Taking back Eden

Today has been one of those days when you find yourself aware of the pain all around you. Like Scarlett O'Hara trudging through the town streets of Atlanta, casualties of war crying and dying as far as the eye can see. The hem of her gown stained with blood; some her own, most belonging to others. Cut off from the living vine she had no courage or strength to face the destruction of the enemy. She had nothing to offer the desperate. Hopelessness turned to fear and caused her to seek escape.

The scene remains the same for the Believer. Yet Christ provides courage and compassion to stay and minister to those in need. Praying for the eyes of Jesus awakens your senses; your stomach sours from the stench of the devil and your eyes burn with tears for the view, but your hands can feel the beauty of Eden.

Our great enemy continues his assault on God's Creation by hurling bombs of destruction; Illness, divorce, abandonment, abuse and rejection. The wounds found after the smoke clears from tragedies like these run deeper than we realize. People respond differently to their bleeding. Some simply use band aides. Many try to hide their injuries by masquerading. Countless, sadly, cause thier bleeding to continue by picking at their wounds; re injuring themselves through repetitive thought and sharing the offense. Their speech is to the discerning wails of one in pain.

Though hearts, minds and bodies are battered in this spiritual war the greatest injury is to the soul. The tearing of God from man's presence through sin - like an amputation - causes a spiritual hemorrhage. Though God offers healing, few call upon the Great Physician, and the streets are filled with lost, dying souls. It wasn't meant to be this way. We were not created in the image of God to soak the ground with our sweat and tears...and blood. We were fashioned with great care to be more than we can behold...we were created to behold Almighty God.

Created in the image of God who is Spirit, our well runs deeper than flesh and beyond our comprehension. Continuing with Oswald Chambers' devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, I am blessed with insight to this mystery of ourselves. Oswald states, "But, my God, my soul has horizons further away than those of early mornings, deeper darkness than the nights of earth, higher peaks than any mountain peaks, greater depths than any sea in nature," (January 9).

David had it right when he proclaimed we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," (Psalm 139). When we seek to be healed we must apply the power of God to Spirit and flesh; give our selves over completely. The blood of Jesus is the balm for our conscious selves; conscious, subconscious and unconscious. When we take our wounds to the Lord his healing reaches the depths we can not fathom. His Holy Spirit speaks to the Father about our hidden needs and unknown desires. This is the comfort of the believer in this life; Complete and lasting healing provided by eternally wounded hands.

This is not so for those outside communion with God through salvation in Christ. Their souls have no hope for restoration, their flesh no peace in pain. The enemy distorts a man's view of the good of embracing Jesus. He, the father of lies whispers his poisonous thoughts, and though heads turned but for a moment, Eden was lost. God's gift of peace and harmony stolen from us all.

But, we can recover part of the garden experience. In order to take back lost territory we must unleash the Creator in our being. The one who knit us together knows our secret places; the cracks and crevices where sin tries to hide to decay us from within. We must free the Holy Spirit to search us through and through and cleanse us. Our minds must be renewed and our hearts purified before we will see our spirit soar in the midst of adversity.

Let us not delay to get on our knees and cry out to God for our healing. Lord we pray you will heal our minds, heal our hearts and heal our bodies. Restore Eden to our spirits that we can walk fearlessly with you as Adam and Eve once did in the garden.

Life upon the Altar

I see the image clearly. The aged, old man with a staff in one hand, and the hem of his garment in the other as he ascends the hill. Resolved he sets his gaze upon the summit and trudges on. The wind tosses and tangles his beard and hair while the rocky, sloped terrain bites at his callused feet. Nothing deters him; not even the tearing of his own heart. Step after step he climbs the mount in the early morn,as dawn crowns it's peak with golden splendor.

The tale of Abraham's ascension sparks a bit of terror in me; how upon the hilltop he built an altar to sacrifice his son Isaac unto the Lord. I sometimes wonder if God will symbolically ask the same of me? I am certain, on my own, I could never raise a knife to my son. Yet, each time I sit and ponder this story God illuminates another aspect; the state of Abraham's heart and the value he placed on his relationship with the Lord.

On the surface we see a powerful example of a man obeying the directions of his God. The Lord told Abraham what must be done and Abraham did as instructed. still there are elements of the experience that should speak to us as well.

Abraham did not waiver in his response, he acted. The idea that such a serious request was made of Abraham and he did not tarry in response-hoping for an alternate plan-says he knew the direction came from God. To have the confidence it was God's voice we learn Abraham must have had regular communication with the Lord.

