Zoe- Is it just a name or a way of being?

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day in the small town of Kensington. Hundreds of people came out for the Kensington Day of the Book. There were close to two hundred authors spanning the gamut of fiction, non-fiction, fantasy to political discourse.

We began the day in prayer not knowing what the results would be for my four foot table space, mapped as 35A. I met authors and learned of their story. I watched as those around me engaged in small talk about their book. I watched as phones came out to accept a tap from the ubiquitous card that verifies your presence at the festival. I watched and waited for verification that space 35A would also be one that would connect with others.

The presence at the Day of the Book Festival…. bring words of fantasy, hope, entertainment, life changing transformation, or some meaningful way to connect with the soul of others.

Earlier in the week, there was a different event. Not outside in the sun of the day but the same mission of those that came out to offer hope, perseverance, and resilience. It was the Family and Trauma Institute conference. There were shared stories of healing, shared stories of perseverance, and shared stories of hope.

What does Zoe have to do with all of this? Zoe is not just a name, it is a way of living. It is living life to the fullest, finding happiness in the happening.

As I watched and waited to connect and open my phone to see the “tap” or “insert card”, there were moments of uncertainty. But I did not despair or become sad in the success happening around me. There was confidence in the prayer my husband and I began the day with together, standing on the ground of space 35A. Your will be done, Lord.

Within the last hour, my God showed up. Within the last minute, and seconds, my Lord showed up with his promise- Trust in me and your cup will be overflowing. The table was folded, the books were put away, then boom, sales came. The books came back out, the card reader flashed it’s four green lights and the phone instructed, “place the card horizontally”.

This morning, a song was in my head. It was resonating from a beautiful conversation with a wonderful lady on Saturday morning. One of those that keeps repeating until I play it out load. It is my song today- It’s Gonna Be a Good Day, no matter what they say.

What an awesome God we serve. Zoe is more than a name, it is living life to the fullest. It is finding happiness in the happening. It is resting in the joy and promises of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Always grateful,

A Montage of Encouragement

Whatever you plan to do. Do as unto the LORD.

It has been a week of great reflection and joy to know we have a loving God that encourages us through his word. May we continue to press on in all we are called to do.

This week is a little different for me. But all I have is God’s word. Less of me and more of him.

Even when things don’t go as planned, like embedding the link to a YouTube short I created. I thought it was good to go until someone told me it was private. Oh well, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. I have learned how to make it public.

Learning to be creative is fun!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

You were born to create. What will you create today?

Always grateful,

Life as a dichotomy~Are we living it from the inside or outside?

This is such an exciting season. In one conversation this week, a wise person reminded me that we know life continues by the budding of the trees. What a wonderful thought to ponder.

Regardless of my internal thoughts, be they happy thoughts, sad thoughts, or thoughts of uncertainty and doubt, life continues to bloom all around me. Her shared words of wisdom was timely and a great reminder to take a look at all the life happening all around me.

Earlier in the week, there was a slight disagreement with a very close friend. I tend to harbor thoughts on how the conversation could have played out. But these thoughts always come after the fact.

While in my thoughts, from my kitchen door, I stood and watched all the life happening outside of me. There were budding tree branches blowing in the wind, and as I listened to a song that sang of the goodness of God, I found peace in my thoughts.

So, as I began this week of another day of Spring, I rejoice in this wonderful life. Living it from the inside out and the outside in.

May I never forget, the season of the resurrected LORD who lived from the inside out. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, he spoke of the dichotomy of life and love. He speaks to us with the obedient words to the Father, as told in John 12:27.

“Now my soul is troubled. What should I say- Father save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father glorify your name.“

This is a wonderful season. A season of living in the world, yet not of it. A season of nakedness and new life. A season of obedience and life. A season of eternal love.

This is a season to remember, we know life continues by the budding of the trees and the resurrected Christ.

Always grateful,

A very chill day- it’s been a while

Are you exhausted yet?

After weeks of preparation for a book sale, submitting proposals, and facilitating my workshop From Stress to Strengths, it was time to relax. Not the pretend, “I’m going downstairs to chill”. A real relaxing weekend of free thoughts, mindless entertainment, and a glass of red wine.

It was so chill that I made reservations at the local Spanish grill and pre-ordered the Paella de Pollo y Chorizo for 2. It was so chill that we met two friends and talked about nothing of real relevance. It was so chill that we sat for two hours enjoying the company of friends.

It was so chill, we went to the final stop on Jordan Felix’s “Praise God for That” tour with Riley Clemmons.

Another free spirit moment to sing, dance, and praise the Lord to some intense base, fascinating light display, and authentic stories.

Sing with Me

Oh yeah! I watched two movies. Really watched- no book in my lap, no phone scrolling, just a good movie. The Accountant with Ben Afflack and Vantage Point with Forest Whittaker. Awesome chill movies with great story line, action fights, and pretty good car chase through Spain. (Wow- as I write this line, did we do the Spanish restaurant because of some subliminal thought)

Are you exhausted? When was the last time you took a chill day?

In the wisdom of Solomon, Ecc 3:18: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up,a time to keep and a time to throw away,a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

But since it is now Monday, I end where Solomon ends Ecc 3:22~ “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?”

Happy Monday and blessing for a beautiful week.

Always grateful,

My life as a time lapse

Do you have moments when life continues to move from day to day and you did not do that thing you committed to doing? That is me this week.

In October of 2024, I made the commitment to share pieces of my life. To share how everyday life coincides with my walk for Christ. How his word gives me the strength and the perseverance to pursue, endure, and persist in my gifts and talents. I sat several times this week to keep the Monday schedule- write a Blog!

Each time I sat to write there was nothing but a desire. The desire to write, the desire to keep the commitment, the desire to be the ideal person I am designed to be. All desire but no action.

In my quest to walk this journey of commitment and integrity, I was inspired by a time lapse video a friend of mine shared. It was the inspiration I needed to realize and see how quickly the world revolves, how quickly the days pass, and how quickly I can put commitments to the side.

To look at the sunrise in a 21 second video, taken over 30 minutes, is a wake up call for me to stay on task. As I write this quick post on Thursday, I find peace and give the anxiety to the Lord.

A day in your life

For His word says his yolk is easy. To be anxious for nothing… He sits at the door and knocks. All things work together for good… Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit…

These words are truly what I needed today. “When I said, “My foot is slipping”, your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.” When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19

This is the peace I embrace when my foot is slipping and my commitment to do goes a bit off schedule.

So on this Thursday, it is a time lapse from a Monday just a few seconds ago. A sequence of life frames set at intervals to record changes that take place slowly over time.

This is the grace of my Lord and Savior. The one who know the beginning and the end and records with forgiveness the frames of my life. A God that patiently waits for me to change slowly over time. A Savior that announces~” Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev 3:20

I am that person.

Always grateful,