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!
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.
It all started with a broken mirror, my leg through the back deck and the death of Maggie Smith.
I am 39 years old and one month. I have only 11 more months left of my thirties. I LOVE slowing down long enough to attempt to take stock of my status and situation. I am hoping to better sit in the days of my 39th year, more than ever before. These last days of my thirties come with a deep longing to finalize a season of my life and embrace the next by building a new foundation of joy and surrender. Tonight, I had the glorious privilege to celebrate two people who have poured into me in my most formative years and their residual effect has an ongoing and ever-present indelible mark on mine and my husband’s lives. As I looked at the small sampling of lives they had touched, which I hope to speak on in a very near future day, I was forced to encounter the things that really matter in this life.
Relationships and true rest matters.
My childhood was FUN. Full of mission, dreams, purpose and constant laughter. My college years was also incredibly fun full of leading young ladies closer to Jesus and attending the greatest university ever, UT Knoxville. My young adult years were full of adventure with a mix of a bit of sorrow along the way. As I am knocking on the “over the hill” age, I must review and determine what do the next days look like.
My whole life I have ran hard – hard towards success and busyness. I am one that has always struggled with stillness and slowness. I am one that finds it quite challenging to just “be”. As Dr. Dalton-Smith states in Sacred Rest, “I am prone to overdo things. I overplan every family vacation. I do everything to the utmost. I take to the extreme those situations that are content being small. Small intimidates me.” And I could not possibly agree with this more! I have trained myself for the last nine years to squeeze in as much as possible into the 24 hours given every single day. I ran so intensely, that this summer I realized I was one year older than I had actually thought. In one summer, I went from being 37 years old to having a few months left of being 38. That’s a problem. And now that I am thoroughly 39 years old, it is time that I unlearn the skill of maximizing every single day and find a path that leads to success in stillness and rest. When you are constantly running, relationships suffer, no matter how hard you try to protect them.
“Life is hard to appreciate without the pressing,” says Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith in Sacred Rest.
I dare say my last 9 years have been full of constant pressing. I won’t take the time to go into those details – read previous blogs for details – I tend to cope with humanity and life via writing. It is my way. And if someone can benefit, I am truly blessed. I have been given more than one lady deserves to be blessed with. I have an outstanding family, true and genuine faith, successful career, strong tribe, adventurous home and abundant life. I have been given opportunities that many dream of. I have seen many sites and embraced many unlike myself. I have more appreciation today than ever before in my short 39 years of life.
Some of my most recent pressing cases lie in the morning of my 39th birthday. I awake after three hours of sleep due to yet another delayed flight home to find my mirror in my bathroom leaning away from the wall and headed for actual doom. By the grace of God, it snugly propped itself against an item my husband had left plugged up. And now, I am faced with the fact that a controlled break is always better than an uncontrolled one – so I had to move the massive mirror in order to protect myself from the hundreds of shards of glass that would definitely await me if I delayed the movement. So, I did it – I broke a large mirror on my birthday. Which in superstition land, brings many years bad luck. Now, to speak of the fact that I later stepped through a wooden piece on my deck due to the heavy rains and great need for replacement wood and that I am still nursing the bruise from that endeavor, doesn’t reflect the broken mirror. OR that later that day one of the greatest actresses Maggie Smith passed away, I am sure that wasn’t a reflection of the mirror. OR any of the other really dreadful moments…. because broken mirrors mean nothing, right? 🙂 Well, in this case, it meant before thirty days was up, my sweet mother-in-law had completely redesigned and redecorated the bathroom and bedroom master suite.
I digress. Now onto more important things – I just finished a book that I would like to take a moment to HIGHLY recommend, Sacred Rest by Dr. Dalton-Smith. This book provided many of the answers I needed and direction my soul desired at this season of my life. She speaks of the importance of physical rest, sensory rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, and creative rest. In the beginning you get the privilege of taking a quiz – in which I failed in every category but one when I took it this summer.
I found a new life motto:
“I never again want to bring the toxins of work life into the sanctuary of my home. I’ve made this a key part of my rest strategy. My home and my life are far from perfect, but they are worth protecting from unrest.” says Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith in Sacred Rest.
“Victory is Coming” is a statement that has been molded into the fabric of my heart and mind over these last few years. Victory doesn’t always look like what we imagine or what we write on a sheet of paper. Victory may not look like victory to all who are watching. Victory is defined as an act of defeating an opponent or enemy. As you all know, I am a believer in Jesus Christ and believe strongly that we are always fighting against one enemy in this world. Victory is when the true enemy is defeated – but also, each war has many small victories along the way. As a believer in Jesus and a follower of Him, we are always pursuing obedience, and each moment of obedience brings victory.
