On the front porch where the roses are blooming, the welcome mat is set out.

Welcome. An invitation to be come in and just be. To be welcomed is to be gladly received.

“THIS IS THE WAY HE DESIRE TO ENTER INTO OUR DAILY LIVES AND BE PRESENT IN EVERY ASPECT, BRINGING WITH HIM HIS ABUNDANT PEACE. ”

As I stand by my front door, I can imagine opening the door to welcome in Jesus.

Everyday.

Life comes in waves and you can either drown or walk on water. That’s the difference between living this life without Jesus and living with Him. Because in the midst of breathless days, he is the very breath you breathe. When you see the water mounting above you, the storm all around, and you are not sure you can survive any of it, faith is believing the hand of Jesus is outstretched toward you, strong enough to holding you up, and close enough to pull you near. When all you can do is keep your eyes on Him, that is when you walk on water.

We are a family that loves to celebrate and feast (which is just a fancy word for eat!)

So anytime we get to celebrate we take full advantage.

Valentine’s day is a wonderful day to celebrate our family and the love we have for one another. We are a family because we began with love. That is the foundation of who we are and what we are becoming,

Every year I have the same desire: To be intentional with my time, my family, my friends and mostly my spiritual life. 

Being intentional in all of these relationships requires much of me. I have to be mindful of our time and be diligent about planning. I also desire the time spent to be full of life and sweet hospitality that grows our relationships and challenges our spiritual lives.

Early on in our marriage, my husband was struggling with his career and finding his place.

…Sometimes, though all those things are good, there are seasons in the lives of our children and our husbands where we don’t need just good, we need the supernatural to intervene.

We need the power of the Holy Spirit to move on their behalf.

The beginning of the school year always brings with it routine, which to be honest, after a summer of fun and sleeping in and travel, routine is much desired. I have learned that as a mom, rest and rhythms are essential.

I haven’t read my bible in two weeks. I have sat with it in my lap. I have opened the app a few times. I have avoided it as well. I love reading my bible. But these past few weeks I just haven’t had the heart.

Been there before? Yeah.

Have you ever been overwhelmed with so much sadness you couldn’t pray?

Have you ever been overwhelmed with so much life, you are just moving through the weeds as fast as you can so they don’t choke you?

Dear Jesus,

I do not have much peace today Lord. The unrest of the world, the uncertainty of the future, even the unrest between your saints is difficult to contend with Lord. I am flailing, wavering, weak and tired.

Assure me of your peace Lord.

Your presence is the very breath I breathe and you surround me, therefore, peace is mine for you said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27.

The Christmas season can be so full and busy. Stressful. In the whirl of advent and Christmas, holiday parties and shopping, the season becomes something to get through instead of to rest within.The days go by so quickly and we are constantly checking off to do’s, running for that last minute gift and our lives are set to the timer on the oven.How does one find rest and peace and beauty and joy that surpasses all the craziness?