The Journey

My family and I have just returned from a fabulous vacation in North Carolina to visit family topped off with an escape to the beach for some much-needed fun in the sun! We began the trip hiking in the mountains and ended with the sun and surf on the coast. It was glorious although this trip, as do all our trips it seems, had some bumps. I jokingly told my in-laws on the car ride up that our road trips always seem to bring us closer to Jesus! I did not know that was truly a prophetic statement for this vacation adventure. We had some minor car troubles with an overnight trip to the garage for the Dodge, my hubby lost his wallet for a very stressful ten minutes before remembering where he hid it for safekeeping, and on our first full day at the beach, I encountered a bit of trouble, to say the least.  The Friday before the 4th of July was just gorgeous at Kure Beach! The sun was gleaming on the refreshingly cool ocean water as the pelicans and seagulls soared over us chattering...

When writing, I have always been brutally honest because truth and light are our most powerful tools to combat deception and darkness. With all that we experience in life and all we overcome; our testimony is the fruit of our labor. So, it seems funny to me that I feel a little shy about sharing this experience so much so that it has taken me weeks to sit down and write it out. The most heartbreak, the biggest disappointments, the greatest anxieties, the worst betrayals, the utmost shame have all been the outcome of taking my destiny into my own hands.  This is my life and I am going to live it how I want to!  And each time, I imagine all of Heaven stepped back and said, "Okay, let us know how that works out for you." And each time, through tears and brokenness, I would crawl back into my Father's presence longing for His lovingkindness. Relinquishing all control, a life of peace would abound until the next time I thought I knew more than He did. Over and over and over....

Photo by Ryan Franco If I could see all of you reading this, I would probably see raised hands, knowing nods, and shouts of "amen" would be heard worldwide. Who hasn't had prayers that seem to go unanswered? Several years ago, there was something I really desired for the girls and me. There was a need and I had formulated the perfect fix. So, I presented my well thought out plan to my Father outlining all the reasons He should do things my way, and waited expectantly for His royal stamp of approval.   Nothing. After several days went by, I cried out in frustration, "God, I have done everything I know to do to get your attention. I have prayed diligently over this and, Lord, I even fasted for three days. Nothing moves you!" His response? "It's your faith that moves Me." Huh. Human beings by nature are very manipulative. We know how to manipulate our spouses, parents, children, co-workers, teachers, and so on into getting exactly what we want or...