Author: heatherhaley07

Kenya.

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

We chose to go to Kenya when my husband’s work called for him to go. There was not a booming voice from Heaven or a loud earth-shattering moment. It just made practical sense to go where he was already going as a family on mission before his work began. So, we began to make plans. I am a big believer in joining God where He is already at work – like Henry Blackaby teaches in Experiencing God. And that is when the search began in connecting to different missions, ministries in Nairobi to see where my family of four and our dear friend could join in. Through all of my tireless searches for someone to need us, I met Bishop John Rampei and his wife, Jackie. I have to make a loud celebration statement to Tia & Gary Broughton for the introduction to Austin Henry who made the official introduction to Bishop Rampei. Thank you!

Left to right: Danielle Ogle, Heather and Joel Haley, Bishop Rampei and wife Jackie, Clif and Georgia Haley standing at the school Oloika School in Bishop Rampei’s home community.

We had many conversations before we embarked on our journey to Nairobi and we determined that the Lord was wanting us to lead a Pastor’s Wives Discipleship Conference for the 171 churches within the Maasai Tribe. Bishop and his wife oversee these churches and work diligently to support them with their needs and provide guidance in their faith. They had hosted many Pastors Conferences, but none for the wives. As many of you know, I am not a Pastor’s Wife, so out of the gate the Lord was working to reassure me that I would be embowered by the Holy Spirit to give these ladies exactly what He knew they needed. And so I began to pray.

Precept Ministries has meant much to my personal growth as a believer. About ten years ago I mentioned to my own Pastor’s wife the desire to go to seminary, and she asked me if I had ever heard of Precept. Which I had not. This changed my life and my walk as a young woman in Christ. For more intel on Precept, check out their website https://www.precept.org/. It will be a catalyst in your walk with the Savior. As I began searching for material we could cover, I needed something in Swahili. And guess what – Precept prints materials in Swahili. So quickly, I felt God move us to this material that covers Mark chapters 1-6, Experiencing His Touch.

And wouldn’t you know, they have an office in Nairobi where the books were delivered to before we ever arrived!

And now we had a plan! When you go on a mission trip to a place you’ve never been with a small group, you never really know what to expect. Our first day moved very slow as we were just getting acquainted with the new time zone and the pace of the people. As I have found in most places, they run on their own time, never the actual time on the clock. And when you take your children on trips like this, it is important to have many areas where they can find an outlet to have fun. Who’s kidding, adults need that too. Our first day, we went to the the well known tourist stop – The Giraffe Center. This is a very unique place to learn about giraffes and also feed them! And like a good mom, we try to stay places, every time we travel with a pool. Now, this was a mission trip and I make zero promises, but it just so happened that the hotel that Bishop Rampei uses for mission teams came with a pool. So, needless to say, my kids were pretty happy on day one.

Georgia and Joel feeding the giraffes at the Giraffe Center in Nairobi. AND the outstanding pool at our primary hotel, The Smith Hotel.

On Sunday, we were blessed to go to church in one of the churches in the Maasai Tribe. I am not certain exactly how long it took us to arrive from our hotel outside of Nairobi, but I feel confident it was every bit of 2.5 hours on many roads that were more like mountain climbing. Many times I wanted to send a message to my pal Steve Borden and Kristin Qualls thanking them for the amazing roads we have in East Tennessee. In many spots they were dirt roads, rocky roads, pot hole roads and the village churches and schools felt like they were a million miles from any civilization. But we arrived. And when we did, we found hundreds of believers gathered worshipping and celebrating our God. I had forgotten what it felt like when you visit a sweet place and you are the guest of honor. The Pastor, his wife and all of the elders of the church met us outside to shake our hands. They ushered us to the front of the church to sit in the row in front of the elders, gave us waters and made sure we were okay. The church celebrated us making the effort to come to their home. Many of the people of this village had never seen white people so they were very fascinated with our skin and our hair. Joel especially. I have learned that when you go abroad on mission trips any type of candy from America is a big hit. For church, I had brought a huge bag of candy canes and I felt like I caught a glimpse of what Jesus felt like navigating through the crowds when the lady with blood touched the hem of His garment for healing. I quickly became overwhelmed, and thankfully a church momma came to my rescue. It is very customary to gift your guests in the Maasai Tribe. We received our first gifts here at the church service, beautiful necklaces and bracelets made by hand. These are very high quality and something they take very seriously. It was truly an honor to receive. Also, per custom, we joined the elders and the choir ladies for African Tea after the service. It was amazing!!! Even Clif enjoyed a cup!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were our primary mission days. We were devoted to leading the ladies conference on Monday and Tuesday and then on Wednesday visited two local schools. During the time of the conference, I realized that Maasai also have their own language, so by the end of the two days together we had covered five languages: English, Swahili, Maasai, Greek and Hebrew! At the beginning of our time together, I had asked if any of the women had ever participated in a Bible Study. And only three hands of the 70 women went up. At this point, I knew we were about to experience something really great. Danielle had asked me early on how I planned to lead this conference, and I quickly shared that I had no idea. I was hoping that the Lord would reveal His plans as we began to walk in it. And He sure did. I quickly felt comfortable with leading much like I lead studies here in America and the women appeared to love it. Laughing even at my silly jokes. I did feel a bit bad for my translator, David, as he and my sweet husband were the only men in room. Over and over again, the women were completely engaged and we were sharpening one another with the Holy Word of God as our edge. Jesus displays so much greatness throughout Mark chapters 1-3. Over and over again we see how experiencing Jesus never leaves anyone the same. And it is certain that none of us who spent time together will ever be the same. The Creator of the Universe united women from the most different worlds and the most opposite walks of life. Many of these women travelled hours to be together – some carpooled and some walked. The Pastors picked up as many as they could and then stayed to serve the ladies during this amazing time. Only the small babies stayed with us, so I know that childcare from afar was also a factor. We had three total sessions conquering the first three chapters of Mark. During our last session, we felt led to do prayer and anointing over each woman in attendance. The prayers of each of these women were both completely unique and cries of their hearts. Nothing about the oil was special. Nothing about two very white American girls praying over them was special. What was special is that each one felt seen. What was special was that our God showed up for each one. What was special was the elder women creating a hedge around each lady crying out to the Father for the family, food, money, passion for the Word, church, radical revival for their church, and so much more. Each woman was broken. Each woman was seen. And we were emptied out. The Precept ladies of my church gave an overwhelming donation before we left and my church gave a powerful donation – every dollar was needed to provide for the food, transportation and study materials for the conference. Bishop desired this to be the first of the many conferences geared towards each group of people within their tribal body of Christ. And it was definitely one to remember.

