A Smackeral Of Life

I feel like most of my blogs have been about waiting. I’m convinced that I do a lot of waiting because God knows I need as much practice with patience as I can get! He’s always trying to teach me something new with every season of life, and every season of life consists of a pause. I guess I know I’ve been waiting for a while this time, but it has been different for me. Somehow, in my weak human state, I’ve been able to surrender more to Him as time has gone on. Every step I thought He was pushing me towards would only end in two more steps back, until I came to where I am now. I took the picture below today while on a walk, and it made me think of where I am. Sometimes, we feel that in order for God to use us, we need to prepare for it. Don’t get me wrong, having a relationship with Him, praying to Him, reading His word. This is all amazing! And should be done as often as possible. But, there is no amount of work we as humans can do to “prepare” ourselves for what God has in store. Y...

When people say the word home, they associate it with a house built on dirt somewhere. Rooms filled with trinkets and pictures hung on the wall. A soft bed to call their own and all the comforts they need to enjoy life shoved into a square building with a roof. That’s home.  But me, I’ve found that home is so much more than 4 walls. I’ve found that my home is where my heart is. People, states, different countries even.  It’s both hard and amazing to have your home in multiple places.  We left home a few days ago. And by that I mean we left our boat down in The Keys. A place introduced to me 3 years ago, a place that has captured my heart from the very first day. So many friends, so many amazing memories and opportunities, an even more amazing church and church family. This is home. Every winter for the past 3 years it’s been home. And although I know we will be returning in the fall I can’t help but feel my heart break a little bit as we pull away.  Don’t ge...

I haven’t blogged since November of last year, and to be honest it’s because I’ve been stuck on what to write. Nothing and yet everything has happened all at once! I’ve quit two jobs, moved onto the boat with my family, been traveling the U.S. (currently enjoying the weather in the Florida Keys!) and I’ve also been on a journey that’s been tougher than I thought. The journey of continued healing, and continued growth. So, as you can see, it’s hard to choose what to write about! But tonight I felt called to share this little story I was given as I listened to worship music on our fly bridge this evening. So, here’s a spotlight of one of the many places I’m at in life right now. “I sit still huddled against the captains chair. I’m not even in the chair, I’ve become so frightened that I’ve sat down with my knees pulled closely to my chest. My clothes, now soaked, cling tightly to me and my hair is blown to and fro by the powerful wind. I know this storm. It’s one I’ve rode through befor...

 I’m not one to get into politics on social media, honestly, I’m the last person. It confuses me too much and I don’t have any desire to start anything with anyone, for fear they may confuse me more. But, that is not what this blog is going to be about. This blog is going to be about the ads put out during this time of year. So, hear me out before you slide your screen over and swipe this page up. We as people urge acts of kindness every single day. It’s expected of us as children, it’s expected of us as adults. To have respect for our fellow human beings, to show them kindness in our differences, and to be an example for the generations that follow us has been ingrained in our heads since we said our first word. “No! Don’t pull your sisters hair! That’s not nice!” “No, we do not name call in this house! It’s unkind and hurts peoples feelings!” “The customer is always right, treat them with respect.” “You need to be a good example for the new employees coming in, so please respec...

Do you know how mother eagles teach their babies to fly? It's quite a painful process really, and if I were a baby eagle I would probably be scarred for life! But, there is some genius behind it. It starts out fairly normal, the mother eagle makes an extravagant nest full of feathers and comfort just for her babies! The eggs lounge around in this comfy bed until they hatch, and then the baby eagles get to enjoy the comfort for a little while. After some time spent amongst the cuddly feathers and other eagles, the mother begins to remove feathers every day. Little by little she removes them until the nest becomes unbearable to sit in. The babies venture over to the side of the nest and peer out into the vast skyline before them. Then, they do the unthinkable, they jump. With no skill, no experience, no lessons, they just use all of their strength and jump right out of their cozy little nest. And, they fall, then they fall some more, and then they keep falling, until they are so clos...

I've been wanting to write so badly lately, but I've been afraid to. Mainly because what I want to write is something so vulnerable about myself that I'm afraid to just be honest and put it out there. So....wanna know the truth? Okay, here goes.  I'm not okay.  I haven't been for a few weeks now. Every night is a struggle for sleep. Every day is a battle to get off my phone in the morning (which helps me zone out) and get out of bed. I've been striving so hard in life right now to find joy. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad in my life. I'm continuing to grow and walk with The Lord, I have two jobs, and I have amazing friends that I spend my time with. But lately all of those things have just given me a "temporary high." Once I'm out of bed in the morning I feel better, and when I'm in The Word I'm soaking it up. When I'm with friends I'm smiling and laughing and genuinely enjoying my time with them! But take tha...