under the stage at the south end of the gym are still the same worn doors from good old CHS. The “breeze way” still leads children from one place to another. The band room still makes music. And every once in a while, peering out from under coats of white paint, one can spot a softer shade of blue…leftover “winks” from days gone by. A time when no one knew the blue and gold Culbertson Bears would one day be but a sweet and fond memory for many.
My how things change. Sometimes instantly, other times gradually.
I’m reminded, yet again, how God and His word are truly the only consistent permanency this world offers.
…A relationship status fades with time, but the Father’s unconditional love reaches the hurt and floods the heart.
…The paycheck seems as if it will stretch far too thin, but His perfect and rich provision always proves to be enough.
…A health diagnosis brings uncertainty and fear, but the Great Physician orders peace and protection for the mind.
These, and so many other variables of life, each offer another opportunity to ground ourselves in the truth and consistency of Jesus and His precious word. When we surrender ourselves to Him, we find direction and purpose for seemingly impossible situations.
Change is inevitable, but there’s a changeless God who remains steady and capable, no matter the circumstances.
His word reminds us that this is so:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. —Hebrews 13:8
Unlike the school building I grew up in where you have to be looking for pieces of old nostalgia, God’s mercy, grace, and strength are easy to spot. Never changing. Always constant. Forever remaining.
A few years ago my church started sharing testimony videos from some of our congregation during the church service. When I was asked to share my testimony (two years ago) I turned it down. I was in the thick of a mental health battle, rocky confidence, and deep confusion. With time and therapy those things dissipated and finally a year later I submitted to God’s will with the testimony video recording. Just recently it was shown after a corresponding sermon from our pastor.
I thought I would share it with you all. I’ll provide a few different links because electronics and such aren’t always user friendly for me … which could very well be operator error.
The video is just a small glimpse of my story. If you’re interested in learning more or looking for healing in your own journey, check out my newly released memoir at Amazon or most any online book retailer.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4
First off here’s a disclaimer—I’m obsessed with heavy whipping cream generously doused over a piping hot cup of coffee. So much that my coffee is like a chameleon, changing from a deep, rich brown to a soft, creamy beige color once the heavy cream settles in.
Every. Single. Morning.
Recently, one particular morning, I made said savory beverage before getting ready for the rest of the day. While cleaning up after myself I took the heavy whipping cream carton to the fridge to put it away.
My fridge is often on the overloads but neatly organized nevertheless.
As I shuffled a few cold items around with my left hand while tilting the heavy cream in my right hand and returning it to its designated spot, I was quite alarmed to soon realize cream was spilling down the carton, down the inside wall of the fridge, down my hand and arm, and onto glass shelves, plastic drawers, and other food items!!!
I had very distinctly forgotten to put the cap back on!!
And the words that followed spoke on behalf of my alarm…
“Oh s..t!!” I boisterously and carelessly blurted out.
To which my daughter replied, “Mom!!!” With a great amount of irritation.
Then realizing, by my language, I had spilled more than just cream, I followed up with disappointment and exclaimed…
“Dang it!!!” … only it was the R rated version of dang it.
Goodness. Cuss words aren’t a main source of my vocabulary, BUT when I’m whooshed by shock or surprise they often find their way out of my mouth.
I remember quite a few years ago, a seasoned Christian woman in my church (whom I adore) shared from the stage that she struggles with cuss words from time to time. And she pinpointed that it comes from high use of curse words being used in her home growing up. As a result those curse words have found their way into her subconscious, and occasionally make an appearance in her language as well.
Upon her sharing this, I thought, boy that makes so much sense, as I grew up with a large amount of swearing being spoken in my own home. Those curse words have been a part of my subconscious and they find themselves jumping out at sporadic and fiery moments, even decades later.
What’s interesting to me is that very evening, after the cream and curse word chaos, I attended a really sweet and very amazing women’s event … where I found myself singing worship music with praise to our Lord.
Don’t miss that; do you see the hiccup here?
From my lips (that morning) fell ungodly words, BUT by evening those same lips spoke of praise and love for the Lord.
And honestly, I don’t think I thought much of it at the time. Fast forward to Sunday evening though, when I was helping serve students at youth group.
Guess what the lesson was about and what book it came from?
Taming the tongue. And James 3.
Perhaps some of the most notable verses (in terms of guarding your tongue).
Let’s have a look…
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” -James 3:9-12
Although I wasn’t cursing human beings, I was offending McKenzie … then myself … and surely God.
Ouch.
And yet what a bittersweet and timely message for my heart to absorb and rest on.