There was no air conditioning. The heat was a solid 95 degrees Fahrenheit. There was not running water for the washrooms (toilets) nor cushioned and cozy seats. The floors were dirt and the cattle were nearby. The flies were in abundance. The lunch (goat) of the two days was slaughtered out front. But the Power and the Spirit of God was there – and that took the main stage. Church and Christianity is about so much more than just showing up somewhere on Sunday. I heard a powerful sermon earlier this year about walking in the flow. I’ve never felt more in the flow of the desires of the Lord than I do in 2025. We’ve traveled more than ever, but we are walking in obedience in its fullness. Another sermon I heard this year spoke of investing into ministries around us so that we can also reap the benefits of their fruits. AND I LOVE THAT! How often do we give to support a ministry only to get a cool t-shirt? What if we gave before being asked? What if we gave our full 10% tithe to our church and then pour another 20% into ministries surrounding us? What if we actually gave to churches we weren’t members of because we felt compelled to? What if we gave massive portions of our incomes to ministries that we see first hand embodying Jesus? What if the church planned their mission work/trips the way they do their vacations? What if…..

I had no idea what God was planning to do with a families obedience to go where He said to go when He said to go there, but this was a catalyst for the female leaders of these churches to be empowered to reach and disciple the women in their congregations accordingly. We only finished half of the lesson so that they could go and finish the other half with the ladies of their church. They left with a mission. And I left with a new and rejuvenated purpose. The people of Kenya. The people of Maasai Tribe. The body of Christ in Kenya needs us. We as Americans have been richly blessed and we use our blessings to destroy ourselves. We create more debt, more clutter, more calories and more accessories. The Church in Kenya needs food, bibles, study materials, pens, and transportation for Pastors.

And we had the privilege to spend time with two schools. The first school, Oloika, was miles off of the main road that is the primary school for 150 children. Many walk miles to be here one way and do not receive breakfast or lunch at school. They are blessed to have water. This school does not have text books or black boards nor do the children have shoes. For $240 breakfast and lunch can be provided for all 150 children for three months. An amazing church has built two strong infrastructures for the children to potentially board here during the school months and can house up to 90 children, but it will cost $30/month/kid to cover the cost of boarding. These children loved playing soccer aka futbol and their candies! But I wanted nothing more than to order pizzas for everyone – but no Dominoes was nearby. I have always heard the phrase, “now that you have seen you are responsible.” It is now my job to give and encourage others to give. Can we as the body of Christ stop eating out a few times of month and pay for kids to have lunch at school? And not just any kids, but the kids you see below in blue.

How can you give? What can you do?

You can go. I can help you in planning your very basic trip to equip the saints of Kenya, Maasai Tribe.

Groups needed: Teams to minister to children and teenagers. Medical Clinic teams. More leadership development among Pastors and other church leaders. Anyone who can lead a bible study or host a vacation bible school.

You can give. Send to my Venmo and I will show you where you money is going – Bishop John Rampei and the 171 churches. @heather-haley-16

Items needed: $4 Precept books; $10 Bibles; $240 for school lunches; textbooks; blackboards; buildings for more ministry usage for Pastors and leaders; housing for leaders to stay at near the primary church; motorbikes for Pastors to easily get to all of the churches they are leading; more schools closer to the villages so the children do not have to walk 3 miles one way each day; and so much more.

You can purchase Maasai bibles – in their language. Many of these Pastor’s wives did not possess the Holy Word in their native tongue. You can purchase more Precept materials in Swahili.

You can pray. But really pray – add these requests to your prayer walls and your daily reminders.

Thank you for considering this a space to devote your time, energy, money and prayers. They love the Lord. And they could use a partner.

And let’s not forget, this is Kenya. Just down the road from where we had been ministering for three days, Bishop drives us five minutes off of the road for my husband to capture this shot…..

And don’t forget to check out my husband’s ETSY store to see ALL the greatness of God’s creation he was able to capture. And YES I have been married to a photographer for a long time and appreciate seeing the back of the camera! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CliftonHaleyPhoto?section_id=39963622

We had the privilege on our last night to stay in an actual Safari Game Camp in Maasai Mara. I HIGHLY recommend. And it was the perfect way to wrap up a powerful week among God’s creation with His people. Mission trips with kids are just a way of life for us – I want my kids to experience every discipline and command of Christ before leaving my home. He says, “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Yes, that means local and abroad. Plan your mission trips the way you plan your vacations. He commanded us. And it is a command that when we obey is maybe more beneficial to our hearts and minds than one could ever fathom. Be available to Him. Be willing. Let tomorrow look different than today. Let God use you in the ways He created and watch the peace fill your heart, soul and family.

“Seek first His Kingdom and all these things will be added unto you” … says Jesus.

Victory is Coming | 39

/ heatherhaley07 / 2 Comments

It all started with a broken mirror, my leg through the back deck and the death of Maggie Smith.

I am 39 years old and one month. I have only 11 more months left of my thirties. I LOVE slowing down long enough to attempt to take stock of my status and situation. I am hoping to better sit in the days of my 39th year, more than ever before. These last days of my thirties come with a deep longing to finalize a season of my life and embrace the next by building a new foundation of joy and surrender. Tonight, I had the glorious privilege to celebrate two people who have poured into me in my most formative years and their residual effect has an ongoing and ever-present indelible mark on mine and my husband’s lives. As I looked at the small sampling of lives they had touched, which I hope to speak on in a very near future day, I was forced to encounter the things that really matter in this life.

