The Ladybug

Tag: God

  • BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    BIG Announcement…I Wrote a Book!

    It’s a memoir! Welcome, readers, to the 50th post of The Ladybug Blog! I am excited and humbled to have made it to the 50th blog post, and I wanted to make this entry special. Here is the memoir elevator pitch…The working title of my book is:

    The Diary of a “Crazy” Person

    A Journey of Faith Through My 20’s and 30’s Living with Mental Illness

    I wrote this book at two very different times in my life, ages 26 and 27, and ages 38 and 39. It has been a passion project for me for a long time. Each chapter is a journal entry covering my experiences as a young woman living with chronic mental and physical illnesses. This book focuses mainly on my mental health journey, although I do address my medical challenges as well to a smaller extent. I believe that it is impossible to separate the mind and body. The title of the book is meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, as the word crazy is used in a negative way far too often when people with mental health struggles are described or stigmatized in society. My hope with this memoir is to take the reader past all of the labels and stigma, and bring you into the thoughts and emotions of what my life has been like these last two decades. My faith in God, as well as the love of my family and friends, and the work of some wonderful professionals, has provided me with incredible support throughout my journey. I hope that you will step into my world and both laugh and cry as you travel through reading The Diary of a “Crazy” Person.

    What makes my book unique? I feel that the timeline of the book, which describes both my 20’s and 30’s, provides readers with insight into how one can stabilize when dealing with chronic illnesses over time. My book is full of my darkest moments, and I do not hold back in my descriptions of mental and physical suffering. However, the overall message of the book is not bleak like so many mental health memoirs. My story is one of hope and light, as I find healing while my faith and support increases over time. I will let you in on a sneak peek of the ending message, which is that I have evened out and built strength mentally throughout the years. This message is important to me, because God is Good, and through Him, all things are possible. Too many mental health memoirs only focus on the pain, and I want my readers to see both my struggles and my triumphs. I endeavor in this book to paint a picture that is not just black and white, but full of the grey tones which more accurately describes the process of recovery.

    As I type this book description, I am close to my 40th birthday. I can honestly say that I feel the most mentally stable now than at any other point in my life. The positivity and gratitude in my heart at this stage in my life is amazing considering the rough experiences I have lived through due to my chronic illnesses. And that is the take-away I desperately want to share. Never give up, because there is always a new dawn. The sun rises, and you’re blessed with another day and a new chance. No matter the difficulties you face, God is there with you. He has always been there with me, even when I turned away.

    Now comes the part where I need your help! I finished the original rough draft of my book manuscript in May 2026. Since then, I have edited it once fully myself, and then had a kind friend edit it in June 2026. I am now doing a 3rd edit of my manuscript myself, and I would love your assistance! I welcome any offers to edit my book further. Please let me know if you would like to read through the rough draft of my manuscript. I am also looking for referrals to professional editors. In addition, I have a goal of seeing my book published. I am currently reviewing my options for self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or landing a professional publishing contract. My time has been busy researching all three possibilities. Please let me know if you can share advice on this process, or if you can provide contacts to book agents or publishers.

    I ask you, Ladybug readers, to consider supporting my efforts as an author with the memoir I have written. My prayer is to reach your emotions and minds in a new way and change your perspective on mental illness. This is my invitation: will you join me on my new challenge of being a blog entry writer AND book author? Thank you!

    In Love and Gratitude, G.

    PS If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, please visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the following link: https://afsp.org/

    PSS To read more of my writing please visit my archive of blog posts at the following link: https://www.theladybug86.com

    More updates to come!

  • What Are We Asked to Carry? A Reflection for Hard Times. 

    Hello readers, welcome to the 40th post of The Ladybug Blog!  Are you struggling in the dark with all the difficult events going on in America and the world right now?  I would like to offer you some hope, please read on!  Today I would like to share a reflection I wrote for a church service on April 12, 2026.  Unfortunately, I am quite sick right now and could not deliver this reflection in person, but a kind member of the church stepped up and delivered it for me.  Thank you!  Here we go: 

    NH Church Sunday Reflection: 

    It is no secret that the world is a difficult place to live in for many people currently. We are witnessing war in more than one country, and America is becoming more divided than ever along political lines.  I feel that many of us are quite stressed now, and I would like to address that pain in today’s reflection.  The main question that I hear in my own heart is: why does God let us carry heavy things?  The answer to that is perhaps that God does not cause heavy circumstances in our lives, but instead, gives us the strength to carry them, and sometimes carries them for us.  I would like to tell you two stories, one fictional, and one from real life, to illustrate this point.  

