Easy Like Sunday Morning | Lemon Water

 

Easy like Sunday morning.

 

I hope you have all had a great, long, holiday weekend. I know I have. I treasure this time. The kids are sleeping and Tony and I just finished coffee on the patio. 

 

Breathing in that fresh, (humid) Tennessee, morning air. Both us sharing how we’ve enjoyed the long weekend but are ready to get back to work. 

 

I guess that desire hits you when you enjoy the people you’re surrounded by and love what you do for work. 

 

I used to cry and get depressed when it was time to go back to work. Every Sunday. I don’t do that anymore. 

 

If you’re a Mon-Fri worker, how are you feeling about getting back at it tomorrow?

 

If you’re excited … Nice! Good for you. If you’re not excited … what plan do you have to get away from the misery? 

 

Here’s what you can’t do. Don’t go to work and bitch and complain because you’re miserable. Don’t come home and bring all that negativity with you, either. Do something about it. You have the power to change your physical location and get a new job. OR- you have the power to change your perspective, your thoughts, and your words. You’re not a victim here. And if you truly are miserable – get out of there, fast. Don’t delay another moment. 

 

Here’s what I’ve found to be true on my own journey. It’s rare that outside sources are truly making me miserable. It’s ME making ME miserable.

 

When I used to sit and eat junk and never move my body, I felt like crap. When I would sit and watch junk TV or entertainment (including the news), I felt like crap. When I would hang out with “friends” who gossip and backstab, I would feel like crap. 

 

I don’t feel like crap anymore. I pushed everything out of my life that made me feel bad. Then I was left to take responsibility for my thoughts, actions and what/who I moved back into my life. 

 

I set up new routines. I mapped out the life I wanted to live and then planned my days around that kind of life. And guess what? It feels really fake at first. But I did it anyway. And somewhere along the way, my life started changing. It started to reflect the life I wanted. 

 

You hold that same power, friend. 

 

Here’s a quick and easy thing you can add into your morning routine. And if you don’t have a morning routine – get one. It doesn’t have to be rigid and mapped out by the minute, but have an outline. 

 

Here’s where I start:

 

A tall glass of water, lemon juice, and Himalayan pink salt. (12-16 ounces of water. Half a lemon- juiced, and a ¼ or ½ tsp of Himalayan Pink Salt. Stir altogether. Drink.)

 

Then coffee. 

 

After a night of sleeping, your body is dehydrated. Wake up and hydrate. You’d be surprised how this one, simple act can help you.

 

Benefits of lemon water w/ Himalayan salt: promotes hydration. | good source of vitamin C. | helps maintain pH balance of the body. | regulates water content both inside & outside of your cells. | prevents muscle cramping| contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. 

 

It’s good for you. And you feel good about yourself when you’ve done something good for you. 

 

Enjoy. 

 

Make this Sunday count. Don’t let tomorrow be a repeat of misery. Autopilot. Nothingness. Empty. 

 

Make it a great start to the week. Then go create a great day. Which turns into a great week. 

 

You got this. Your life is waiting for you.

 

 

Lunch At The Kids’ Table

Soooo… I signed up today to work with the kids at Church. What the hell am I thinking? Have you met me? Have you heard my mouth?

First of all – I’m at church. I honestly did not think I’d walk back into one of those buildings anytime soon. (Where I live church tends to be a place and not people. Don’t even get me started.)

Second of all – kids have never really been my ‘thing’. They’re weird and awkward and immature and they like to talk about poop and farts and boogers (actually… that’s not a bad conversation topic). I’m usually holding my breath when one talks to me because I’m afraid of some family secret they’re going to reveal to me about their mom or dad – who I’m going to have to fight to look in the eye after some family dirt unknowingly is shared with me by their precious little.

Again, kids have never been my thing. I’ve got my reasons.

And yet. Here I am.

Surprise! (to you and to me.)

What set off this desire to sign up for children’s ministry?

Well. It started a year ago at my daughter’s school program. I’m not sure why they call it a program. But it’s the thing where a bunch of 3rd graders stand on quickly assembled risers on the stage in the cafeteria and they sing songs. Terrible songs. Like, really really really terrible.

Some parents have their cameras out. They are on their knees trying not to block other sitting parents as they snap photos of their kids. Some parents army crawl across the floor to get as close to the stage as possible so they can cheer on little Tommy. Some parents are smiling ear to ear and mouthing the words to the terrible song.

Not me.

Nope.

I sit there with anxiety. It takes everything in me to keep from curling up in a ball on the floor and rocking back and forth. When weird stuff is happening to music it gives me anxiety. I can hear when things are off or bad or terrible and it makes me lose my shiiii… crap (I’m trying to clean it up a little since I’ll soon be working with children). It’s the same anxious crazy I get when someone is whistling, snoring, or when a battery needs to be replaced in a smoke detector.

I. Can’t. Even.

But during this awful program, something happened.

The very last song the kids sang was called American Tears. They picked up little hand-held American flags and their sweet little awkward voices sang softly along the guidance of a piano:

“Sometimes I think about America.

About her struggles through the years.

I think of people who did what they had to do

with the strength to act through their fears.”

……

As they continued singing I started to see them. Like, really see them. Not just my daughter but all of them. Their little faces. Their innocence. Boys and girls. All different shades of colors. With different types of hair. Some with glasses. Some looking like they were going to throw up from the stage fright and some looking like they were made for this moment.

I saw them.

Between the soft sweet song and their little human faces, I started to tear up. I began to think about who I was at 8 and 9 years old. The lack of guidance in my life. Just wingin’ it… trying to get by without a whoopin’. My peers were my greatest teachers at this age. I wanted to be loved and seen and known. I was a wandering traveler back then – in my mind at least.

As I looked at each one of those kids I stared deep into them. I had always spent my years working with grown women and never thought of working with kids. I wiped the tears from my eyes as they finished this somewhat decent song and finished the program.

The seed was planted.