Relationships and true rest matters.

My childhood was FUN. Full of mission, dreams, purpose and constant laughter. My college years was also incredibly fun full of leading young ladies closer to Jesus and attending the greatest university ever, UT Knoxville. My young adult years were full of adventure with a mix of a bit of sorrow along the way. As I am knocking on the “over the hill” age, I must review and determine what do the next days look like.

My whole life I have ran hard – hard towards success and busyness. I am one that has always struggled with stillness and slowness. I am one that finds it quite challenging to just “be”. As Dr. Dalton-Smith states in Sacred Rest, “I am prone to overdo things. I overplan every family vacation. I do everything to the utmost. I take to the extreme those situations that are content being small. Small intimidates me.” And I could not possibly agree with this more! I have trained myself for the last nine years to squeeze in as much as possible into the 24 hours given every single day. I ran so intensely, that this summer I realized I was one year older than I had actually thought. In one summer, I went from being 37 years old to having a few months left of being 38. That’s a problem. And now that I am thoroughly 39 years old, it is time that I unlearn the skill of maximizing every single day and find a path that leads to success in stillness and rest. When you are constantly running, relationships suffer, no matter how hard you try to protect them.

“Life is hard to appreciate without the pressing,” says Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith in Sacred Rest.

I dare say my last 9 years have been full of constant pressing. I won’t take the time to go into those details – read previous blogs for details – I tend to cope with humanity and life via writing. It is my way. And if someone can benefit, I am truly blessed. I have been given more than one lady deserves to be blessed with. I have an outstanding family, true and genuine faith, successful career, strong tribe, adventurous home and abundant life. I have been given opportunities that many dream of. I have seen many sites and embraced many unlike myself. I have more appreciation today than ever before in my short 39 years of life.

Some of my most recent pressing cases lie in the morning of my 39th birthday. I awake after three hours of sleep due to yet another delayed flight home to find my mirror in my bathroom leaning away from the wall and headed for actual doom. By the grace of God, it snugly propped itself against an item my husband had left plugged up. And now, I am faced with the fact that a controlled break is always better than an uncontrolled one – so I had to move the massive mirror in order to protect myself from the hundreds of shards of glass that would definitely await me if I delayed the movement. So, I did it – I broke a large mirror on my birthday. Which in superstition land, brings many years bad luck. Now, to speak of the fact that I later stepped through a wooden piece on my deck due to the heavy rains and great need for replacement wood and that I am still nursing the bruise from that endeavor, doesn’t reflect the broken mirror. OR that later that day one of the greatest actresses Maggie Smith passed away, I am sure that wasn’t a reflection of the mirror. OR any of the other really dreadful moments…. because broken mirrors mean nothing, right? 🙂 Well, in this case, it meant before thirty days was up, my sweet mother-in-law had completely redesigned and redecorated the bathroom and bedroom master suite.

I digress. Now onto more important things – I just finished a book that I would like to take a moment to HIGHLY recommend, Sacred Rest by Dr. Dalton-Smith. This book provided many of the answers I needed and direction my soul desired at this season of my life. She speaks of the importance of physical rest, sensory rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, and creative rest. In the beginning you get the privilege of taking a quiz – in which I failed in every category but one when I took it this summer.

I found a new life motto:

“I never again want to bring the toxins of work life into the sanctuary of my home. I’ve made this a key part of my rest strategy. My home and my life are far from perfect, but they are worth protecting from unrest.” says Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith in Sacred Rest.

“Victory is Coming” is a statement that has been molded into the fabric of my heart and mind over these last few years. Victory doesn’t always look like what we imagine or what we write on a sheet of paper. Victory may not look like victory to all who are watching. Victory is defined as an act of defeating an opponent or enemy. As you all know, I am a believer in Jesus Christ and believe strongly that we are always fighting against one enemy in this world. Victory is when the true enemy is defeated – but also, each war has many small victories along the way. As a believer in Jesus and a follower of Him, we are always pursuing obedience, and each moment of obedience brings victory.

I have started this new season with the following:

  • Making a work change that will bring a better work and life balance in bringing me back to my home base.
  • Redecorating and redesigning my bedroom space to reflect the level of importance this space should have in my life.
  • Prioritizing my time of study and prayer with the Word of God and the Lord Himself.
  • Giving my husband and children the best of me and not the leftovers.
  • Eating foods that fuel my body and not destroy it.
  • Walking and exercising daily.
  • Prioritizing my own rest and creating a space for me.
  • Taking herbal supplements that create a better version of me.
  • READING consistently again.
  • Relationships matter. Make them a priority. People are needed in your life to keep it full and help you stay obedient.

My prayer is that each day I am focused on what matters most. Every day needs a new amount of grace. Thankfully, the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.

In conclusion, the mirror triggered the physical change to the beginning of my emotional and mental state of mind – rest. The leg is still bruised from going through the back porch deck, and Lord Willing, the deck gets repaired soon. And Maggie Smith is still a legendary actor, may she rest in peace.

Please disregard the mess of my counter tops – survival mode here, folks. OR don’t disregard and judge me – I am okay with that. OR don’t disregard and relate with me to toooooo many things taken over my peace. Either way, it’s all good and the bathroom looks totally different today.

My Alaskan Cruise & Rest

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

My. My. My.

