Welcome to Caps in the Air a short story contest!

Today our Short Story Contest opens! Hopefully you used your summer to prepare for this. Please share our post with anyone you think would be interested, the link is usable for anyone.

Here is a reminder of the rules: (The short story contest will close in December).

Reminder: We require a minimum of four submissions to announce winners.

Deadline: December 31st @ 11:59 EST.

Caps in the Air Submission

This month you will find the final two chapters of my short story: The Garden Folk. I’m really excited to see how it ends!

We will be taking a week off on the 30th for Thanksgiving break. We will be back for a couple of weeks before taking off Christmas break.

Thank you for your continued support.

—

Kenzi Ember

I've been in a new season of life recently, and the thing God has been pressing on my life is gratitude and joy. Now I know Thanksgiving is just around the corner and soon everyone will be talking about gratitude. I wanted to write about it now, because it is what I have been struggling with right now, and I think the best devotionals and encouragements are ones you can apply to yourself. They speak more from the heart that way.

Every day I get caught up in my worries, stress, and anxiety. I pray to God and then get right back to school. It's especially bad right now because I just started at a four-year college and am struggling with so much. When I let my anxiety get a hold of me it's really hard to let go, and I get caught up in myself. Why am I saying all this? Well, I believe this is applicable to gratitude because when I find something to say thank you to God for and to delight and have joy in, I reset. Once in the habit of saying something I found joy in and something I'm grateful for before bed I sleep better. I'm able to enjoy time with friends, I'm able to get my work done without letting my anxiety take hold of me.

This may not work for you. But in scripture God calls us to put our trouble in his hands and to remember all he had done. So regardless of whether God works this in the same way for you, as He has done with me, He will delight in you and use it.

Another way God has been working in my life is through the Psalms. This may sound cliché, but it's not. I was homeschooled my whole life. As part of that curriculum, I made my way through the entirety of psalms every two years. My last two years of high-school I switched to a higher focus on dual enrollment and stopped that cycle with my readings. Over the summer God slowly pulled me back into the Psalms. As a graduation gift one of my elders gave me the book of Psalms as a beautiful journal book. I asked my pastor's wife for a book on the Psalms, because I had never done a study on them, only read through them so much they became boring and uninteresting. Since arriving at college my hall has been doing a weekly bible study in the psalms, the church I've been going to has a Sunday school on the psalms, and I've been working my way through the Psalms on my own terms.

The biggest thing I pulled from the study booklet is that there are mainly three types of Psalms. There are laments, Thanksgiving, and praise, and each psalm reflects some of each category, while having an overall type. This has been an encouragement because it reminds me that I need to be praising God, thanking God, and bringing my laments to Him, even when one of those things might seem bigger at any given time. I'm going to be in seasons where I am happy and joyful almost all the time, and some where I'm sad, homesick, and stressed out. Each one is okay because God is holding me. He's holding you in His tight embrace. I have to remind myself of this every night. I pray to God to remind me of His comfort, bring joy in my life, and share His love.

Let me wrap this up by coming back to gratitude.

The point of today’s devotional is to bring your attention back to God. God wants to hear how you are struggling and where you are in life right now. More than that though, God wants you to enjoy what He has given you. Here is your reminder to bring something you are thankful for to God every day, whether it is a wonderful day or a day where you can barely get out of bed or anything in between. God loves you and blesses you in so many ways.

I have been able to let go of much of my anxiety and stress when I remember how much God has given me, even while I’m struggling with constant chronic pain and in a new environment. I hope this has been an encouragement and reminder that God is standing right there with you.

Blessings,

Kenzi Ember

The dramatic war is starting. Who will win? Who will survive? Is there hope?

Read chapter 10 to find out more.

Chapter 10 The War

Pg 33

The next day Lord Elm was outside when a flock of birds appeared, Queen Loriet said, “the birds, some have decided to join us.” Lord Elm said, “line up we are going to battle,” and aside to Queen Loriet, “send the birds with Money against the crows,” “very well, if that is what you think I should do.” Meanwhile the birds landed, “I am Mo Kelen we have five hundred birds at your service Queen Loriet,” Mo Kelen said. “Thank you Mo Kelen, will you take your birds to that fairy named Money,” “yes, Lady Loriet.” Then Lord Elm said, “we need to

Pg 34

move out,” “goodbye Lord Elm,” Queen Loriet said. Lord Elm nodded, then to the fairys and elves, “alright move out,” and thus Lord Elm with four thousand at his command marched out to war.

Then the huntsman with pareear leading them went off going so they would reach the front of the garden when Lord Elm reached the back.

Then all of the sudden an elephant trumpet was heard, and two hundred animals came to help with the war. Everyone cheered, Loriet Thanked the animals and sent one hundred to each side of the garden

Pg 35

with a fairy. The war was about to begin. Now only Money’s group remained.