I have started this new season with the following:
Making a work change that will bring a better work and life balance in bringing me back to my home base.
Redecorating and redesigning my bedroom space to reflect the level of importance this space should have in my life.
Prioritizing my time of study and prayer with the Word of God and the Lord Himself.
Giving my husband and children the best of me and not the leftovers.
Eating foods that fuel my body and not destroy it.
Walking and exercising daily.
Prioritizing my own rest and creating a space for me.
Taking herbal supplements that create a better version of me.
READING consistently again.
Relationships matter. Make them a priority. People are needed in your life to keep it full and help you stay obedient.
My prayer is that each day I am focused on what matters most. Every day needs a new amount of grace. Thankfully, the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.
In conclusion, the mirror triggered the physical change to the beginning of my emotional and mental state of mind – rest. The leg is still bruised from going through the back porch deck, and Lord Willing, the deck gets repaired soon. And Maggie Smith is still a legendary actor, may she rest in peace.
Please disregard the mess of my counter tops – survival mode here, folks. OR don’t disregard and judge me – I am okay with that. OR don’t disregard and relate with me to toooooo many things taken over my peace. Either way, it’s all good and the bathroom looks totally different today.
In today’s time, we have a logo for everything. Every program, every service line, every business and church. It represents everything. It is to encompass the very essence of that organization or product. But what would the Creator’s logo be? What about the Savior’s logo? Or the Comforter’s logo? Do they have an image?
Here are some options:
The cross.
The world.
The clouds.
Humanity.
The wind.
LIGHT.
Blood.
The sound of a newborn.
Are these the logos of God?
What is a logo? Definition: A logo is a visual mark that distinguishes a company, organization, product, or brand. (According to google)
Does Jesus have a brand? An image? Does He need one?
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
Let me say it again.
Everything in this world is consumed with marketing an image to deliver a message to provoke an action.
What are we promoting or marketing? What message are we sharing? What action are we desiring from those around us? Here is a thought that has crossed my mind – what if everything we did ONLY promoted the Name of Jesus…. How would the world look different?
Philippians 2:9-11
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
If we are Christians, we are called to be the evidence and residence of Jesus. Do we reflect the evidence and residence of Jesus?
What name are we more concerned with promoting than Jesus? If we believe that His Name is the only Name that saves, then why do we concern ourselves promoting any other name?”
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Either we believe this or we don’t. If we do, then we believe Jesus is the Messiah and we should look, be, act and see different. So, if this is true, anything else we put above this Name is idol worship. Are we pushing another name other than Jesus Christ?
I ask again, what would Jesus’ logo be? Would we dare put it on our cars, shirts, hats or backpacks? How would we approach His Name differently if we believe His Name truly possesses the power we say it does?
This leads me into great thought and inner dialogue with myself asking who or whom do I represent?
This is a guest blog post by Karlie Schmid, one of my beautiful nieces (sister cousin aunt).
It is more than a soccer ball.
It’s fresh morning air and seeing smoke puffs coming off Pacaya in the morning.
It’s the never-ending supply of coffee.
It’s the fresh tortillas with every meal.
It’s the glass bottle cokes and laughs at the tienda.
It’s hiking up a mountain with your food pack following your community guide.
It’s sitting on a rickety stool talking to a new friend in their kitchen and praying for their family.
It’s long walks to the lava fields.
It’s sharing a queso pie from McDonalds with your best friend.
It’s the giggles when everyone else is sleeping.
It’s teaching 40 kids to do the cotton eye Joe.
It’s getting beat up playing “football” with them while they stomp us.
It’s the hunger for the Father that can’t be quenched with worldly desires.
It’s swapping phrases in Spanish and English while playing cards until lights out.
It’s walking through Antigua and seeing Carlos and getting a free bracelet “for a pretty lady”.
It’s the feeling of home in a place where your biological family doesn’t reside.
It’s seeing the way Christ shines through their eyes when they encounter us.
It’s being the hands and feet of Christ.
It’s time spent actually slowing down long enough to experience God.
It’s realizing that this is a glimpse of Heaven.
I don’t see people that need “saving” from material things. It’s more than that. It’s more than the materials we “gringos” bring down on the container. It’s more than a soccer ball. Or bounce houses. Or birthday candles. Or CPR mannequins. Or a deck of uno. It’s not about “saving” them from the situation, it’s about opening a conversation about the One who can give them eternal life.