The last ten years of life have created more stress than I ever dreamed one person, one family, could experience. In bullet point fashion, let me incredibly briefly share the load:

⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: growth of my own family through infertility and adoption and cleft palates

⁃ Physical: Illness equating to my father being in the hospital every holiday for a solid two years

⁃ Spiritual: Two massive church splits

⁃ Emotional: My oldest niece adopting four amazing kiddos

⁃ Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual: the loss of my sister, my father, Clif’s grandmother, and Clif’s uncle

⁃ Spiritual: attempting to rebuild relationships with people and attempting to build new friends

⁃ Physical: stress killing me AKA weight gain and new food allergies

⁃ Emotional: family dynamics looking radically different

⁃ Emotional: watching dementia move into our family

⁃ Emotional and Mental: the amazing company I work for was purchased and all the changes that come with the beauty of realignments, new team members, new processes

⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: greater battles than ever seen before in my own home front

⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: stepping away from all of the ministries and volunteering that consumed my schedule in search of more peace and true connection and meaning

⁃ Emotional: loving on two sweet foster babies for one year with my oldest niece

⁃ Emotional: watching my youngest niece celebrate high school ceremonies and start college without my sister

⁃ Emotional: watching my sister’s three girls expand and grow without the joy present of my sister

⁃ Emotional, Physical, Mental & Spiritual: losing everything that seems normal to me

⁃ Spiritual: determining what in the world God wants to do with me now

⁃ And that is just to name a few….

And then we book a trip for all 16 of my family members to ALASKA. Yes, that’s a lot of people. Yes, we all have super strong personalities. Yes, we are all painful when we get cranky. Yes, we know when to spend less time together. Yes, everyone came home alive.

I asked around and determined Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas was for us! We chose July 4th week for many reasons – and loved that we did. We chose the easier option of docking in and out of Seattle being that we were travelling from Knoxville, Tennessee, to the other side of the country. And as many of you know, we flew Delta- where all the kiddos got pilot wings and airplane trading cards. Be sure to try their chicken salad box for purchase – we highly recommend. Don’t forget to ask for wheelchair assistance with your airline if your party needs that- it created the greatest experience for my mom.

We made plans to spend the weekend in Seattle and so glad we did! We enjoyed seeing all there is to see at Pike Place market, Luke’s lobster rolls, Soul Cycle, the original Starbucks, Elliott’s Oyster House, Seattle Mariners game, and, of course climbing Mount Rainer. I won’t share the hotel we stayed in because I wasn’t super happy with the experience. I only talk about the excellent things. And the other stuff I try to forget. Being that we had 16 people of all ages, we divided and conquered a lot. But it was all amazing!

We ubered to the boat dock and I was thoroughly impressed with the entire onboarding experience- especially since my mom needed wheelchair support. Royal Caribbean has logistics down to a beautiful science. I had never been on a cruise ship before nor travelled this way via water. No one in my room was ever seasick nor felt uneasy about the large ship. We had all of the medicines, but none were needed, thankfully.

We chose the ship that stopped in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria. We had two full days at sea on our seven day trip.

I’ve been told that “water triggers our parasympathetic nervous system.

In this state, your heart rate and blood pressure lowers, your digestion is stimulated and your body is able to relax.” Source: https://womenandwavessociety.com/8-reasons-why-being-in-on-or-around-water-makes-you-feel-so-good/

I am a big believer that God created this world for His Glory and our good. As God was speaking and creation was responding, we see God do miraculous things with His very Word. For reference, check out the powerful historical timeline of Genesis 1 & 2. God’s Word carries power and weight. His Word creates, and creates things the first time in a way that can reproduce itself. God’s Word on any situation causes changes to occur. God’s Word impacts hearts and souls – hard and soft. I was mesmerized by all that my eyes could see. I was mesmerized with all of the creatures I was able to behold – eagles, whales, sea otters, and seals. I was astonished with views of ocean waves, mountains green and snow covered, waterfalls, small towns, lakes and rivers, and don’t forget the small town Alaskan folks thrilled to meet you.

My soul needed rest.

My body needed rest.

My mind needed rest.

My calendar needed rest.

My heart needed quiet stillness.

Frequently, I have been reminded of the historical narrative of Peter walking on the water to Jesus, especially when I was on a boat (ship) surrounded by water.

Matthew 14:22-33

Immediately He (JESUS) made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

How often do I focus and meditate on the wind? How often do I become frightened by the very thing that God controls, Jesus controls? Why do I let that “thing” sink me, when my Saviour says, “Come!”

Lord, I long to live as the version of Peter that climbed out of the boat and walked. Lord, I ask that you give me the strength and power to fixate my eyes solely on your face. In Your eyes.

The water that surrounded us washed over my soul. Being immersed in God’s creation without a schedule and internet wrote a new rhythm on my heart and my mind. Today, I choose to be in the midst of things that matter. I choose to focus my eyes on Jesus and those things that do not align are removed. The peace of God consumed my trip and I am beyond thankful for the time He met with me there.

In Sitka, Clif and I experienced a bike and hike which was super fun – Thimbleberry Lake Trailhead not on e-bikes but real bikes! I could live in Sitka – 8,500 people and 14 miles of paved roads. A simpler life. We also enjoyed eating reindeer and blueberry soda from a local food truck. Not to mention purchasing SALT from Alaska Pure Sea Salt! If you want to see bears, this is the place. Also, your photographer husband will be sad for days if he doesn’t see a bear. Make note. 😆 In Skagway, the entire family rode on the White Pass Yukon Route Railroad and it was incredible. I highly recommend you bring snacks and coffee onboard and they only provide bottled water. We also enjoyed an Alaskan Fry Bread at Klondike Doughboy. Amazing! I could live here too! We were able to experience 4th of July celebrations in this small town – tug of war and contests. It was incredible!

In Juneau, my brother and family did the special excursion that took you on a boat off of our ship that was much closer to the glacier and wildlife – Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. They loved it! Also, in Juneau many of us explored over to the Mendenhall Glacier and waterfall. It did include a one mile paved hike, so I recommend renting a wheelchair for this event. It was beautiful – on our drive there we saw eagles everywhere. Also, I heard the crab legs were excellent! In Victoria, I was thoroughly overwhelmed with its beauty. Our crew broke off and did many things – e-bikes around the city, photography around the city, shopping around the city and tea room. This is a city I would make plans to go back for more time. The Abkhazi Garden was divine with its tea room experience. And the town was gorgeous with its Fairmont Empress Hotel, sailboat harbor, China Town, and British Columbia Parliament building. It was a very quick trip to this stop, but it was well worth the time.