There have been other little seeds along the way over the past year so when our church made numerous announcements that they needed help with the kids and was going to have an informational lunch, I knew I had to sign up.

Today was the day of the informational/ sign up meeting. I showed up late and everyone was already sitting at tables eating their lunch except a couple of other stragglers who were standing in the food line in front of me.  I piled my plate with sandwiches and chips and looked around for a table. The tables were all pretty full but one stood out to me.

The kids’ table.

I’m not kidding you. There were no adults at this table (for the time being). I asked a sweet little girl did she mind if I sat with her. She looked up from her sandwich, smiled and said she didn’t mind at all.

“This looked like the coolest table in here,” I said to her. Already sucking at this kid thing by starting off with a comparison of how our table is better than others. #Grace

She laughed and said, “I would think you wouldn’t want to sit at the table with these weirdos.”

To which I replied, “No way, girl! I’m the biggest weirdo of all. This looked like the V.I.P. table to me and the place where I belonged. Thank you for letting me sit here.”

She laughed and continued eating her sandwich.

Throughout our brief lunch, this little girl, her sister and I chit-chatted. It wasn’t weird at all. In fact, these kids were actually warmer and less awkward than most adults I speak with.

And I didn’t say one cuss word.

I was so proud.

There’s my story and here’s my point:

It’s not about them – the kids. This post is about me. I mean, it is about the kids and “pouring into them” (whatever that means)… but I think to put an expectation on myself that I am going to radically change a kids life is just too much a burden to carry and honestly, not one that I want or feel called to carry. Plus it feels very arrogant to think that I might be the reason a kid makes good decisions when bad decisions are in their path or that a kid might grow up to be something “extraordinary” because they were so #blessed to have an encounter with me.

That would be really freakin’ cool… but that’s just a bonus.

I’m doing this because I’ve spent many many many years creating my own path. Looking for my own ministry. Dreaming and planning and forcing my plans – smearing the name of Jesus all over them.

Yeah. He’s done some good stuff in and through my plans. But ultimately I wind up idolizing my plans and platform and then I wind up handing all that mess over to Him and starting all over.

On my face.

In repentance.

At the feet of Jesus.

I’m signing up to help with kids because I feel The Lord told me to do it. And I’m scared to do it. And I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. I feel incredibly inadequate and that some mom is gonna read this blog and tell church staff she doesn’t want me working with her kid. That’s okay. But it’s still scary. Because I’m only going to be me and I really think children are so beautiful because they’re real. I want to be real back with them (age appropriate of course).

I know this environment. Not the kid ministry environment – but the ‘ I don’t know what the hell I’m doing’ environment. It’s usually the breeding ground where God does something super cool.

So, I’m all in. Ill-equipped but all in nonetheless. Because I really want to be apart of what God is doing. And I think I’m learning, after sitting at the cool, V.I.P., weird table today, that kids aren’t that weird after all – or maybe they are… they’re my people… and maybe that’s why I’m there to work with them.

Or maybe.

Maybe I’m there for them to work with me.

What really crazy thing has God been stirring around in your heart lately?  That thing that is so off the wall and makes absolutely no sense? I want to encourage you to not rationalize whatever it is and just go for it.

Have you ever tried to rationalize with God? Ha! How did that work out for you?

Things are shifting in the atmosphere. Lies that invisibly flock around your head like a swarm of fruit flies are being called down. Do you feel it? Followers of Jesus are waking up to the simplicity of the gospel. The chains of religion that leave us in bondage are losing its grip.

The Church is on the move. And I don’t mean the building, y’all.

Jesus is faithful. Incredibly weird — but faithful.

 

Move On

4 Tips to Motivate Preparation

If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that success doesn’t just happen.  I mean opportunity can show up but if you’re not prepared for it …  welp.  There it goes.

For so many years I sat around with big dreams in my heart but I never prepared.  When I was motivated I would write and that wasn’t very often. I would start to feel sorry for myself because nothing was happening.  Then I’d head out to social media world where everything was happening for everyone except me!  The discouragement led to more moping around and accomplishing nothing.

You ever just get to that point  where you’ve had enough?! Sometimes it’s like you have to get to that point in order to make a change. It was through the constant frustration that I realized that God has planted so many seeds in my heart but they were just idly sitting there.

I’ve often struggled as a follower of Jesus because I didn’t want to make a wrong move.  If I stepped out to prepare for a dream, was I stepping outside of God’s will?  If I tried to make it happen did that mean that I was thinking of myself more powerful than God? Do you sit and wait or do you get up and move?  So many teachings on ‘be still’ and yet so many teachings on ‘do’.  UGH!  So I just sat and did nothing. 

8 Tips For Setting Boundaries

Merry Christmas!

For some folks it was a glorious, magical, amazing day that was full of laughter and joyful memories with family.  For others … it was a hot mess.

I mean, sure … you posted photos of dinner and selfies with family in the background with big smiles.  You may have even posted something on social media thanking God for another year with your loved ones and referencing how much fun you had together.  But now you’re sitting at home, browsing the internet, feeling empty and broken and trying to fill the void.

Am I a mind reader?  Nope.  I’ve just been there myself and I know it’s the little hidden part of holidays and family gatherings that ‘normal’ people don’t talk about.  Let me set you at ease … I ain’t normal!

Don’t Rush The Process

I’m writing this today to speak to myself.  However, if this speaks to your heart as well then that’s cool too.

Saturday morning after breakfast my husband, Tony, and I left our son, Sway, strapped in his high chair while we created Sway a really cool “play space” in the living room. Sway did not want to stay in his high chair and started throwing a tantrum because he wanted out! Little did he know his parents were creating something better for him and if he rushed the process it wasn’t going to be nearly as cool as we wanted it to be. We made him stay seated. Confined to the chair he started bucking around and getting upset again. Tony looks over to me and says, “This is how we are with God. He’s over here putting together something so much better than where we are now but we want to rush the process.” I’m a visual person so this was perfect for me! Sooo true! Just cause we can’t see what God is doing doesn’t mean He’s forgotten about us or that He doesn’t have something way better that He’s assembling for us.

