For the past twenty-four years, I have been dating this guy. Yeah, sure, we made marriage covenant twenty years ago this year… but June 7 (yesterday – yes, a day late and a dollar short always) we became boyfriend and girlfriend. The picture attached is at his house in Rutledge, the summer before our senior year in high school began, just before we left to take him to the airport for a mission trip to Scotland. He decided to ask me to be his girlfriend and then got on a plane minutes later – I now see this was going to be prophetic of our relationship together. Every day a new adventure, every day a new plan, every day a new dream, every day a new destination.
He arrives home today from his latest adventure of leading photographers to better see God’s Masterpiece in Yosemite and Lake Tahoe and we are counting down the minutes until he steps off that plane in our beautiful East Tennessee. Each trip is a testing period for us. Most say, I am sure they have not seen struggle and that is the only reason they have been together for so long. And I say to that “YOU ARE CRAZY!” Life with any human creates chaos – it creates chaos in ways only those living with oxygen in their lungs can understand. Living is a choice. Marriage is a choice. Covenant is a choice. And all of it creates chaos in some form or another.
This summer, I am walking through a study on marriage, men, women & family with my group at church. Which is really kind of cool because in Kenya this year, me and some ladies were speaking about how we should cover the topic of marriage on our Kenya 2027 trip. But again, I digress. We are also studying with this same group what God’s Word says about Covenant. Let’s just say, God is at work in revealing Himself to us in a beautiful way. Not to mention, our Sunday nights opening up the book of James – in a deeper, convicting, life-altering way. I am honored to have a group of people to open the Book with. I am honored to have a group of people to walk in life with. We, as a couple, are honored to have a group of married men and women walking in this journey of life together with. And soon serve together with as the Lord reveals our next steps. There is not enough time on this earth to search and know God. When we make His Word our meal, our feast – we are always left with room for more. He satisfies, but also creates a deeper and greater hunger for Him.
We opened our Word together yesterday morning to take a deeper look at the first marriage – Adam in Eve found in Genesis 2. Did you know that marriage was established and created before the fall? Did you know that beautiful relationship was created before the great sin entered the world? Did you know that marriage was God’s idea? Did you know that God shared the entire creation story with us in Genesis – we don’t have to wonder about many things that He didn’t give us the answers for? Did you know… did you know… did you know… so many things I constantly and laughing at how God shows Himself to me.
Genesis 2:18-25
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. 22 And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,
“At last this is bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called ‘woman,’ Because she was taken out of man.”
24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked, but they were not ashamed.
So many things to unpack. Listen, I definitely do not have all of the answers. I am only a wild-eyed, short crazy lady who has consumed one too many cups of coffee and desperately needs her calm, realistic husband to come home. However, I challenge everyone to look at this passage. Read this passage. Look to God and ask Him – what do I need to better understand about marriage? What do I need to better understand about my role as a woman in society in 2026? Lord, what do I need to hear from you today? And He says “you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. Now He was also speaking this to the Israelites who were exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem – so context is key. But I think this core principal of God holds true to to us today. He will not leave us wandering this early alone without a hope and without a direction – He wants to guide us and have relationship with us.
Today – make a point to say, where are you God? What does Your Word say? And open it. In January I started The Bible Recap with Tara Leigh Cobble in the Bible app – all free goods. And I know a lot of people use it to study God’s Word and read through it within the year. I am doing it within the year, but I am listening to the Word. If you never done this, do this. It is a great way to be in the Word daily. It is a great guide. And you don’t have to wait for January. Start today. Oh, and thanks for reading another ramble session with HH.
May 2026 | 24 years together with two kids who wear matching Ronald Acuna Jr shirts (completely by accident and I thought was great, Georgia is mortified) and Chickfila ice cream AT the airport.June 7, 2002. Babies.