None of this includes the family feud night, silent disco, Bingo, speakeasy with live music, workout center overlooking the ocean, running the track above the ship, ice cream Skip Bo game, Taco Goat Cat Cheese Pizza game, Bananagrams game, watching the sun go down at midnight, every hour on the hour, virgin pina coladas, incredible dining experiences and the spa! And so much time in the pools!

And we experienced a beautiful time spent with family. We made memories and every second of it I am thankful. My vow is to never waste a moment of this life. My vow is to keep striving to protect my rest and my peace. My vow is to continue to create relationships with those who truly care about me and for me. My vow is to keep my thoughts meaningful and uplifting – fighting against the critical spirit. My vow is to live life to the fullest and attempt to follow everywhere the Lord leads. My vow is to walk on the water keeping my eyes focused and unhindered.

The formal night.
Lounging early morning while the rest of the world slept.
Taken by Heather Haley… not Clifton Haley. 😂
My people.
Check out Amazon for Clifton Haley Photography Alaska Prints.

Dear Politician,

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

Please stop fighting. You are called to be leaders. Good leaders do not create discord or distrust. Good leaders inspire hope and a positive outlook for the future.

Today is the day to forget the name of your opponent and remember the names of the people you serve. What are you going to do if you win? How are you going to make the USA better, the world better? What are your actual plans? Who will you hire?

Let the people truly interview you.

Security is crucial.

Economy is incredibly important.

Freedoms and taxes must take a priority.

Can we talk about the food that the FDA is allowing into our grocery stores too? Can we talk about the poisons invading our pantries and refrigerators?

Job growth and housing is something to discuss more.

How we work, appear, and engage with other countries in the world is something we want you to understand more.

What is the legacy being created for my children? What vision do you have for us? Where will America, my state, my city, and my county be when you are finished with your term?

We the people desire you to stop creating discord and begin creating peace in leadership and excellence.

Just be better.

Photo taken by Clifton Haley Photography

Why travel?

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

Seeing the world is inspiring. Seeing the world is prodigious. Other cultures and communities are enlightening in every way. Being emersed in other cultures where you can see, smell, taste, touch, and hear it, changes you. Experience impacts you, forever. Many say that the person is developed through university and taught a well-rounded mind, but I challenge that with the idea that a person is truly developed when they have seen the globe in its fullness and each person as unique and blessed. Each culture and place have its own rhythm, its own dance. We learn to look at ourselves and our stories when we are challenged with the thoughts and ideas from those around us. We determine who we are and what we believe through challenge, and through experience. Often, we only view the world with our one singular lens, our position within the world.

I clearly remember a time in my twenties that I went to Asia and encountered a Christianity much different than my own.  I witnessed Christians truly hiding their faith in the midst of danger and fear.  I witnessed Christians speaking boldly the truth to the lost in ways I never dreamed of.  Coming home from that trip, my heart and my mind were challenged with what I always believed to be true.

Not long after that trip, I was able to see Jerusalem.  The place where the three major religions of the world collide – Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.  I have been blessed to see this place many times and count down the days for when I might be able to return here.  During this trip, once again, I could see the Creator of the Universe come to life.  Isn’t it interesting that the three main religions of the world have the One True God as the foundation.  Coincidence?  I think not.  In this most beautiful place, we see so much with every turn – the traditional Jewish men in the streets to the Christian churches and the Muslims bowing for prayer.  The cultures are so loud – literally and physically.  You can feel the intersection and how it all blends.

I often say that places are not real until you have seen them and experienced them – all the books, pictures, paintings in the world cannot compare to the views through your own eyes and memories lasting in your own mind. Travel is important for many reasons. It breaks down the barriers that stereotypes and borders can create. It opens our eyes to how other people live and what it looks like outside of the places we’ve grown up.

Our family loves seeing new places and experiencing new things. I dare say I was given this desire genetically from my own grandfather, Floyd aka my Papaw Arnold, and then of course through my own father who made plans for trips every year. Both inspirational men captured every moment with the lens they had – and made it an adventure. Now the first day of travel was always the most stressful, my dad would always be mad and feisty – I dare say he gave that to me too. They always made it a priority to have fun as a family and to make memories. Even the time my dad had to go to Toronto for a work trip and decided to make it a family vacation too – we drove from Knoxville, Tennessee to Toronto, Canada with me and my brother crammed in the backseat of a Toyota Camry. This was a long journey, but I still remember the baseball game, the small cans of coke and of course, my mother not letting me get on the boat to see Niagara Falls for fear that I would fall overboard and drown.

Thankfully, I married a man who might love travel just as much or more than me, and we are definitely raising some children that love the thrill of the adventure! I hope that by seeing the world early, they are not afraid of it. I hope that by embracing people different than them and learning cultures around the world, they are built with a strong foundation tempered with wisdom and love. At every turn, I am praying that my children are grounded and rooted deep in their beliefs and convictions. We put action to this in many ways – too many to label in this short blog, but the one I am focusing on here is through our intentionality in travel with the intent to see God in every place we traverse, with the goal of sharing hope and love to the people we cross paths with.  I will say, we fail quite a lot too – so do not put anyone on any pedestals here. We are flawed humans trying to raise up other flawed, little humans – with the power of the Presence of God and His Word as our guide.

As a family, we make travel a priority. Being that Clif and myself both travel for work, it has made it a bit easier. We have been able to do and see places that many only ever dream of. I traveled on my first overseas trip at the age of 15. This journey was to Dundee, Scotland, to do mission work with the inner-city children – a place I went back to more than eight times. This place will always hold a special piece in my heart and my journey. Since then, we have seen Israel, Indonesia, Jamaica, Romania, Nicaragua, Hungary, Singapore, Shanghai, Japan, England, France not to mention 42 or so of the 50 states and I am sure there are more places that I am forgetting as I type these words. Everything in life will slip by if you are not intentional. We don’t have many hobbies – but travel is definitely one of them. I write these words to encourage you to live – truly live. Make the time to live – whatever that looks like for you, your calling and your purpose in life. One of ours, is travel.