“Time to leave, our goal is to kill the crows, get the wounded back, and then go fight everyone else, let’s fly.” They flew to the crows, getting the crows attention on them and not on the marching army, and lead the crows away, and then turned and attacked them the crows flew into the trap. Money fought his way to Lacraw, “you know you cannot beat me Money,” Lacraw said, “our army is now marching to surround the city,” Money said, then blasted Lacraw

Pg 36

While he was confused, at first the other birds tried to fight their way out but found it was usless, and stopped, they did not know what to do. Money said, “if you all will promise to fight on our side you may live otherwise you will not be so lucky.” The crows looked at all the angry birds and fairys, and said, “we will join you sir.” looking at a fairy Money said “how many injured?” “five of ours and ten of theirs,” the fairy said, Money replied, “good take five of our healthy fairys and birds and bring them to the city,” five fairys and birds left with the injured. “We are going to war!” Money exclaimed.

Pg 37

Lord Elm with the fairys and elves snuck around to the back of the garden, and Pareear with the men was at the front of the garden, and the animals went to the sides. Then they struck, silently they killed the sentries, but someone in the darkness got away unseen, and told black rose. Black rose immediatly called all his animals then not caring about silence charged then lights flashed on as peopl watched the battle outside. Then they all started helping throwing whatever came to hand at the

Pg 38

enemy. The enemy seemed to be losing, when they heard crow calls the people immediatly backed into their houses and turned off their lights. Then the crows struck the enemy and Money with the fairys also helped. When the people saw the crows helping they poured out of the houses and started killing the enemy. Lord Elm caught black rose and called out in a thundrous voice, “I have black rose, stop fighting,” the animals all stopped fighting and were permitted to go to their families.

Hmm. Well, there you have it. They won.

Stay reading for the final two chapters.

—

Kenzi Ember

Disclaimer: I do not have the answers and I’m still asking myself so many questions about how to share the Gospel and live like Jesus online; this is simply my response to all the negativity and arguments I’ve been seeing the last few weeks in my feed.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a phrase…I’m not sure if it was on Substack, in a book, or thrown out in a podcast I often listen to…but it’s been reverberating in my head ever since. Quite frankly, it’s a challenge to all those striving to walk like Jesus. As Christians, we know we are to share the Gospel, and mirror God’s love to the world. But knowing something and doing it are two VERY different things. So, when I heard these words, I leapt for it in hopes of a more tangible reminder to do what Jesus would. Whoever said/wrote it, I don’t know, but it goes like this (I quote in my own words):

“When people leave a conversation with you, they shouldn’t wonder if you’re a Christian or not. They should KNOW”.

Recently, I was at a public event, and partway through, a mother beside me made a causal comment and I responded in kind. You know, like those, we’re all here watching/participating/laughing at the same thing let’s make a polite random comment to whoever is around.

I don’t remember what she said or what I responded, but it prompted a longer conversation. Very early in, she smiled directly at me and asked, “do you love Jesus?” I was not only surprised at her boldness and inspired, but excited to affirm and see where the conversation would go. Long story short, it ended with her admitting, “I really needed to talk to you today, God knew that, thank you,” and me promising to pray for her.

Now, I couldn’t say if she saw something in me that made her believe I was walking with Jesus, or if she felt prompted to find out for some other reason. Either way, that interaction heightened my awareness of how deeply we can affect others through one short conversation.

Strangers shouldn’t wonder Who we live for. They should know.

BUT…they shouldn’t know because it says it in our bio next to a bunch of cross and heart emojis or because we “defend” our faith daily against people we didn’t know even existed until they showed up in our notifications simply to ragebait.

I don’t know where all this fighting has sprouted from, but it seems like the enemy has appeared on Substack this last month and is trying his best to separate what has been united in peace.

From picking arguments in comment sections, to trying to prove a point that has no point other than to make someone else look bad, it’s happening everywhere.

Friends, defending your faith NEVER means insulting someone to prove that you’re right. NEVER should it involve foul language or hurting others. It’s so sad to see how common this has become the past few weeks all across Substack.

Trust me, you’re not proving your case when you throw disrespect right back in someone’s face, no matter what they’ve said.

Jesus is getting a bad rap. Because of those claiming to follow Him and yet treating others just like the world. Like trash.

I’m not calling anyone out specifically. If you asked me to name one Substack user who’s done these things I couldn’t tell you because honestly, I don’t remember. I couldn’t tell you, because it’s bigger than that.

It’s bigger than one note, one comment, one conversation. Living like Jesus, or NOT living like Him is life itself.

It’s up to YOU to choose HOW you live.

For Him?

Truly for him, even if it means biting your tongue or turning away from your keyboard?

Or “for” Him in your own way that brings only instant gratification when you slap that random user 123456 back in the face?

Jesus turned the other cheek. So should we.

Don’t let the world WONDER who Jesus is and if you know Him. Choose to SHOW THEM.

Let that comment/note/conversation go.

Move on with your day.

Listen to God’s prompting and seek every way to shine HIS light.

IN

EVERY

SINGLE

SITUATION.

Let it go.

And hold on to Jesus.

Join me in praying for the Substack world:

May the hate and chaos disappear and be replaced with shalom.

-LeaRose

Our announcements this month are pretty short. I have a quick reminder that our short story contest opens next month! The theme is graduation. You still have plenty of time if you are just hearing about it now. Please share it around with anyone you think would be interested. It is open to non-subscribers as well. Check out our June announcements for more details.

