Cross OVER THE THRESHOLD With Me

“In lipstick and hiking boots, Julie travels up the mountain to escape her life. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s about to discover a man who holds the power to transform her identity forever.”

In my last post I wrote about my experience at my first writer’s conference. If you’d like to check it out, here it is: More than a Writing Conference

At that conference, I was given a chance to work on a succinct description of my current novel so that I could give an effective pitch to future parties that may be interested. I was able to put that pitch into practice and by the grace of God, it went better than I could have imagined. My hope is that I can gather enough interest so that one day my story will make it to your eyes sooner rather than later.

My novel, currently over 35,000 words, will soon go into its third draft, tightening loose ends and striving to make the plot flow cohesively. It’s been quite the process so far, but I am so excited about the end product. God has helped inspire and guide me each step of the way as I pray over each chapter and each element that goes into it. I hope that those of you who support me will pray for God’s will as well.

A verse that stays in my mind throughout this entire process is Psalm 37:4-5 which says “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your ways to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

My love for writing has been a desire in my heart since I was a pre-teen. During my high-school and college life, my go-to line was “I just want to write books.” Well, now is the time to put my money where my mouth is. Now is the time to commit to the Lord, trust Him, and watch Him work.

For those of you who are interested in the project I constantly say I’m working on, and to prove that these many hours in front of a computer screen are producing something, I’d like to share a sneak peek of my current novel entitled Over the Threshold.

Below, I’ve included a brief summary of what you can expect from my story. Enjoy!

CrossingthethresholdWith church long in her past and a career in her future, Julie finds herself trying to hang on to the falling pieces of her life. As a last resort, she decides to escape into the mountains to find peace and return with a fresh start. Her plans quickly change, however, when she stumbles into a wise, old gentleman named Simon. Simon, a God-fearing man, makes Julie an unusual offer that takes her on a journey to a threshold. There, she must make a choice, knowing her life will never be the same. One the one side, she can stay safe and comfortable. The other side holds promise, but it may require her to sacrifice something she loves.

Will she choose to cross over the threshold?

I hope you’re intrigued, and I hope that you will join me on this journey as a new writer. I would love your feedback. What interests you? What do you like to read about, especially in Christian fiction? Would you like updates and more sneak peeks on this project?

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. Stay tuned so we can cross over the threshold together!

God bless!

LJM

More than a Writing Conference

Decked in a blazer with a briefcase hanging by my side, I passed a small sign that read “Write2Ignite.”

My first writer’s conference.

I hoped and prayed for opportunity, knowledge, and experience that waited behind the glass doors. By the end of the conference, I received all and more.

Anyone who hopes to hone their craft and bring their writing into the light is told to attend these conferences. The thought has always stirred up a level of anxiety for me. It means going to a new place, connecting with strangers, and even pitching my ideas to potential publishers. To some, that may be one of the most exciting aspects of the job, but for me it’s slightly nauseating.

Not every writer’s conference holds the same experience, but I’d like to share a little about what this conference did for me.

1. It forced me to be prepared

There is such a thing as being too chill. I signed up for the conference a little late and I was quickly overwhelmed. It’s best to research the presenters, editors, and publishing houses that will be attending so you don’t walk in there completely surprised with no direction. You also should be aware of certain things you should bring such as questions, a one-sheet of your idea or story, business cards, and a medium to take notes on. These things may have overwhelmed me at first, but they proved to be very helpful once I was there.

2. It gave me excellent resources

Conferences have beaucoup number of books, brochures, pamplets, and business cards of a wide variety of writing resources. You can learn about different organizations, publishing options, editing help, and more just by grabbing what they have available. I don’t know if I would’ve ever learned about some of these sources otherwise. Now they’re all stuffed in a folder for future reference.

3. It pushed me to make connections

The introvert in me has to constantly suppress the uncomfortable feeling of meeting new people. I was lucky to have had a few familiar faces at the conference to help guide me through the process. Regardless of who was there, I needed to get over myself and establish a connection with people, introduce myself, and ask questions. You’ll miss out on a lot if you decide to be the silent wanderer of the conference that no one knows. It’s not the best marketing tool either. Luckily, I stuck out my hand, asked for a few autographs, and joined in conversations, all without dying.

4. It surrounded me with like-minded people

Seminars that keep your attention are typically the ones that focus on your passion. Knowing that I was sitting with people who have similar goals and dreams made me feel submerged within my element. Plus, it’s not necessarily difficult to talk with these people because we all share something in common: The power of stories being or waiting to be told.

5. It gave me experience

Not only do I have one conference under my belt, I also have a couple of pitching sessions too. A pitching session is when you meet with a publisher, editor, or agent to discuss your story whether it’s fully written or not. Those sessions help you gain experience to better hone your pitch and open the door for possible publishing opportunities. You also can discover more about yourself as a writer and who you’re writing for during those sessions.