Now, I have been very blessed with a career that has on many occasions put me on the road.  In my initial professional role, I managed sales and client relations for 25 states over six years, which allowed me to discover the unique qualities of our glorious United States. Then for a season I came off the road – even though I increased my own personal travel adventures. Now, for the last eight years, I have traveled 2-3 times per month, nearly every month. Through these different positions, I have learned a few tricks and hope to share those over time. However, I may have become a travel snob in knowing what I like, my routine and which airports I choose to never step foot in again.

As I attempt to share some of my wisdom and fun tricks – please know I will always include anything I have learned and any inspiration in making your traveling experience a family affair. Now, I’m convinced my kids just love the TVs in the airport seats, Delta Sky Clubs and swimming pools at every Hilton hotel, especially Home2Suites, according to Joel. Now, I will not hide my own personal bias – I love Delta. I love Hilton. I love Hertz. They are my brands that I am loyal to. However, I do have experience with others, but if you know me, you know these are my favorites. They love loyalty. And I love that they love loyalty. I love presents, points, and travelling for free.

I am asked a lot about my travels and adventures and how we take our kids to so many places. And to that I say, “why not?” In my most recent years I have learned that time is short. We must make our memories today and stop living for the tomorrow that may never come. Instead, live for the today – make today happen. In some years, we are very formal about our plans. In recent years, we have been more sporadic. Now, you may ask – how can you afford all this travel? And to that, I say, “loyalty points!” Sign up for the credit cards (paying them off each month) that reward you with free travel! And then stick with your brand and they will pay your way! Delta is incredible with their loyalty points, especially with their American Express credit cards. I will work to share more trips and tips, but this short blog was to inspire you to consider where you might like to go and make plans today to GO! We Haley’s LOVE TO GO!

Check out some of our most fun moments on the road of adventure!

Mine and Georgia’s first adventure trip – NYC at Christmas 2016.

PS. please don’t view this post as bragging or boasting. That is not the intention of my heart at all. I have learned the art of saying what you want to say before you cannot say it any longer. Seizing the day and sharing your heart is very important to me. Please view this with that in mind. I know I am blessed, but I also know you can make certain things a priority and watch it happen! Oh, and I would be a bad wife if I didn’t say – feel free to check out many of the photographs my sweet husband has taken along the way on his ETSY page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CliftonHaleyPhoto?ref=shop_sugg_market

Moments with Mom on a Monday

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

Often times, we wait until it is too late to share our heart and soul to another. We wait until the funeral or the days, years after to really contemplate and speak about how one’s life has truly impacted them. Coming off of the month of mothers, you know May, I have the strong desire to share with the world what my mother means to me.

My entire life she has been present. For good and for bad…. I remember being that kid growing up whose mom was always home and was the most incredible stay-at-home mom, but that meant she was also at home. Ha Ha! Meaning, I wanted more independence from her like some of my friends did. Little did I know how important it was for me to have my mom with me at home. She was the one who took me and my 6th grade friends to see Titanic in the theater 8 times. Not to mention going to Dollywood nearly every other day and of course the late-night Krystal’s run for hot and fresh Krystal burgers (she with extra onions and cold co-cola, aka coca cola), and my middle school friends will never forget when she asked us if we were in the 1965 earthquake, knowing good and well we were all born in 1985 (being that I came from her).

My mom has always been the one to bring a good laugh to the crowd and I still think she would’ve made the BEST Youtube Influencer with cameras following her around every day. However, she may have been given a few citations from police. Growing up, she was the one who made the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches just perfect and never stopped letting me sleep with her, laying on her arm. She cuddled me and also pushed me. She told me to always use my brain and make something strong of myself. She took me to church during the days when my household did not do that.

I’ll never forget the evening that my dear friend, Ashley Smith (yes, using maiden name here) and I were inseparable all summer. Every other night we spent the night with each other! I cannot even imagine that today! Just because I am old. But her dad lingered on our front porch after bringing me home and encouraged my mom to bring me to church. I was in 4th grade. We went. Our home, our lives, our salvations were forever changed. That one invite from precious Randy Smith changed the course of our family legacy and future. Being a part of Fairview Baptist Church became a core value to who I am today. This place and these people supported my mom and soon my dad, and then my entire family – sister, brother and their families- in becoming more like Jesus. The faces changed, but the mission has never changed. All because my mom took me. My mom made the decision to take me to church.

She has lived a life of struggle and sorrow. She has buried two children – one newborn and one at the age of 51. She has buried both parents and her husband of nearly 60 years. She has seen difficult days in America and at the young age of 76, she now sees and experiences things she never dreamed. She graduated from the old Rule High School and met my pops at the Copper Kettle restaurant who had the cook, Pete of the famous downtown diner Pete’s! She was constantly surrounded by family with all of the good and bad that it brings! A brother who she says was constantly in trouble! Sorry, Uncle Charles! 🙂 She served our country as the wife of a US Air Force soldier and lived in beautiful Victorville, CA. Not to mention delivered my older sister there – thousands of miles away from family and friends. But she continued.

She continued to smile and brighten up the room. With her beehive hair and gorgeous legs, she shined. She created a home full of laughter, love and joy. She reminded of hard truths and poured into me to be the absolute best that God made me to be.

These days are different for us as we are navigating life without my dad, without my sister and constantly being faced with what the days ahead will look like. As she beautifully and comically said to me the other day, “If I get another diagnosis of something can you just not tell me?” And I belly laughed for what felt like hours. These are our pleasantly confused days, and I am loving every single one.

