The journey of faith is not a simple, linear path. Twists often characterize it and turns moments of doubt into divine intervention. The biblical character of Elijah, whose name means ‘Yahweh is my God,’ embodies this journey in a powerful and inspiring way. In the latest episode of the Finding Forever podcast, we delve into the life of Elijah and the valuable lessons we can learn from his faith journey. Elijah is an incredible teacher and class is in session. His life experiences can not only shift our lens but give us clarity. The focus is not just on Elijah’s confrontations and triumphs but ..read more

Three Ways to Find a Better You 1. Self-Care: Take a proactive step toward yourself and what you need. Self-care is an essential practice of identifying how your feel, and how you want to feel, and putting into place what you are going to do about it. We can all care for ourselves a little better emotionally, physically, spiritually, and in many other areas of our lives. So take that walk, grab a great meal, take a long nap, sit in your yard, read your Bible, or simply do nothing at all. 2. Self-Compassion: Take a proactive step toward yourself when you feel guilty, low, ashamed, insecure, or ..read more

I always wanted a dog. Dogs are wonderful, devoted, and loving companions. Watching neighbors walk their adorable canines only spurred my passion, but my parents simply refused. A dog was out of the question. It wasn’t until my adulthood that I could secure my very first dog. At the urging of my children, we headed down to the local rescue and secured the best dog in the facility, Buttons. Buttons was beautiful, spunky, and friendly. I was certain our relationship would blossom in time. She was everything wanted in a dog initially, but as time passed, I experienced pangs of doubt. Training But ..read more

“You’re too late,” my grandmother announced as she met him in the lobby. My father had arrived an hour late for the birth of my sister. She was already clean and named by the time he entered the hospital’s double doors. He barely said hello to my mother as he stormed toward her hospital bed. Where is she? He exclaimed. My mother grabbed her robe and shook her head as fast as windshield wipers. My father’s brown fingers grabbed at her beige palm. Her heart also found his as he professed his love in the deepest baritone. Besides after several years of marriage, she was used to his tornado. The w ..read more

The Promise Keeper James 5:11-12 (NIV) 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.   These two simple verses, empower me and I hope they empower you. James highlights that blessed are those who persevere. Those who endure… Why? Why are thos ..read more

Yesterday, I visited the hair salon. Entering one way and exiting another is always exciting. Sometimes it feels like I am a new person altogether. My stylist gently guides me into her chair, examines my hair, then explores how to transform my hair into the healthiest it can be. She walks me to the shampoo bowl, washes out all the dirt, brushes out all the tangles, and then conditions my hair to strengthen it at its very core. She then guides me to her station and cuts off strands that are damaged and unhealthy. Ready for a new look, my stylist then shapes and molds my hair into the final pres ..read more

“You gotta see this!” My older sister stormed into the living room barely closing the front door. Her long nails scraped my knuckle as she secured my hand and pulled me toward the outside. I knew my neatly dog-eared pages would be lost in the whirlwind as my novel cascaded to the floor. A roaring engine snaked between the giggles pouring out of her. She cranked her long neck motioning for me to open the front door. I heard the car rev up again before my hand reached the tarnished silver door knob. The engine screeched even louder as I exited the front door and headed toward the street corner ..read more

Depression is real. It has strength, tenacity, and the power to push the sufferer down into unknown depths. Depression has a posse, bringing along with it insomnia, anxiety, and anhedonia. It can be controlling, ordering its victim to stay in bed, decline hygiene, or even cease to speak. Depression is real, powerful, and it’s disabling. I remember when depression first arrived on my door step. I was fine until I wasn’t. It started as a quiet whisper in my ear. Reminding me that my life had been changed and I was powerless to will it back. Ringing in my ear with a steady hum until it became so ..read more

TIME OUT I am a good at listening, a skill I mastered by the time I was an adolescent. During my wonder years, my father would often admonish me for not listening, and punishment would come shortly thereafter. I tried my hardest, but it was so difficult to pay attention when I was always daydreaming. Daydreaming about swimming, cupcakes, and of course boys. Most of my days were spent painting elaborate stories, adventures, and experiences in my head. Creating landscapes and lyrical escapades in my mind became a favorite way to pass the time. At bedtime, I was never redirected or interrupted, s ..read more

First thing in the morning I never know who I am going to meet. When I approach in the hallway, am going to see a smile, a giggle, a contorted face, or tortured eyes? I brace myself for another day caring for my anxious child. I was prepared for almost everything when I conceived her. Diapers to the ceiling, car seats for each car, and board books arranged in alphabetical order. The tumultuous toddler and school age years were no exception. In adolescence, I knew to expect the unexpected. The dance of dating, the crashes of friendship, the pangs of sibling rivalry. I anticipated everything tha ..read more