Sway was being so loud and unruly in his high chair that I wanted to take him out just to get him to calm down but Tony said, “No. Leave him there.  If you bring him in here he will get in the way and may even get hurt.”

We have this huge play fence thing that takes up our whole living room area if you put all the pieces together.  It takes a lot of effort to get everything put together and set up though.  If I had brought Sway into the unfinished space he could get hurt on one of the panels that wasn’t secured. We, the parents, could see this but Sway could not.  It hurt me to see him so upset but it was best for him to wait a little longer.

Is that not the perfect imagery or what?  If we scream loud enough or kick hard enough maybe God will remove us from our confined space and put us somewhere different … but have you ever thought about maybe the space isn’t quite ready yet… or maybe we’ll get hurt there…?

I’m in a season of life where I’ve been throwing a lot of tantrums lately.  This scene on Saturday morning rattled my heart.  I am my son in the high chair.  I’m upset because I’m chained to something I don’t want to be chained to.  I want out!!!! Put me ANYWHERE but here.  God is in the living room securing me an awesome play area.  I can’t see around the corner to see what He’s doing in there so all I can focus on is the fact that I’m secured to a high chair and breakfast is over!  Why am I still sitting here? Have you forgotten about me?  Surely you have forgotten so I’ll just throw a fit to get your attention!

God is so good!  He’s so faithful.  He seeks out ways to bless us!  He’s involved in our everyday ‘stuff’.  What breaks our heart breaks His heart.

Let faith arise in your heart today.  Know that God is on the other side of that wall preparing something so awesome! Don’t rush the process and don’t entertain lies that He has forgotten about you.

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” – Hebrews 11:1

In Christ Jesus,

April

Toxic Relationships

Why do we hold on to toxic relationships?  Why do we feel so unworthy of healthy relationships?  Why do we cry and complain over how unsatisfied we are in our lives with the ones we call “friends” and yet do nothing about it?  What do you think paralyzes people in this area?

I never had a problem with abusive relationships with men.  My dad was always very steady and I just knew that he loved me whether he showed it or not.  I just knew.

My friendships with girls on the other hand …. Dang!  Hot mess.  Catty, gossip, slander, jealous…. blah.  It was just messy.  In my mind THIS was friendship.

As I grew in my walk with Jesus I started to feel very sad and uncomfortable in these types of relationships.  I was now aware and responsible for MY actions, MY words, MY behavior.  I couldn’t continue in these toxic relationships.

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

When I went through anxiety and depression hanging around my “friends” made me feel so overwhelmed. I just could not be in that type of environment where girls are backbiting and backstabbing.  I was literally fighting for my life and the last thing I cared about was what so-and-so said to so-and-so and how ‘she’ was wearing ‘blah blah’ on Tuesday.  Ugh!  Yuck.  I talked to the girls about making a positive change and TRIED to be the light in the dark conversations… but it just wasn’t working.

I cried my heart out to The Lord and said, “I’m already paralyzed by anxiety and depression and now the scales have fully fallen off of my eyes in regards to these girls.  I would rather be alone than be a part of this mess.”  At that moment I disconnected from anyone who was not helping me run this race.  I cut off ties from people who were jealous and mean. I shut down all relationships with people who insulted me or made fun of me because of how “Jesusfied” I was.  Done. No more.

A quote from a Third Day song sticks with me from when I was walking out of anxiety and depression.  “When I get down from this mountain and get back to my life, I won’t settle for ordinary things.”  Never again!

I want to encourage you today to take a look at the people around you.  Are they helping you run this race or are they ankle weights?  Are they lifting you up or smashing you down?  I’m not talking about ending all of your friendships because you had a disagreement with your best friend OR because your best friend is frustrating you because she’s holding you accountable…. You know what I’m talking about.  People who make you feel guilty.  People who you can’t fully share your heart with because they laugh and make fun of your dreams.  People who define you as who you USED TO BE.  People who take and take but never give to the relationship.  Evaluate who you’re spending time with and how you feel after you’ve been around them.  Sit quietly in the group and listen to what they talk about.  Are they speaking life?  What and who you listen to plant seeds into your heart.  Those are seeds of encouragement and hope or seeds of discouragement and defeat. If people love us why would they hurt us?  I think we have become an accepting society that thinks this is normal.  This may be ‘normal’ to this world but it’s not right and it shouldn’t be ‘normal’ to believers.  Have you read the Biblical definition of love?

1 Corinthians 13:4-8New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails.

Now I know we ALL fall short but you should be able to take the character of your friends and lay that on this scripture and it should match up pretty close!  None of us are perfect… but you get what I’m sayin’, right?  Don’t define love by this world’s broken standards.  Read this scripture and ask God to reveal your identity and value to you… then take inventory on the people in your life.  Are they helping you run the race?

Hebrews 12:1 “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

You are who you hang with.  They will rub off on you and you will be like them no matter how hard you try not to be. When you share the treasures of your heart with the wrong people they can destroy you!

Matthew 7:6New International Version (NIV)

⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

There are commentaries that state the above scripture is in reference to sharing the gospel and that may be true… but God spoke to MY heart through this scripture when I was struggling with toxic friendships and spoke to me through this verse.  He was telling me not to give the treasures of my heart to people that will discourage me.  He told me to guard my heart.  It is my responsibility to take the gifts and talents He gave me and run forward.  When people get in my way, I love them but I’ve got to go!

Last year I lost one of my VERY best friends.  I love her to pieces and think of her often. She was backsliding terribly and instead of receiving my accountability she started calling me judgmental and started making me feel guilty for holding her accountable.  She started to hurt me.  She started to take private, deep stuff that I had shared with her and started throwing it in my face to hurt me.  Stumbling block!  I tried to reconcile, I tried to maintain a friendship but I am confident that God’s got her.  She will find her way back to Him. I love her dearly but I can’t slow down and I can’t go backwards. My friend was going through a hard time and I know she was hurting but we are responsible for our behavior. I don’t allow women to stay in my life who want to hurt me when they’re hurting. These are my boundaries that are set in stone.