Every day is a gift. Every day is a choice of how you spend the minutes. Every day we make the decisions of what to do with our 24 hours. I have heard it said and I have often said myself, I just wish I had a few more hours. Ha! We would waste that too without proper mindset. Kind of like the person who wishes they had more money to get out of debt… when all along the problem is not the top line, but the expense line… sorry, I digress. Just a take a way, I have the same amount of hours in my day as Elon Musk, Thomas Edison and of course Jesus. Each with the same 24 hours.
Yesterday was a perfect day. Beautiful temperatures, sun out – a restful morning of sleeping in until 6:49 AM with a relaxed Bible Study, time on the back porch with my book and coffee and LEG DAY with Faster Way. A peaceful morning. Joel, of course, awake by 7:50 AM to start his day of adventure with Legos and the continuation of fascination with Bad Guys book series and it’s author. Georgia the pre-teen sleeping in until someone from the otherworld wakes her from her deep grip on dreams.
And then off to the races we began! We had told mom the day prior that we would go on an adventure. At the time, I was completely unclear on what that adventure might be – I needed the Lord to tell me for certain what He intended our free day to look like. I cancelled my evening plans, as He directed, and chose to not be rushed and live in the day. Now, I had received a facetime message clearly asking me to pick up a gift for some sweet friends of ours 50th wedding anniversary from my mom – she made it clear that she was not going to forget about this gift and if I came without it…. we would be doing that first. So, I quickly took care of that and the Benedryl cream for Joel’s bee stings from the day prior, and we were off to the races.
Three years ago this August, my dad passed away. Six years ago this August, my sister passed away. In our family, memories matter. Days are important. We live each day to the absolute fullest and refuse to waste a moment. A blessing and a curse because you find yourself never really resting and breathing – so crash days are incredibly important. August is a big deal month that we all try to forget and hold our breath to get through.
I am currently reading a book called The Awe of God by John Bevere. I highly recommend to anyone wanting more out of life and wanting more in obedience to the Lord. I am finding that I have feared men way more than I have feared God and that is a bad deal. I also just finished two other books – A Million Miles In a Thousand Years by Donald Miller AND The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. Both are life changing and should be on every human’s reading list.
Also, I noticed that kids have summer reading books assigned for upcoming 7th graders, 4th graders, etc. Where is the summer reading list for upcoming 41 year olds? Who know… maybe I am drafting that now. Back to the story.
For those who are unaware, my mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia not long after my father passed away. For most of her adult life she struggled with depression, anxiety and deep sadness. I think from many of the things she experienced and never really sought help for – the loss of her first born baby among those things. However, in the season of her diagnosis, my brother and I have noticed that you will not find an overall happier person. I say in her case, the dementia has been a gift to her in her later years. Not remembering the pain. Not remembering the struggles. Only remembering the good. And that seems to be the case – and I pray it always is. But I am curious if maybe the Lord has a way of giving us the beautiful holy form of dementia that keeps us logged into only the good, forgetting the bad, and only doing whatever He tells us to do next…. like she only does whatever the person she trusts around her tells her to do next. Maybe there is something to this dementia story that longs for one to press in and better understand.
We took off! Sunroom open and music blaring! Singing and dancing down the road. All the way to the local library for my kiddos to get some more of those summer reading books and my mom to break all of the sound ordinance rules within the public library. I am not sure the lady has ever been in one, well, she says she hasn’t. But who knows. She made friends with everyone, like always, so no one could tell her to hush… even though I tried. And then, once my kiddos got the maximum they could check out, we were off to lunch. Humble Hog in downtown Knoxville – HH is the logo. For those who know, you know… HH. I HIGHLY recommend this great dive for home cooked, gluten free goodness. We even ordered chicken livers, which have always made me want to gag – but my dad loved them. So we gave them a try! TEN out of ten! Our perfect handicap parking spot on Gay Street, 20 steps from the entrance made this the perfect spot and moment. There is nothing quite like eating outside in a downtown scene. Lots to see – people, graffiti artwork, sunshine. It was just great! So, moral of the story, go to the Humble Hog, eat outside, get chicken livers OR the biggest fried bologna sandwich you’ve ever seen.