Admittedly, I am still in the thick of wrestling with my ordeal. Because I’ve been guilty of this scenario (minus the spilling of the cream) more times than I can remember. Add to the fact it will likely happen again; maybe not as a result of spilled cream, but some other mishap will come about and leave me in a frenzy of frustration, with a choice to contain my words or set them sail. And I may very well go to the latter of the two.
What’s a flawed human to do?
My NIV notes in my Life Application Study Bible offer some hope-filled instruction and encouragement:
“If no human being can control the tongue, why bother trying? Even if we may not achieve perfect control of our tongues, we can still learn enough control to reduce the damage our words can do. It is better to fight a fire than to go around setting new ones! Remember that we are not fighting the tongue’s fire in our own strength. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say … the Spirit will remind us of God’s love….”
And quite certainly He will remind me of better words and healthier reactions. I must surrender this, too, to Him. Lean into His focus, His faithfulness, and His forgiveness. And move forward.
It is within mindfulness and submission that the difference will follow.
You might remember a post from a few years ago where I introduced our new puppy.
Bailey.
Bailey pupBailey exhausted from being too cute
Well Bailey (our Corgi) has since grown up and because she’s from the herding breed and my daughter (Paige) happens to be on the stock dog team at the ag college she attends, we decided to take our fur friend for a little trial.
Let’s just say she was a prime example for a rookie.
We first watched Paige and her coach run Maggie, Paige’s border collie, through the round pen while herding a group of goats. She has what they call “style”, energy, interest, practice, and drive to herd those goats while following basic herding commands. Gosh, I love watching her work!! (Hopefully the attached video will load for you!)
Paige and MaggiePaige and Maggie
Maggie video
Bailey on the other hand (or paw I should say) followed up. At first she showed some interest—running the round pen with the goats right ahead. And then very shortly afterwards she meandered away and began doing her own thing.
Weird things. Pooping, eating goat poop, roaming aimlessly, and very intentionally avoiding the very thing she was there for!! (The goats!!)
The stock dog coach explained that she was doing these things because it was new to her. New territory, new experience, new ideas, new goats (not the ones on our little farm that she tries to befriend). And so she was nervous. Her behavior was normal, expected, and justified.
BaileyBailey
Always looking at life through analogies and illustrations, I thought of how we (too) do weird things when we’re nervous. Biting our nails, twirling our hair, bouncing our knee as we anxiously sit, fill in the blank….)
But oh how much easier life would be if we’d just cut to the chase and head straight to Jesus when things feel overwhelming and out of place. He calls us out of anxiety. He longs to get us through whatever it is that has us caught up in weird reactions. He is faithful and will always point us toward Himself.
His word says so:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. —Philippians 4:6
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. —John 14:27
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:6-7
We may not be future champions herding goats in a round pen like Maggie, but sometimes life feels like a new experience much like Bailey had. It is there that we give God the opportunity to coach us, to show His mercy and grace, and to lead us on a path of peace and growth. No worry, no anxiety, no weird antics required. Just simply Jesus working through us.
Herding dogs are meant for herding (debatable on Bailey), and Christians are meant for glorifying Jesus. May we keep within the borders of His boundaries, following His commands in the midst of both trial and triumph.
My kids are getting older. Graduated (plus married), will graduate in three months, and graduating in a few years. My husband and I will become empty nesters just as quickly as we became mom and dad to this lovely trio.
Quite frankly that thought fills me with equal amounts of sadness and gladness. Sadness because I’ll miss them not being a seat cushion away. Gladness because I see the Lord working out beautiful plans for each of them as they grow and mature in Him.
I do recall one of my readers on the blog leaving a comment after one of my “kids-are-growing-up” posts, reminding me to celebrate that my kids are healthy, growing, and able to eventually spread their wings like so. A beautiful piece of advice I still treasure.
It was a sweet reminder that they’re being equipped in my home and therefore building capable minds and hearts for a future out on their own one day but grounded in Him. I can’t hold them in my arms forever and I especially need to allow room for God to hold them in His open and almighty arms.
And so with this bittersweet truth of their becoming independent, I’m trying to gradually and joyfully prepare for the inevitable change which will soon come.
On that note (cue my new endeavor)…I signed up for college classes to get my elementary education degree!! 42 years old and I’ve finally figured out what I want to do for the rest of my working years. I’ve been substitute teaching part-time since 2012. When I realized my kids are getting older, etc. I thought to myself I should get a full-time job, so I searched the help wanted ads. And it was there it occurred to me that the only thing I’m interested in is teaching children. That’s it.