I had another best friend going through the same situation as the before mention chick … and she acted TOTALLY different with her hurt.  She drew closer to me and asked for prayer and accountability.  She was confused and hurt but she didn’t spew that out on me or the other people that she loved.  She drew closer to God and wanted more of Him.  She and I are running the race together.  There are days when I have to lend her my shoulder and we run together. We may not be running at full pace (because of carrying the weight of another) … but we’re running and we’re going forward… and this is what we’re called to do!

Do you see that difference?

So how long are you going to circle that mountain? Do you enjoy hurt feelings and someone who ‘loves’ you planting seeds of negativity into your life? What are you going to do about that?

I’m praying for women who are searching for freedom from people who are holding them in bondage.  I know it’s easier said than done to just ‘let them go’ … but at the end of the day … it really is that simple.  The hard part is the mental battle.  It’s difficult to go searching for the root that keeps you in relationships like this.  Digging up my root was VERY painful … but very freeing!

My identity was rooted in people and what they thought of me and NOT in God and what HE thinks of me. Once I found that root and destroyed it and planted myself in the TRUTH …. my life changed completely. I hope you conquer this battle.  I hope you find the freedom that you’re seeking and I hope you realize just how valuable you are even if that means you have to be alone!

Love to you, my friends!

PS – when I decided I’d rather be alone and set my boundaries, God totally showed up with AMAZING women.  He significantly placed them in my life at the perfect time.  They are wonderful!  Truly wonderful! I don’t think I ever would have gotten these chicks or appreciated them had I not cut off all the old friendships that were hindering me, and seeking out my identity and value in Christ.

Friendship should be easy.  This doesn’t mean we don’t get challenged because our friends SHOULD challenge us because they want us to be better and move forward boldly – but it should ALWAYS be rooted in love.  Don’t get it twisted…  love can hurt when it calls us out! Don’t you get offended when someone tries to correct your bad ways? I know I do.  I usually know I’m doing something wrong and when I get called out on it, I immediately feel that fire shoot up in my chest… BUT when it’s someone who I love and loves me, and someone I walk closely with, I NEED them to call me out.  I need them to point out my blind spots.  This is challenging.  BUT this is challenging in LOVE.

Pray for God to open your eyes and get ready for your world to be ROCKED… in a good way!

Breaking Ties

As soon as I feel like someone is trying to trip me up on my mission and post as a stumbling block, I break ties. There is work to be done and either you’re rollin’ with me or you’re not. I spent MANY years circling the same mountain, tripped up over people and drama. Once God opened my eyes to that hot mess I knew I would never return.

I want to encourage you to stay the course. I want to tell you that you are better than the hot mess that pulls at you. I was stuck for years with “friends” who never built me up. They tore me down, they made me feel inadequate, they were jealous and competitive. They gossiped about one another (I was guilty too) and built up quarrels among the group. After suffering from anxiety and depression I knew that I would never settle again. I would rather be alone than be surrounded by drama, back biting, jealousy, etc… just to say I had friends and to have someone to hang out with. It wasn’t worth it anymore.

I logged into an old email account the other day and saw an email from a long time ago where I was having an email “falling out” with one of those girls and they said to me – “Oh whatever, April! Why don’t you just go back to your perfect life since everything is so amazing for you!”

This made me chuckle. I was so stupid and insecure. I can’t believe I ever allowed this in my life. It was a part of my journey though.  I’m grateful that God doesn’t leave us where we’re at when we’re seeking Him and seeking more for our lives.

I chose to be alone and believed that God would bring the right people into my life and He did.  God provided amazing friends to me.

People treat you the way you let them treat you. This seems so simple, right?  I know it’s hard to let go.  I felt so much guilt every time I would try to let go.  The more I understood my identity in Christ, the more secure I became.  God unleashed great courage and confidence inside of me.

You do not have to settle, my friend.  When you surrender to God, He takes care of the details. So if you feel a wedge coming between you and others that you have been questioning for quite some time … it may be time to loosen your grip and release them.  I loved the girls that I released but unfortunately it didn’t end well. That’s okay.  I forgave them and repented to The Lord about the areas where maybe I didn’t handle things very well.  Then I moved on.  I had to move on.

I can only tell you that my life has been blessed abundantly.  Don’t force people into the vacancies in your life.  Those spots are open for particular people.  People that will come along side you and challenge you in loving ways to see you soar higher.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Don’t let anyone trip you up.  Being loving and show grace – but sometimes you have to break ties to keep moving forward. God’s got them – and God’s got you.  Trust and surrender.

Be free.

April

Lackey

 

Last week on the way home from work I was scurrying around in the busyness of the Christmas season and trying to get a jump on evening traffic.  The area around the mall is a NIGHT. MARE. so I dashed across town using back roads to get to my son’s daycare.  As I was driving I just started praying.  Not that we pray for no reason but I was kind of praying for “no reason” to be honest.  Just giving thanks to The Lord and then I started to speak in my heavenly language.  Again, just kind of doing it for “no reason”.  Tired, busy, and a little caught in the day to day….  And let me tell you – God can show up at any moment!

As I was praying I kept speaking the word “Lackey”. I noticed it because I don’t have the gift of interpretation and therefore when I’m praying in my heavenly language I know the Spirit is interceding on my behalf and it just feels good…  so good!  But something about the word “Lackey” was so intense.

Once I finished my running around for the evening, I pulled into my driveway and just for the heck of it googled “Lackey”.  I wasn’t even sure if this was a real word.  I have never heard it.  I only know an awesome woman named Brooke Lackey … and that’s it!

What I found left me in tears.