Mom, you are never a bother and never a burden. Mom, you have given me the very best foundation by challenging me to constantly be more than I thought I could. You created in me the desire to learn, grow, improve all while laughing. You have given me the very best foundation to live by and taught me the importance of making every moment count. You gave me faith. You took me to the altar of God. You continue to light up every room and shine brightly. We love our sweets, and we love our salt! Drinking coffee with you will never get old and I am thankful for you! Even if you did read all of my journals while I was growing up. You are truly one of a kind and one of the very best of humanity. Never stop laughing. And definitely keep smiling.

I LOVE YOU. HAPPY MOTHER’S MONTH. And how about we nominate this summer as Mother’s Summer?! You are way too special to celebrate for just one day, one month – let’s take the summer!

Readers, may this be the day you are rekindled with your mom. OR you choose to be the mom you were designed to be.

It is more than a soccer ball. 

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

This is a guest blog post by Karlie Schmid, one of my beautiful nieces (sister cousin aunt).

It is more than a soccer ball. 

It’s fresh morning air and seeing smoke puffs coming off Pacaya in the morning. 

It’s the never-ending supply of coffee. 

It’s the fresh tortillas with every meal. 

It’s the glass bottle cokes and laughs at the tienda. 

It’s hiking up a mountain with your food pack following your community guide. 

It’s sitting on a rickety stool talking to a new friend in their kitchen and praying for their family. 

It’s long walks to the lava fields. 

It’s sharing a queso pie from McDonalds with your best friend. 

It’s the giggles when everyone else is sleeping. 

It’s teaching 40 kids to do the cotton eye Joe. 

It’s getting beat up playing “football” with them while they stomp us. 

It’s the hunger for the Father that can’t be quenched with worldly desires. 

It’s swapping phrases in Spanish and English while playing cards until lights out. 

It’s walking through Antigua and seeing Carlos and getting a free bracelet “for a pretty lady”. 

It’s the feeling of home in a place where your biological family doesn’t reside. 

It’s seeing the way Christ shines through their eyes when they encounter us. 

It’s being the hands and feet of Christ. 

It’s time spent actually slowing down long enough to experience God. 

It’s realizing that this is a glimpse of Heaven. 

I don’t see people that need “saving” from material things. It’s more than that. It’s more than the materials we “gringos” bring down on the container. It’s more than a soccer ball. Or bounce houses. Or birthday candles. Or CPR mannequins. Or a deck of uno. It’s not about “saving” them from the situation, it’s about opening a conversation about the One who can give them eternal life.

For example, in 2022, a mother came to the camp one evening in distress about her daughter. The caretaker of the camp came and got the nurses on our team. Me and two other nurses went to her house to check on her daughter. We found out once we arrived that her daughter had an ectopic pregnancy and just got home from a 6 hour round trip bus ride from the hospital. She was in significant pain and was very worried. The nurses with me checked her out and we gave her supplies to help the pain; then we prayed over her family. Once we arrived back at the camp, we prayed again. Since she was so far from a hospital, we were worried about her stitches and possible infection, but with the little resources we had we did what we could. In 2023, when I arrived at Pacaya and was settling in, I saw her. Or rather she sees me and one of the nurses that was with her that night a year prior. She walks up to us beaming and holding a beautiful baby. She remembered us as the women who prayed over her health and safety; she remembered the love of God in that moment. 

Why do I go? 

I go because I’m called.

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the instruction of “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”. I knew from the first time I stepped off a plane in Guatemala City, in 2012, that these people and place would mean more than my 14-year-old heart could understand. And I was right. I didn’t get the opportunity to come back to Guatemala until 2021, following the most difficult time of my life.  I stepped off the plane, yet again, and met the same smiling faces I left in 2013. I was met with surprise, elation, and lots of questions. “Is that Karlie?” “Where are your braces?” “You graduated high school and college? “How is your family?” to “I’m sorry about your mom” “we never forgot you or your family”. 

Now at age 23, I felt my heart start that steady rhythm that I was finally back home – but it wasn’t the place. It was God speaking to my broken heart. Speaking to me that He never forgot me. Reminding me that the girl that stepped off the plane eight years prior, with stars in her eyes about being on first mission trip, was still in there. 

That is what “go and make disciples” is about. It’s about the love of Christ that breaks every barrier. Spanning across continents, across time zones, across years. You may not want to cross the ocean or even the street, but sometimes the simplest things can open a conversation about Christ. 

To support Karlie and the Guatemala mission, please send via Venmo to @Karlie-Schmid.

This is my church.

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

Fairview Knox is my church. Too many negative blog posts fill the internet about Christians destroying other Christians. Churches destroying other churches. Those bought by Christ, destroying others bought by Christ. The Church was designed to be a group of people reflecting Christ to a lost world and coming together for love, encourage, fellowship, connection and for help in time of need. And we as Christians have forgotten that as we strike one another with our words and create environments that become obstacles for the very ones we were called to love and save.

Those that need love and hope are turned off by the love and hope deliverers because the deliverers have forgotten that we are the bearers of the hope and love. Instead, the deliverers have turned to looking for ways to deliver themselves – all the good things of life.

I love my church.

I love THE Church.

Christ loves THE Church.

What is the difference, you ask? My church is Fairview Knox. It is the group of believers that God has called me to be a part of. Even in times when it has felt difficult or impossible, this is the family that my family has been placed in. THE Church is the global body of believers all over the globe united to praise the Name of Jesus wherever they are. We are all a part of THE Church if we are a Christian. However, we as believers forget that our church name is not the most important name – only the Name of Jesus matters.

Today, in this moment, let’s begin to uplift all those around us. Let us choose to celebrate the successes of churches and Christians all around us whether or not they attend the same Sunday morning faith family. I am blessed to have been a member of my home church for the last 28 years. Is it perfect – absolutely not. No church is – even though we are called to be the hope and love deliverers, we are still faced with the same sinful temptations and selfish tendencies that we find all over. Which then creates the battle within our souls, which pours into the Church House if left unchecked and unrealized. There is not a perfect human, aside from Jesus Christ. There is not a perfect family, either.

