Photo by Jakub Kriz on Unsplash And then there are other days, when my heart can’t soar. Without reason or warning, the haze moves in and clouds my view. Too heavy, gravity pulls down with an increased determination. Like a foot pushing down on my chest if I try to get up: I’m stuck in the slump. My body moves “normally” from place to place. I smile, converse, even laugh. Yet, my mind trudges along slowly through the day, trying unsuccessfully to move out of the swampy fog. So tired, so weak. I slog, slog, slog my way through the thick fog clouding my senses. Something inside me tr ..read more

My heart soars for Him. His Love, gives my soul flight. His Mercy propels me onward, his passion strengthens me and provides endurance and nourishment for the journey. His compassion lights my way and provides sight for the weary. He beckons me; my heart stirs. His eyes penetrate me with a deep longing and my heart longs for Him. He whispers my name, Erika My heart softens and yearns for Him: The One who knows me by name, who knows me. The One who loves me simply for existing as one of his beloved and precious creations. The One who loved me forever and will forever and ever ..read more

I miss writing. So much. I miss sitting at the computer and typing out my thoughts, feelings, desires, ponderings. Life has led me to other adventures that leave little to no time – or mental energy – to write and blog. But I have so many things I want to write about and share with whoever wants to read it. Do people even read blogs anymore? I used to love writing just for myself and for whoever might come across it. Then it became a thing that might gain me some small amount of fame or fortune but that was always in conflict with my deep-down desire to just write and share my he ..read more

Jesus has always been with me, a part of me. He has always been approachable, attractive. My love for him has grown deeper over my years but I can’t remember a time in my life without him. The Father, however, is a different story altogether. I know, I know, Jesus and the Father are one and the same, right? No, not exactly. One God – Yes. Three distinct persons. Jesus and I were tight. God the Father….hmmm not so sure about that guy. To me, God the Father was….distant…and old man with a very long gray beard who watched us from his cushioned seat up in the clouds. (Thanks to Renais ..read more

Someone asked me the other day who Jesus is to me. A friend? A warrior? A tortured naked man nailed to the cross because of my faults? (#biggestguilttripever) No…I couldn’t relate to any of those. I had to pause and think about that, like really reflect on that question for a few days. Jesus…Jesus…hmmm….who is Jesus to me? Jesus has always just been with me. He just…is a part of me and I can’t really remember a time when He wasn’t. But what is He to me? After reflecting on this for a few days, a word finally come to me: Healer. Jesus is my healer. He heals me, over and over and over…a ..read more

Maybe you’re wondering where I’ve been? Why the last time I blogged (before last Sunday’s Joy Restored) was almost 9 months ago? Huh, I only just realized the significance of 9 months. No, I haven’t been incubating a new human life…but in a way I think God has been doing that that for my soul. Like in pregnancy, God began a process inside of me, a process of healing and a work of restoration. At first, I didn’t know that’s what was happening. Fittingly like in pregnancy, a woman usually has no idea about the amazing miracle occurring inside of her for the first couple weeks. Sure, she’s ..read more

There’s a Joy bubbling in my soul quietly gurgling rising to the surface. A familiar Joy Returned Restored Reignited. Joy brims on the surface wetting my eyes setting a spark in my soul. Flows through my whole being surges to my heart electrifies my mind sets motion to my body. A long-held breath RELEASED. ALIVE! Alive with Joy. I am Alive ..read more