family

24 years dating

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

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.

a day with mom on a sunny day

/ heatherhaley07 / 1 Comment

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.

The Songs we sing.  

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

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!

Photo Credits: Clifton Haley Photography https://www.etsy.com/shop/CliftonHaleyPhoto

Who are we “adventing” for?

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

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.

 

Photo credits – Clifton Haley Photography https://www.etsy.com/listing/1345639603/?ref=share_ios_native_control

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.

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.

Goodness of God

/ heatherhaley07 / Leave a comment

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Life is hard. Life is full of unexpected twist and turns. I find it is much easier to count the ways things don’t go as planned, than the ways of a Faithful God. I find that list forms naturally without even thinking about it. The pains and shortcomings or the “could’ve beens” can easily overtake us and create the space of sadness that imprisons you. We look at one another with the eye of “their life must be perfect” when in reality none are. I heard it once said that we must, “kill the idea of what life is ‘supposed’ to be.”

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

The “supposed to be”. Who even created that image and where did it come from? As we walk and grow, we must stop and take inventory that while we have all experienced struggle and pain, in those moments His mercies never failed us and we were held in His hands. My journey has created in me the burden of constantly watching for what is going to hit me and my family next. And through these calculations, I try to determine the level of impact and how to prolong or soften it as much as possible. And remind myself that all my life He has been faithful.

Now, I am not sure how healthy that is – but I have definitely done it my entire life. This past week when my dad was back in the hospital again with more of the distress to the body found from diabetes – I was reminded of the goodness of God. In pain, we are forced to choose – depression and sadness or thankfulness and growth. Each day, my joy must be found and lingered in. Lingering – that is a very unique word that can be so very difficult to achieve in this world. Lingering means lasting for a long time or slow to end. I remember the last time I saw my sister alive was our last choir practice together – and we lingered in the parking lot chatting and goofing off. I have never been more thankful for that lingering moment. All of our days are numbered, we must learn to calculate our moments. Where and how can we change our lives by lingering a moment longer with a soul nearby?

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God

It’s amazing what the fires of life can look like. As the world continues to turn upside down, the weather events of extreme nature continue to increase, the loved ones around us pass away and illnesses overtake us – we must cling to His Voice. The day is coming where all will be made right. The day is coming when we will be able to look to the sky and our redemption will be here. The day is coming, as stated all throughout scripture, that we will feel no more pain nor struggle. And when the night gets dark, we must be reminded to turn to the One that is close like no other. He is our Father and our Friend. He is the One that knows our pains and struggles even when we cannot put words to them. He is the One that can carry us through any and all endeavors and paths in the journey we choose to fall down in. He is the Perfect One with the Perfect strength.

Through this journey, I have been reminded of a CS Lewis quote, “I want God, not my idea of God.” I want my idea of God crucified and only the One True God to survive.

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me

When words won’t come and smiles are forced, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the days are long and the burdens are heavy, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the struggles and challenges keep coming, I will sing of the goodness of God. When the Bible won’t open and the enemy’s lies are strong, I will sing of the goodness of God. When I choose wrong, when right was there all along, I will sing of the goodness of God. Every moment is a choice, and I pray that I will continue to sing of the goodness of God.

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Source: Musixmatch; Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Brian Johnson / Ed Cash / Ben Fielding / Jenn Johnson; Goodness of God lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Bethel Music Publishing, Shout! Music Publishing Australia

Chocolate and blueberry pancakes on a Saturday morning with my sweet girl creating our name place cards and coffee in my favorite cup given by my favorite sister. A Saturday morning linger.