Thank you to our “sponsors”:

We will see you soon! Hope the holidays go well as they begin to approach.

—

Kenzi Ember

Autumn is here y’all!!! I am SO excited for the leaves to change from green to orange, for pumpkin spice, and cool hikes, festivals, and fairs, rodeos, and cozy sweaters!!! The changing of seasons is a BIG thing for me- I literally redecorate my room with a different theme for spring, summer fall, and winter. Each transition is an opportunity to set new goals, evaluate old ones, start new habits and try new things. I look forward to the seasons and joys they bring, but even more, I relish the current season, finding every way to live each day to its fullest, knowing that it soon will be time to change.

Last night, all I could think about was how I wished this was true in how I view seasons of life. When I said I’ve been experiencing a lot of new things recently, I meant ALOT. I’m a high school senior. And I’m a teenage girl. This means life has mainly been throwing two genres of crazy at me:

1. You need COLLEGE

2. You need a BOYFRIEND

We shouldn’t even need to discuss which one is more important, but considering how I’ve been ranking these two, it might be a good idea.

Let’s face it: October is in 3 days. I should be applying to colleges, planning visits, taking the ACT, researching my planned major, and all the other technical mature things regarding graduation that I probably don’t even know exist.

Well, I have been doing this…

a little…

starting last week…

This is literally my future I am planning out, and I keep putting it on the back burner, in priorities, to-do lists, and most importantly, PRAYER. For what, you may ask?

…

A boyfriend. It’s okay, go ahead and shake your head at me. I know. But I didn’t until yesterday.

Man, I learned a lot yesterday. I don’t know why, but God whispered a lot of little things in my ear and I’m still processing everything. But one nugget that stood out LOUD and CLEAR was about prayer and how I’ve been approaching it.

I’m going to just say it plainly, praying for my future husband, future boyfriends, and that a relationship would bloom soon is something I do every day. Multiple times a day.

Praying about college decisions, seeking where God wants me to be? Maybe happens once a week. And I’m not proud of that.

Now do NOT get me wrong, it is SO SO SO important to pray for future relationships and the people you will meet, weeks, years, decades in advance.

However, praying about the then and not the now has consequences.

Here’s how it showed up in my head last night.

How can I pray for the season I am in now, instead of the season I want to be in?

When I decorate my room for fall, I make a fun to-do list and wake up every morning, excited to go outside and feel the crisp air. I don’t step out the door and immediately think, wow, it’s getting cooler, winter is coming, I think I’ll go make some hot chocolate and listen to Jingle Bell Rock. No, I’m still on pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider and Frank Sinatra.

Recently, in my prayer life, and thought life, I’ve been pulling out the hot chocolate so to speak. I’ve been so focused on the next season I want to be in- a dating relationship- that I’ve failed to seek wisdom regarding the season I am in right now.

Come to think of it, that’s probably why I’ve felt so stressed and unprepared for the college journey. When I fail to seek God, I fail to seek my best interest.

So how do I balance praying for the season I’m in with praying for future relationships/wishes?

I’ll be honest, I’m not 100 percent sure. This is day one of focusing on today’s season and I’m just a newbie to it all. Changing my mindset, realizing where I’ve faltered, is the first step I believe, and I plan to ask God to lead me in seeking wisdom.

It won’t be a flip of a switch in action like it was in my head. And that’s okay. I’m just so grateful God stopped me now and showed me where I’ve been walking on the wrong trail, and I’m ready to accept HIS timing in every aspect of my life.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Today is a season. And tomorrow may be a different one. Only God knows. In His perfect timing, this season will change and another one will open. Until then, I plan to pray so hard that the leaves fall from the trees and my knees wear out the rug.

Friend, wherever you are, whoever you are, I hope you’re praying in this season too.

Happy fall Y’all.

-LeaRose

As in chapter 8, chapter 9 really leans into the Lord of the Rings themes here. Can you figure out which one?

Chapter 9 Preparing for War

Pg 29

The next day everyone was up, yesterdays celabration forgotton, because everyones thought was now on war. The young ones were only being taught magic, learning as much as they could in the short time that was left. Everywhere defense sprang up, people made sure they knew enough magic to help fight, if they only had enough for defense they were put on defense.

Later that afternon the elves came in, there was about a thousand elves, “Lord Elm, thank you for answering the call,” “anytime queen Loriet,” Elm said, “also the huntsman

Pg 30

will be here around dinner time, and they number one hundred.” “Lord Elm this is good news thank you,” Loriet said. A messanger came in, “Queen Loriet it seems that all the animals have moved away because they have family’s and the same with the people.” “Not quite what I wanted but we can do, also please send for Caletane.” Loriet said, the messanger bowed and walked away. Caletane came in, “you called your majesty,” “ah Caletane, will you please tell all the healors to get set up in one big large area, with many

Pg 31

tents, and for them to have all the medicine they need treat over two thousand people.” Loriet said, Caletan bowed and started walking out. “Wait, me and blue rose are skilled in healing, we can help,” White rose said. “Yes please do, Caletane, white and blue rose left.