For example, in 2022, a mother came to the camp one evening in distress about her daughter. The caretaker of the camp came and got the nurses on our team. Me and two other nurses went to her house to check on her daughter. We found out once we arrived that her daughter had an ectopic pregnancy and just got home from a 6 hour round trip bus ride from the hospital. She was in significant pain and was very worried. The nurses with me checked her out and we gave her supplies to help the pain; then we prayed over her family. Once we arrived back at the camp, we prayed again. Since she was so far from a hospital, we were worried about her stitches and possible infection, but with the little resources we had we did what we could. In 2023, when I arrived at Pacaya and was settling in, I saw her. Or rather she sees me and one of the nurses that was with her that night a year prior. She walks up to us beaming and holding a beautiful baby. She remembered us as the women who prayed over her health and safety; she remembered the love of God in that moment.
Why do I go?
I go because I’m called.
In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the instruction of “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”. I knew from the first time I stepped off a plane in Guatemala City, in 2012, that these people and place would mean more than my 14-year-old heart could understand. And I was right. I didn’t get the opportunity to come back to Guatemala until 2021, following the most difficult time of my life. I stepped off the plane, yet again, and met the same smiling faces I left in 2013. I was met with surprise, elation, and lots of questions. “Is that Karlie?” “Where are your braces?” “You graduated high school and college? “How is your family?” to “I’m sorry about your mom” “we never forgot you or your family”.
Now at age 23, I felt my heart start that steady rhythm that I was finally back home – but it wasn’t the place. It was God speaking to my broken heart. Speaking to me that He never forgot me. Reminding me that the girl that stepped off the plane eight years prior, with stars in her eyes about being on first mission trip, was still in there.
That is what “go and make disciples” is about. It’s about the love of Christ that breaks every barrier. Spanning across continents, across time zones, across years. You may not want to cross the ocean or even the street, but sometimes the simplest things can open a conversation about Christ.
To support Karlie and the Guatemala mission, please send via Venmo to @Karlie-Schmid.
All day every day we run the race of life. We push for more. We fight for more. We fill the schedules with every school event, work event, sports event, church event, you name it there is an event screaming for your attention. As women, we do our best to make sure all the details are covered – food, clothes, extras - presents, parties, special moments and don’t forget every small detail needed for school so the kids aren’t left out or made to feel silly. We are like little mice running a wheel all day long. Then when there isn’t any running, the necessity of making sure all the clothes are washed, dishes are clean, sheets are laundered, floors are swept and of course those pesty bathrooms. And I haven’t even begun to mention all the additional demands if you also work outside of the home. Oh, and let’s not forget exercise and diet control. That is a HUGE FACTOR as well. AND kids needing dental work, doctors’ appointments and the never-ending calls for more. More of everything. Constantly pulling at the mind of a mother. And then the kids get sick, work becomes more stressful than normal, family members suffer from major life altering moments, and your home becomes under siege. And never forget the strong desire of your heart to teach your children the intimacy of a living and breathing walk with God, as well as, protecting your own intimacy with the Father.
The demands on a woman are great. The demands on a man are great – while I watch and see those pressures from afar, I will never do justice in speaking to them with clarity and entirety. For that reason, do not hear me dismiss the demands on a man. They are strong and they are great. Men of today are dismissed and made to look inferior, weak and unintelligent. That is the furthest from the truth. Our men should be respected, honored and revered. Even at times when we feel they do not deserve it.
Women today add too many extra pressures to their hearts, minds and souls. I am the chief among them. We are constantly taking care of so many and still trying to take care of ourselves with a good amount of zeal and purpose. Sometimes all of it is just too much. Have you ever wished you could just stop the madness and the chaos? Have you ever considered stopping it all? Have you considered redefining your days, weeks and missions with a different viewpoint or foundation?
This summer, our family did just that. Not perfectly, but at least began to put one foot in front of the other to make our world look different again. This summer, we felt led to return to a place that shook our American Christian foundation as young adults. We knew the Lord desired us to visit with Cheryl Spence at Jesus Centered Ministries in Leon, Nicaragua, and lend her a helping hand with the orphans and the cleft babies she is helping with. We started our preparations. One week later, the Lord provided all of the money we needed to for our family of four to go. We casually mentioned this to our “best couple friends” and they shared their church was planning a trip to the same place at the same time. We knew the Lord had orchestrated this time for such a time as this. And if anyone has read any of my other blogs, you understand that the number 26 holds significant meaning in my spiritual walk. The departure date was December 26. The story about the 26 (https://wordpress.com/post/heather-haley.com/516). And here we were, going to Leon after fifteen years to love on a people we hadn’t seen and honestly allowed ourselves to forget about.
