Listen closely...you don't want to miss this.

Sometimes forgiveness is difficult. One hurt piles on top of another, then another, then another...and for months, even years you may carry that weight on your shoulders. Perhaps you want to forgive, but you're afraid that forgiving will make you vulnerable, or it will make you open game for that person to harm you again. I know. I've been there. I AM there.

Where can we start? I was reading through some verses I highlighted with every bright utensil I could find (apparently I wanted to draw my future self's attention to these verses again) and right after, discovered some quotes on the same matter. It's there that the answer found me: start with yourself, and also start with praying for that person.

"Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another."

Colossians 3:12-13

"Praying about a person we need to forgive is the means by which we tip the pitcher heavenward and slowly begin to pour our negative feelings and frustrations out to God."

Beth Moore "Praying God's Word"

Now listen closely...this part is especially important. How do I know? Because it is cross-referenced from the Old Testament to the New Testament...apparently someone thought it was important enough to reinstate:

"Don't sin by letting anger control you.

Think about it overnight and remain silent."

Psalm 4:4

"Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he had identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:25-32

Perhaps you feel that you have already failed. You allowed anger to control you. You constantly felt the bitterness in your heart. But now you can change that. Ask for God's forgiveness, forgive yourself, and forgive the person you feel wronged you. Pray for them. Pray for yourself to have the ability to forgive in compassion. It's not always easy. But that's why we need God to intervene. 

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help."

Psalm 20:1

Aletheia: The world is beautiful.

I love going outdoors. I love the beauty. Often I'm captivated by the wonders and treasures it holds. How could it all possibly be an accident? Everything down to the tiniest intricacy is perfectly orchestrated to work together. Not for harm, but generally for good. Let me share with you...

Good vs Evil

"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."

~Martin Luther King, Jr.~

Give me your hands, if we be friends.

Greetings weary traveler, welcome to Aletheia.

"What is Aletheia?" you might ask.

It is quite simple, yet we seem to make it complex. It is something we are all searching for, but can't always recognize. However, it desires to be found. It is constant. It is divine. It could change your life if you've stumbled upon it. Perhaps it could change your eternity if you allowed it to. Perhaps it already has.

Aletheia means truth.

Truth isn't necessarily what we think it is. Truth isn't making yourself believe something and convincing others to follow. It isn't winning an argument or debate. It isn't the absence or presence of something or someone.

It simply is.

I'm not starting this blog to be convincing, but to share of my journey through the mysterious land of Aletheia and phos, which means light. Truth and light.

Aletheia whispers of secrets waiting to be discovered...wonderments in essence magical and inviting. Tales of a childhood thought to be fable, but you may find that they are very much real. It is all but a dance through life and its meaning. It is a dance through beauty.

So as Puck would say in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, "Give me your hands, if we be friends" and we shall travel through the kingdom of Aletheia kai to phos together. I look forward to our journey.

Good morning beautiful, where have you been?

I'd be lying if I said that things can't drastically change in a moment's time. Gosh, time flies and I haven't written in a billion years. So what's new since I've last made an appearance on here?

I've been living in Florida for over a year.

I'm going to school to become a licensed cosmetologist, then heading to make-up artistry school.

I'm scheduled to have a new niece AND nephew this fall/winter.

I'm married.

True story, I really am. And I love my husband with all of my heart.

I don't quite know what to talk about. So much has changed, I don't even know where to start. I have a beauty blog I try to keep up with, but seeing as I go to school and work all day every day of the week, I don't have much time for anything.

But there's an update :) haha

Or..you know...not.

So Massachusetts never happened. Long story. But I've been spending a rather 6 unsuccessful months in my hometown. Well, I'm sure one day I'll look back on this and be like "Oh, so that's why that happened." But today isn't that day. And that's okay.

So now after trying to stay patient and open to what God really wants and questioning several things...where am I? I'm headed to Florida with my Aunt to see if I can find a job. Because for 6 months it's been nearly impossible here. But it happens.

I'll be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing. No idea where to go or why anything has happened the way it has. But that's okay, I'll know someday.

Not everything has been incredibly boring or unsuccessful or just totally incredibly lamer than lame. I was hired temporarily as a Choreographer for an up and coming Show Choir, however, the season is over so nothing is happening with that right now. I was also on the worship team at my sister and brother-in-law's church. That was an experience...umm. I've had a lot of time to practice the piano. And I think I learned something, I'm just not quite sure what yet.

I'll try to start blogging again...I've even taken a lengthy break from my physical journal. There just hasn't been much to say. lol

Anyway, I leave Thursday morning. Shouuulddd be funnnn.

Stepping out into what God has called us to do.

It's been a while, I know. It usually is, isn't it?

I got accepted! And when I had plans to leave next August, it looks like God may want me there sooner. A few weeks ago I got an email from the school telling me that they're opening a new class in January. The more I've thought and prayed about it, the more I think this is an opportunity God has opened up for me to just jump at it.

I'm so excited.

So right now I'm just working out the logistics.

Goodbye Missouri, Hel-lo Massachusetts. ;)