“Caletane please go get everyone who knows the skills of healing,” “of course white rose.” And he ushed off, “come on blue, to the tents,” “wow,” blue rose breathed it was amazing

Pg 32

sight, blue and green, white and yellow, red and orange, purple and pink, and gold, lights and streamers.

Blue walked through staring at the lights, the white tents glowed in all the lights. “Awesome,” he whispered, white elbowed him, “come on we have work to do.” She snapped her fingures, there was not only gold and blue lights.

Then all the healors got to work prepairing for war.

The anticipation is building.

Reading the above story with the Lothlorien song from Lord of the Rings really pulls out the drama and building tension.

See you next time!

—

Kenzi Ember

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard this phrase in the context of relationships.

From my mom.

Written in a book.

Scribbled on a random sticky note on my wall last year.

In a text from my friend.

Even in the Bible.

I’ve heard, seen, read, and BELIEVED it for so long, that it became just another piece of advice to give and another line to recite when I began to fall.

However, what made the normalization different than any other fading novelty is that the importance of guarding my heart remained strong in my mind while the actual way to live it out blurred together. It became a phrase placed on a high pedestal, never forgotten, and never underpraised, but always from afar. And the worst part was I didn’t even know it. I thought everything was good. Great. Fantastic. All under control.

Until he began to turn into an obsession. He was the heavy weight dominating the scale of my happiness, and when he wasn’t there, everything collapsed.

I barely knew him. But I knew how he made me feel.

I didn’t know if he met my standards. But late at night I told myself there was no way he didn’t because why else would God put me through this?

There wasn’t anything in reality suggesting that there was something more than a casual acquaintanceship. But in my head, we were destined for a slow burn.

It was all in my head. Which, as I’ve been learning, means it was in my heart too.

It only took about a week of me working hard to make sure we crossed paths as many times as possible, fantasizing about how long it would be before he made a move, and texting my best friend daily updates for me to crash.

I had thought I was guarding my heart by taking it slow, not making the first move, and trying to get to know him little by little.

But that was only the physical.

The amount of time I spent thinking and wondering about him added up to hours a day, I’m sure.

In my head, I had built up a relationship, how we would get there, and what we would become.

For sure, on the outside, I was demure, and unassuming. But inside, I was already practically married to this guy.

And I didn’t even know his last name.

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit I didn’t realize how much stock I’d put into the whole idea until someone pointed it out to me.

“LeaRose, you need to take a step back. You need to really think about this.”

They didn’t tell me to take a break. But after some late-night soul searching, I did. I purposefully avoided crossing paths with him for over a week.

That’s when I realized that guarding my heart meant guarding my mind first and foremost of all.

I’ll be honest, I’m still learning.

I’m still struggling.

But one step forward two steps back is better than nothing at all.

Every day I have to CHOOSE to make the conscious decision to turn my thoughts away from him, and toward the moment at hand.

It’s not a physical about-face, but a mental one, and it’s just as powerful as walking away in person.

Even though it’s only been a couple weeks, my scales are so much more balanced.

He may still be a weight effecting my happiness, but he no longer controls my joy.

He is a small dot on my map of my life, but no longer that starred capital.

He holds a page or two in my journal, a daily place in my prayers, but with so much more packed around him, he can sometimes become an afterthought.

And for now, I believe that’s how it’s meant to be.

I’ve already seen a reason why God brought him into my life, and it’s not because we’re meant to be like I had convinced myself before. God has and is using him to teach me what guarding my heart really looks like. And golly, it’s so beautiful.

Maybe we still have a chance together, who knows? I can’t lie, I still wonder, and a part of me still hopes, and that’s okay.

Because I’m not banking on it for my joy any longer.

Will I still cry on the drive home? Maybe. But it won’t last long when I turn my eyes back toward Jesus and the road ahead.

Guarding your heart isn’t just a physical boundary. It’s a mental game, and friend, I encourage you to play with prayer.

Crashing and burning hurts a whole lot more than a slow burn that dies out. Or maybe they’re all the same in the end? I hope from now on, I never find out.

-LeaRose

The first announcement today: will be unable to write for us until the new year. It is up to her how much she shares, but she is participating in a wonderful opportunity! If you are interested in being a guest author during this period, we would appreciate the help. If you are interested in being a more permanent author please don’t hesitate to reach out to .

Secondly: A reminder that our short story contest theme is Graduation. We will open up submissions in November. Please share around!

In response to my May survey, I was requested to share about my Mission Trip. There aren’t many announcements today, so I figured this is a good day to do it. I will do my best to keep it quick, and I don’t want to share too many details as it is a mission trip.

We went to Honduras with a team of 14 from my church. I went with a slight knowledge of Spanish, one of four with any knowledge of the language. I actually understood way more than I was expecting to and was able to communicate well, although nowhere close to fluently.

We arrived Saturday afternoon/evening. Went out to dinner where we enjoyed delicious chorizo and melt in the mouth pork. Sunday, we went to Sunday school, then church, had an American lunch, then we went to evening service, came back and had an American dinner. Everything was in Spanish, so I had a headache by the evening from translating in my head, but I understood the main points of each service and was able to keep up.