Next on the agenda, a quick trip to the mountains. Being that we are so blessed to be about one hour from the Great Smoky Mountains – we go. Not enough, but we go. We spent about one hour in The Chimneys – sitting by the water as Joel played, Georgia napped (preteens sleep all of the time) and me & mom chatted about whatever and where ever her mind took her. We were relaxed. Not rushed. Enjoying all of the Lord’s creation that man looks to destroy every chance we get. The sound of the water and birds were so loud and fulfilling. You could almost hear it all singing “how great is our God”. The absolute marvel of our Creator among the created things.
All day long, mom said this was the best vacation of her whole life. Now, we went to Alaska and Hawaii in the last few years so I am trying not to take offense. But it was a pretty awesome day.
I mentioned earlier that I am reading a book called The Awe of God by John Bevere and in one the chapters he speaks of complaining…. He spoke about the “five sins that kept Israel from its destiny: craving evil things, worshiping idols, sexual immorality, testing God and complaining” (1 Corinthians 10:6-10). He goes on to mention that complaining is “the antithesis of holy fear; it’s not trembling at His Word. We dishonor God and His Word when we think or speak from the posture of discontentment.”
Ouch. This section hit hard. Every day and every new adventure, my mom is living in a vacation. She is thrilled to be alive. She is thrilled to have people who love her surrounding her. She loves to live and just the simplest car ride down the road brings her to life. No discontentment. Just fun in the present adventure. No to do lists for that one, just whatever the person who loves her tells her to do next. Interesting thought… just do whatever the Person Who loves us tells us to do next.
To round out the day, we went looking for a few deals at the Tanger Outlet – the tennis shoe shop and underwear shop. Looking for the items we can get for less. Quite successful, all three – mom, Georgia and Joel- walked away with new shoes! It was like Christmas morning. And of course, the last stop being the ultimate Buccees. Mom was living like a kid in a candy shop. After retrieving the perfect shirt for the 4th of July AND Icees (slushies for those not local) for the kids, we were off to the house.
This day was a calm, relaxed, non eventful day. But this day left an indelible mark.
In those days, when there was again a large crowd and they had nothing to eat, Jesus summoned His disciples and *said to them, “I feel compassion for the people because they have remained with Me for three days already and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come from a great distance.” And His disciples replied to Him, “Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?” And He was asking them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” And He *directed the people to recline on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He told the disciples to serve these as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.
Mark 8:14
And the discipleshad forgotten to take bread, and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them.
Mark 8:16-21
And they began to discuss with one another the factthat they had no bread. And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet comprehend or understand? Do you still have your heart hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Mark 9:17-25
And one person from the crowd answered Him, “Teacher, I brought You my son, because he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it slams him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes stiff. And I told Your disciples so that they would cast it out, but they could not do it.” And He answered them and *said, “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!” And they brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, the spirit immediately threw him into convulsions, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to kill him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” But Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again!”
I had the incredible privilege to spend two very full days covering Mark chapters 7-9 with the Pastor’s wives of the Maasai Tribal Churches in Kenya. We had six hours of teaching and three hours of focused prayer to anoint each Pastor and Pastor’s Wife for their ministry and calling in leading their homes and churches. Our team also lead six hours of leadership development and scriptural teaching among the Pastors in a separate set of sessions. As we prepared to embark on this trip, the Lord was clearly speaking to us to have great faith. We had great needs and we needed our Lord to truly show up to deliver on those needs.