To have fellowship with the Lord one must live righteously. God is not moved to speak if we will not listen, obey or seek relationship with Him. Therefore we can surmise that Abraham lived seeking his Creator and worshiping Him through a life of holy living. This impresses me because Abraham lived righteously without written laws, such as Moses and the Israelites, and without the teachings of Christ or the Holy Spirit. God's ways were somehow impressed upon his heart and his observance encouraged intimacy between them.

Knowledge and understanding of God as Creator we are told was made evident to man in the creation. Still, Abraham's faith would have been anchored in his experience of the Lord. The trust produced through daily dependency no doubt fueled his journey and climb.

But there is more. What of Isaac? When the altar was built and the offering remain hidden from his view...how is it he was bound and laid upon the stone? The bible doesn't grant us access to these details. Yet I believe there can be only two possibilities; Isaac was either weakened physically (knocked out), so his aged father could bind him or he, like Jesus, willingly offered his life in obedience to his father as his own act of worship. (Isaac's father would have been a power daily example of righteousness.) I believe it was the latter. In this case binding Isaac may symbolize the act of binding Abraham and his son's will in submission to the Almighty's.

On the hilltop that day I see two fathers and two sons. Abraham in this story mirrors the role of God and Isaac is cast as Jesus. This is evident to me with the ram suddenly discovered as Abraham raises his knife. The ram's horn is caught in the thicket or thorny shrub...perhaps the first crown of thorns.

Obedience is indeed a lesson in this story. However, I believe the root message is on being a living sacrifice. We are called to offer our lives to the Lord; to live each day in the spirit of sacrifice; dying to self and engaging in the will of the Father. When I read Genesis 22 I witness a life lived to glorify God.

The chapter highlights the concept of worship. Living a life of obedience is an expression of love an act of worship. Again, I note Abraham's eagerness to do as the Lord commanded. He was eager to honor God regardless of his pain. Yes, a sacrifice took place upon the mount but I suggest the real sacrifice in this story was in every step Abraham took to reach and climb the mountain.

I see worship in every act. Abraham took it upon himself, though he had servants, to cut the wood necessary for the burnt offering. Abraham takes out with his son and two servants without knowing where the Lord will lead them. We are told it was three days later that God revealed to Abraham the exact location. Remarkably, Abraham continues his worship by expressing his faith in the Lord's provision to his inquisitive son. Though torn, his purpose remained focused...he would honor God. I believe this is evidence that God's presence in his life was Abraham's greatest joy. What else would motivate a father to endure this journey?

This to me is what Paul was encouraging believers to mirror in Romans; "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship,"(12:1).

God's word tells us "To obey is better than sacrifice,"(1Samuel 15:22).
The Law had many purposes. One of which to teach us the habit of obedience. Stipulations were a plenty in temple worship and sacrifice. The rituals observed there were carried out with hypersensitivity and reverence, yet, it was the worship through obedience that I believe was the pleasure of the Lord.

With every step Abraham took to get nearer to God his Maker was glorified. God knew the surging pain his request had inflicted upon his child. How his heart must have swelled from the faith, hope and love which dwell ed in Abraham's bosom: these prompting him to live each day abandoned to the will of his Father.

The Master's Studio a poem

The Master’s Studio

Oh let me come again and again
to the Master’s studio,
to take my place upon His stand,
where restoration flows.
I seek so much his precious touch
to move about my form,
and wipe away impurity
that’s left me quite deformed.
His holy hands mold my heart,
holding tight that I not slip.
His eyes reflect to me a sight,
the beauty he sees me with.
No greater love will I find
beyond these sacred doors.
My God, My Love, My Savior’s touch
both cleanses and restores.
how I want the world to see
the product of our time,
see His trace upon my face,
his image now refined.
No limit of his grace is found.
His mercies longer still.
With great care He tends to me,
my God ordains His will.
I content to watch Him work,
eager to be transformed,
work hard to hold my new shape,
that he may be adored.
I pray one day I will come
and move to take my place.
His outstretched arms reach for me,
a smile upon His face.
words my heart longs to hear,
will echo in my ears
Making sense of all the hours
spent struggling with Him here
“No longer will we labor child,
it’s time to take you home.
No need to climb upon the block,
it's finished. Our work is done.
Your deeds show your heart is good.
In you I see my Son.
Those who know you best have seen
the two of us are one,
Behold now the life you’ve lived,
see the wake you’ve left behind:
The beauty of a faithful child
who lived daily at my side.”
Tracy L. Frazier

The Master's Studio

There are times when a gripping fear takes my breath away and I for an eternal minute doubt my security in Christ. The enemy is crafty and though his ways are not new he has perfected his tricks. In a moment of weakness and vulnerability even the saved can fear being lost if only for a second.