Monday, we headed out to the construction site (to build a new school) where we helped out the workers by doing the smaller tasks so they could focus on the more complicated stuff. We paused at lunch and started up a soccer game, which turned into a playful rivalry and became the thing that was done after lunch each day. Tuesday, we went back to the worksite for the full day, and then in the evening we went to the small groups that the church does. It was a sweet time.

Wednesday, we got to bring a craft and visit with the children at the current school. Then we brought food to the workers of the local trash dump. It was eye-opening to see how much I take the luxury I have for granted. We went back to the construction site for lunch and the afternoon. A little after lunch a nearby Catholic school donated boxes of books and two double-sided bookshelves. Given how much I love books, I got to be in charge of putting them on the bookshelves and doing a little bit of organizing. Wednesday evening our team and some of the church people struck up some friendly games of soccer. Thursday, we went back to the site for the morning. Then we went to the school for lunch and then headed to the place we were staying for a restful afternoon, before heading out to a late-night soccer game.

Friday, we got to be tourists. We took some “motor cars” to the top of a mountain, where we got a gorgeous view and some historical facts. Then in the afternoon we explored the local tourist market. I got another keychain to add to my collection, as well as a fun dress. Saturday, we drove to the airport and eventually made it home on Sunday around 1am. Thank the Lord for safety, but there were definitely some unfortunate incidents with delays.

Honduras is known for its coffee so I had a drink called a Granita. It’s the texture of a smoothie, but only has a little sugar, and has a strong coffee flavor and smell. Highly recommend. It was the first coffee I’d had that actually gave me energy, which was interesting.

Our team worked together really well. We did manage to be useful during our time there, and I would highly recommend going to Honduras. The views are gorgeous, the weather amazing, and the need great. Everyone on our team wished we could stay longer. And I look forward to seeing the new school building once it’s finished.

—

Kenzi Ember

Some of them are ready to be shared.

And some of them aren’t.

Some of the ones ready to be shared shouldn’t.

But are shared anyway.

A few are locked up far far away in a land rarely traveled.

Those thoughts are lonely.

Maybe they are the ones that should be shared. The ones that should be but are scared.

Or maybe not…

Perhaps nothing holds the depth in which I believe and half of the hope I have is solely desperation.

I don’t know.

There are a lot of things I don’t know.

Which is why I think.

Every second.

Of every minute.

Of every hour.

Of every day.

24/7.

365.

It’s not something I can change.

And not something I would alter even if I had the chance.

I am never alone with my thoughts.

Millions and billions and trillions circle my universe.

In fact, I wonder if the universe is made of thoughts.

My thoughts.

Your thoughts.

God’s thoughts.

Just a thought.

I don’t really know.

So, I think.

And think

And think

A

N

D

T

H

I

N

K

I think until the ink halts its steady descent from my mind into my fingers.

And that’s how I get here.

Needing to write a post because my name’s scrawled across the schedule.

But having virtually nothing to say.

Yet I’ll always have thoughts.

Circling.

Wondering.

Promising.

Terrifying.

So, I guess it always turns out ok in the end…

-LeaRose

Last chapter I said I pulled a bit of Harry Potter into my writing. Well, this week I went with Lord of the Rings. If you look closely, you’ll spot it. Or will you?

Chapter 8 Celebration and Plans

Pg 25

Everyone went inside where a meal was being made in celabration for Money. That evening, there was, salad, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and so much more. After the dinner there was a ball, (everyone stayed up past midnight,) Dancing, eating, drinking, talking and having fun.

Then later there was music, and Queen Loriet stood up, “Friends, I want to thank Money, for saving us. And I know the party is to continue, but I ask blue and white rose, Money, and my advisors to come with me to a small room for important plans. Thank you.”

Pg 26

Those selected by Queen Loriet followed her into one of the many rooms. “I need suggestions for getting blue’s kingdom back and for getting rid of the crows,” Loriet said. One of her advisors stood up and said, “we should not help, we only need to get rid of the crows, and I don’t see the need to get some random foriegner’s kingdom back!”

All of the sudden, a messengar named jamal came in, “your highness, black rose, has gotten the wolves, all birds that are against us, elephants, rhino’s, tigers, and bears of all kinds, and Bobcats and

Pg 27

Lions!” Queen Loriet turned to the advisor, “you see now how important it is to deafat them?” The advisor nodded. Then Money said, “me and my group can deafat all of the birds, including the crows.” Loriet turned to the messanger, send out more people and find as many people and animals that are loyal to me and bring them here.”

Jamal said, “Immediatly your highness,” Another advisor said, “we should train all that do not know magic as much as we can,” “yes do that,” Loriet said. The advisor left to carry out those plans.

Pg 28

Loriet then said, “the elves, send messanger for the elves, they can take down may of these animals with out help.” Another messanger left. “And the huntsman get them,” yet another messanger left. “Is there anything else I should do? Loriet asked. “You have it covered,” her advisors said, “Now we should all go to bed, queen Loriet please end the ball we need everyone including the servants to be well rested, because we have a lot of work to do tommorow, goodnight,” said white rose and then she and blue rose went to their rooms, and everyon else did to. (The party was Ended.)