This week’s trip began in my heart last year when I had the great opportunity to teach these same Pastor’s Wives in leading them through Mark chapters 1-3. The only reason my family decided to connect with the people of Maasai in 2025 was solely based upon a selfish ambition – my husband was going their on a work trip and I wanted to experience it with him the week before. We felt we could find a church group or someone to come alongside and encourage in the faith and see the country. Through an extensive, Providential search, I was connected with Bishop Rampei. We determined a 2-day Ladies Conference was exactly what he and his people needed. And this week, we just completed the 2nd 2-day Ladies Conference, but bigger and even better. As we began to pray for 2026 trip, our family and Bishop and Jackie Rampei prayed for some specifics:
A man to teach the Pastor’s at the same time as I lead the Wives. – ANSWERED.
Swahili Bibles. – ANSWERED.
Maasai Bibles. – ANSWERED.
Sponsorships for those Pastors with a distance to travel. – ANSWERED.
Basic medical supplies for the village church we attended & Pastors to take back with them to their churches. – ANSWERED.
Motorbikes for those Pastors who must walk the furthest to minister to their people and work to provide for their families. ANSWERED. FIVE!
More people to join in on what the Lord was doing in this tribe – evangelism is not the priority here, it is further discipleship and church leadership. – ANSWERED.
And the Lord provided.
Because of Nehemiah Baptist Church led by Pastor Keith Weaver, our first Motorbike was purchased for the first Pastor – Pastor Daniel Ng’eetiai. Because of Fairview Knox Church led by Pastor Jeff LaBorg, our 400 Precept books were purchased for the women’s disciple for the conference & for their church groups AS WELL AS printing all of the materials created by Joshua Gass to lead the 80 Pastors. Because of Pickering Orthodontist, we were able to give out hundreds of tooth brushes to children and parents. Because of many countless others – so many it would take a really long time to name – we were able to sponsor 50 Pastors transportation & housing for the conference, purchase 220 Swahili/Maasai Bibles, 6 suitcases full of supplies, fed the local school children through all of next year, and purchase a total of 5 motorbikes – the second for Pastor James Kipaika AND the next three to be given on Monday after Easter.
Through leading these ladies in the scriptures of Mark 7-9, you could see a trending theme of the disciples asking at least three times “where’s the bread?” AND three times the Lord delivering. Did they not remember what He did with the five thousand? What about what He did for the four thousand? Why is it we cannot seem to grasp that God is always ready to provide when we are walking in the purpose and plan He has designed us to live in. For many years, the Lord had been developing in me the motto based upon scripture, “you have not, because you ask not.” Often, we don’t have the miracles we desire from God because we are never bold enough to ask Him for it. When will I understand? When will my eyes see and my ears hear? When will I fully grasp that He longs to give and show Himself – all we need to do is ask and walk in the Truth He has given us.
What is “the bread” we are asking for?
Have we seen Him deliver and leave the leftovers for us to take with us?
Is there “bread” you are asking Him for today?
And I have seen miracles this week. We were given the most outstanding drivers for our Land Cruisers – Onesmus and Tony. We learned their stories and their lives. We learned of Onesmus’s village that is still without a well for clean water. We learned how blessed we are to have consistent work and consistent pay checks to provide for our families. These men were a true gift for our team and a part of the blessings. They covered us in prayer, answered the many questions, they made us laugh and broke a few safari stupid rules (insert massive laugh).
Last year, my Precept Bible Study ladies wrote cards to the women of the conference that I handed out to the Pastor’s wives. I stated that each of those women had prayed for them while writing the card and it would be amazing if they would consider praying for them in return. And guess what, they did. One of the ladies who joined our trip this year, wrote a card AND the very Pastor’s Wife in the room was able to meet her. They were able to connect with one another. The Lord is faithful.
Lastly, we were able to visit the precious school – Oloika Primary School. This is the school that many have been provided breakfast and lunch to the students each day for the past year and scheduled for the upcoming year. During our visit, we began to discuss what the next needs are:
Shoes for the children
Text books in English and Swahili
Story books in English to practice the language
Potential children sponsorship so they can open the Boarding Houses.
$35 per month pays for one child to have breakfast, lunch, dinner, safe space to sleep and removes the burden of walking 7 miles per day round trip.