Our spiritual bodies are greatly blemished and sometimes deformed. We are all subject to the decay of sin. Still, we are not forgotten in our struggle. Our great and glorious Creator is not finished with us. When we remain submissive to the Holy Spirit's lead and seek the Potter's touch these unformed spirits of ours have hope in the love and kindness of our Master's hand.

Trust keeps us coming back to His studio. Day after day dousing ourselves with the Living Water to keep our spirits moist and pliable. The work is messy but through it a kingdom of saintly vessels emerge.

How grand to be transformed from a solid clump of dirt (full of myself) to an empty vessel filled with the Living God. I am speechless.

God did not leave us defenseless to the devil's schemes. He has lovingly and graciously provided weaponry in His Word and strength in His Holy Spirit that dwells within every believer to defeat doubt of our salvation. The book of Hebrews has much to say to encourage and inspire Christians. Chapter Four reminds us that we have a Creator who knows our struggles intimately for through Jesus our God suffered the same. Thereby we have a high priest who sympathizes with us. Chapter six tells us God is just with his children and remembers our work. Here we also find God's statement of faith, testimony to His unchanging nature and his inability to lie. Chapter ten declares Christ's sacrifice, once and for all, is our security from heaven. Through Christ's blood alone we find salvation and only through repentance. We are encouraged not to "throw away" our confidence for "it will be richly rewarded," (Hebrews 10:35 NIV). In chapter eleven we are told faith is our key to unlocking the gate and entering intimacy with Jesus.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him," (Hebrews 11:6).

However, faith does not bring about transformation on its own. We must surrender through faith to the Master in order to become the MASTER'S PIECE He has purposed us to be. Chapter twelve warns us of the love in God's discipline which can feel like a chisel on our form. Oh, but we must trust the Creator's hand which is steady and sure. We must respect His eye for design and thereby stand firm upon the block.

Finally, God assures us that when we humble ourselves and give ourselves over to his craftsmanship we will not be abandoned.

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Have we not been eye-witnesses to the splendor and glory in His work?

Oh, yes we can combat the enemies lies which seek to cause us to doubt our faithful God. In Jesus we are victorious, glorious and FREE!

Java with Jesus

January 6th in my devotional, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers states, "Worship is giving God the best that He has given you."

I sat with this a while as I sipped my steaming cup of coffee sweet with vanilla creamer. Before the warm beverage hit my stomach my mind began a slide show of the "best" God has given me. Sip after sip the technicolor snapshots crossed my mental screen quickly warming my spirit. The Lord is a generous God!

To my son's chagrin "do everything as unto the Lord" is one of my daily prods of encouragement. I believe if it's worth doing, do it well. It took time for me to realize that well is subjective. When I was a new believer perfectionism ruled much of my efforts. I did a lot in my own strength believing I could earn God's favor. My heart meant well but I'm certain I expended a lot of energy God never intended me to.
In my attempts to give God...the best...instead of my best, I depleted my health at times. I suffered and so did my supportive family. Spiritually I survived on bits and pieces of fellowship that I scraped together in the midst of the day's business. Through the years God has taught me to set aside this vanity.

Two valuable gifts I pray for on a regular basis are wisdom and discernment. The fruit from these gems are priorities and balance. Wisdom helps me prioritize and discernment governs the balance in my life. Giving God my best is much easier to accomplish this way. Sitting peacefully in the still of early morn with my Savior is my "best" offering of myself. Like a tithe off the top he gets me first: before the days distractions compete for my focus or cloud my understanding. I sit at his feet and give him my best attention.

The thought occurred to me that God's best includes people. My husband comes second only to Jesus in my life. I so appreciate who he is to me and our children. Still, my selfish nature is inclined to keep him for myself. I don't like sharing my man. Yet, I see more and more the necessity to surrender my desire and give him back to the Lord through a submissive spirit.

Oswald encourages acts of reciprocation with God in regards to giving. "if you hoard it for yourself, it will turn into spiritual dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded...it must be given back to Him so that he can make it a blessing to others."