6. It gave me encouragement

This conference was filled with gracious speakers and presenters, saturated in the love of God and dripping with the faith that His hand will guide all of us. If I can steal what one of our keynote speakers, Lisa Albinus pointed out in the miracle feeding of the 5000, Jesus said to the disciples “You give them something to eat.”

God has given us a story. Many stories. Some of these come from the God-given gift of imagination, others comes from life experience. Either way, if we have felt His calling, we must equip ourselves to use these talents to give to the world. To limit ourselves by saying we’re not good enough or there’s no way we’ll be published is to limit God’s glory and to forsake what He’s equipped us to give.

“You give them something to eat.”

∼Mark 6:37∼

I left the conference fully charged, connected, and one step closer to having my own dream become a reality. Mainly, I was reminded that I write because God instilled a passion in me at a young age. He’s given me a talent and the least I can do is use it to encourage people closer to Him.

If you’re struggling about what God has called you to do or how you’ll ever make a living doing something you love, remember, He knows and He will get you where you need to be. He will always equip you, you simply have to give your all. No matter what stage in the process you are, God has outlined the steps if only you trust Him.

For my fellow writers, if you’re interested in checking out Write2Ignite go to their website here.

God bless you in the journey He’s called for you.

-LJM

Proverbs 16:9

 

 

 

Post Grad Life: 3 Months of Limbo

I sat in a coffee shop with my friend Emily, a large white cup and saucer we both agreed came out of a Friends episode rested between my hands.

“It feels almost like you’re in limbo.” Those were my words to her while describing my life after college so far.

I say limbo because many refer to this time of life as a transitional phase. Transitioning from student to working adult. Education to career. College bubble to reality.

The main aspect of this phase is learning about real life. That’s what makes it intimidating, even hard. It’s learning to accept that you’ve left childhood behind with dependence nearing its way out the door as well.

Don’t get me wrong, being out of college has its perks, and I have been enjoying them. For instance, I truly relish the fact that I don’t have school projects hanging over my head and spending every spare moment hashing out A-quality assignments.

I’ve been able to work toward things that I’ve been putting off during my time in college, like my writing. It makes me feel productive to be working on something I love and believe in. As a result, I feel like I’m slowly making progress toward my career.

At the end of the day, I’m completely at ease with a cup of tea and a good book or script on my lap. Those moments of being satisfied with the work of the day and having no anxiety of the next day, remind me of the sweet taste of freedom.

But here are some things I’ve been learning.

It’s easy to lose yourself within routine. In fact, it’s really easy to lose yourself. Period. Sometimes, I find myself trying to pinpoint my identity by what I’m doing.

Graduate…writer…cashier.f5976310cb853b4c06b6228aa6f83f881954312a

Through all of those questions of ‘who’, I also face daily questions of insecurity. Am I being productive? Am I doing enough to pursue my career? Am I settling too easily?

I find reassuring myself by saying “Hey, you made money today,” helps with the inner nagging. Speaking of money, I’ve recently been welcomed to the full-time working world which is a learning experience in itself. With it comes less time and more sacrificing of things I would rather be doing. But it’s all a part of that real world I was talking about.

I’ll admit I’ve been dealing with the inward struggle of Post-Grad Syndrome, whatever that may be, but God has been extremely faithful nonetheless.

He’s given me two jobs with ample time to keep writing. He’s provided for my needs and has blessed me with things I’ve wanted. He’s given me a loving, supportive family who shows me the value of hard work. Not to mention a place to live.

Through it all, I’m reminded that my identity has always and will always be in Jesus. He is my priority and my Chief Navigator. I’m still His child, and He is merely taking me by the hand through this intimidating season of life.

So, if any of my fellow grads are feeling similarly, I urge you to hang on to your blessings, be alert to what The Chief is teaching you during this time, and look to Him for guidance. Always.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

∼Psalm 32:8∼

If you’d like to read my other post about Post-Grad life click here

And the journey continues…

God bless!

-LJM

Feeding Desire

By Leah Jordan Meahl

 

A tight embrace to melt the edge of loneliness

To feel a beating heart—a lullaby desire.

 

The brush of skin, though not my own

Full of life, of breath, I cry desire.

 

Asleep, awake, my thoughts are captivated

By your face, though blurry, O thy desire.

 

You are a star in the sky—so real

And yet such a high desire.

 

Closer to you each passing day while

Protecting my undying desire.

 

If one night your touch is real,

Break down and stale will my desire?

 

And I, Leah, grown fond of chasing,

Who may never fully satisfy Desire.

 

Galations 5:16-17

 

Giving God the Time of Day

Today, I am thrilled to announce that my first devotion has been published! ChristianDevotions.us is not only an organization dedicated to sharing God’s Word with the world, but they also pride themselves in helping new writers build a resume. I’m so glad that I was led to submit to them and that they were gracious enough to give me this opportunity.

