There is so much to learn and so little time to learn it. So much life to live on purpose and so little time to do it in. Have you noticed how quickly the days seem to go by?
In my weekly letters to you, I share some of the things God has been revealing to me, reminding me of, or pressing on my heart. I pray your capacity for light increases both to receive and to let shine.
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Grace & Peace
LORI LACHELLE
Chapter 9: September
“What an incredible opportunity this year has been for us to be fortified in our faith while facing things unexpected and to know more than ever before;
God doesn’t forget His promises.”
Goodbye Summer, you were beautiful as always.
Well, Fall is here and while it’s listed as my third enjoyable season I do appreciate it as a time of transition, of lessons learned, and the sweetness of things coming full circle. If I’m honest fall has been the greatest contributor to my growth both spiritually and naturally. Fortitude blooms when you gain the gift of goodbye by way of letting go.
The summer sun kissing my skin gives a dopamine boost I look forward to and the heat faithfully reminds me I’m but a speck of dust here today, gone tomorrow. I enjoy the sense of freedom that summer offers unlike any other season and it’s not just because I remember summer brought a break from life’s routine as a child and now the calendar still triggers that core memory every year… or perhaps that is a tiny bit of it. Look, If you were to ask me why I moved to California in the first place you would discover that the Lord called me here as a child, but then you would also find out I thought I was moving to a summer year-round weather paradise. Imagine the disappointment, I digress.
From bright summer sun to shaded skies and cool breezes. From long days and impromtu adventures to extended nights and sweater weather Fall is a time of exchanges.
What an incredible opportunity this year has been for us to be fortified in our faith while facing things unexpected and to know more than ever before;
God doesn’t forget His promises.
I pray you enjoy this change in weather a bit more than you have the days already spent this year. I pray you take in your present moments with a realization that each one truly is a gift and that time nor life are commodities we can afford to waste.
So, as this month begins refuse to entertain fear, guilt, shame or regret instead turn that conversation towards God’s word concerning you and let His word be enough! I promise you what God has in store for you is greater than the thing you think you understand, the thing you think you deserve, or the thing you’re afraid to let go of.
Your Good Father is also The Good Shepherd let Hin lead you to rest.
LORI LACHELLE
The Masters Piece
At this very moment, I don’t know where to start.
I’m currently at the crossroads of wanting to share a testimony and yet waist-deep in the still and healing waters I so desperately needed. I am eternally grateful for the Shepherds’ impeccable leading. When I was ready to run past my hurt He had a better plan in mind; healing.
I think it’s important I shed light on the reality that I am both a masterpiece already made, though I have had to double-check a few times as I’ve become far too acquainted with the fire, and a piece the master is making.
This nuanced truth was difficult for me to wrap my mind around for the longest time because I kept looking at my story and questioning how He could ever make something worthy out of pages I would gladly trade or simply leave out altogether. I will never forget the Lords gentle words,
‘As long as you look through your eyes you will never truly understand what it is you are seeing.’
Perhaps you should read that again. In every case it’s not what we’re looking at, but through what are we perceiving?
Loss, lack or pain is easy to assume when ends come and our vantage point is full of what we expected to receive, but aren’t. It’s only through the perspective of a loving and purposeful God that we are able to see the beauty in endings, in gifts that have fulfilled their purpose.
What are you seeing in your life today? What things are you fighting to keep alive when your spirit knows the end of the thing has come, but your mind can’t comprehend what’s next? What things are you timidly looking at hesitant to step forward into because you know you’ll be introduced to a new version of yourself and the unknown shakes you?
Look up.
Hesitation, fear, doubt, guilt, shame, regret, and uncertainty are all experienced when your gaze is set on your limitations. Look up.
Lift your eyes so that the light of the Lord fills your vision, floods your soul, and consumes you until you remember who’s you are.
It is who’s you are that determines the truth of who you are and gives hope, no matter what turns you have to take, for where you are and where you are going.
Grace & Peace
CHAPTER 8
“Everything the light touches exposes details of the subject giving room for knowledge and understanding which gives the opportunity to seek wisdom.”
Illuminating + Exposing.
The possibilities in freedom rise with every ray of the hot summer sun. Oh how easy it is to long for the cool breeze of this years long standing Spring. Everything the light touches exposes details of the subject giving room for knowledge and understanding which gives the opportunity to seek wisdom.
Hard truths.
Healing.
BIG faith.
New beginnings.
May you rest knowing God is putting all the pieces together concerning YOU for HIS good pleasure. Trust His way, He hears you, He knows. As you walk in victory this month with the Shepard may your lips part with gratitude as your steps carry a testimony.
May ‘Light Be!’ in every area of your life.