Its Monday morning, and I’m heading into school. Instead of the hustle and bustle of kids whizzing to and from their lockers this is what I’ll see instead.

It’s a modern day ghost-town.

It’s guilt.

And grief.

And guts.

And grace.

And suddenly I feel like I’m penning a country music song from the 90’s.

It’s the unknown.

But the thing is God does know. God knows the future, so every time fear rises up within me I have a choice to make.

Fight back with scripture or let fear win.

I’m gonna fight back. I’m gonna pick up the sword and shield that God provided me with, and I’m gonna go straight up ninja.

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.“ Ephesians 6:10-11

Teachers. Servants. Heroes.

Small office.

Huge conversations.

Their faces say it all:

Concern.

Care.

Confusion – because we’ve never been here.

The only way to describe this:

Catastrophic.

Without students a teacher is stripped of his/her identity – his/her purpose. It’s unsettling. It’s just not right.

I don’t know the implications that this life-altering pandemic will deliver in the long run, but let me tell you what I do know because I’ve seen and heard it firsthand from the amazing teachers in my building.

Love.

Hope.

Teamwork.

Passion.

Determination.

These teachers have a relentless drive to do their best – to be the best – because their students deserve the best.

Teachers deserve a raise. Hallelujah.

Teachers deserve a hug. [When this is all over]

Teachers deserve the world.

Thank a teacher, y’all. They deserve it. They need it.

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,” Psalm 33:18

Uncharted Waters.

That’s scary. As a society we are use to GPS navigating everything for us.

We are accustomed to “The Google” spelling everything out for us – all answers at our fingertips at all times.

Yet, here we are on the brink of something bigger than any of us – something bigger than anything we’ve ever seen. Something bigger than Google and Apple and Fox and Facebook.

But here’s an answer that I do have – an answer that never changes – God’s bigger.

God’s bigger than Google. God’s bigger than the news. And all of God’s promises are at our fingertips – right there in His word.

There are no uncharted waters when He is on the boat. Let Him navigate this for you because honestly – there’s no other way.

Let your faith be bigger than your Facebook Feed.

37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:37-41

Fear is a liar.

But God – God is the truth.

Fear diminishes hope.

But God – God develops it.

Trust God.

Lean in.

Let Him speak.

Let Him ease your fears.

“Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not God’s will.

Hello – Noah.

The Ark.

That couldn’t have been easy.

Necessary – yes.

Easy – nope.

I sure am glad he stuck it out, though. I’m glad he didn’t give up.

Whatever seems too hard for you today, don’t throw the hammer in. God’s got you.

“11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12

I’m rigid. Routined.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been in education for so long or if it’s because I’m a mom with two busy kids. Either way it’s who I am, and I know that staying on track is a must. C

It’s a good thing, but it’s a bad thing.

Sometimes rigid routines lead to real regret. Looking back I’ve realized that because I am so set in my routines I’ve missed out on time with family and friends. I’ve missed out on making memories. I’ve just plain missed out.

I’ve decided that I’m tired of missing out because of a rigid schedule that I’ve set for myself. I mean I am the adult here. I can change the schedule.

And the one thing I certainly don’t want to miss out on is an opportunity from God.

An opportunity to witness to someone.

An opportunity to spread sunshine.

An opportunity to listen

To serve.

To love.

Ladies, there’s nothing wrong with routines – just don’t make those routines your god. Keep communication open all day long with your Maker so that if an opportunity from God does come knocking – you don’t miss it.

And if He tells you to take a detour – do it!

“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”

Deuteronomy 13:4

💛Happy International Women’s Day💛

Woman can do it all. That’s right. I said it.

If we are aligning ourself with God’s will, God’s dream, God’s purpose for our life – then He will in fact equip us to live all of those desires out loud.

He makes us bold. He makes us brave.

So whatever your dream is today just remember – if God is calling you to it then it’s a big, big deal. If God is asking you to do something for His Kingdom then you are making a big difference. No doubt about it.

I encourage you to open your Bible today and read about Deborah. Read about Rahab. Read about Mary – and many, many more strong ladies that were movers and shakers for God.

So dig into the word, dive into prayer, and get ready for the best ride of your life.

“She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Proverbs 31:16-17

This post may seem more Scattered Showers than Rays of Sunshine, but sometimes that’s just how this ol’ world is, right?

Today is my mom’s first birthday in Heaven. I’ve been dreading this day big time. I want to be able to call her, but I can’t. I want to buy her a goofy present like she always bought us, but I can’t. And even though I’m incredibly sad in this moment, I also have peace that surpasses all understanding.

Because.

Because we have this hope in Jesus Christ. We have this hope that today on her first birthday in Heaven she is happy and healthy. Today she is worshipping our King. Today she is celebrating like no other.

We have this hope that we will see her again. We are confident in that promise.

I hope you have that hope, too. The hope that pulls you through the sad days. The hope that produces joy unspeakable deep down within you even when life is incredibly hard.

If you need that kind of hope today, please message me.

“For God so loved the world that He sent His only son, that we would not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God spoke to me today.

God spoke to me through the words of a new friend.

Ladies, please believe me when I say this- God cares about you.

He cares about your broken heart.
He cares about your struggles.
He cares about your emotions.
He cares about your “I just can’ts”.

Your are His girl.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

The Apple

It wasn’t that big of a deal, right? It was just a piece of fruit.

The sin, seemingly small, and the snake, seemingly small both snuck in smoother than smooth.

The devil has been using that same scheme since day one.

-it’s not that big of a deal

-it’s just one

-it’s only human

-it’ll be ok

Don’t be fooled. When God says no, He means no.

Eventually there will be a consequence, and you really don’t have any idea how far that consequence could spiral reaping destruction on more people than just yourself.

It really is a big, big deal.

“Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.”

Psalm 51:1-2