Faith

My Faith Journey

I love Jesus more than anyone or anything. It hasn't always been this way though. Jesus was just another person who walked on the earth. I grew up in the Catholic church so I knew all the stories about God. I knew that Jesus died on the cross for me. I was also taught that I needed to earn my way to heaven. It wasn’t until college, that I met people who weren’t Catholics. To be totally honest, I thought everyone was Catholic. Until I met the girls on my floor during my freshman year of college.

My roommate Amy and floormate Christy were the ones most instrumental in talking to me about Jesus. They helped me to see that the only way to heaven was by accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He did the work on the cross to save me. I didn’t need to earn my way to heaven nor could I ever. I just needed to accept this free gift of salvation. At the age of 18, I asked Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of my life that September of 1996.

Amy shared with me what a devotional time was and that I could have my own Bible. She taught me how to dig into God’s word and go to any time I needed help. I am so thankful that Amy and Christy took the time to speak into my life and tell me about Jesus. Literally, I am forever changed and grateful.

Now, I can't imagine life without Jesus nor do I want to live without Him. Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I can't help but tell others about Him. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If you don't, I'd love to talk with you.

God's Word

Each day, you will find me digging into God's Word. Why? Because it is life-giving and directs my steps. The Bible shows me how to live and gives me wisdom for whatever I am facing. I am so thankful for the inspired Word of God.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12, ESV

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV

God’s Word is filled with so much richness. Some of my favorite Bible verses are:

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:25-26

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

My Prayer for You:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:14-21

Recommended Books

There are so many amazing books to read that draw us closer to God and help us grow in our walks with Him. Here are just a few of the books that have helped me to grow in my faith.

In the Grip of His Grace by Max Lucado

Rooted by Banning Liebscher

Introverted Mom by Jamie C. Martin

Transformed Not Conformed by Missy Eversole

Just Ask by J.D. Greear

The Well Watered Woman by Gretchen Saffles

You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth

Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst

Prayer Walk by Janet Holm McHenry

Hidden Manna on a Country Road by Sarah Geringer

*Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support of this site.

Check out this post to read about other books that I am reading this year.

Recommended Podcasts

There are so many amazing podcasts out there. Here are just a few that I enjoy listening to. I am grateful for the ways each one has helped me to grow in my walk with the Lord and as a wife and parent.

The Bible Recap

Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Out of the Ordinary

The Crystal Paine Show

Live Like it’s True

Playfully Faithful Parenting

Witty and Gritty

Get Your Hopes Up with Christy Wright

My Full Life and Faith Leaps

When God Breaks Through

Faith Blog Posts

My Word of the Year for 2024

If you haven't chosen a Word of the Year for 2024 yet, no need to worry! There's still time to pick your word. I discovered the Word of the Year concept in 2018 when several friends had chosen one, sparking my curiosity about the hype. I found that having a Word of the Year provides a growth focus for the year. The word is meant to represent a central way you are depending on God in the year to come. It helps you determine who you want to become by the end of the year. When you have a word of the year, it helps you to be intentional about how you spend the hours, days, and months of the year.

7 Questions to Reflect + A FREE printable

The fireplace kept me warm as did our four-year-old dog Bentley who sat on my legs. My journal, my Bible, and a listening ear were what I brought to the living room that day. I held my aqua pen in hand ready to hear from God as I reflected on seven questions. It was eye-opening and encouraging as I looked back through my journal and saw the fingerprints of God. It was fun to see what themes were scattered throughout my year. These are the seven questions I used to reflect on 2023 and my answers to each question.

What to Do When You’re in Over Your Head

Have you ever been in over your head? Have you ever felt like life is just too much for you to handle? I am sure we all have been there at some point. It is in these moments that we have a choice. Will we let life overwhelm us or will we turn to God and trust that He has it under control? My desire is to turn to God and trust that He has it under control. I am sure you would much rather go that route as well. But, what does this look like on a day-to-day basis? In our Scripture Verses for today, we learn in order to trust God, we need to remember who we are, who is with us, and to have hope.

Dance Around with Joy

“Mommy, we are at the BEACH!!” exclaimed my 5 year old daughter Analiah as she jumped up and down. The wind and ice cold water couldn’t dampen her spirit. Analiah wasn’t even paying attention to the large waves behind her. She grabbed hold of my hands and started to dance around in circles. The pure joy and innocence were contagious. Soon, I found myself not even thinking about the ice cold water. I couldn’t help but smile.

What to Do Early in the Morning

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35 In a fast-paced world filled with endless demands and distractions, it is easy to overlook the significance of prayer in our daily lives. However, by reflecting on…

What Are You Planting this Spring?

Have you thought about what you’ll be planting this Spring? We’re planning on growing some delicious tomatoes, zucchini, and possibly cucumbers. But, let’s not forget about planting the seeds of God’s Word in our minds. By doing so, we can fight against the ‘weeds’ that try to take over our thoughts. In Colossians 3:2, we…