Let me give you a little back drop.  Most of you know I have been extremely blessed by returning to the corporate world but I’ve also been torn because my heart and mission is to speak to women about overcoming anxiety and depression through the Truth of Jesus.   The corporate world comes with its own set of challenges – mostly because I normally wouldn’t associate with a lot of these people.  I know that sounds rough but I’m serious.  People can be SO mean.  They are rude and disrespectful at times.  In my personal life I am very limited on who I let get close to my heart.  I’m still friendly to people but I’m also very guarded.  When you work with people day in and day out and you spend more time with them than you do your family, you usually wind up going a little deeper.  It’s just our nature to be loved and to connect deeper.  I have had my hands burned many times by extending them out to a person in the corporate world.  This frustrates me.

So throughout my year of grumbling and complaining and yet giving God praise… (oxymoron)…. I have heard the Spirit speak to my heart multiple times about being a servant.  I am the Corporate Human Resources Manager of a global operating company and when I took over this department I let my team know that we worked in a thankless field – but that we would approach each day with a servant’s heart.  If our mission is to be servant minded than our whole perspective changes about our careers.

So… back to Lackey.

I google the definition of Lackey and this is what I found:

a servant, especially a liveried footman or manservant.

synonyms:

servant, flunky, footman, manservant, valet, steward, butler,attendant, houseboy, domestic; archaicscullion “lackeys helped them from their carriage”

• derogatory

a person who is obsequiously willing to obey or serve another person or group of people.

synonyms:

toady, flunky, sycophant, flatterer, minion, hanger-on, lickspittle,brown-noser, spaniel, pawn, underling, stooge; More

There are several theories about the origins of the word. By one theory, it is derived from Medieval French laquais, “foot soldier, footman, servant”, ultimately from Turkish ulak, literally “a messenger”

Now don’t judge me … but I had no idea what a lot of these words meant so I dug deeper.

Livery: special uniform worn by a servant or official.

Obsequious: obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.

Footman: a liveried servant whose duties include admitting visitors and waiting at table.

historical

a soldier in the infantry.

 

Infantry (I know what this means but I just like to see the definition sometimes): soldiers marching or fighting on foot; foot soldiers collectively

 

Flunky: a liveried manservant or footman.

• a person who performs relatively menial tasks for someone else, especially obsequiously.

 

Menial: (of work) not requiring much skill and lacking prestige.

synonyms:

unskilled, lowly, humble, low-status, inferior, degrading;

 

Servant: a devoted and helpful follower or supporter

 

 

Soooooo ….  First of all let me tell you that I sat in my car and UGLY cried for a few minutes.  Here is what the Lord told me through a “no reason” prayer:

“You are always praying about opportunities to help others.  Your heart is wired to bring out the potential in others and challenge them to live at a higher level.  Your mission to go forth in boldness is not always through a stage, book, or conference… your mission is always with you, wherever you are.  You are a marked servant of God. You are a messenger. You are uniformed and equipped for battle.  You are to be obedient to my direction and to serve others with a humble heart.  Your prayers are being answered.  The doors are open.  The fields are ripe for harvest.”

I was completely undone.  God is on the move, y’all.  He’s searching the land for those that hear his voice and obey Him.  He’s strengthening those who are committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

You are made for a purpose!  Don’t let other people’s callings interfere with yours by comparison.  Don’t let other people’s facebook page HIGHLIGHTS make you feel as though you’re not doing enough.  Moms … stay at home moms … your calling is HUGE!!!  You are raising up our future.  Receptionists – your smile can be the only light of hope that the UPS / FED EX guy/gal sees every day.  CEO – you’re charged with great responsibility.  Lead with dignity and raise others up.  Pastors – don’t just go through the motions.  Your work matters!  Your obedience restores hope to hurting people and your ability to carry the weight of the world and lighten the load of others is refreshing.

There is a season for everything.  Let’s keep our hearts in heaven and our hands in the harvest.  Let’s embrace our roles as a lackey and carry this message of Christ into the dark places.  Light triumphs over darkness every time!

 

Galatians 6:9New International Version (NIV)

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

Ephesians 6:7New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

 

Philippians 2:5-8New International Version (NIV)

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

 

 

Support, Encouragement, Affirmation

 

About 7 months ago I created a private Facebook group for women who are taking a stand against anxiety and depression.  I love this group of women!  These are believers who are fighting battles and believing to experience freedom.  I see them pour their hearts out, fill up, and pour out encouragement onto others.  It’s a beautiful picture of real people walking through real life and just keepin’ it real.  Beautiful.

The other day my friend, whom I’ve connected with through Facebook and through a shared journey of anxiety and depression, reached out to our group for encouragement.  I asked her could I post our conversation here and she said, “Totally fine with me as long as it’s helpful for others”.  I wanted you to be able to get a glimpse of hope.  I wanted you to see an overcomer in action!  I wanted you to see her perspective shift in a matter of minutes.  I hope this encourages you by letting you know you’re not alone, you’re not isolated in your mental battles, and other people do understand … but even more so –  I want you to know that Jesus is our mighty healer.  We can experience true freedom through a relationship with him.

If you’d like to join our facebook group – please message me on FB and ask me to add you.  We’d love to have you join.   https://www.facebook.com/aprildextrous