As I am sitting on a plane flying home now, we have already been discussing how to better equip the believers and use our abundance of blessings to assist with those in the most need. We are making plans to go back next March. We are making plans to continue discipling church leaders in making disciples. We are making plans to lead the conferences. We are making plans to continue to grow the relationship with the Oloika Primary School in providing textbooks, shoes & leather soccer balls. I ask only one question – is the Lord making plans for you to join in through giving, through adoption of one of these needs, through coming yourself to see what the Lord wants to do through you.
He has a plan for each of us. Are you walking in His plan or settling for the one you made for yourself?
We sing songs in worship, but do we slow to think of who wrote them, how they came about, what they say and define? I heard it once said that Christians don’t tell lies, they sing them. While I know that is not true for all of us, I dare say that it can be said of all of us from time to time. I do love that the Christmas season brings about its own songs for us to sing and celebrate the Savior with. My absolute favorite Christmas song to be sang is “O Holy Night!” or “Mary did you know?” and then we cannot forget “Silent Night”. Each with their own passion, story and intimacy. I know I should choose one of those for this section, but the Lord has led me to another song. I was introduced to this song last year and I am forever thankful to the Lord for it. The most powerful foundation of this song is the Living Word of God.
Singing the Word of God is the most powerful praise we can give. These are the moments when we know that Christ is exalted and not ourselves. These are the Words written and given for mankind to know The Lord better and as we sing Him,we come in contact with a greater purpose and a greater experience than ourselves. These are the Romans 12 moments of the renewing of our minds and the proving of God’s perfect Will.
Risen Savior (Sing My Soul)
Who bore our sin Who took our shame? The Lamb of God Holy and righteous is His name. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior
(Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Who heals our wounds Who knows our pain? The Lamb of God Holy and Righteous is His name Nothing can ever take His place. (1 Peter 2:24)
Sing my soul, sing out and bless the Lord For He has overcome, Oh by His precious blood Now He’s lifted high, come let us lift our eyes Set them on Jesus Christ, He is our Risen Savior (Psalm 103-104, Philippians 2:9-11)
Let the earth be filled with Glory Let our hearts be filled with praise You are worthy, God Almighty Holy, Holy, Holy
(Psalm 72:19; Revelation 4:8-11)
Is it a coincidence that when the church or the Christian sings the Words “You are worthy, God Almighty, Holy! Holy! Holy!” the atmosphere changes. The environment changes. These Words are being said by angels even now as we sit reading these Words. The Heavens are declaring Him! The advent is really all about sitting and recognizing that He is Worthy, He is God Almighty, and that He is HOLY! HOLY! HOLY!
The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah – Matthew 1:1-17
The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
Abraham fathered Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers. Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez fathered Hezron, and Hezronfathered Ram. Ram fathered Amminadab, Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon. Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered David the king.
David fathered Solomon by Bathsheba, who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon fathered Rehoboam, Rehoboam fathered Abijah, and Abijah fathered Asa. Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat fathered Joram, and Joram fathered Uzziah. Uzziah fathered Jotham, Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah. Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah. Josiahfathered Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel, and Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel fathered Abihud, Abihud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor. Azor fathered Zadok, Zadok fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud. Eliud fathered Eleazar, Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob. Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteengenerations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteengenerations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Have we ever slowed down long enough to investigate the names represented in this lineage of grace? When I was in high school looking into the word of God asking what I should study next, He led me to the lineage. These names, these people, and their stories are not here by accident. They each represent another pillar of grace shown upon all of humanity. When you review the fact that there are men from all walks of life and every journey known to man and they are the foundational rocksof welcoming the Savior of the world. And five women. Five. Five is the number for grace in scripture that can be found all over the Word of God reflecting His grace on our lives, and He chose to give us five women in the lineage that represent each of us.
Tamar: the unwanted.
Rahab: the mistreated.
Ruth: the forgotten.
Bathsheba: the taken.