I have a good academic plan set up but goodness my English class is a bit more challenging than I thought it’d be, especially because writing is something I truly enjoy. However I’m used to writing faith-content so these assignments which are not faith-based feel a little out of my natural and favorable element.
Over the years, I’ve said numerous times that I’m a much better teacher than I am a student. Now that I’m pursuing college that mindset needs thrown to the wayside. God is making sure I know that too…last month when I was watching a video for college, the instructor said, “Both, teaching and learning, should bring you joy.”
Joy just so happens to be my word of the year for 2026. How timely and heart-grabbing for me to hear those words and hang on to them.
I have a huge course list ahead of myself but slowly and steadily those will dwindle one by one. It’s a breath of fresh air when I consider how similar this process is to my Christian walk. Sanctification means living and becoming more like Christ’ likeness. It’s a daily part of a Christian’s relationship with Him and never fading or ceasing, until He calls us to our eternal home.
These classes to obtain my teaching degree will take time, patience, and effort just as faith does but in His strength I will continue forward.
Slow and steady, much like the sanctification process.
Recently I was covering recess duty on a sub day. The breeze was cool, the sun was playing peek a boo with the clouds, and so the temperature felt a bit chilly. Being a lover of warmer days I was quite ready to get back indoors.
The kids didn’t seem to mind a bit, however. Some played a game of chase, while others lunged down slides. There were boys and girls pumping their legs on swings, and a few dangling from the twirling bars.
While I watched, with anticipation rising to return to the classroom, a young boy gently asked for my attention.
“I think I cracked my skull!” he said, both with concern and certainty.
“Ummm, what happened?!” I responded.
“I fell and landed on my head when I was twirling on the bars.”
Admittedly I missed that mishap. A quick check-in with the para (who happened to see the incident occur) informed me that the little guy had in fact slid off the twirling bars but softly and slowly, much like a snake slithers.
Clearly he would be just fine. And for the record there were zero tears. Plus his landing was into a pool of rubber mulch. I had him take a little rest on the picnic bench, nevertheless, just to be sure all was good. In less than two minutes he calmly scooted across the bench and his legs quickly peddled him to a group of friends where he laughed, played, and enjoyed the last few moments of his recess break.
And my thoughts trailed to a time of reflection…
That little kindergarten guy that had just interacted with me had a big concern in his mind. But he followed direction and trusted my advice to take a little rest…
In life we experience bumps and bruises and sometimes it leaves us feeling like our skull is indeed cracked…both physically and emotionally.
But God.
The sooner we run to Him for clarity, peace, and comfort the quicker we receive healing. God asks us to be still (Psalm 46:10), to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6), and to follow Him (John 8:12). Oftentimes we, too, benefit well from a break on the bench with Jesus seated beside.
As we abide, keeping close to Him, we find that our recoup time has a quick turnaround. Bench time hastens and we’re ready to go merrily on our way once again. Not alone, always with the Lord in our midst.
Stress, boredom, habit…all of these things have had a strong hold on me more times than I can count and as a result I’ve ran to sweets, comfort foods, and anything other than Jesus to try and satisfy the void.
…A void that was meant to be filled by none other than Jesus!!
A few years ago a sweet friend introduced me to a book, The 40-Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake. I’ve now gone through the book four times and am currently on my fifth; with new goals each time:
-not snacking just because
-lifestyle change with food
-discipline and self-control
-go to God for comfort, not food
-pray instead of snacking when I’m really not even hungry
-no added sugar/ processed food
-no eating out of boredom, stress, or because it’s there
-drinking half my weight (in ounces) of water
-an attitude of joy
This book (or my list of goals) isn’t meant to sound legalistic against sugary goods, BUT as a Christian anytime something becomes a bigger deal to us than Jesus it creates a barrier. For me it was oftentimes food. That’s not to say I don’t still slip up here and there, BUT I’m more mindful of reading my habits and those that then result in misplaced hunger and a yearning for something sweet or savory.
Throughout the day, my ultimate desire is that my heart’s hunger is satisfied by Jesus, not attempting to satisfy a sweet tooth that never seems to return with gratitude.
In Wendy’s book, I have learned to focus more on Christ and less on cravings. I have reigned in my triggers that cause me to run to treats, and instead I’m quicker to turn to truth and trust in the Father. I’ve enjoyed fasting for Him rather than feasting for me.
The point of my post isn’t to inform you of what may sound like a great new diet fad but to invite you to journey with me beginning March 1st, 2026 on a 40-Day Sugar Fast, TOGETHER.