Here’s the link if you’d like to give it a read.

Click here to visit Christian Devotions

To God be the glory for this stepping stone in my writing journey!

-LJM

2016: The Year of Half Staff

By Leah Jordan Meahl

 

For the dove flies on,

Leaving a trail of red below

The flag—at half-staff.

 

Streams of fire replace the stars,

Across the sea sees the fading glow,

For the dove flies on.

 

The heart strings are drawn,

As the fabric hangs low,

The flag—at half-staff.

 

A proud land divided,

With scars deep to show,

For the dove flies on.

 

Again the majestic banner descends,

With a haunting song of sorrow,

The flag—at half-staff.

 

Oh to ride the eagle’s wings

And follow the wind to tomorrow,

For the dove flies on.

 

To everything there’s a season,

Until the last trumpet blows,

For the Dove flies on

From the flag at half-staff.

 

2 Chronicles 7:14

Ode to the Moon Beam

By Leah Jordan Meahl

 

O majestic watchman of the night,

Whose soft iridescent glow transfixes,

Stops me dead in awe of your sight,

No eye can avoid your captivating presence.

The world’s lighthouse, brilliant and true

Takes gentle care of what lies in darkness.

Each sundown reveals your face anew,

Big, bright, and beautiful evening symbol

More than just a wishing star

The face of my Guardian so near—yet so far.

 

-LJM

Psalm 136:7-9

 

Forever Enamored

By Leah Jordan Meahl

 

The arrow flies

Striking perfectly,

A poisoned tip of desire

Pierces skin,

Seeping into blood

That pumps life

Now strangled.

 

Stuck.

In a pit.

Face glistens. Hot.

Chest constricts. Heavy.

The ladder to climb out

Has no end.

Lone Wolf

By Leah Jordan Meahl

 

I am the first star of dusk,

Waiting for the others to join me,

But they’re still light-years away.

 

I am the bear in hibernation,

Awakening from sleep,

But with no one keeping me warm.

 

I am the bird in V formation,

Flying south for winter,

But I prefer the cold.

 

I am the unending echo

Singing through the canyon,

But no one responds to my cry.

 

Will the sun do more than mark the day?

Or can I just sleep away this solitude,

But the choice is not my own.

 

-LJM

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Donald Trump: Choose Love

Friday, January 20th, 2017.

That morning you were doing one of two things: watching the Presidential Inauguration or not watching it.

As for my family, we sat around our TV and watched history being made. It was the first inauguration that I was actually interested in seeing. I don’t have a taste for politics in general, but I’m finally at an age where I can appreciate a new President being sworn in without thinking of it as an incredible bore.

With all of the negativity going around lately, I’d like to challenge you to a new way of approaching this change in our country.

President Donald Trump is a flawed human being just as all our presidents have been in the past. And just as it’s been whenever a new leader comes into office, the country can go in many directions whether for good or bad.

Our new President is more capable than we or the media give him credit, and we have no idea of the potential good he can do for the American people. But a hashtag claiming that he’s not our president does not change the fact that he actually is (unless you get citizenship in another country).

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Romans 13:1 (NLT)

I know that Trump paints himself in less than a good light. I don’t care for some of the things he’s said or done, but I want to choose to look at the Higher power in control. At the inauguration, prayers were read that our new President gain the wisdom of Solomon. The book of James tells us that if we lack wisdom and ask God for it, He will certainly give it.

I want nothing but the wisdom of God to work in and through Trump during his presidency, and I don’t want to hinder that by adding to the voices of hate. I understand where the disdain is coming from, I really do, but we can’t say “Love Trumps Hate” if we do the exact thing to Trump what we claim he does to the American people.

In order to fulfill the law of God according to Romans 13:8, we must love our neighbor. That includes a President who is dedicating four years or more of his life to serve this country. That includes the person who says unsavory things and has plans that you might not agree with.

in-god-we-trust-motto

We’re not better than him if we choose to hate him rather than love him. And by love, it doesn’t mean go nuts and pretend like he’s the best person in the world.

It means to constantly pray for him. It means to refrain from lashing out at him through social media. It means to speak in kindness towards him and hope that God’s will be done through him.

We do not love him because he deserves our love, but because that’s what Jesus’ unconditional love requires of us.

Donald Trump is our President. But we are still the people. And this is still America.

He is not our last hope nor is he the end of hope. Hope is God, and He should always be the one we look to to better this country, no matter who’s in office.

As we’re still very much a part of the next four years, I challenge you to ask God for the wisdom to guide you, and give you the heart to love someone who may be difficult to love.

God bless you and God bless America!

-LJM

Click the link for an insightful poem by J.ournal! You Didn’t Vote For TRUMP – Or Did You?