My thoughts are just that---My thoughts, seasoned by life, faith, growth, loss, and love.
My experiences are just that--- My experiences-- past and present; good and bad; pitfalls and elevation.
My emotions are just that---My emotions, as a result of this Cherry-inspired heart that I carry.
My prayers are just that--- My prayers--my intimate conversations with God, whether one-on-one or collectively with others. They are anywhere; any time; for anything or anyone.
My words convey all of the above, without expectation of acceptance and/or agreement. The sum of it all gets encapsulated in authentic written expression that is sometimes raw, but always very real, always truth, and a lot of it testimonial---whether directly related or indirectly.
My words may not flow effortlessly, and I'm okay with that. They may reveal a different picture of the preconceived artwork of my life, and I'm okay with that, too. I'm certain that they land with judgment and criticism---I expect that; I receive that. I also know that my written expressions are warmly received, as well, and I thank you for letting me know in many ways. It keeps me encouraged. In that, I am aware that the intended inspiration conveyed through the vine'age of The Cherry Vine doesn't equate to a remedy for every reader's parallel life experiences. If it helps only one person, I'm forever grateful. If it inspires you to reevaluate your life or your perspective for "good", I count that a blessing. If it encourages your heart, enlightens your mind, and empowers your spirit to grow in your relationship with yourself and God, to Him be all the glory!
You already know...I'm certainly not anyone's role model, not intentionally or expectedly. However, it is important that people see some of God's light in how I flow. I AM a definite work-in-progress, living a very deliberate life, laced with remnants of unhealed and healed situations. My TCV journey is one seeded by life's experiences, rooted in my faith in God, and a determination to live in purpose--the one(s) that He has always had just for me. It just took me quite a while to step into it. 😩 I thank God for the footing; Grateful to have landed here. I remain open to whatever He has planned for my life. I know that the He has gone before me and opened the doors. It is my job to seek Him for guidance, and walk through them. It's that simple. Focused, flawed, favored, sometimes fickle, and all----this is me.
On this Labor Day Monday, as we rest from our day-to-day laborious work, spend no time laboring to be anyone else but your beautiful self. Our souls yearn to be free. We are already equipped with personal freedoms to work on us. Those tools exist so that we can live this life using the gifts and talents God has given us. No matter how rugged it may get, each leg of the journey is a blessing indeed. For... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28
Purpose work isn't hard work, it's heart work! For me, it's a labor of love for God; for His people---All of them, including me. Let yours tell your story, before anyone tries to create one for you.
Peace & Blessings,
Lisa C-S
Thank you as always for your prolific words and expression of your faith in God. Blessings to you and yours always my dear cousin and classmate. 😍