What book references did you spot?

—

Kenzi Ember

Lord, please give me patience,

cuz right now I’m waiting

been waiting since morning today.

…

Lord, please give me peace,

keep me from being anxious

about what he will or will not say.

…

Lord, you know my heart,

you read all my thoughts,

you’ve stayed beside me,

my battles you’ve fought

…

I’ve seen the ways that you’re working in me,

answering prayers and taking the lead

…

I will be honest though,

now is the time

I wish control

could somehow be mine

…

Lord, I am waiting for him to reply,

wondering if he will ask more or be dry,

pondering if and what to respond,

wishing I knew what is taking so long

…

Lord help me to trust you with this situation,

let your love and not his be my motivation,

lead him to write back in your sovereign time

continue to make your and my wills align

…

Please put your hand upon all that we say,

help me to take it slowly and to be okay,

if he never replies, and Lord if he does,

show me what to say, not just what I want

…

And lastly Lord, as I sit in my room,

I ask that you would make this friendship bloom,

nourish and grow it in your sovereign plan,

show us your Truth and hold both of our hands,

…

Give us the courage to just be ourselves,

take all things slow, and ask you for help

Lord give me patience for all of these things,

because I am waiting and might overthink.

Amen.

I can’t believe it’s already August.

This is a fun month for many of us! I am headed to college at the end of the month and very excited! How many of you are also headed to college?

School is starting back, which for some is a relief and some not so much. Personally I am ready to have a more scheduled time, and look forward to my first year of college. I’ll probably regret saying that at some point, but for now…

Not too much is going on this month. I am currently on my Mission Trip, I wrote it a little in advance, I look forward to telling you all about it once I’m back!

My short story is starting to come to a close.

Quick reminder that our short story contest is not too far away. We have come up with a fun title that we will release a little in advance. Reminder that the theme is on Graduation, and your story can be between 1,000 and 10,000 words.

Once again, thank you to the following people for sharing this contest! If you’d like to take part, please feel free to reach out to me and I would love to mention you in our next announcement.

Originally, I thought of doing a contest for those who are sharing the SSC. I’m not sure if I should, because I love the involvement, but I don’t want it to become just about numbers. If you would like to do a contest, or see others do a contest, let me know in the comments or DM me.

Thanks for keeping up,

—

Kenzi Ember

I love when this happens. It inspires me to meditate on God’s Word just that much more closely, and when I do, that verse is forever engraved on my heart.

Lately, there has been a dry season in my garden of roses. No fresh blossoms flourished and I wondered if I wasn’t watering properly.

Until one evening, I sat down to bask in the setting sun, and it was not long before I noticed a gently waving flower, whispering me into its realm of beauty.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I have thought of this rose every day since, and more often than not, go back to revisit it when rising storm clouds threaten to overflow.

And today, dear friend, I would like to offer the blessing of this rose to you.

May it encourage you where you are today, remind you of where you came from tomorrow, and forever be the Truth that keeps you standing strong when the winds blow.

“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

-Psalms 94:19

Now only God knows what you need to sow from this.

But here are the seeds He has planted in my heart ever since I stumbled upon this verse.

What this says about God:

Our God is a God who consoles us. When troubles rise, he may not always remove them right away, but he carries us through each storm.

God does not bring us to a neutral state in life. His promises and compassion, His support and His love do not fill our cup to the rim…they flood it till it overflows.

God is the source of joy that remains during trial. No matter what else fails, God never will.

What this means for me:

Joy is a choice…when I choose to give my cares to God, he not only sustains me, but he lifts me up higher than where I’ve been before,

Because joy is a choice, I can choose to make this verse come true in my life. Giving my cares to God frees me to walk in peace and to enjoy the blessings He has and will continue to bestow upon me.

My friend, these are the little flowers that have begun to bloom in my garden, and I gift them to you today, in hopes that this beautiful bouquet will offer a little light where darkness crowds.

May God bless you with roses upon roses as you study His Word and grow closer to Him.

-LeaRose

After having a schedule so full I could barely find time to hang out with friends during the school year, the thought of having a vast expanse of nothing planned for three months was incredibly daunting.

So, what did I do? I filled up my summer as well.

Two weeks of counseling at a summer camp, a theater competition across the country, fundraising for a mission trip, working, prepping for college, three more weeks of camp, a family vacation—

But now, in this current week that I have off, I’ve been reflecting on stillness. On not having something to do. On focusing on spending the extra time that I do have making meaningful connections instead of always thinking of the next task.

Throughout the course of this week, I’ve come to realize that constantly filling my break time with more things to do isn’t good or healthy. And despite feeling incredibly bored for the first day or so, I’ve had time to play games with my family, to catch up with friends, and to just take time to myself - all without worrying about what’s coming next.

And while I certainly can’t do absolutely to do, I also equally need to rest and let myself recharge.

So for those of you who are in a similar situation, here’s a song that I find incredibly helpful whenever I’m tempted to just keep steaming ahead without breaks. Fittingly, it’s called Quiet.