    First, I would like to talk about the novel The Lord of the Rings, written by J. R. R. Tolkien, which I am currently re-reading.  The novel is large and is divided into 3 separate books.  It has also been turned into a very successful movie series which came to theaters in the early 2000’s. Maybe you are familiar?  For those of you who do not know the story, the main plot line is that there is an evil lord who creates an evil ring of gold that he pours his malice into. The ring causes lust for power, and it destroys all who bear it.    

    Fortunately, there are good soldiers in this fictional land who want to destroy the ring and its evil master.  Frodo Baggins, who is a creature called a hobbit, travels with his best friend Sam, who is also a hobbit, through the magical land of Middle Earth on a quest to destroy the ring.  Frodo is the ring bearer, and he wears it on a chain around his neck.  The burden of carrying the evil ring is not easy, and Frodo suffers daily from what he describes as a feeling of “heaviness.”  In addition, Frodo must try to resist the evil powers of the ring, which always tries to make its bearer want to turn towards wickedness.  

    At this point you may be wondering why I am telling you this fantastic tale? I believe we all deal with carrying difficult temptations to sin and turn to evil daily in this world.  We must carry much that could destroy us if we let it, but thankfully we have God’s grace to guide and protect us.  In the scripture reading 1 Corinthians 10:11-13, God promises that we will not be tempted beyond what we can bear.  We have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and guide us through our lives.  And, Frodo also has someone to help him, too: his best friend Sam.  To finish the tale for you, at the end of the story, when hope seems lost as Frodo and Sam are struggling to complete their journey, Sam literally picks up Frodo and begins to carry him on his shoulders.  Frodo can no longer go it alone, and he does not have to; Sam is there for him.  The evil ring is destroyed after a long trial for both Frodo and Sam.  In our lives, God is our best friend, who carries us when the difficulty of life is too great.  Remember, you are never alone.    

    Now, I would like to share a second story which is from the daily devotional guide in The Upper Room, written by Lauren Walker.  Lauren tells an honest account of her struggles growing up with her mother who was and is an alcoholic.  Lauren describes how angry she was at God for allowing herself to suffer so much with an alcoholic parent.  She did not have a good relationship with her mother.  Finally, one day Lauren began yelling at God.  As she did so, she began to feel a release, and God’s presence suddenly began to feel real to her.  Lauren realized that God could handle all her feelings of hurt and pain, and that He wished for her to simply communicate more with Him.  She began a practice of prayer and daily devotions with God.  It was not an instant cure for the years of suffering Lauren had experienced regarding her mother, but slowly and surely, talking to God helped Lauren heal.  Lauren expresses a thought for the day in The Upper Room, which is, “I can be honest with God, trusting that God will transform my heart.”  Prayer and communication with God can help us to bear pain.  God will change it into something that we can carry.  I invite all of you to let God help you to soar on wings like eagles, and run and not grow weary, and walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:27-31)!    

    In the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 11:28-30), Jesus promises that His yoke is light.  Jesus loves his sheep, which is all of us together, you and me.  I encourage you to reach out to our Lord Jesus through prayer and feel the love that He has for God’s people. No matter the stress or difficulties you are carrying currently, Jesus understands, as one who has been to the cross.  On Easter, we celebrated Jesus’ triumph over suffering as He rose from the dead on the third day.  Let Jesus raise your hearts and help you carry your difficulties.  He is faithful.  The times we are living through currently are certainly requiring all of us to carry a heavy burden, but take heart, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit will help us to live a life of love and light, even in the darkness.  We do not carry our burdens alone.  God bless all of you, Go in Peace.  Amen. 

    Walk On in God’s Strength, G. 

  • Flowering Beauties: A Muse in Dark Times

                  Complete with Photo Exhibit

    Lately, life has been difficult.  I have had to find inspiration in new places.  Surprising places.  Today, I would like to share one of those muses with you.  Nature is a wonderful and mysterious thing, and I am discovering a new appreciation for flowers.  Specifically, the resilience of flowering plants.  The weather in New England, where I live, is ever variable.  However, this spring and summer I have appreciated the beauty of flowers and how they continue to shine even on cloudy or rainy days.  For today’s post on The Ladybug, I have selected 12 of my favorite flower photos that I’ve captured using my cell phone camera.  Gazing upon these images during a particularly difficult day gives me hope for the future.  If winter can be followed by these dazzling splendors, then my dark days must be leading up to new life and good times ahead.  I know that God promises darkness will not last forever.  It is my wish that these images inspire you as well.  Never give up! 