I will post twice a week on the blog (Tuesdays and Fridays) to help encourage and hold you accountable. In the meantime you can message me privately if you want to visit or even vent. Your goals will look different than mine. Your struggles may not resemble mine. This book is more than just a sugar infatuation issue, Wendy kindly challenges us to take inventory of not just the sweets, but ALL strongholds—replacing those with a deep appetite for the Lord…maybe sugar isn’t the thing you need to fast from, maybe it will be social media, spending, or sports instead.
Pray about it, listen to what God nudges and then I hope you’ll commit to joining me here on a 40-Day (fill in the blank) fasting journey.
I’m excited to learn what sugary shackles you drop (maybe even pounds) and what heart holdings you gain.
To join, please leave a message in the comment section. Grab your copy of The 40-Day Sugar Fast from any online bookstore or from the provided link below. You’ll want to order right away to have the book by our start date of March 1st!!
Recently as I was driving dirt roads to work, I was thanking God for the morning’s clear and beautiful blue skies. Then, driving a little farther, I noticed some unexpected fog (ahead) laying low to the ground. It was a surprise to me, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker to my drive because I’ve driven the road numerous times, fog or no fog. I knew I could continue on just as if the fog wasn’t even there.
I was soon reminded of how life is often that way.
Things seem as if they are clear, smooth, and directive, but then out of nowhere Satan jumps in to cloud our outlook. His motives are filled with confusion and conflict. His intentions are always unpleasant and obscure…
More bills than income. Worry outweighing cheer. Sickness over health. Temptation begging for attention.
However, we have less of a risk in being thrown off course if we’re leaning into Jesus. The nearer we are to Him, the more familiar we are with His course. The closer we are to Him, the easier it is to push out any distractions or unnecessary detours.
We can proceed onward because we are able to recognize God’s flawless leading. We can move in peace because He paves a path of purpose. We can trust because of His long-established course of faithfulness.
Bible YouVersion app
No matter Satan’s attempt to cloud our route, Jesus is guiding the way with a steadfast heart set on seeing us through our journey, both now and to eternity. He shows the way with righteousness and compassion. —How well are we following Him?
Sweet weekend blessings, my friend!!
*****
To order my newest book, Out of the Shadows and into His Light, click the link below.
A new author, Alicia M. Witt, releases her book, Out of the Shadows and into His Light. Her book offers healing and hope as she shares her personal story of trauma and triumph in a way that others can relate and experience victory through a life grounded in Christ. Check out Alicia’s blog post to catch more details and purchase a copy for yourself or a loved one!
Hello sweet friends!!
I’m so grateful to announce that my memoir is finally and completely published! What a whirlwind it’s been along the way.
I began the writing journey for my memoir back in the summer of 2024. I worked through (chronologically) telling my story—the childhood trauma, mixed up teenage years, my negligence to surrender my life to Jesus, ignorance as a young adult, and then finally the tender moment when I realized the only way to a life of genuine joy and freedom is found through God.
There were evenings I would sit at my emerald green writing desk sometimes until 2 AM, pouring my heart into all of the pages that would tell of the highs and lows of my life and everything in between.
To be honest I don’t remember much of it. I usually prefer to be in bed by 10 PM, so 2 AM was really a stretch. Either way after sleeping off the remaining hours of dark, later in the day something would come to mind that would profoundly bless my heart, and I’d think oh I need to be sure I include that in the manuscript.
This happened often.
And then I’d open my laptop, pull up Google Docs, navigate to the memoir and the chapter where I assumed my new thought would fit best. But time and time again that thought would already be documented.
Y’all the absolute only way that makes sense is by the power of the Holy Spirit at work. Nothing else adds up. In the very early hours of the morning, when all was quiet and surely I was mostly sleepy and dazed, God’s hand was actively at work all over this book, from beginning to end. IT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL EXPLANATION.
Even more recently after the manuscript was written and off to the publisher, with the final tasks getting worked out, a thought would come. I’d think, shoot I forgot to put that in the book. Too late now.
Low and behold, I’d check the copy of what had been submitted to the publisher and wouldn’t you know, there would be that thought in exact form or close enough to convey the same message.
The faithfulness of God. He never fails.
I am excited for this book because it has not only been a huge part of my healing therapy, but I also believe it has the potential to bring healing to others. My story is told in a way that shares the shadows and darkness I faced and yet the light of Jesus casted over my life all the while. It is also written so that readers are encouraged to see God in their own story of trauma and triumph.
I pray that those who choose to read Out of the Shadows and into His Light experience Jesus through every single page in the book, but most importantly they see Him at work in their own story—filling their hearts with love, joy, mercy, and grace that point to Him.
