The Fish Tank

I am learning a lot about myself this year. Maybe it's because I am in my last year of my 30s and about to hit 40 in a few months. Maybe I've finally gained some confidence under my belt. Whatever it is, I am liking this new me. I am currently in Austin, Texas on a trip with my husband. It's a work trip for him and a "Mama-needs-to-get-away" trip for me. I knew there were some things I wanted to do (Hello, massage and pedicure), but didn't have a real plan going into this weekend. I also knew the hotel we were staying at but didn't know the exact location. We pulled into the parking lot of the hotel and I scanned the area. Shake Shack. Yum. Nordstrom. Well, that's a given. There was everything at my finger-tips all in a beautifully manicured and confined space. This is my type of gig. Safe, yet fun. Until... My husband realized while we were at the right hotel, we were at the wrong location. Good feelings gone. All my glorious plans flew ou...

How many times have you said, "I can't." I can't because... I don't have the time My kids keep me too busy I am not qualified I feel silly I am too insecure I don't have the courage Someone else can do it better than me Someone else is already doing it I have said, "I can't" far too many times for reasons that are, quite frankly, dumb. I am a good excuse maker. I can convince myself why I shouldn't do something in record time. I don't want to think of the opportunities I have missed because of my "I can'ts." "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." 1 Corinthians 16:13 'Jesus looked at them and said, "With man, this is impossible, but not with God; with God, all things are possible." Mark 10:27 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 "For I know the plans I have for...

I decided to take a leap: a BIG leap. As I am maneuvering through the waters of this new adventure, I started asking myself why. Why am I putting myself out there like this? Why am I living my comfort zone? Why am I taking awkward videos of myself for all the world to see? Why? Because I want to create community. Life is a journey: a messy road where faith and life intersect. I want to create space for that mess. I want you to leave your dirty laundry on the floor and possibly step on some Legos. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 My desire is to build a community where people can come together and be real, vulnerable, and raw without be judged or condemned. I want people to feel safe when they have questions about their faith because let's face it, this whole God thing can be hard and if you claim it's all sunshine and rainbows, you are a big fat liar. Here's what I am learning....