This applies to every part of our relationship with the Lord. Our desires, dreams, loved ones and selves are best in the hands of Jesus. The more I throw myself back in his arms the better I return. Every determined surrender releases more of God's best to which I am compelled again and again to sing his praise. My cup runneth over!

What's Love Got To Do With It?

I wonder what Peter was thinking as he proclaimed, "I'm going out to fish," following his encounter with the risen Christ. The men with him jumped at the opportunity to join in. Their hands no doubt itching to do something productive. So they trod back down to the shore and cast out onto the Sea of Tiberias seeking a catch. Surely Peter felt confident in his fishing ability, after all he was a fisherman by trade. His weathered hands knew well how to tend nets and hoist sails. Naturally he sought what he understood and believed he could succeed at; something he could touch and find instant gratification in, not to mention money and a good meal.

Still, I think his actions were misguided. I believe within him the Holy Spirit stirred hope for a great catch. For a fisherman, that happens on the water. Yet, Simon Peter was forgetting he was more than who he had once been. The living God dwelled within him, calling him to a greater purpose. Turning back to the water was a mistake.

That fateful day when Jesus climbed by choice into Simon's boat, God knew the love the fisherman had for the hunt. The patience and tenacity necessary to wait for the right moment to raise the nets. Jesus knew well what threads were used when he knit Simon's inner being together in his mothers womb: strength and insight to see that which lies beneath the surface, (Psalm 139). For after hearing one sermon and hoisting a miraculous catch that day Peter declared, "Go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8 NIV). To which Jesus replied, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men" (Luke 5:10 NIV).


It appears Simon Peter forgot that he was nolonger a man of the sea who cast his nets into the water. He was now Peter, a disciple of the Living God, who was called to cast his spiritual nets into the sea of humanity.

I tell you, sometimes I also feel like picking up old talents when what stands before me is daunting or oppressive. There is great satisfaction in doing something well. Yet, this is harmful thinking to a follower of Christ. It may not move us off the path the Lord has marked for us to travel, but it can certainly draw us to the edge of the road. God's best is found in the center of the path. I am learning that what I may do well on my own is dust and short lived compared to what I accomplish in the might of God. The element of surprise is a constant when I surrender my oars of will and hoist the sail of faith.

While this story involves several of the disciples I believe it's title; Jesus and the Miraculous Catch of Fish speaks more about Christ's catch of Peter than the men's catch of the day.


Peter was too precious to Jesus for him to allow even one successful catch on his own. Had they been successful would they turn their hearts back to their old ways? The men spent the night casting in vain. Yet, while they drifted without aim on the water, the Light of the World stood on the shore. A beacon to guide them back to land where their true purpose would be found. Could Jesus have been the first Light House? (I'll have to look that up later!)

The Lord cried out, "Friends haven't you any fish?" (John 21:5) I can hear their tired and deflated or even curt voices respond, "No," (John 21:5). Did Peter feel deja vu when Jesus instructed them to "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." (John 21:6)? After all he'd been in this very situation three years prior with Jesus when another miraculous catch of fish was suddenly had. Large fish at that!


I can't help but notice the Lord's use of the words "the right side," (John 21:6) The English NIV translation affords a double meaning; that doing what Jesus said is the right way of doing things and the only way to fill their nets.

I bet Peter's heart surged when John said, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7).

What these men found on the shore that dawn was their Savior who promised to meet their needs when they followed him. Through Him they were provided the comfort of a warm fire, roasting fish to nurture and sustain them physically and bread. Bread for their bodies and the bread of life for their souls.


John tells us; "When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" (John 21:15).

Simon responds, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." (John 21:15)


In this exchange Jesus questions Peter of his love three times and responds with slightly different answers to Peter's replies. It is in Jesus' varied responses that I find incredible insight to this entire encounter.

First, we must remember Jesus' instruction to his disciples before his death and resurrection pertaining to what it means to "love" the Lord. When he promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit he said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15 NIV).


Later, after Jesus' resurrection and before he ascended to heaven, He commissioned the disciples to "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned," (Mark 16:15-16).


Turning back to the water was not obeying Christ's command of taking the message of salvation into the world. Jesus as the Good Shepherd wasted no time in using his staff to gently guide his wayward disciples away from the water to the fertile pastures on land.