If you’re interested in picking up a copy, you may do so at:
**If you feel God impressing on your heart to write a book please reach out to me or check out the publisher I used at Genesis Publishing House. These guys know their stuff and will take care of you from start to finish!
My “Jeff notes” page is beginning to fill up rather quickly so I thought today would be as good a day as any to move them over to a blog post!
If you’re new here or haven’t read any of my Jeff posts, I’ll quickly explain. Jeffrey is my younger brother by seven years. Our family was in a car accident many years ago and Jeff suffered a severe head injury and as a result lives part-time with my mom and part-time with his caregiver, Scott. Overall, he does pretty well, but he does get a little obsessive about things and also has short-term memory loss and at times has a vocabulary of his own, nevertheless he keeps us cracking up!!! For a similar blog and the reason I ever had the idea of posting “Jeffrey-isms,” check out Patty’s blog at https://hesaidwhatks.blog/
Here we go….
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Jeff obsessing over Christmas and opening gifts…
“When I’m gonna get my presents…this year?”
Me: “You’re dressed like Santa, where are our gifts?”
Jeff: “Timbuktu!!”
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…”I’m gonna go pray for patience about opening gifts.”
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My mom recently has a new friend, Bill…a boyfriend I suppose he’d be called…
…When we told Jeff, he blurts out: “Well Dad (who passed away over two decades ago) is gonna be pis*ed!!”…
Seconds later…Jeff pondering and not seeming enthused.
“Well mom’s not gonna have anymore kids is she?” (FYI, she’s 61!!🤣)
Minutes later…Jeff who is manipulative and always worried about his upstairs closet needing a little remodeling…suddenly begins softening and manipulating to the idea… “Hey can Bill help us fix the upstairs closet?!!!!!”
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Jeff when he met the fella: “Are u gonna take my mom on a honeymoon?”
No reply…
“Hey Bill do you have hearing aids?”
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“I’ve been having good conversations and writing good things to Scott (his caregiver). I used to be in pest mode saying bad things, but I don’t want to be pestering him anymore, so I’m just having good behaviors and talking about good things.”
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Me: “Ok little buddy.”
Jeff: “I’m not a little buddy, Alicia. I’m a man.”
Me: “What makes you think you’re a man?”
Jeff: “Just cause I’m learning information.”
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”I’m tired of getting tempted up from the stupid evil one.”
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Jeff singing: “All the girls say I’m pretty fly for a white guy.”
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Me: “Why don’t you start playing Bingo?”
Jeff: “It’s hard for me to remember how to play bingo in good shape.”
Me: “Why don’t you play bingo with your neighbor friend, Dave?”
Jeff (matter of factly): “Cause, Alicia, that’s just something he likes to do and I don’t and everyone has their own things they like to do.”
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“I’m thankful God didn’t give me a license to drive because I don’t want to be hitting animals at night.”
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Jeff to me when I was playfully giving my mom a hard time: “Be nice to mom and have love to her.”
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Jeff: “I’m gonna pray right now, mom, that I don’t be bragging to Scott (his caregiver) about God healing my neck.”
Mom: “That’s a good idea.”
Jeff: “Ya because I don’t want to be acting like a doofus.”
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Jeffrey has seizures and had a medical procedure done years ago that involves a magnetic device. He can swipe the magnet over the implanted vagus nerve device to help keep him from going into a seizure or to help one end sooner.
Jeff: “I need to swipe myself so I can just stay calm.”
Me: “Whoa! Jeff could I borrow that?!”
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There’s a group in our area called SWATS (Southwest Area Training Services). Jeff is a big fan of them as they help come alongside those with special needs.
Jeff who is almost always motivated to do right—
“I’m trying to get to the swats way. And learn it the swats way.”
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“I pray spiritual prayers to get better with Scott. I don’t want to be getting tempted up.”
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“I’m an older man now. I’m 35.”
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“I’m in a comfortable condition because I’m having good behaviors.”
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…Immediately after having a seizure, kicked his feet up on the ottoman, “Well I’m just going to kick back and smell the roses.”
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“Hey does it take two hours and 2 days for food to digest?”
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Jeff to our other brother while they sat together on the couch: “Johnathon, would you move over?”
Johnny slides over…toward Jeff…Not the direction Jeff wanted.
Jeff exasperated: “I want to have relaxation of reading, Johnathon.”
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Jeff to our little niece: “I wanna relax and enjoy some fun studiness with my books.” …not impressed when Kinsley tried to feed him play pizza.
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That’s all I have for now!! Have a blessed weekend friends!! Until next time…
For His Purpose 