Christina Ciro

24 November at 19:36

Hello ladies, if I may ask for a prayer request from you all. just not doing too well again. been barely making it through each day. my anxiety is causing me so much distress, and I am taking medication too! Every day I have this tension in my body. This tightness in my chest that makes it feel like I am breathing so shallow. I know it’s the anxiety because it only happens when I start to feel overwhelmed or stressed and lately it’s been very stressful again. Work is becoming too overwhelming again, with people out left and right they are forcing me to do the work of 3 people. And even if I do only what I am able, the atmosphere alone stresses me out. On top of that I’ve had to move back in with my family ever since I lost my apartment 3 months ago, and let me say, my family and I don’t get along well. It’s not that we fight. I know they love me very much. But they are extremely critical of me. Impatient with my anxiety. They want me to just “be normal” and “turn it off” as they would say. So I feel like a complete outcast constantly. And I hide in my room because the minute I come out, I hear the never ending commenting about this or that or how I’m doing this wrong or how I should be trying harder to get well. It’s do discouraging. It makes me feel like any progress I’ve made is discounted and now I feel as though I am relapsing because of this. I’m getting the panic attacks again and I’m crying a lot more every night because I’m so frustrated with myself. I want to be normal so that they would just get off my back. I feel like I have no place to rest. I go to work and it’s crazy and I come home and it’s crazy. I so badly wish I had the means to move out again but as of right now I don’t. and I probably won’t for at least 6 months. I feel incredibly depressed that I can’t just be myself around everyone. That they can’t just be patient instead of pushing me constantly. A little pushing out of my comfort zone is good but when it turns to serious discomfort I think it is doing more harm than good. And I’ve explained everything to them, asking for their understanding but my family is very stubborn. They seem ashamed of me. Ashamed that they have a daughter with a mental illness. so they want to fix me right away. I don’t mean to whine or complain. I am grateful that God has brought me this far in my recovery. I have been making progress, at least I’ve been recognizing the progress I’ve made! I went from being home bound to working again and functioning well enough to get by in less than 3 months! To me that seems fantastic and I’m seriously blessed. But I’ve hit a huge bump in the road. I feel so discouraged now. So hopeless. I’m not sure how to bounce back from this. It not only hurts that my family treats me this way, but it makes me also doubt my own progress. That maybe I’m not doing as well as I think. any words of encouragement would be appreciate. Btw my family are non-believers. My boyfriend and I are the only followers of Christ. And luckily at that.. Because he is truly a blessing from God. Patient, kind, loving, I couldn’t ask for more. Love to you all xxxx happy holidays.

 

April Poynter 2 Corinthians 12:9-11New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Christina Ciro, I am so sorry you’re having such a tough time. First of all – it’ s completely okay to feel the way you do. You don’t have to make excuses, push yourself harder, or feel defeated. It’s fine to feel the way you are feeling. We all know we’re supposed to be strong and keep our head up and move forward. This is true, however, it doesn’t always work this way 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, right? We fall short and that’s to be expected. When I read the above note from you, I don’t doubt your heart for the Lord but I see YOU trying to carry YOUR burden. It’s heavy girl, and you’re not meant to carry it. When we try to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off, we seem to slip again and then feel so discouraged because we can’t slap ourselves straight. We’re going to fail when we try to battle this in and of ourselves.
Matthew 11:28-30Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
28 “Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching.[a] Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest. 30 Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light.” Are you spending time in the Word and in prayer? Sometimes we get so exhausted with anxiety that it’s hard to find the energy to surrender to The Lord in prayer. God hears our on-the-go prayers but I think the deep quiet moments with God heal our hearts and give us strength. God doesn’t need hours of prayer time from us in order to hear us or help us – but it does something to our own souls. I know it’s hard to give a solution or an answer because you have to live this out each and every day and no matter how good we make you feel – it will fade away. You are loved, Christina! You are valuable! This is not forever! You will not suffer like this forever!
1 Peter 5:10New International Version (NIV)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. There is a call on your life. You were made for such a time as this! The enemy is trying to destroy you and blind you from the beautiful present and future ahead because he knows that you’re a powerful being on this earth. The devil’s goal is to render you useless so your impact is minimal. He has no control over you. He can’t read your thoughts. he doesn’t know your future. He just sees you as a mighty power house and he wants to shut you down. He knows a trigger is fear and so he’ll keep you in this loop so you’re distracted and fearful of the life that God has planted in front of you to live! This goes for all of you ladies in this group! Once I journeyed further into my anxiety I realized how special I was because I was suffering from anxiety and depression. I know it sounds crazy but if you’re suffering – that means you’re doing something right because the devil wants to destroy you! But guess what? Greater is HE that is in US than he that is in the world. The devil is powerless. The only power he has is that which we give to him. Fear is something else… it can smother you. It catches you off guard and can flip your world upside down. But fear is a lie. Our feelings are a lie. Yes, we TRULY feel emotions but what we do with those emotions/feelings is where the power is… We are given power to take our thoughts captive.
2 Corinthians 10:5 New International Version (NIV)
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:4-84 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

24 November at 21:48

April Poynter I used to think if I repeated a scripture or called out to Jesus this darkness would disappear right away… and although I think darkness does have to flee at the name of Jesus, but if deception and fear has a hold on us – it doesn’t seem so instantly removed. It doesn’t mean it’s not being destroyed. I used to have to repeat a scripture over and over and over and over again. I used to take my thoughts captive and 30 seconds later take my thoughts captive again, and 15 seconds later take them captive again. I would have a day where I felt free from anxiety and the next morning wake up sick to my stomach because I felt anxious again. God’s healing power doesn’t always take away the circumstances – financial problems, sick children or spouses, health concerns, etc… but His healing power helps us to walk through trying times with His Truth embedded into our hearts so that we can stand firm on the foundation of Christ NO MATTER WHAT this world throws at us.
John 16:33New International Version (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I think we often feel defeated because we can get confused by following Christ…. it doesn’t mean we walk around as super humans all the time, it means we have the hope of glory with us at all times. We have the presence of the Holy Spirit with us at all time – the SAME POWER that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us AT ALL TIMES.

24 November at 21:55

April Poynter Look at how easy this is for the devil if he knows that shaking our world up a little can cause us to crumble. Again, it doesn’t mean we don’t experience the pain of this life… but if he can throw us off course with overwhelming jobs, crazy families, and all this other fun stuff in life.. it makes his job easy to take us into captivity. I think mental illness is growing so rapidly and especially among Believers because we live in a day where we have so much ‘control’ … or at least we think we do. We can control everything around us but once you’re struck with anxiety and depression, you can’t turn it off. I’ve heard multiple times from people who take medication that they’re not even sure the meds are working … it just numbs every emotion. Mental battles are the devil’s specialty. When I was battling I doubted God to the FULLEST because I felt that His Word and Truth did not apply to my situation. I felt forsaken and forgotten. I was buried under guilt and shame because I felt like I hadn’t repented enough or prayed enough or acted good enough for God to rescue me. MORE LIES from the devil. This is why I hate anxiety and depression SO MUCH because it’s the devil’s trickery used to steal the lives of believers. I know because he took my life from me for one year and almost talked me in to taking my own life physically. He’s such a liar! He has no power. He’s a coward.