                With Perseverance, G.

                “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

                “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19

  • God’s Presence During Hardships

    How does one cope when times are overwhelming?  Recently, I have been feeling stressed for both societal and personal reasons.  The USA is in a difficult spot politically, with a constant stream of bad news.  In my own life, I am facing uncertainties medically, and am in a wait-and-see period.  However, I can honestly say that despite these set-backs, I am feeling grateful and blessed.  You may wonder if I am crazy and how this is possible…well, let me share my secrets.

                My faith in God is the core of my life.  I believe that I am never alone in the struggles I face.  There is a greater force in the universe that guides my path.  As a progressive Christian, this season of lent has been a time to draw closer to God and His promises for my life.  God never promises that life will be easy or pain free.  Instead, He assures us that we never travel this bumpy life alone.  We have a loving companion in Jesus Christ, who comforts our hearts and holds us while we shed tears.  There is a song that was written on the walls of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II by an anonymous author with the words, “I believe in God, even when He is silent.”  The incredible faith of the author amazes me.  During our tough times, God never disappears or walks away from us.  Even when we can not sense Him as strongly, He is right there with His loving arms wrapped around us. 

                You may be asking yourself; how do I connect to God if I can not feel Him?  My first answer is always the same: PRAY!  Prayer is a great communication tool that God has gifted to us.  Your prayer does not have to be perfect, pretty, or even make sense.  Just start talking.  Say what you need.  A simple prayer of HELP is always a good start.  Remember, God already knows what is going on in your life and what your needs are.  He’s waiting to establish a loving dialogue with you.  Another useful way to pray is to have a mantra, a word to repeat until you feel calm, such as “Abba” or “Father” or “Jesus.”  The idea of prayer is to create a bond between you and the spirit of God; therefore, the technicalities and perfections of your words do not matter, only that you try.  God is waiting to hear you!

                Another great way to connect with God and feel God’s peace is to appreciate the beauties of the natural world.  Depending on your circumstances and health, this may look like sitting in your back yard watching the birds, taking a walk in the woods, or even hiking a mountain trail.  I have always found something incredibly soothing about nature and enjoying God’s creation.  Meditation comes easily to me when I am alone with trees and flowers.  The noise of man-made vehicles and busy streets blocks me from relaxation.  However, if I can escape to a small moment of being “one with the universe” through observing nature, I feel I am at home.  Nothing can rattle me as I feel God gently whisper, “If I can care for all of this, how much more do I love you, dear one?”  When you feel like life is just too much to bear, find time to touch your palm to a tree trunk or flower petal, and know how much God loves you.

                Finally, take time to read God’s Word.  We are all very busy in American society, and taking time to read the Bible seems impossible at times.  It may also seem intimidating to read a book like the Bible, with so many stories you may wonder where to start.  I suggest finding a guided devotion that you enjoy to help your journey of the Word.  I use The Upper Room and The Bible App.  (Neither of these are sponsored) They are tools that help me to stay focused during my devotion time.  In addition, I find several of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) books and meditation materials to be helpful in creating a spiritual reading program.  AA guidebooks are great if you are unsure of where to begin with the Bible.  Again, the purpose of studying written Word about God is not about trying to achieve perfection.  Rather, the purpose is to connect you with the loving presence of the Spirit, in hopes that your stress and loneliness melts away.  God is here, waiting for you to reach out!

                To return to the stressors I mentioned at the beginning of this post, both national news and personal medical concerns, I find everything easier to handle and digest when I have armed myself with a close and personal relationship with God.  I will say again, my faith is my rock, and it sees me through the difficulties of life.  I urge you to seek out God through the channels I have mentioned, or through your own creative pathways.  Connecting to a higher power is a chance to find freedom from your stress, and to let go of your burdens for a few hours and rest under God’s wings.  You do not have to face challenges by yourself.  There is a strength greater than human strength, and you can tap into that power for peace at any time, all you need do is ask.

                With Love, G.