Within Grace

writing with love

In the Face of Adversity January 31, 2013

Filed under: writings — Within Grace @ 6:24 pm
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Most of us have faced adversity, some more than others, but hopefully what we learned, how we chose to overcome, the compassion we gained, and the experience we lived through inspired us enough to not give up.

I struggle, a lot, and I’m doing my best not to give up. To remain hopeful in God. To stay focused on my growth, not stuck in the pain. I trust God is in my difficult situations just as He is in my blessings. I’m practicing trust, honesty, and forgiveness, but I am struggling.

Once I get past this, and am able to move forward in my journey, I pray I’ll be able to look back at my difficulties and be grateful for how far I’ve come.

Willingness. Acceptance. Healing. Growth. Change. This has been a very powerful journey for me, probably the most dynamic adversity I’ve yet to face. And God willing, the most significant blessing to my life.

©2013 All rights reserved.

 

Leaping Into Faith December 22, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 7:51 am
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On the days when I feel strong enough to fight
I dig my nails in
Lift myself out of despair
Beyond the enemy’s grasp
Away from lies and deceit
And run straight into the arms of Jesus.

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©2012 All rights reserved.

 

True Love September 4, 2012

Filed under: writings — Within Grace @ 5:52 pm
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Reading 1 John today, I’m reminded of the great love of God and His simple commands.

The passage about Walking in the Light has me prayerfully asking God to continue saturating me in His light, ever removing my heart from living in blind darkness. The passage on Loving One Another further instills my belief of my natural ability to love and my strong desire to love as Christ loves.

Sometimes, I get caught up in this world and it wears on my spirit, but studying readings like this reminds me that I am not of this world and the one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Despite my many struggles, fears, heartache and weaknesses, God continues to remind me that He is here, with me, ready to carry my burdens as I allow. He loves me, regardless of my sins, and wants to breathe new life in me through His Son. I’m not afraid because, there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (1 John4:18).

© LR 2012

 

The Promise August 30, 2012

Filed under: writings — Within Grace @ 8:17 am
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With all of my heart I want to experience peace, joy, serenity, happiness, gratitude, comfort, kindness, and forgiveness. I fully understand & accept that this can only be accomplished with the help and guidance of my heavenly Father, Christ Jesus my King.

This very moment I empty my heart & mind of worldly ideals and focus on the truth of His holy word. I will be full. I will be whole. I will embrace this gift of change & transition and stop resisting my journey. With loving kindness I move forward into the unknown, releasing fears of the known, and relinquishing false control over my life.

Lord God, I fall at your feet in complete surrender to your total care & protection. I want the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

© LR 2012

 

Honest Love: My Sweetest Friend July 19, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 9:10 pm
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Oh sweet love, how you cover me in shades of delight,
you triumph the masquerade of doubt.

My time with you sweetens the kiss of solitude,
the mindfulness of humility floods my heart with appreciation.

Waking to the peaceful wash of gratitude,
I radically accept your beauty, your gentle embrace of comfort.

Surrender with complete abandon to God’s care and protection,
lead your recovery with grace and forgiveness.

Opened to the reality of strength through adversity,
your eyes see growth, progress, and compassion.

Focused on others, the greatest reward in giving,
you are wholly present and alive, living in happiness.

Dear, sweet Laurice, filled with willingness, amazed by your unwavering decision to walk in faith,
you long to spend each moment loving and believing your worth to God.

This honest love, honor and self-respect,
you will be your sweetest friend, as will I.

*This poem was written to me, by me. I’m learning that when I’m alone, I’m really with myself, and I’m loving the quality time I’m spending with her :)

© LR 2012

 

The Untouchable Gift

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 12:54 pm
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Grant me a gift I cannot deny and watch me weave a web of knowledge

Within the abyss of righteousness an insatiable man is fed, hunger battles to survive

The growing angst, surrounded by walls of fear, attaches to lost desires attempting to root

Born to fail, disgust, and betray… I die, am reborn, and dive into the living word

© LR 2012

 

Enlightened Faith July 15, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 11:23 pm
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Each moment I spend with You,
Those that surround me matter not,
I see the fear, anger, and doubt of false love.

They want me, my soul,
To suck from me the true love that brews within,
Grasping at what we have in search for happiness.

The sickness, the sadness, the self-neglect,
Harboring their darkest desires for death,
Living only by chance, blind to reality.

I’m brought to You, where my thoughts are safe,
I’m home with You, embraced in security,
Laying with You, wrapped in You, in love with You, Lord.

We are right, a perfect fitting puzzle of harmony,
I hold You, tightly, You fill my heart with warmth,
Keep me close, where acceptance lives despite hurt.

You, my love, my God,
I want, I’ll fight for, I won’t deny,
Your love keeps me well, striving for sanity amongst the chaos.

© LR 2012

 

Writing My Journey

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 6:54 am
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Fall away from grace and watch your world crumble, page by internal page.

