So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Last week, I began a long story that holds many treasures. You can read Part 1 here. Now…for the return walk. How was I going to pass through this same fearful spot to get back to my condo? What I haven’t told you is my husband had this experience about 5 years ago. I had watched him sink in this same spot. Every walk I had taken since then, held the knowledge that this was possible. Even with that etched into my memory, I had chosen to continue walking knowing that if it happened to me, there would be a way out. The other

Stories from the beach continue to stir a week later. The day after writing last week’s blog, Beach Buddy, I had another writable moment. Day four of walking to the pier I was filled with confidence of my ability to walk longer and further than before. I was aware of the people around me and the joy of the Lord filled my heart. There is one spot along the way that I have always found fascinating. The pond across the street spills through the duct under the road making it’s way toward the ocean. As the fresh and salt waters mix together the swirling and constant motion tears away at the sand creating beautiful movement and something more interesting than any man-made sand castle. As I stepped

The trip to the beach always holds many delights and surprises. Time away from the normal schedule and hours upon hours to read, meditate, nap and enjoy hubby and friends is a glorious vacation. Walking the beach searching for seashells is one of my favorite things to do. The early morning breeze prods me along, and the sandpipers are my companions. The pier seems a very obtainable goal until my feet, ankles and calves begin to rebel. It seems to move further away instead of me getting closer. Finally reaching the destination, I take a deep breath, snap a few photos and turn to make the walk back to our condo just hoping and praying my feet will carry me home. On the first day, I stopped sho

I remember it like yesterday. I was scared out of my skin the first time the nurse brought my firstborn son into my room for feeding in the middle of the night. After making sure everything was OK she walked out and there I lay alone with this new bundle of life having no clue what to do. As he began nursing he strangled and I was sure he was going to die right there in my arms. Fear rushed in as I pressed the emergency button over and over. Of course he cleared out the gunk on his own and resumed feeding. Then came the morning to dress him up, strap him in the car seat and take him home. It was a happy day, but oh, so frightening. Of course I became more comfortable as each day passed and w

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah. 43:1 She’s been dancing in His presence for a couple of years now, but I will never forget her. She made an impact on my life forever as I learned so much through this friendship. She entered our ministry doors bent over carrying a load of physical, mental and emotional pain. The excruciating headaches from the brain tumor mixed with emotional pain led to a despairing life. Kimberly started out in the corner alone in her darkness but soon inched her way beside treasured friends that she learned to trust. She learned to a