Category Archives: Authors

Authors, From the Heart, The Network

My Big Why

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Behind all this blogging and writing stuff there has to be a reason, right? Sure there is, and today, while I was doing my morning devotion and getting my daily dose of wisdom from the 31st Proverb, I happened upon it in verses 8 and 9.

Oh, this is not the first time I have seen these verses or claimed them as my “Big Why.” Admittedly, I knew why I was blogging and doing advocacy work long before this day ever arrived. I’ve known for at least a year now; I’ve written it out in my notes for the book and on important papers, but I never thought to share it here…until today.

So if you are wondering, why this nerdy, wordy girl writes this blog, and you haven’t taken the time to read the About page, then here is the skinny –

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;

ensure justice for those being crushed.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,

and see that they get justice.”

That’s Reallyleah.com in a nutshell. My advocacy work and book in progress, For Those Like Us Who Care centers on these words of wisdom which are a mandate for all humanity.

I hope you will join my crusade, if not, be bold and share how you are living out these verses in your own life; maybe we can work together.

Authors

A legacy of light

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You are sure that you are a guide for the blind and a light for all who are in the dark.  Romans 2:19 CEV

We are kindled that we might kindle others. I would like, if I might have my choice, to burn steadily down, with no guttering waste, and as I do so to communicate God’s fire to as many unlit candles as possible and to burn on steadily until the socket comes in view; then to light in the last flicker, twenty, thirty, or a hundred candles at once, so that as one expires they may begin burning and spreading light which shall shine until Jesus comes.  – from L.B. Cowman’s Springs in the Valley devotional.

Authors

Could your new BFF be a Journal?

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My new BFF is a Journal

For some, the act of writing in a journal is “like having a best friend that didn’t talk back. I didn’t get interrupted mid-sentence.” B. Lynn Goodwin, the former caregiver, and author admitted in an online article I recently read. And, while it is important to cultivate social relationships, like in the Shining Lights Community Small Group setting for Caregivers of Special Needs Loved Ones, sometimes your best relationship may be a “non-judgmental piece of paper.”1

Why? Well, for many reasons, such as:

  • Emotions are fickle.
  • There are good days and not-so-good days
  • Family and friends are not always available to talk to
  • You can keep it real. You can’t take back words said to people but you can ball up a letter and throw it in the trash if you like.

But before you toss this notion of “getting it all out on paper,” know that there are many benefits to expressive writing. Some of which are changes for the better in your:

  • Outlook
  • Concentration
  • Sleeping
  • Relationships
  • Immune function2

Sounds appealing, right?

So what should you journal? The short answer is … anything you like.

My personal suggestion is, to begin with, a gratitude journal. Since we as humans are much too quick to forget all the blessings we have. You could try to count them one-by-one, and collect your memories in a singular notebook, store-bought journal, or in a word processing document.

Other options could be to capture the main events of the day, a reaction to a bible scripture or a quote, or quite simply jot down the thought that is on your mind at the moment. It’s entirely up to you. Remember this is expressive writing and it’s for your eyes only.

Do you have time? Probably not, so you have to make the time and do your best to be consistent. Around 7 to 10 minutes a day in a private setting is a good start. Whether it’s morning, evening or at home on the throne, it doesn’t matter. The best time is always, whenever it works best for you. And if you miss a day, write about “why” the next day, or scrap it and focus on the present.

Whatever, you do, start today! You may find journaling to be the best friend and listener you’ve ever encountered.

The above is a transcript written for the Shining Lights Community Small Group for Caregivers of Special Needs Adults.

  1. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/journal on 10/30/18@ 2:08 PM, article, “Dear Diary: Journaling for Caregivers,” December 8, 2011.
  2. Article by Robert Busha, Ph.D., LifeWise Living Ministries, Copyright 2014
Authors

Break the Power of Negative Words

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It is a thrill to support my friend and mentor, Mary Abraham Busha, and her new book, “Breaking the Power of Negative Words.” You can get a pre-sale copy via Amazon or Barnes & Noble, now! And might I add, that Mary led a small group on this topic last year, and it really helped me overcome many hurts produced by negative words spoken over and to me. So, I am excited to know that I’ll have the finished product in my hands soon. Congratulations, Mary!

 

Authors

Manny the Lamb

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cropped-Manny-cover-2-4One of my writer friends, Delores Kight, has just published an adorable children’s book, entitled, “Manny the Lamb.” Complete with full-color illustrations, this is one of the cutest stories ever told!  You’ll want to add it to your Christmas gift list for the little ones in your life.  You can purchase the book on Amazon, now.

For more on “Manny the Lamb” visit the website.

 

Authors, From the Heart

Welcome for 2018

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Dear Reader,

Welcome. It is great to make your virtual acquaintance. I am not quite sure how you got here. But, I am really, really glad you did.

And now that you are here, allow me to share some high points on what Reallyleah.com is all about. In short, this website is about:

  1. Miracles, builders, authors, lovers, and givers.
  2. Expressing needs through thoughtful transparency, and
  3. Finding seeds of support.
  4. Reuniting and staying connected with my old buds. Psst. Perhaps after we leave here, we can set up a time to meet-up, sit down, unwind, and exchange some common oxygen.
  5. My lifestyle (a little), which I hope initiates a meaningful conversation.
  6. Change, growth and togetherness.
  7. Laughing and not getting overwhelmed by what will happen next.

So, thanks for visiting. I hope you’ll save this site in your Favorites and come back often. And, please feel free to react to any of the aforementioned or anything you see on the site. You’re always welcome to do so.

Really yours,

L.A.