Voyage With Purpose: A Wayfinder's Journey

 After years of writing here, I finally took a brave step and published a book on Amazon!

Having been obsessed with the movie Moana since it came out and writing entirely too many words about it, I decided to condense my thoughts and published a devotional with the truths that God taught me through that movie.

Have you ever felt a quiet stir within—a call to something more, even when everything around you tells you to stay put? In Voyage with Purpose, I invite you on a transformative journey inspired by a beloved story. Through fourteen compelling devotionals, you’ll explore powerful truths about discovering your true calling, overcoming doubt, embracing grace for your imperfections, and recognizing the quiet strength in steady support.

More than just a story of adventure, this book is a guide to navigating life's unpredictable waters—from calm shores to raging storms—trusting that God is your ultimate Wayfinder. Learn to see beyond the surface, recognize your own inherent worth, and become a restorer of hearts in a world hungry for healing. It's time to remember who you were always meant to be and set sail on the purpose God has for you.

Here is the link to purchase it:

Voyage With Purpose: A Wayfinders Journey

For All The Prodigals (and those that love them)

This post is written to both the prodigals running from God, and to those who love the prodigals.  It is not directed at any one person, but is a response to a heaviness on my heart for all those who are standing for their marriages, and it is my hope that you can gain a better understanding of what may be going on in the heart and mind of your lost one.

All of Me

While at work last week, while I had Google music shuffling, I heard Matt Hammitt's "All of Me."  I shot Kris a quick chat, to share with him how grateful I was that we were together, and tears welled up in my eyes and I had to just say "I love you.  I can't talk about this right now."  I was at work, and I have only been there three months, so a complete meltdown at my desk may not be a good sign of emotional stability!

Then the next day, as I was sitting in my van, reading an e-book about sex of all things, I found myself on the brink of tears.  I can't explain why that should move me to tears, and as I tried to understand what I was feeling, the closest I could come was that perhaps I was just grateful once again for Kris and everything that God has done in our marriage these last 10+ months.

This week I have received several emails of encouragement, where women have heard or read my story and are finding hope.  So, while sometimes some may consider what I share to be too much, I know that I am doing what is right, what God has called me to.

The question of why

I've been hearing the same question over and over again lately. 

Why?

Why do I have to wait?

Why is this so hard?

Why can't my marriage just be whole again, NOW?

Why would I have to wait for years for God to do what I have been asking for?

Making new memories

Last night began a 24 hour birthday celebration for my husband, Kris.  A few days ago, I told him that I couldn't even remember what we did last year for his birthday.  He responded, with a sad look in his eyes, "I do."  It was then that I remembered we had spent the evening with friends that he would rather forget.  It brought to the forefront of my mind all of my sin and shame, as I remember WHO it was that had shared his birthday with us.  So ever since then, this thought of making new memories has been on my mind.

Whatever You're Doing...

Today is a hard day.  I can't explain it fully, because I am not even sure I understand it myself.  It started yesterday, and I really feel like it is God pressing down on my heart.  There is something He wants me to see.  Something He wants me do.  And I don't know how to do it.  I mean, I've been doing it for nine months, as I have been drawing close to God, but I can tell that He wants something more.

He wants me to pray.  More than I have been.

It may not seem like much to you, but what He wants me to pray for is crazy. 

Okay, maybe "crazy" is a little extreme.

For two days, I have felt this heavy weight on me.  Yesterday, as I thought through it all, the enemy was quick to attack.  I had a really difficult drive home from work last night.  Different thoughts and memories came flooding into my mind.  The enemy was whispering, "Go ahead.  Indulge.  Just a little.  Remember." 

I was screaming inside, "I DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER!  It's too horrible.  What I did was so shameful."

Honored

Since I started this blog ministry in September, I have been blessed so much by the many devoted men and women I have met (virtually anyway).  People committed to God, to marriage, to offering hope to a broken world.  One of those people I am growing closer to is a woman named Sherry, who manages with her husband (and I believe one other couple) a site called Intentionally Yours.  The subtitle on this website is "Until every home is a godly home" and I just love that.  What a great goal to have for a marriage ministry!

Communication Skills

To some, communication is a dreaded word.  Feared even.  To others, who are practicing it regularly, it can sometimes just seem a minor inconvenience.  I would love to find the person who tells me that communication is EASY.  I'm not just talking about spewing forth your feelings in a raging outburt, with no thought for how the words will be taken by the hearer.  I'm curious if there are any COUPLES specifically that think that communication is the easiest part of their marriage.  For most of us, I would venture that communication in and of itself is the most difficult aspect of making a marriage work.  Kris and I can communicate left and right.  Especially on the little things, or even spiritual matters.  Even about our past.

Looking back

There is something to be said for looking back and reflecting on your life.  As I look back over 2012, I am both horrified and humbled by events that have taken place in my life.  Early in the year, I made a choice that I have yet to regret.  I came home.  It has been quite the journey, and even though there have been rough patches, I am blessed beyond measure.  My heart belongs to a man who truly loves me, just as I am.  He loved me when I was at my worst, when I was most unloveable.  He has sought to strengthen our marriage and make sure that I am taken care of, spiritually and emotionally (on top of financially).  We have had the best ten months together, learning how to be better spouses, and honor our marriage vows to one another.

Christmas Traditions

Each year, in order to fill our Christmas tree, we pick out an ornament that suits us, or describes who we are or what we like through the year.  Many of you who have followed my writing for sevearl years know of this tradition, and you know that each year I post pictures of our chosen ornaments.  It isn't just Kris and I choosing 6 ornaments   We choose our own, and since they have been old enough to care (age 3 and up), the kids have chosen their own.  So, consider this my annual post on our 2012 Christmas ornaments.  This is my favorite Christmas tradition of all time!  I hope my children have fond memories of this and continue it with their own families some day.