As I have been in Leon this week, I have been driven to the book of Joshua for my daily study. During Joshua’s farewell address he speaks so passionately from his heart on so many points -
After a long time had passed, the Lord gave rest to Israel from the enemies around them.
He reminds them that even though they fought, it was always the Lord who had fought for them.
He speaks truth to them that the Lord will keep His promises and drive the enemy out before them so that they will take possession of their promised land.
He encourages them to “be VERY strong; be careful to obey all that is written without turning aside to the right or to the left.”
He cautions the people not to associate with the nations that will lead them astray and guide them away from their purpose and mission.
He speaks to them about how they have been stronger and mightier warriors solely because the Lord gave them the win. He is the One fighting for them and He promised that He would.
BE CAREFUL TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD.
If you choose not to love the Lord, then understand fully that the punishment that comes with that – He will stop fighting for you. The nations around them will become “snares and traps” for them.
YOU KNOW WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND SOUL THAT NOT ONE OF ALL THE GOOD PROMISES THE LORD YOUR GOD GAVE YOU HAS FAILED. EVERY PROMISE HAS BEEN FULFILLED; NOT ONE HAS FAILED.
He speaks of serving the Lord – with all faithfulness. All faithfulness does not mean you sign up for every job needed at the church office. All faithfulness means you sit and be still and hear Him guide you and your home into all fullness and mission. You hear Him speak your mission and your calling to you.
And now to the most powerful point, in my opinion, in this text and farewell message from Joshua –
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
BUT IF SERVING THE LORD SEEMS UNDESIRABLE TO YOU.
In my entire Christian life, I don’t believe I have every paid much attention to the first nine words of this verse. We quote and embroider the rest of this verse, but how often do we incorporate that first section.
BUT IF SERVING THE LORD SEEMS UNDESIRABLE TO YOU.
Does serving the Lord seem undesirable to you? This is a true, genuine heart question. Is this something you have honestly no desire for? As a Christian, I feel there are many reasons that you can lose your desire for the things of God. Also, if you are not a Christian then you cannot desire the things of God – it is not possible. I know in my own journey, the last three years have challenged me in what I believe about my God. I was always a person who fulfilled her days with the busyness of church and ministry. I won’t say my heart wasn’t in the right place and that I was being intentionally disobedient. I know in my own convictions that I was following as I was being led in my service to Jesus. And I walked intimately with Him. And then the loss of my sister in 2020, struck a new chord in my journey with my Saviour. In that moment, my service to the Lord stopped and my service to my family began. In my opinion, I wasn’t serving the Lord anymore, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Maybe, I have never served the Lord more fully. Or more intimately. But in these reconstruction years, my desires have been challenged. There have been days that my relationship with God has been distant – through my own making and lack of focus and attention. And through that foundational fracture, my service was not desirable. When we are not in the Word of God, the Truth struggles to take root and our service is stagnant. And then we look at all of the areas of our lives that might not be the focus area He wants us to see.
When Joshua speaks this to the Israelites, they are being bombarded with the gods of their past and the new gods in their present setting as they both compete with the One True God. This statement and challenge is not different today. We still face the demons and desires of the gods we served in our past and present day. Did we deal with addiction before Christ? Did we suffer from depression or bitterness before Christ? Or what about the constant need to be busy? And in our present settings, what are the gods pulling for our attention? Is it the push to always go above and beyond at the workplace? Or the desire to constant be on your cell phone when your kids are sitting beside you longing for your eyes? The idea that the gods we face are different is a false idea. Anything that takes your focus and attention away from the One True God is a false god. It is a competing god. What is grabbing for your attention that takes you away from walking in the fullness of God.
And let’s not forget the final point I found in Joshua 24 – “Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.” But what happened after that? Once the people who had experienced the Joshua era of the goodness of God had died, did they continue to serve? When Joshua challenges them to choose this day who we serve, he is asking that because he is wanting them to make their worship and relationship their own and not just following the faith of the leaders above us and around us. Is your faith and your worship true and real to you? Or are you just mimicking the worship of those around you and those who lead you?
This trip for our home was to reset and recalibrate our focus and our purpose. This trip was to redefine the mission of our home as our own, not as one defined by the leaders around us. This mission was to follow the fullness that God has for us, the Haley family. Our purpose is already spoken in the Heavens by our Creator, we just have to listen.
If you are looking for a place to reset and serve – Cheryl Spence in Leon, Nicaragua, with Jesus Centered Ministries is a great place to start. Reach out and I will be glad to introduce you.
Today, determine if you desire to serve. Choose Who you are serving. And learn as a lady to relax and walk in the fullness of His plan and not your schedule.
The Journey 