As families, we will hurt one another – but we return in forgiveness and grace. As families, we may say things we don’t mean – but we return in forgiveness and grace. As families, we may not want to spend time with some folk – but we arrive in forgiveness and grace. Forgiveness and grace must define our every breath and heartbeat. There is no one righteous, no not one, says Paul. So, let’s stop considering ourselves as such and definitely stop considering those around us that way too. People will fail us. But when we choose to view each person with the eyes of forgiveness and grace – we can forgive things that we never dreamed we could.

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:26-34

I say – have we been seeking the Kingdom of God first or building our own?

Be the one voice that people know will be encouraging to those around you. Choose today to be full of grace, mercy, forgiveness, hope and love.

If you don’t have a church home today – I highly recommend you find one. If you live in Knoxville, Tennessee, we would love to have you at mine – https://www.fairviewknox.com/.

Let them stay little.

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

My sweet Georgia is now ten years old. And I am not okay with it.

She is a little girl trapped in a body that is changing, a soul that desires independence, and a mind that critically thinks about everything that crosses her path. She loves baby dolls, puppy dogs, Thunderman & Bluey cartoons, and to be held. She longs for me to tuck her into her bed every night and sit and hear every word in her head. Yet, she also asks me every day to shave her legs, wear makeup and go shopping at Claire’s. She wants a phone so much she has painted a rock and carries it around like it is a phone. She rocks at board games and baking. She is constantly desiring to be older than she is and pushing me there. Ten years ago, she couldn’t eat solid food. Ten years ago, she couldn’t walk. Ten years ago, we had just finished one cleft surgery and were preparing for another cleft surgery. Ten years. A LOT CHANGES in ten years.

I can already look ahead and catch a glimpse of the moment ten years from now when I am watching her at university or engaged to be married or who knows what “adult-type life” she will be living. When I was twenty, I was engaged and about to graduate college while working a full-time job. How does this happen so fast? Where do the sweet minutes go? What is my role in all of it? What is the mission and purpose?

Lord, have I done enough? Have I done it right? Am I prepared for the next ten years? Why do the tears come so strong?

This weekend I allowed myself to time warp back into history via my phone – I know, not as cool as the good ole days when you watched home videos on your TV via a VHS or even projector with all of the clicks. I started scrolling – not social media – but my own videos on my phone from ten years ago. I watched EVERY SINGLE VIDEO from when my sweet baby girl was a newborn, one and two years old. I watched our second Christmas as a family of three – two lighter, bubbly parents overjoyed to open silly presents with our precious baby girl. While we both made comments on our personal weight gain, we were lighter not just physically but also in our spirits. Our rocky terrain of life has added weight to our body in more than one way.

I remember my years as an early adult – college and young married. My mind, heart and soul were overwhelmingly focused on Jesus and His Word. I remember the internal joy that subdued every ounce of who I was and oozed out of my face and mouth with zeal and unwavering strength and determination. I clearly remember looking at older adults in the faith and seeing sadness. Many that I looked at struck me with a deeper level of sadness and pain than I could put words to. I recall thinking to myself about how I found it strange that they had walked with God longer than I had and looked worse for it. When I was young, my internal core was nothing but joyful. Now that I have lived – fought a fight (many fights if I am being honest) – I find that I am understanding what it means in the statement to ‘choose joy.’ When I was young – I didn’t have to choose. Now that I have seen, lived, experienced pain and tribulations, I now know what it means to seek the Maker for your source of strength.

I sat at the end of that day of watching and gleaning the joy from the videos of my younger self and the sweet innocence of a young couple with a young baby girl, feeling convicted.

I had lost my joy.

In a covert operation by the enemy, I had lost my joy. When the trials came – decade long – I sealed myself up like a vault and went into hiding, while fighting. In this month of love, I am devoted to joy. In this month of love, I am devoted to fighting to protect my sweet girl from as much of the world as I can. I know what it feels like to be ignorant and blissful. I know what it means to live in the Spirit and walk in the fullness of His presence. I know today, more than ever, that my mission for my little girl is to protect her innocence, protect her joy, protect her childhood for as long as possible.

What does this mean? For my family, it may mean something different than for your family. For us it means the following:

  • I immediately asked for forgiveness from my husband and children for allowing my internal joy to be stolen from me. (we do that a lot in our house – apologies on the regular)
  • Asking God for the strength to stay close – intimacy with Him in a vulnerable way creates the ability to walk in natural joy.
  • Re-engaging in deeper studies of God’s Word to take my depth in Him to new places.
  • Preventing my daughter to be influenced by too many voices – no phone, no social media, no TV in the bedroom, no tablet in the bedroom, no tv shows/movies that we haven’t watched first. SOAP BOX WARNING: We are going to be the weirdos, but we have made a vow to one another and to our children that they will not have a phone until they are 16 years old. Why you ask? Because they are loaded weapons in the hands of children. I mean technically, loaded weapons in the hands of adults! We struggle with scrolling instead of living as adults. We get trapped with opinions of others more than opinion of God. We waste precious time on the phone instead of engaging the living beings in a room with us. We throw away moments with family around dinner tables by choosing to engage in endless scrolling and watching. As adults, we struggle. How can I ever expect my daughter who would choose candy bars over healthy nutrition to ever be able to regulate that?
  • Re-creating the consistent habits that I know to be good for me – exercise, diet control, balance in work/life environment, greater protection of my eyes and ears and genuine laughter.

My desire is strong for my children to know who I am, really. When I walk in the joy that I know, that is my truest self. They haven’t really met her yet. In fact, many new friends haven’t. These last ten years have been dark – deep loss of friendships, normal life, routines and things of comfort. I am excited for the next ten years with my sweet girl to be the best ones yet. She deserves that. And so do I.

Mercies are new every day. And today’s mercies are incredibly special.