Once again under the Good Shepherd's care Jesus calls Peter out for special instruction which I believe signifies the Lord's appointment of Peter as the leader of the flock.


"Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" said Jesus (John 21:23)

I believe Jesus is referring to the other disciples and men in general in this passage. Peter would have to love Jesus more than what men thought of him. To do what is right and travel the road Jesus had marked for him, Peter had to resolve who would have his heart.


"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."(John 21:15 NIV)


Jesus said, "Feed my lambs" (John 21:15 NIV)


Here we see Jesus use the word lamb which indicates youthfulness or innocense and naievity. He points out to Peter that love must direct his provision for the new believers in the flock; innocent and naive to spiritual things who would first need a diet of spiritual milk. In other words Peter was being instructed to love Jesus' babies.


Next Jesus instructs Peter to "Take care of my sheep," (John 21: 16) This is important because it implies that love only could compell Peter to invest in the needs of the flock. Like Jesus tended to their needs on the shore, Peter would be called to lovingly minister to the physical and spiritual needs of Jesus' followers. Jesus poses the question to Peter once more.

"Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?"

He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17).

Jesus was not doubting Peter's love. In my opinion I believe Jesus was explaing the degrees of love He was calling Peter to express in his leadership of the flock. For Peter to "follow" Jesus in the role of shepherding believers, he would have to love in various ways.

He would have to go beyond that of the natural love and nurturing of infants in this role. He would also have to exceed the level of love which would minister to others. Jesus was informing Peter that he would be called to love beyond his comfort. Just as the Lord used his staff to draw Peter back out of the boat that very morning, Peter would need to use the same patient love to guide others to the fold. He would be called to love with courage and feed the flock what was nurturing regardless of their protests. Christ was asking Peter, do you love me enough to love my flock the way I have loved them; living to serve them and willing to die for them?

Finally, Jesus says, "Follow me!"(John 21:19)

With a final rebuke for Peter's backward glance at John (who was trailing behind as Jesus and Peter walked), Jesus proclaims "You must follow me," (John 21:22).

Our Savior asks us this same question. Tracy daughter of Robert Owen, do you truly love me?Will you love my flock? Will you feed my lambs, care for my sheep and feed my sheep? To which I sincerely reply..."you know I love you Lord. "

However, because love has everything to do with this journey I pray, "Jesus, help me to love you more!"

My Devotional Dependancy

Setting time aside to be with the Lord is one of the most valuable things I have learned to do for my self. Rising in the early morning (4am) to read my devotional for the day and spend time in God's Word as I sip my homemade java is also a gift to my family. I start the day grounded and sure of where my feet rest. I have learned I am dependant on my daily devotional to focus my heart and mind on the things of Christ. This is the crank that gets my spiritual wheels turning.

Last year I indulged in Dr. Charles Stanley's On Holy Ground daily devotional. I can not express enough how God used this prop as a tool coupled with my bible to speak to me. Each day I turned the page in December I was reminded that this leg of the journey was coming to an end. I began to share with the Lord my concern about my next devotional (that's how instrumental my devotionals are) and asked him to guide me in selecting the next book. Nothing at Lifeway or Borders stood out to me and so I ended the year and my devotional without knowing what would become of my morning feasts in the word.

New Years morning as I watched the Rose Parade on TV It occurred to me I had several unused journals or devotionals which I had either purchased with good intentions or had received as gifts. With child like enthusiasm I scanned the shelves hoping one would pop out at me. Though it took flipping through a few, I remember the tingle when I pulled out my lavender leather bound My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. I had heard so much about this book since I became a Christian yet, had never cracked its cover until that day.

To my great surprise and joy, the book was a year long daily devotional which began on Jan. 1st. To some this may seem insignificant. For me, this was a most loving gift from the Lord. The book had sat nestled between my commentaries and Woman of Faith hardbacks for over a year without me giving it a second glance. I feel as if the Lord saved it for that moment..."for such a time as this..." (Esther 4:14), to minister to my soul. A timely road to travel.

Excited as I was I had some reservations. After all, this book was a new tool in my hands. It was different in size and color not to mention style and font. I felt like a rider in a new saddle and prayed the transition would be smooth...not bumpy. You can imagine my thrill when I found the forward to the book was written by none other than my dear Dr. Charles Stanley! Here I was in the race of my life and two champions were handing me like a baton from one hand to the other. My heart sang with thankfulness as I read the reassuring words of a faithful guide confirming the leadership of his successor.

