Class Dismissed

Well lookie here ... continue on

#hatersdismissed

Random Thoughts ...

I am totally rethinking everything my parents ever told me ...

#randomthoughtsnumber40876

#thelordcheckingusparents

#okaylordihearya

You Need to Know

Something I need you to know:

God knows the desires of your heart and someday He will give you a path to take to get there.

As a little girl, I dreamed of being a writer. I wrote so many pages of poetry, essays, papers, articles I would literally sweat while writing. I had that permanent mark in my fingers from holding a pen so tight as I clung to it for support. (Before computers, word processors and typewriters - yes there was a time I lived before that.)

I have as everyone who knows me journeyed through many careers. I believe that in it you can learn just a little more about where God has intentions to place you and apparently, mine had to be through many different jobs and places.

I am not saying this is it for me, this is the final stop because I don't know I just know this is the caution light I am paused at for the moment. But I will say this - I have never been this excited to be in a traffic jam that has caused me to do something my heart has always desired. And with my desire, I get to honor God through it - which is even more AMAZING!

He sees you, He knows you, don't give up ... it will come, and when it does celebrate it for a bit and hold on to His plan for you!

Thank you to all of you who have supported this journey and for those joining me on the journey - Hop on in there is always room in this clown car of mine.

Also, we have a new Facebook page where we will be sharing each issue and more!

https://www.facebook.com/soulfulmargins

OUR FIRST ISSUE!! ENJOY!!

This Girl

This Girl right here ...

A Girl after God's heart in a mighty way.

A Girl who knows the Father's love on a deeper level.

A Girl who is wise beyond her years.

A Girl who can deliver a message that has everyone's attention and encompasses a message we all needed.

Tonight marked the first time Claire was able to deliver a message to the Youth and I couldn't be prouder!

Her message was so spirit led!

#lovethyneighbor #lovethebroken #godsloveisntearned

That's A Wrap!

Don't get too wrapped up that you don't take a moment to unwrap the gift of presence today. The people present in your life hug them a little longer, the home you might be presently sleeping soundly in - sit in a space of peace within it, the situations you are presented with - may you be guided by the Lord and thank Him for you don't know yet the work He is doing in you and then take a moment, and soak up the greatest present of all - Jesus. Let it sink in whatever you believe how much the Lord loves you and how blessed you are and carefully unwrap it all not just today, but forever.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Thank you Fallon Triche Rodriguez for the beautiful family pictures!

Tank Full!

Trauma defined as an emotional response to a distressing event. I don't believe there is a single person in Southern Louisiana that is not experiencing trauma right now. We are all grieving a loss right now in many different ways. Some are grieving loved ones, homes, businesses and just plain ol' life. I can remember my grandpa saying in the good old days and then would continue with what it was like. So why do the good ol' days not exist. Trauma. Something traumatic happened and caused things to change. Let's just say we as humans don't adjust to change very well. Yet, that is because we are human, not perfect. We are learning everyday; that is if we allow ourselves to be teachable. That is not to say we bend for everything, but we should bend for God's will.

It is difficult letting go of something we might have clung to for many years. We see it as giving up, indecisiveness and failure. Yet in God's eyes He sees it as moving mountains out the way, clearing out the toxins and equipping us with more skills.

Honestly, I am going to be transparent here (I know when am I not ). I am usually a glass overflowing gal. I am usually the one providing positive scriptures and quotes, unicorns, rainbows, milk shakes and cotton candy filled days. Yet lately, I can't say I've been that person. Shamefully, I rutted out, sat in my trench and waited out for the war to be over. In the beginning of all this, I was out sun up to sun down helping others, doing what we could then I began to handle things on my own end. I was in a sea of denial about my own circumstances. I was really trying to avoid what I truly had to face. The end of one thing to be the beginning of something else. So yes, Rise & Gouaux might not exist the way we wanted it to, but I am anxiously awaiting what the Lord has planned next. Thank goodness He still meets us even in the trenches!

In the meantime, we were blessed by friends that we met on a cruise 5 years ago to have a quick vacay in Panama City Beach. Let's just say it was much needed for our hearts, minds and spirits to be refreshed. We ready , tanks are full and we are renewed. So watch out Louisiana - Gautreauxs are coming in hot - heading home!

#saltykissesonvrbo

Leaning

I am not going to lie the last 17 days have filled me with an array of emotions. From joy & gratefulness to sadness and heartbreak. To watch a town you grew up in fall apart kinda weighs on your heart

I had such a vision from the Lord what Lockport would be and what Rise & Gouaux could do for the community in times like this. I spent pretty much the whole year working out a plan. Seeing it torn to shreds and watching people suffer through some of the toughest times sends my kids and I home crying pretty much every night. I lay my head on my pillow at night worried about everyone and then I remind myself it is out of my hands, I am human and can only do so much. (This changes hourly, so forgive me I am a wreck - but like I always say hold ya horses He ain't done with me yet Phillilipians 1:6)

So we do what we can and I start my day asking for the Lord's purpose and then I get to see what unity and beauty comes out of the rubble. Where we all pull together and help with what little we have left. When people ask why stay, why live here, why start over, why rebuild, why continue - I say do you know my God and do you know His Bayou People! You must not know them, because you would never ask why.

It is easy to get lost in the circumstances right in front of you, caught up in the destruction of what was lost, but if we never see God in the details we really have nothing worth keeping in the rubble of our lives. I might not understand Lord where you are carrying me, but Imma lean on You. Even when nothing else stands, when it's out of my hands Imma lean on You!