24 November at 22:02

April Poynter One last thing from my own experience. When I was struck with this journey to suffer through anxiety and depression. The path was before me and I stood still for the longest. I didn’t want to journey down the path because it was dark, lonely, and scary. I couldn’t see what was on the other end and so I’d rather be in my anxious stand-still because I was afraid and the path didn’t look safe. There was no other place to go. I could stand still, locked up in fear and anxiety or move forward down the scary path. I honestly feel like I stood in that stagnant place for a long time. Finally I stopped resisting God. I told him I was surrendering to Him and yet I kept standing where I felt safe. Finally I started walking down the path. It was extremely terrifying. I wanted to turn back so many times but I kept moving forward. The devil attacked me so hard! I saw demonic presence. I was tortured in my sleep (mentally … they can’t do anything to you!), I would wake up and feel held down as if someone was trying to smother me in the night. I would wake up and a demon would be standing at the foot of my bed staring at me. One night I was praying, face down on the floor, and felt snakes slithering next to me. I woke up so many nights surrounded by spiders or spiders lowering themselves from their web from the ceiling onto my face. I would hear voices telling me to kill myself or that my daughter was going to die that day… It was TERRIFYING! Then I started to get pissed off… a HOLY, righteous pissed off! I would hear those demons speak and I would say, with no fear what-so-ever, “In the name of Jesus, SHUT UP, you’re an idiot. Get out of my way.” and I would walk right past it and carry on with my business. I saw heavenly hosts of angels surrounding me, I entered into the throne room of God one night in prayer. I couldn’t lift my head, I saw the colors that you can’t describe, I felt the peace of God surrounding me, and I saw his feet. I didn’t need to lift my head because His presence was enough. I saw some amazing things on that path. I started to gain a renewed strength. I cut off every bad friendship I had … and I didn’t care anymore what anyone thought. If you don’t act right – you’re out of here! Sometimes at AWFUL hours of the morning, Jesus would wake me up and ask me to meet Him in the living room. I wouldn’t hesitate. I got up and met Him there. He’d bring an old offense to my heart and I would repent and He gently consoled me. I found so much healing on that path. There was light all along the way even when I couldn’t see it. The journey was tough but it was so rewarding. God is faithful to His word and He never leaves our side. If God is for us who can EVER be against us? It reminds me of the quote from C.S. Lewis “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe We may not understand… but just like the quote I posted last week from Bill Johnson – in order to experience the peace that passes all understanding, we have to first give up our right to understand. We have to stop trying to make spiritual sense out of these worldy things. They don’t make sense. We have to dig deep into the word and cry out to God with high expectation that He is who He says He is. We have to resolve to believe this no matter the circumstances. No matter.

24 November at 22:18

April Poynter Ladies- I pray for you to experience your freedom constantly. The freedom is yours. Our faith tells us that we have freedom because Jesus said so … and what is faith:
Hebrews 11:1New International Version (NIV)
Faith in Action
11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.- …… Confidence and assurance of what we do not see! Doesn’t that go against everything in our culture???? Jesus is real. He is still into healing and miracles. My heart explodes for you ladies. I believe by the blood of Jesus, you’re going to each start experiencing freedom and we’re going to celebrate you one by one as you walk down the paths of anxiety/depression and enter into complete freedom and victory!
Luke 4:18New International Version (NIV)
18 “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,
Galatians 5:1New International Version (NIV)
Freedom in Christ
5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

24 November at 22:35

Christina Ciro Wow April Poynter all that you have said rings so much truth and so much encouragement. I am so thankful that you have shared so much wisdom from your own journey. It definitely helps a ton! And You’re very right that I am still trying to carry this burden myself and yes it is because I am giving into the lies of the enemy that demand that “I have to get better ASAP!” Or I have to be perfect. Or im not allowed to feel weak or struggle or any of that. So I create all of this internal pressure and anxiety upon myself and also listen to all the external pressure around me, and of course I stay held captive in this small prison of fear. I need to start becoming bold again and yes realize that he is who in me is much, much greater than that of this world. That He is able. That He is faithful. And I must also admit that this whole experience has been quite a journey for me as well. Yes it has been torturous and at times very trying, but I am also rejoicing in the suffering. I am learning so much from where he is bringing me. I am learning about His strength that is shining through my weakness. I am learning about His faithfulness, that even on my worst day He is still near and will never leave me. I am learning that He cares so much for me that He is bringing me through the fire and burning away all that holds me captive, as painful as it may be. Yes there are parts I don’t understand and moments when I wish I knew why he was doing what he was doing, but I know his plans are for good. They are not to harm me, but rather to bring me a joyful life. To bring me to a place a healing. And to bring me forward so that I may accomplish his good and perfect will that he has for my life on this earth. I think it’s just difficult going through this journey, but I am changing my perspective and seeing myself as the lucky one. That yes there will be many days of suffering, but there will be many more days of joy. I feel that I am choosing that path towards healing, that while yes I am a little hesitant at times and sometimes turn back, I always seem to end up moving forward again very soon, because I believe that He will give me the strength to do so. I feel that maybe I just became side tracked again. Got caught up in my circumstances and distracted by lies that I took my eyes off jesus for a moment and I guess that should be my clue that the enemy is at work. So I need to just dive back into his word. Find rest in his presence. because yes lately it has been quick prayers of “please help me” but I really need to take time to spend some true quality time with my Father. I do notice that whenever I do I always seem to feel renewed, strengthened, and at peace. I do want to comment on the mental torture from the enemy and demons, I am very familiar with this, and was actually not aware that it was the enemy, but rather thought it was just me, just my mind going “crazy”. It scared me so much when it would happen and I would tell my boyfriend that I was seriously ill. That someone was really wrong with me. But most nights when it happened I would just sit and pray. Even if it was simple cries out to God for Him to please take away whatever evil presence is in this room. But now I know better what it is, and that I have authority to make the enemy flee when/if it happens. So thank you for sharing that.