Mary: the misunderstood.
These women represent all of us. None of us are left out and the Lord cherished them and chose to call them blessed. They experience the Christ in many ways and one of the most powerful being through the birth of their own children. The welcome of holding their own children, was partially welcoming the Christ. And when does the advent season truly being? I challenge that it took place every moment of every day, but especially in these families at the birth of the next generation. The longing for the coming of Christ dictated their very existence and their family purpose – but did they know it? With the creation of every new generation, they were one step closer to the Christ. Could the same be said of us?
And then we have fourteen generations between Abraham and David, David to Babylon deportation, Babylon deportation to Jesus. Is that a coincidence? I say not. The number fourteen represents a double measure of spiritual perfection. But that is an entire study all its own, which I encourage you into more. The linage of Jesus is more than words on a page. It contains the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in its every motion. The enemy tried in many ways to destroy these people too… but he failed. Just as he will fail in our lives and in our journeys. Our High King has the victory, and we are privileged to walk in that truth and with that banner over us. May we celebrate the birth of each new generation of believers in our midst as that is one more day closer to His second coming. And may we rest in His goodness as we reflect on all He has done inus and for us, even then things that we are unaware of.
As a child, I can remember always being so confused about what “advent” was and how one celebrates it. Let’s be honest, as an adult I have also struggled with what the true way of observing the Savior of the World’s arrival should look like to a follower. A genuine, true, loyal follower of Christ should look different to the world every day, but what about during advent?
Advent is the season observed by most Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second coming. It is most often observed December 1 – December 24, some even begin as early as November 30. It does have a Latin foundation, adventus, meaning “coming”. Historically, during this season, many would fast from meat, dairy or eggs as a sign of holiness and a time separated in devotion to Christ. These days are to be a clear reflection of hope, joy, peace and love.
Would we ever consider that God is asking us to fast from our normal “celebratory” focuses in December in order to better claim these days in the intimacy of the Father? What if our children walked away from the month of December having a better understanding of who Christ is and less knowledge about the cookies and cakes? Can we even allow ourselves to think that He may desire a fast in the busiest seasons of eating all year?
These days should be days that we prepare our hearts to enterthis season. What is the pre-advent? These are the days where we make our focus on the Savior and begin to empty our hearts and minds of all the things that distracted us from the Christ. In Titus 1:15, “to the pure, everything is pure.” May we enter a new kind of purity with Jesus in these days of separation for holiness.
Pondering about how advent is best to fit into the daily walk of a Christian, I am paused on sharing any details. These days of the Christian journey are shaped more by what men lead us to do in our followings than the Spirit of the Living God in His leadings. In this day, instead of seeking what others are called to do in their “adventing”, today, seek the Lord and what He desires of us in our pilgrimage.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life…… AND let your eyes look directly ahead ANDlet your gaze be fixed straight in front of you…. AND all your ways will be established.” Provers 4:23, 25, 26b
The American Church has been given a second chance. There has been a radical jolt to the system of humanity with the martyrdom of a believer in Jesus Christ. An American Christian on American soil killed for his faith and the beliefs that align with that faith. We as fellow believers are impacted by this for many reasons.
The loss of a brother in Christ is painful – we weep with those who weep, we rejoice with those who rejoice.
The activity of the demonic has an influence – violence goes hand in hand with demonic. Genesis 6:11 says, “Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
The conviction that we are not following Christ with the same level of obedience, zeal and passion as Charlie Kirk.
The reality that we have allowed the enemy to steal, kill and destroy – our joy, our unity in the body of Christ, our genuine fellowship with other believers, our families, our focus, our peace, our mission purpose for existing – to love GOD and glorify HIM forever. Satan can only take what we as believers allow him to have.
For most of my lifetime, we have not experienced the American Church reflecting Christ in the purest of forms. The whole purpose of the life of a Christian is to be a living example of Jesus to the world around them. To do that, we must know Him. To do that, we must know His Word. To do that, we must walk in complete surrender and obedience to the Father.
