When people ask me what do you do? I mention the fact I am a Mom of 4, I've been married going on 23 years, and my greatest hobbies are photography and blogging. I'm a girl easily entertained by the aweness of God, so I probably spend just as much time and energy watching dolphins, sunsets, people-watching, studying/reading, learning, sipping on my coffee watching the clouds take their funny forms, and put animals in front of me...hours of delight, especially a horse, oh they are beautiful! Did I mention Pinterest surfing?!? It's why I own a staple gun and super-glue! I find just about everything picture worthy! Thank God for digital cameras!! 500 pictures for one event is enough right? (lol)
I have been blogging and Facebooking since 2009. It was birthed out of a huge face plant before the Lord who graciously extended His hand and showed me His heart for me. For years people have said to me "You should write a book...You should write a devotional...You should share your testimony more." I have felt this too deep down in my heart, along with facilitating small retreats where real connections are made...But there are soooo many already published devotionals and wonderful speakers, women's ministry leaders, retreat leaders...Who do I think I am to "compete" with them? Who do I think I am to even possibly fit into a public ministry? What could I possibly say that hasn't already been said? Besides, I am so shy and nervous in front of others, my face turns red as Rudolph's nose and my heart pops around like a pan of popcorn. So, here in my own private little world, I blog, share, talk and retreat. I do not have published articles. I do not have published books. I do not have a 2016 Speaking Schedule, which...what a relief. I am not searching for a review of my newest book where I am sure to find all the red marks highlighted for all to see. But one day...for the sake of spreading His great Love, Redemption and Hope...maybe starting today, I will reach another discouraged soul and turn her towards Living Hope!! He is right there!! He is waiting!! God, give us Your eyes to see and hearts to feel!
My husband is quick to jump into my introductions, "She's an awesome Encourager, Writer and Photographer!! You should see her stuff. Go to her blog. Read her Facebook." Red faced, heart popping, I smile shaking my head, rolling my eyes and write down the address. I am not one to like the attention and am happy to let the spotlight be on my outgoing husband or one of my cute kiddos, however, God is asking me now to move out of the shadows a little more and give Him a little more Light. You may be one of those new friends, let me say Hello and Thanks for stopping by to take a lookie-see. You will not find in here some prophetic word, deep theological studies, words worthy of memorizing. What I do hope you find is encouragement. Whether you are an "old" Believer, new Believer, whether you are on fire for the Lord serving Him already or if you are the one worn out and one step away from thinking you're gonna break...may you find God's heart message to you through mine.
For those that really know me, you know I am shy by nature, conservative vs being a risk-taker, anxious and cautious, and I have struggled most of my life with the feeling of less than or inadequacy. I don't compare to anyone, there's not that much to compare truthfully. My life is simple, quiet and full of failures, fears...and faith! Faith that turns quickly into a passion for worship, seeking God's heart daily, and loving others through practical help and encouragement in His Name. I'm not a missionary. I am not on staff at a church. I am just a girl who desires to encourage others into their own walk Where Faith Is. We cannot live by logic. We must live by Love and I simply want to share that Love!
I have lived most of my life fearful of failure and others finding out how little there is about me, and yet today, I desire more than life itself, to share my heart and the Hope I have found in Christ Jesus with others. My fear is disappointing God by not trusting Him enough to carry me through the rejection of others, and less about being perfect.
I know my life is not about me and my issues rather I pray my life is a testimony of God's grace, strength, power and satisfaction. He is my most intimate relationship, worthy of all my praise. I have found that the trials in our lives are not to punish us, but to push us to the place we ought to be, be it greater faith, courage, humility, compassion towards others.
My imperfect life is gathered and held together by an amazing perfect God who makes my heart pop with gladness and joy! Fear is a thorn in my flesh, but God is my Healing strength. Inadequacy belittles me yet my precious God lifts me up higher. I look in the mirror and see a red-faced, big ear, big nose girl with not much to offer anyone else, but then God shows up and I see His red blood that covers me. I see His heart that pops for me!
Be encouraged, you are not alone in your journey. God is ready to use your mess, your shyness, your loudness to show off His glorious Love!! Go Where Faith Is!!!
"One day He got into a boat with His disciples, and He said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.
And they went and woke Him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even winds and water, and they obey Him?" Luke 8:22-25
"Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:8b
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