A guide, who walked the path before, leads us towards truth.

The wicked gather to claim false histories, to fill our minds with empty promises.

Reach forward into unchartered emotions, know the beauty of surrendering to honesty.

A fate worth entertaining, striving to find our way, we join hands.

Miraculously, the pure at heart believe, thrive due to this knowledge, and never again live in fear.

We are few of many, kind of kinds, drifting by mercy away from the nature of sin.

I pause…
Breathe deeply…
And write.

© LR 2012

 

Words Without Meaning July 13, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 6:03 pm
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The flame that once burned
died with a single breath

Scraping the plaque from my heart
that fear left behind

Every memory confuses me more,
constantly distracted so not to remember

Tears stream sadness into my voice
cracking the definition of my existence

I am the love that God promised the world,
walking beauty into blind lives

Suffering not from heartache,
starved for the only One who can fulfill

Grave words haunt the night
and I sleep, yet again, with lies.

© LR 2012

 

Fulfilled: A Prayer Poem June 19, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 6:37 am
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Call out to me,
Crash upon me like waves to a shore,
Overcome my every need.

Carry me,
Lift me up higher than possible,
Fill my every empty space with you.

© LR 2012

 

No More Secrets, No More Lies June 14, 2012

Filed under: writings — Within Grace @ 9:32 pm
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8:41pm Thursday 6/14/2012 Redondo Beach, Ca

Where do I begin… not from the comfort of my own home, as I’m currently living with my mother (eh hem, mooching off my mother). I left my home on October 17, 2011 when I also left my husband of 12 years. On August 25, 2012 our 17 year 4 month 4 day relationship will legally be over.

I stopped abusing alcohol and drugs this year. It’s been about 80 days since I last smoked marijuana and as of last week 60 days without drinking; however, over this past weekend I had a glass of wine, because ‘I had a bad day and deserved it’ (pppfffttt! I call bullshit!) So now I have only a few days sober, but I’m happy with that because the truth is, I could very well be drunk right now. I went to AA tonight, simply because I couldn’t stand to be alone for one more second.

My loneliness has been a major problem for me recently. I’ve never spent this much time alone in my nearly 32 years of life and I really hate being lonely. It doesn’t help that I’m not working at the moment (haven’t had steady work since May 2010, been collecting unemployment until this past Spring), so I spend about 12+ hours alone, everyday, and usually at home doing nothing productive; unless you consider crying, feeling sorry for myself, watching Will & Grace, and eating chocolate being productive.

Tonight I really needed to write. Not poetry or tweets or anything to anyone specific. I just needed to write truth, honesty, to and for myself. If you read this post I kindly ask that you do not “like” it. This one, just this one, is for me. Not for any acclaim, likes, follows, or such. This is to expose my truth. My secrets. My dysfunctional emotional state of depression, constant depression, despair and sorrow. My happiness has fled and I’m in the process of reclaiming it. It has been a really rough battle. Each “break-down” seems worse than the one before. Each “break-up” seems more of a loss than ever imagined. Each day seems more of a hassle than it’s worth. For the first time in my life, I’m suicidal. I want to die. I’m tired of feeling. I’m tired of being sad. I’ve given up hope. And all I formerly used to numb, to cope (drugs, alcohol, food, etc.) isn’t working; in fact they’re only making matters worse.

Yet something keeps me going. The only way I can explain it is, it’s God. Despite my many failures and fuck-ups, He’s not finished with me yet. A friend said to me today, “God makes some of us stronger than others for a reason.” At this point, I feel I don’t care what the reason is, it doesn’t seem worth it to me. And I didn’t sign up for this anyway!… or did I? All those years I spent praying, asking God for His will in my life. Although I can’t imagine pain, sadness, rejection, abandonment, despair, hurt, anger, guilt, shame, and hopelessness would be His will for me.

I don’t know, now I feel as if I’m rambling and if anyone is still reading, they’re probably more fucked-up than I am or feel sorry for this poor 32 year-old white girl, who lives at the beach in Southern California, drives a car that’s paid for, has a small amount of debt, has just been accepted into a certification program at a top University, has a loving and supportive mother who is happy to care for her during this “rough patch”, and is for the most part healthy (although being 50 lbs overweight is not considered “healthy” these days).

I guess I’ll end this just as I started it, not really knowing what to say. Tomorrow will hopefully be a better day. Perhaps my soul will heal a bit tonight as I sleep. When I wake, God could have miraculously solved all my problems and contentment would be my new-found position in life. Either way, I’ll likely write again tomorrow. Slowly piecing together the fragmented bits of my mind, heart, and soul… one day at a time.