In my short life of almost forty years, I have witness so much hate among the believers of Jesus that it sickens me. And has broken the heart of God. So often, we as believers get more caught up in our own struggles, offenses, pains and viewpoints that we walk and live in the flesh and forget to crucify the flesh.
I would say for most of my life, I have greatly desired to be diligent in the pursuit of the heart of Jesus – and longed to live every second in complete surrender. These last five years have brought me to a new, different place on my journey. For more than one reason and on more than one occasion, I have attempted to run from everything. I have tried to run from my church, my family, my faith and even at points – my own life. When the fight gets too hard, I do one of two extreme things – assume the position of a runner and take off OR dig my stakes so deep into the ground that no act of anything but superhuman activity could get me to move. Some may call it stubbornness. The Lord knows this… we talk about it often.
In the last six months, God has been gently and lovingly been pulling me from my cocoon that I created to protect myself. I call it a cocoon because it was self-made and needed for a season. I don’t regret this time as it led me to today. And I pray to God I look as beautiful as the butterflies He created – which I know I will because if it isn’t good, then He is certainly not finished yet. Too often, I have confused the voice in my head. My peace and my joy and my hope were stolen. A critical spirit had moved in and began to plant seeds and grow roots. I made it easier on myself in my cocoon to not let many people in and turned away from the spots that would potentially cause me to be vulnerable. I heard the wrong voice. Instead of taking every thought captive, I began to believe the lies that Satan had whispered. Instead of holding everything up against the Word of God, I chose to be tossed to and fro like the waves letting my firm foundation slowly erode.
Today, I have apologized to my God for listening to the enemy’s voice instead of to the Holy Spirit. Today, I have apologized to my Pastor for allowing the enemy to separate me from his teaching and leadership. Today, I have apologized to my husband for being critical and at times unforgiving. Today, I am choosing to open up again and take the risk that comes from potentially being hurt or pained by another. Today, I am reaching out to those whom I have missed that the enemy has separated. Today, I choose to follow the Spirit once again in my life and see what the Lord has in store for this baby butterfly. Today, Christian, choose obedience to the Lord – His Word and His Spirit. Both are crucial for this life. Today, unbeliever, seek God. He says if you seek Him, you will find Him when you seek Him with your whole heart. Choose today to test Him. I am not asking you to become religious. I am asking you to ask God if He is real and listen for the answer. Make today the day you choose to look for Him. Accept Jesus as your Savior. He is faithful and just and will forgive your sins. Jesus longs for none to perish, but for all to enter into relationship with Him.
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life – no one comes to the Father accept through Me.” John 14:6
For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son. John 3:16
Christian, be on alert –
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these…. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:19-23
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you; sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry – you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:5-10
Christian, seek God and His face when determining if the voice speaking to you is from Him or not. And if you are experiencing grief or overwhelming loss or deep pain, ask a friend who seeks Jesus to help you navigate these Truths. AND never be above talking to a Christian counselor or therapist to navigate the pitfalls that so easily entangle us.
Our time on earth is coming to a close, rapidly. Jesus is coming for His Bride. If you haven’t chose to become a follower of Jesus – consider it. Times will get worse here and don’t spend an eternity wishing you had heeded these words. If you are a follower of Jesus – BE ALL IN. Choose today to surrender to the call, the obedience and pursue His Word and His family more than ever. Today, we choose to be bold in our love so that they may know that Jesus is real. We are the evidence.
You, Clif, are mine. You, Clif, are His. Jesus chose you and bought you. You are a gift to all who know you and have a charisma that draws the world to you. For the last 8406 days, 8 hours, 46 minutes, I have been blessed to be yours. Our days together have been colored with many moments of passionate joy, deep sadness, genuine pain, tremendous laughter and overwhelming adventure. You are gifted and true artist. You have given me my greatest experience of being a mom and a wife. You have challenged me to be a better person and one that resembles Christ more and more every day.
