Do you know what real peace feels like? Have you ever been fully immersed in its swallow? Maybe you do... maybe you have... or maybe it’s something you desperately long for (me!), but yet it feels so out of reach in a life tainted with sin, surrendered to busyness, influenced by flawed people, and pressed on by expectations and agendas. It’s true, the world is messy. Our lives are too. And, the hope of peace gets crushed by the weight of its imperfections. Friends, God is peace. The ... VIEW POST

I. Am. Tired. Boy, have I said THAT before. (Eye roll at self.) Once again, an overcrowded schedule (I allowed) led me to the latest hour of the night, only to wake in a sleepy stupor and greet my day full of commitments with a numb “how-will-I-piece-this-together-again” stare. I’ve worn out my favor requests and I bet even God is over hearing my same ole grumble. Shoot, what I really want to do right now is drop everything… and run. Escape to a peaceful place where troubles are slim and ... VIEW POST

I’m a BEACH GIRL. 100%. Anyone else??? And do you know my favorite thing about it? Well, besides the soothing sounds of repetitive waves gracefully falling against crystal white sand… and the wonder of the massive blue-green abyss that opens my soul to receive all the majesty the scene has to offer...  My fondest appreciation, when the clouds make way, is “the light,” direct from above, that touches the surface of my skin, grazes my eyelids, and finds its way to the center of my soul. ... VIEW POST

STRUGGLE. Let’s be honest… we are ALL struggling to some degree. Maybe a lot… maybe a little. Is it worry? Frustration, loneliness, disappointment, sadness, or lack of purpose you feel? Maybe a collision of all the emotions???  And I hate to be so blunt, but sometimes our circumstances find their way through choppier currents before they sail upon smooth waters. Oh, but friends... blessed is the one who lets GOD into these desperate spaces of life. Where voids are deep and ... VIEW POST

Stuck in the monotony of life. I found myself there one afternoon, and battled with the all-to-familiar internal grumble as text messages flew in. From my sister and parents, both from beautiful places I abruptly became aware that I’d “rather” be. Luscious green golf course views on a brilliantly colored spring day, followed by beach scenes from mom and dad on a carefree getaway in one of my favorite vacation spots.  I wanted everything I saw. Everything “else.” And that was ... VIEW POST

Overwhelmed? Have you ever taken on too much? Maybe now? But then you ask yourself, what can possibly go... right? I feel the serious need for a bit more margin in my life, but God, “what in the WORLD would you possibly want me to give up?!” It all looks so “good,” so “serving,” so “for YOU,” and for “your people.” I’ve made commitments… and they NEED me. Beyond that, they need the “best” of me. But my best is gone.  Isolated from the world in the comfort of my bedroom, I allow secret ... VIEW POST