© LR 2012

 

 

last night’s prayer June 13, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 9:53 am
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Smiles shift and moods are no longer predictable

Afraid and hesitant, we hide in the shadows

Direct us, my lordship, guide our paths away from the cold darkness

Lead us into the warm light of your love

© LR 2012

 

Strength for Sixty Days June 8, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 1:17 pm
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Hope was lost
coupled with sorrow, despair became my greatest companion

The pressing thoughts to numb, grew distant with each night’s rest
yet remained within my grasp

Strength came in my decision to resist
despite great temptation,
i overcame the urges

Today, a day of hope,
the sun shines bright, God gently holds my hand
leading the way, for another sixty days

© LR 2012

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Darkest Place April 24, 2012

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 10:27 am
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My heart dropped into my stomach
into the pit of my stomach
I felt rejected
“nothing new,”
I reminded myself.

I sat
weeping
replayed the events over in my mind
pondering
why was my reaction so sorrow ridden.

Still
I surrendered to the quiet
spoke with God
still
I pled for answers to the unknowns.

© LR 2012

 

The Beauty of Love December 23, 2011

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 11:59 am
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Glistening in deep memories
of false stories bled
from souls of family’s broken pasts.
Inventing a stronger wealth
of faith and trust in love’s true tale.
Anger,
turned into sweet surrender.
Responsible for recreating traditions,
I must sort through the abandon,
forgive and trust love.
Pondering the heartbreak
of distractions allowed,
living with common mistakes
and the regrets of others,
purging the behaviors tormenting my soul.
Following a new pattern
of obedience and honesty.
I will live the life
God intended me to embrace,
without stones of guilt
blocking my heart from breathing.
In it’s place,
filling my being
with the perfect harmony of understanding,
I am beauty.

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

Paradise November 24, 2011

Filed under: poetry — Within Grace @ 6:55 am
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Searching for other broken hearts
To piece together what’s left of us
Create an untouched me

 

Binding my hope in God’s everlasting love
Standing strong as the world crumbles
Determined to remain faithful, honest, and free

 

I stayed awake all night, waiting to feel your thoughts
Instead I heard them sing of all I wished I had
Pretending I’m not jealous, manic, or needy

 

No physical pain could match the ache within
Playing with ways to ease my fright
An understated, calm, practical tendency

 

If the love I was told was ever really mine
This ink wouldn’t be the only way I wept
The only time I’m happy

 

Guaranteed another disappointing day
Contemplating whether the risk is measured in worth
I look to the divine, focus less on the worldly

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

For(ward) Ever July 9, 2011

If…
If only…
Then I would be happy.

 

If…
Only if…
I could be someone
Other than me.
So disappointed
In what I’ve become
With the mistakes I’ve made
Disgusted
With the regret I feel.

 

If…
If only…
Then I would be happy.

 

If…
Only if…
I could feel something
Other than heartache.
Tired of hurting
Tired of crying
Tired of my protests
Falling on deaf ears.

 

If…
If only…
Then I would be happy.

 

If…
Only if…
I could be saved
Redeemed for my sins.
I can do this
I must press on
Gather my strength
Forward ever,
Backward never.

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

I Am July 7, 2011

I am
stuck
Like chewed bubble gum on the bottom of a dirty shoe.

 

I am
whispering
Like a sinful Catholic schoolgirl in a dimly lit library.

 

I am
guilty
Like a violent burglar caught on video.

 

I am
angry
Like a wild boar trapped in a wire cage.

 

Thrashing my body against the walls of your mind
I want out
Let me free
Strong and determined
I will break these chains of oppression
Stand on one foot of bravery
Fiercely grip confidence
Staring you right in the eyes.

 

Back
the fuck
up!

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

On Bowed Knees May 10, 2011

Doors upon doors open my chest
Guilt spills out covering their faces like masks.
They hide beneath terror
Afraid of righteousness
The fear of God paralyzes them.

 

Heightened burdens cloud my steps,
Inspire my actions.
Realized and provoked
Their teeth rip into my flesh with rage
Hungry for blood,
Thirsty for revenge.

 

Eat, sulk
Celebrate my demise.
Sins overshadow greatness
Anger arises, brighter than crisp white linen
Soft and with vigilant preparation.

 

Mercy seeps
My pores constrict with desire.
I withdraw nothing
I rule with skills of a Queen.

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

God is Love May 4, 2011

Evil doer
You attempted to lead me astray,
You are the liar
You are the denier
A false prophet,
You did not withstand my tests.

 

My fears
Have been driven out
By perfect love,
The one who is in me
Is greater
Than the one who is in the world.

 

Lost
In lawlessness
You remain
In death,
A murderer
Outside of eternal life.

 

I carry with me
The spirit of truth
I am in chains for Christ,
Victory will be mine
Born of God
I will overcome the world.

 

Insist my truth is stupid
Not to worry, boy
I have faith
My ‘stupidity’
Will last for eternity.

 

I am not surprised
That the world
Hates me,
For I have passed
From death
To life.

 

Love me as I loved you
Not with words
Instead,
With actions
And in truth.

 

I didn’t know where I was going
The darkness
Had blinded me,
Not everything of the world
Comes from
The Father.

 

© LRS 2011

 

 

 
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