I don′t need to know what comes next

Tomorrow’s in Your hands

I can trust You with my future

′Cause You’re already there

I hear Your voice call me forward

I know I′m not alone, I’m not alone

Away with the distractions, I wanna hear what’s true

The only words that matter, they come from You

I′ll just be quiet

And let You speak through the silence

Here I am, no more hiding

You are in this moment, I won′t fight it

I’ll be quiet

“Quiet” (Acoustic), by Hillside Recording ft. Diana Trout.

Thanks for reading! Until next time.

Abby

But my heart didn’t skip when I heard the news.

Her name is Natalie.

But I didn’t immediately wish she was ugly and rude.

Natalie is moving to Minnesota.

And honestly, I hope long distance works out for them.

Natalie is probably beautiful and sweet and has held Luke’s attention for months.

And honestly, I’m not jealous of them.

My body no longer physically responds. And inside, my heart doesn’t either.

Still a part of me begins to wish I never wrote him those letters,

But I’m glad it helped me through the months.

Still a part of me wishes he never met her,

So all my tears wouldn’t seem so silly when I find out he’s not the one.

Still, I don’t sit here wishing he was mine,

But a part of me still wonders if it will last.

Still, I truly hope he’s good and happy

And honestly, I believe it’s time to put this in the past.

It’s absolutely wild how the pieces have fallen down and fit together.

It could only be God.

Teaching me.

Healing me.

Growing me

Two weeks ago, I said, “I wish Luke would hurry up and get a girlfriend so I could fully let go and that someone else would come along”.

On Tuesday, I met a boy.

My heart skipped.

Something it hasn’t done for anyone else in two years.

TWO YEARS.

He smiled at me.

And now I can’t get it out of my head.

All smiles. No tears.

On Thursday, Luke got a girlfriend.

My body didn’t care.

My heart is working on not caring either.

It doesn’t take much effort.

And honestly, I’m happy for her.

He’s a sweet, strong man, and I hope she treats him well.

I hope she enjoys standing to the side with him and watching everybody else dance because he’s the quiet type who’d rather whisper a joke in the dark than risk being laughed at.

And I love that for him.

For her.

But not for me.

I need a man who starts the dance down the store aisle instead of ends it.

I need a man who two-steps while carrying boxes for a stranger and screams his lungs out to his teammates like who cares.

I need a man who brightens my sparkle and doesn’t shadow it.

I think that boy could have a chance.

He two-steps and he bounces and he laughs while he yells.

But he doesn’t even know my name.

And that’s okay.

I hope that’s not how it’s going to stay.

But I’m not going to try and make it my way.

Natalie, if I ever meet you, I hope I get to tell you the beauty of the lesson your boyfriend taught me, even though he doesn’t know.

I am the treasure.

God is my love.

I don’t do the chasing.

I pray to above.

My plan is not always God’s.

And I’m glad it’s that way.

If it’s truly meant to be,

I just need to be open and watch God make him stay.

Here I am Lord, come near me, I’m waiting on you

Not Luke, and Rowan, not a future “I do”

Shower me with the truth of your love,

I praise you for being my more than enough

If it be your will that I befriend this boy

Work it in your timing, help me not to be coy

It’s all in your hands and I’m glad to admit

I’m standing here free, not worried about it.

-LeaRose

I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July. I had several activities going on!

I had youth from my youth group at my house on July 3rd and then did fireworks with my city. I watched Enola Holmes 3 with friends later that evening (Where are my fellow fans?). I won’t spoil it, although later on I may write a review post, I did quite enjoy it. The first two are much better, but it is a decent end to the story.

I want to remind you all about our current short story contest. Open to subscribers and the general public. I want to thank the following blogs and friends for coming alongside us and helping make this open to as many people as possible. Thank you:

( )

I know November and December still seem so far away, they are still four to five months away. I hope many of you can write a short story, we love reading the stories each year.

Our theme this year is graduation. See our June Announcements for more details. Feel free to expand as suites you best.

June Announcements

I am headed to college in the fall! Very excited about that. I did want to reassure you all that I will not be slacking in my posting. I have scheduled the rest of my short story and have a new series I will be starting in the New Year. There will not be a shortage of posts. and will still be continuing to post as well!

If you have any interest in being a guest author for us, please reach out to me. We’d love to get more writers involved with our blog, and the space of having someone else post one week is a relief. Thank you for being our most recent guest author.

We are also interested in getting another full-time writer to help out. Please reach out to me if you are interested.

That’s all I have for today! (Except for the poll down below).

—

Kenzi Ember

P.S. Enola Holmes fans let me know who you are in the comment sections

Reflections from a Fractured Garden welcomes back and the poem: Fare Thee Well.

.

Fare Thee Well

Bright hope for the future

Just appearing over the horizon.

Dashed, without any hope of cure,

Resulted in a resounding yet silent din.

.

Left me standing here lonesome and alone,

Without any clue why this came to pass.

Oh! why the pain with these groans?

This pain hurts and holds me fast.

.

Why no answers? Why the coldness?

Is there no grace for a second chance?