The shepherd does not in any way upstage the Lamb of God for me. On the contrary these faithful men push me closer to the Lord and encourage my wading deeper in his Word than I could do on my own. They are sojourners on this road of discovery and I value their knowledge of the terrain ahead as well their intimacy with our Maker. Still, it is Jesus I sit with. God I search for and the Holy Spirit I depend on for understanding.

The journey with Oswald Chambers has just begun, yet I know that I am in store for bigger and grander thinking on this road. Chambers writes for January fourth, "Never run before God gives you His direction." I assure you, waiting for the Lord...even until the eleventh hour always proves prosperous. He will not disappoint.

May 2010 be a year that my "utmost" points others to the miracle of Jesus evoking his Highest praise!

Stepping Out in Faith

My hands are going numb as I sit staring at the screen. I don't have the foggiest idea how to begin this journey or what it should look like. For goodness sakes I don't think I've even read a blog! Still here I am, responding to my husbands prompt that I should take to the world wide stage and blog.


"About what?" I asked.

To which he replied, "Write about your devotions and bible studies."

"Hmmmm." I responded intrigued, "I could do that."

Combining my love of writing with my passion to study and discuss the Lord...that could be marvelous in so many ways. If for no other reason to keep me writing daily beyond my journal.

Now here I am on the verge of who knows what in the process of reaching out to an audience of who knows whom. The concept of sitting in my home, typing my thoughts and feelings onto a little machine and with the push of a button dispersing them around the world in seconds is unnerving...even insane. I'm experiencing stage fright in my kitchen!

The dramatist within reminds me "The world is but a stage we all perform upon," which is supposed to bring comfort...but it doesn't. None the less, I'm resolved. Though I may stutter my opening lines...Mr. Demille, I am ready for my close up!



So with the Spirit as my guide, life as my prop and the bible as my source of inspiration, I am stepping out in faith. Why? I believe its possible that there are others like me who are in love with Jesus. Women and maybe men (if you can stand my Beth Moore sentiments) who long to dig deep into the Word of God and chew on the meat in scripture with others. Believers who hunger to share what God is doing in their lives and any insights into his word He has revealed to them: someone who is interested in growing in faith and understands a burning heart who just has to shout "Hallelujah! I get you God!"

I know you're out there.


You may be a new mom with little ones keeping you from attending a study group at church like my daughter in law. Maybe your work schedule prohibits a daily devotional time or your church doesn't offer a mid-week group. You may be the only believer in a family or a young Christian lady still living at home with non-believing parents. What ever your situation, I believe we have common ground in Jesus.

God speaks the same message of love to us all. But our journeys highlight his truths differently. My journey is unique as I am unique. Perhaps my experience or perspective can be comforting or helpful to others. This I leave in God's hands.


Some things you may want to know about this leading lady:


My travels I'm certain are not remarkably different from other's experiences in life. I have loved, lost, laughed and wailed. I have hated with passion and I have forgiven much. I bare the scars of childhood wounds and present pains and I have rejoiced in the countless joys which come from being a child seeking the heart of God. I have suffered through season of death and danced in life's new beginnings. I have been alone and I have experienced the thrill of being embraced. I am presently in a favorable and pleasant season for which I am humbly thankful.


I am a wife in love with her husband of 18 years, a mama who celebrates her son, a step-mom of two amazing young men, mother-in-law to two godly and beautiful women, grandma to six adorable grandchildren , sister to three, sister-in-law to seven, daughter-in-law, friend, and most importantly, daughter of the King. I wear many hats and serve in many roles like everyone else and yet, I have come to realize my uniqueness!

I have reached the point where I can hold my head up unashamed of who I am and with confidence my Maker continues his work in me. The hope of knowing I am not complete and a constant renewing takes place inside of me regardless of how the body withers sustains me. This confidence is found in Christ, not myself. For apart from Jesus I am nothing and therefore would have nothing of eternal value to say, well at least nothing anyone should want to read. Ah, but with Jesus I find I have a lot to say...to God and myself...and sometimes others. That's where you come in.


I promise to be honest and real though sometimes I know my voice will change. At times I will feel poetic and my words will take on a different tone. At times I will be candid...like now. I'm certain my tone will change as life on the road is encountered. Yet, I will seek the truth in Christ through it all, whether the world watches or not. Are you still there? ;)


With humility and anticipation I raise the curtain and begin the presentation of my journey!