24 November at 22:38

April Poynter Christina Ciro, I was smiling SO BIG reading this! You are absolutely allowed to have moments where you feel defeated – but when I see you post this TRUTH from your own thoughts! It’s declaring God’s truth over your life! You’re making yourself push past the fear and post what you know is REAL and TRUE …even if you don’t feel it at the moment. This is carrying your cross and pressing forward. This is victory!!!! God knows the length of your journey and whether your battle with anxiety ends right here, right now or a year from now – His timing is perfect in your story. He wouldn’t give you any less time in this journey than He knows is fitting for you and for your good. Lean in and watch for His mighty miracles. In the STRANGEST way… I miss my battle with anxiety/depression at times… because I was so desperate and so sensitive to His Spirit that I saw some of the coolest stuff in the heavenly realms. Trust me – Light triumphs over darkness, EVERY TIME. When you see warrior angels surrounding you, equipped with the power of Christ … compared to the devil’s minions sent to torture you … NOTHING in comparison! Nothing. Petty. You’re a warrior, girl! A mighty warrior! Stand firm!

24 November at 22:50

Christina Ciro Thank you so much April Poynter Glory to God for building such awesome fellowship in this group and encouraging sisterhood.

24 November at 22:53

 

 

YOU JUST DON’T FIT!

 

My daughter has become a big advocate for kids that are mistreated by other kids. Of course, I am so proud of her because I have always had a huge heart for the “misfits”.  I have zero tolerance for bullies and I have never understood why kids let other kids eat alone, play alone, or sit alone in school settings.

Although I grew up as a social butterfly, I still understand the heartache of being left out.

I grew up in a trailer out in the sticks … this was not cool growing up.  You had to live in a two-story house in a subdivision.  The subdivision had to have the big rock entrance sign or it wasn’t really considered a “cool” subdivision and of course you had to have the coolest sneakers or you were lame.

My parents were not cool.  My dad was a mechanic, my mom a high-school dropout who worked in a warehouse … not cool.   They weren’t involved with my school or with other people’s parents.  Uncool.

In Elementary school the white shoes with the blue tag on the back… you know, KEDS, were super cool!  Well, Keds were a little more expensive than the Payless white shoes.  I had the Payless shoes.  Not cool.

I never felt like I didn’t have friends but I tried my hardest to fit inside of the more popular circle. I got my foot in every once in a while and was elated by the acceptance.  I felt like I belonged.

One day in 3^rd grade, I was playing at recess and a group of “popular” girls, whom I thought I was actually friends with, walked up to me at the swing set and said, “April, we all feel like you are trying to be like us.  You are trying to copy us and … you really just don’t fit.”

I remember her words so vividly because certain situations that rock your world just stick with you.  It hurt.  It knocked the breath out of me.  I was inflicted with rejection and as a little kid, you just don’t quite know what to do with that feeling.

Of course, I remember them saying that to me but I don’t remember my response.  It could have been that I was silenced in hurt or … knowing me back in the day, I probably cussed them out (because you know us trailer park kids … we knew how to cuss!)  LOL!  Either way, I got my feelings hurt.  Bad.

I knew I didn’t fit.  My family didn’t have money.  My mom didn’t understand “style” or what was “in”… and even if she did she sure wasn’t going to buy that expensive stuff for me.

As I grew up I carried a piece of that conversation with me everywhere I went. I embedded it into my identity … “you just don’t fit.”  I didn’t fit.  A lot of times I don’t fit.  Even inside of church “circles”, I still don’t fit.

Now that I’m older I am so thankful that I don’t fit into people’s ideas or molds.  I was not made to fit in this cookie cutter society where everyone is following someone … who don’t even know where they’re going.  Good luck with that!

I am very passionate about teaching people to be comfortable with whom they are.  I know that’s hard, especially when you’re younger in school and surrounded by peer pressure and the need to be accepted.  It can be extremely tough!

I was always naturally drawn to the “misfits” and the “underdogs”.  I have always been drawn to them and them to me.  I’m a misfit myself and I’m okay with that.

Jesus was a misfit … and Jesus is pretty cool.

Misfits are full of treasure and I feel sorry for anyone who has belittled or bullied such magnificent beings.  This world is so twisted and we can easily become little minion robots if we are not rooted in the Truth of Jesus Christ.  We have to be anchored to Him and Him alone.  You have to receive your identity from Him and Him alone.  This world will toss you around like a rag doll if you don’t get anchored and stand firm.

Ha! I mentioned church “circles” earlier… what an oxymoron! *Shaking my head*

Just so you know  – the curser has been sitting here for a few minutes blinking at me while I read that line above over and over again, shake my head, and laugh with unbelief.  So stupid.

Again, Jesus … Hello PEOPLE … have you met Jesus?  This is why we have to follow Jesus and be okay with not being accepted by people.

_____________________________RANT OVER**

 

You, my friend, don’t have to be accepted by people to be valuable.  You were made for a purpose.  God created you with such excitement.  He tailor made you just as you are for His glory.  He meets you where you are in your transgressions and He gently corrects you.  He doesn’t give up on you no matter how many times you get it wrong.  He pours out His love on you constantly.  You are treasured by your Heavenly Father.

*Throws hands up in VICTORY*

HERE’S TO MY FELLOW MISFITS!!! BE YOU, BE FREE, and PRESS ON!

 

You may also be interested in reading one of my older blogs, The Island of Misfits.