Days filled only with despair and sadness—

Maybe I asked too much of a friend.

.

Saw it disappearing as a sunset with dimming lights

Soon, dark shadows began to form

And with them came the dark night,

Then silence came, and I could bear this no more.

.

Our path separated at the crossroad without a sigh

And never did we look back since that day.

You chose your path; I chose mine

“Fare thee well” is all I have to say.

- -

Serenity W.

Are you interested in being our next guest writer? If so, please reach out to Kenzi Ember using the button below.

I feel like I say this a lot, but life is busy. But when I say that today, I mean BUSY. Now that I have my license, my confidence has been growing, and I’ve begun to spread my wings and venture out into the big world. One accomplishment (like driving somewhere I’ve never even been remotely near with only Google Maps riding shotgun) raises my confidence and leads to exploration of another adventure.

In May, I got a job.

Then I started my dual enrollment summer classes.

Next came ACT prep which I was NOT in fact prepared for and had to add to my already changing schedule.

In June, I joined a gym.

I got a second job.

I learned how to use Google Maps which expanded my freedom.

I made plans with friends and squeezed that in around work and school.

I’ve had tests to study for, and tests to take, assignments to stress about and mom-assignments past due.

I’ve had parties to go to, and pool days to plan, family commitments, and a younger sister to encourage and cheer for at her swim meets.

And then it almost all came crashing down,

Because I found a boy.

I never even said hello. But I wanted him all the same.

I cheered for him at every race. But I didn’t tell him my name.

I never knew if I’d see him again. But then the opportunity came.

and I have to make that decision-

do I prioritize my school and work,

or spread my wings and venture out again?

I was today-years old when I realized the answer was neither.

I’m done making decisions based on a boy I barely know.

I’m done spending hours reliving a conversation that almost was or planning one that could be.

I’m done begging God to just “make it happen” and I’m done taking the wheel and yanking it the way I want it to go.

I’m done crashing and burning on the side of a road as the traffic whizzes by to places I could’ve been if I’d just slowed down and let Jesus take the wheel.

Buying a new car is hard on the bank account.

Buying a new heart is impossible.

So, I’m done being the driver.

I’m ready to be the passenger.

I’m done being the chaser.

I’m ready to be the treasure.

I’m done choosing the road that I think leads to him.

I’m ready to walk the road along with HIM.

Will I wake up tomorrow, wishing I could make it happen?

Probably.

But will I get out of bed with a plan?

No.

I will rise with a prayer.

I will rise with a surrender.

And I will rise with joy.

When June 30th comes, I’ll be so focused on the scenery right here and now, and my eyes fixed on the Man in the driver’s seat, I might not even notice that boy.

But maybe God will.

And maybe that boy will notice me.

I’m not worried about it.

Just wishing.

Hoping.

Praying.

Surrendering.

Until then,

-LeaRose

It has been a while since the last chapter, but here is chapter 7!

This chapter feels a little more random, but I do enjoy what I was trying to do with it.

For those of you who have read or watched Harry Potter I think I tried something from a certain scene in the last book in here.

I would love to know what you think of the chapter!

Let’s get into it.

Chapter 7 Escape

Pg 21

That night ten fairys left fairy land, under the protection of night, and flew to blue roses prison in garden land. The flew around checking the defense. Then they landed, Money flew threw the bars, “blue rose?” he asked, blue rose came into view, “yes,” “we are going to get you out,” “thanks, but you cannot get out and they, the other fairys cannot hear us, but the connection is broken only if you have someone out there, put a hand through and pull you through.” Money immediatly tried what blue rose suggested, and it worked. Money along with the other fairys combined their power and evaporated the wall, and blue rose stepped out. Five of the fairys

Pg 22

gave him wings, so that he could fly with them. They then took off into the air, after they had flown almost to the edge of the land, they heard cawing. “Come on go as fast as you can drop him off at the palace and warn the queen, and five of you come with me, we are going to make sure they don’t get blue rose, go, go,” Money shouted. The group split up, going as fast as they could. The crows could not tell which group had the prisoner, so they split up, following each group. The group with out blue rose led the crows a merry dance and finally the crows flew

Pg 23

back to garden land. Money then took his group back to fairy land. While Money flew his direction blue rose flew to fairy land, and they warned, Queen Loriet, she then summoned all the fairys and they started the defense using their power, when blue rose saw white rose helping he said, “I thought only fairys could do that,” “ya well I am part fairy,” she replied. “Also because I married you, you are also paart fairy, so get helping,” “okay.” Then the crows flew into the barrier there was a loud noise, and some of the birds were killed, others just stunned.

Pg 24

The crows then all looked at their leador, he started flying around and then let forth a burst of power from his wings.

White rose gasped, “its Lacraw, the crow that was born with fairy power.” “Oh that makes so much sense,” “this is not time to be sarcastic blue rose.” White rose shouted then sighed with relief, “Money is coming,” everyone cheered with relief. Money defeated the crows, except for Lacraw, who left and flew back to garden land. Vowing to get even with Money. But Money just laughed and said, “yes you will come back with your gaurd.”

See you later for chapter 8!

—

Kenzi Ember