Today, we celebrate your birthday. On this day, the world became funnier, more creative and full of more moments to push the envelopes. This birthday celebration comes at the end of a 35-day, Clif Haley style adventure where you have seen the world leading others to be better in their craft of photography – via Thriving Artist Academy/Craig Alexander Academy & Serge Ramelli/PhotoSerge. These 35 days took us the furthest apart we have ever been, 11, 273 km or 7,004.72 miles to be exact. Not that I was counting… You in Dublin, me in Honolulu. However, those days taught us both so much about ourselves and each other. You are truly my greatest gift and I beyond thankful to wake up beside you each day. I will always fight for you, defend you, protect you and love you until my last breath.
I, Heather, take you, Clif, over and over again to be my covenant partner for life, to have and to hold super tightly, every day – for better, or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part….and then maybe past then, if the Lord allows.
This month I have been exposed to four different people whose journeys ended before they should have. These people were drowning in their own darkness. These people either had addictions or suffered from a mental anguish of health that took them down a road they never intended. These four precious souls were all struggling. Their struggles were known in many cases, but in others they were not.
This month, I am 8 months into my 39th year of life. (Meaning, I turn 40 in four months! PARTY!) However, I would be remiss to not pause and take account for the miracle it is that I have even arrived here. Mental health is real. What we don’t understand or want to speak to is that all mental, spiritual, physical and emotional health are interwoven into the human body. We are either healthy in all or unhealthy in all – they do not work separately. As I have attended two funerals this month for lives gone way too short, I am faced with my own reality. Life is short. Life is hard. Life can be torment. But God is good.
In my own journey there have been seasons when it was all too overwhelming and I didn’t see how I could possibly make it through. There have been many nights of weeping in my own prayer closet begging God to make it all go away or to take me home. There have been moments when in my own darkness I have begged for God to make it all end. And God met me there.
My own curse is the struggle to live in the right now and not in the yesterday or tomorrow. I am sure that I am not alone. My own curse is to make sure everyone is taken care of and that all is as it should be. My own curse is to pour out mental anguish to cover all the bases and forget nothing. My own curse is to create the best fun, most efficient and productive space, while also leaving a lasting impression legacy. My own curse is to pretend to be God to the point of exhaustion and then remember that God is actually God and I am called to much less. My own curse is overanalyzing every human interaction to the point of paralysis instead of releasing it all and walking in true freedom. My own curse is to wonder if I will ever be enough for those in my life. My own curse is to constantly allow the enemy to whisper lies to my own soul and then have them on a highlight reel in my own personal television behind the eyes. My own curse is creating an image of myself that no one in the real world has ever thought or saw. My own curse is heavy. My own curse is lonely. My own curse is bondage.
Jesus has already set me free.
But in the midst of darkness that truth can feel so far away. Seek Jesus.
Our world needs Christians to be Christ-like. Jesus was present with the people and vulnerable with others. Jesus comforted and loved powerfully. Jesus was full of the Spirit and led of the Spirit. Jesus reached out and walked with.
For those struggling in mental battles, you are not alone. Most people are. Seek Jesus. Jesus is always with you and your journey is not over – do NOT let the lies of the enemy tell you that your burden is too heavy for you to keep carrying. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you. If you are choosing to self medicate, through drugs/alcohol/busyness/food – stop. Seek Jesus. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
Your pains are never without purpose.
On more than one occasion, the enemy’s voice has held a microphone in my mind. Don’t let him hold one in yours.
Seek Jesus. Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
If you are not in one of these dark spots, be thankful, and listen to the Spirit as He leads you to people. He is calling you to call people because they are in a darkness that no one knows or understands.
Each of us must seek Jesus. Obey His Spirit.
If you do not know Jesus personally, relationally, today you can – seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with your whole heart.
Jesus will carry your burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for HE cares for you.
“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.
The Journey 