A friend closer than a brother
I received a note today from one of my dear friends in Tanzania. Our shared experience on Mt. Kilimanjaro will connect us for a lifetime. I shared the end of the story on that mountain, but it all started on day one when Shaphy was identified as my “mountain warrior” that would help set up the tent so it was ready by the time we got to camp. I might have been a bit resistant to the help when we started, we can blame that on a bit of pride and ego. One of the following days, Shaphy met me on the trail as we were coming into camp and offered to grab my pack, again, a bit of pride and ego-I had this. Then came another day, a harder day, and this time when Shaphy met me on the trail, our guide encouraged to hand him my pack, he is just here to help. This same young man was the one that ran over 2,000 feet up from base camp to bring me the life saving oxygen tank. He always had the most joyful spirit, always with a smile-on that day, I saw the fear in his eyes as well as everyone else’s eyes on the mountain. Days later, as we gathered at the hotel, all our smiles returned knowing the experience we shared would forever connect us. He became a friend closer than a brother and we have kept in touch. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV). What a blessing that an event that could have been tragic led to lifelong friendships.
Put God first
I am blessed to have two jobs that I love and that give me the opportunity to engage with a large group of people. This week, I had some unexpected encounters from both my civilian job and my military job. Both encounters were not about my jobs or my work, but about my blog. I am always moved when I run in to people that share they read my blog or share it with their families. I am especially encouraged when the feedback comes from people of all ages and backgrounds. I had an earlier encounter with my civilian job and then, at the end of the week, I had a couple of encounters in my military job. I had two women come up to me encouraged that I am so open about my faith, even in such a senior position in the military. By seeing me open in my faith, they are encouraged to be open about their faith. How amazing is our God that my writing would encourage others to be bold in their faith. As Paul stated, when we put God first and listen to our calling, when we are bold in our faith, we exalt Him in all we do. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death” (Philippians 1:20, NIV).
Not on my bingo card
I think “Not on my bingo card” is going to be my motto for 2026. It doesn’t have a negative or positive definition, it is simply things that happen that make me scratch my head and go-”nope, that one wasn’t on my bingo card.” Last night was one of those nights. Helena and I went with some friends to watch a Banana Ball Series and had an amazing time. While in the parking garage and getting ready to head home, I received a text message from home with a photo of his bloody shirt holding one of our pups saying “send help.”
Declare his glory
A day late, I know! I might have been a little occupied yesterday bringing my new car home. After taking everyone for a drive, I was exhausted and decided to go to sleep and catch up today! I had the chance to travel up North to one of our training sites today and spent the day engaging with teammates. I love the way conversations take their own special journey when you let it flow freely. Conversations ranged from PTSD and suicide prevention, to favorite flavors of ice cream, to drab color selection of shirts for our teammates. In the middle of one of these random chats, someone shared that he and his wife read my blog. I continue to be in awe of how many people far and wide continue to find my blog interesting and give me encouragement to keep writing. God reminds us to “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (1 Chronicles 16:23-24, NIV). I love these verses, especially the call to proclaim his salvation day after day. Today, regular conversations led to discussion about the blog, a pilgrimage in Spain for El Camino, and how miraculous healing has come to many who struggle with PTSD and suicide ideation. That was just one day-imagine what we all could do to declare his glory if we all had days like today…everyday.
Thankfully, a sunny day
I acknowledge we have been suffering through a drought and we needed the rain, but everyday for the last week? Really? I was beginning to feel like Noah and could not wait for the rainbow to appear! Today was the day. I woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent most of the day outdoors. I set up my writing area on the back porch and did not want to go back inside away from the sunshine. As I sat reflecting on the week, I smiled as I thought of all the times I would “just miss” the rain as I walked from one class to another. I laughed at myself when I found my rain jacket in my “secret” compartment in my backpack…clearly secret! Yet through all the showers, my lifted spirit could not be put down. It is just as God promised us with His covenant, we will never again suffer through the destruction of all life or the wrath of God. “Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind” (Genesis 9:13-14, NIV). As I sat in the sunshine after the week long rain, I felt comforted by God’s everlasting covenant.
A perfect message at the perfect time
Even though I see God working in my everyday life and the lives of others, I continue to be amazed every time it happens. This week has been a whirlwind with the writing conference. By the time the day is done I am inspired and encouraged and EXHAUSTED! Our worship leaders are unmatched and their personal story is nothing short of inspiring. The classes have provided affirmation on God’s path for me as well as opened doors to follow on projects. I miss my family and I rarely take time to do something for just me-this was the week. Today I scheduled my pitch to the one publisher I selected out of the many available. You have 15 minutes to pitch your project in order to spark enough interest that they want to see more. I selected this publisher by looking at their faculty website, I had not met the editor/representative prior to this conference. At the conference, you select courses that interest you and the “How to write a transformational Bible Study” intrigued me. I have previously shared how my relationship with God grew through my teaching of our neighborhood and church Bible studies. I danced around the idea of maybe writing my own Bible Study one day, so I signed up. The instructor was the same individual that I would be pitching later in the week. I have officially become a “bible nerd”. This class continued to drive me to want to dig deeper into the word and to share the passion for God’s word to others. Wow-I could not wait to get to this class everyday. As the days passed, I knew I wanted to work with her on my first book project.
Day 41
I am so excited to be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week spending dedicated time on my writing and listening to God’s direction surrounded by a like minded community. One of the speakers this evening, Edie Melson shared that 40 is a key number in the Bible. 40 is the number of trials, testing, and tribulations. The Israelites wandered for 40 years before they would enter the Promised Land. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai. Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all spent 40 days fasting. In those 40 days Satan tempted Jesus time and again. Day 41 is the day of rebirth, our time of preparation and hardship leads to our renewal, our purification. Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and the Israelites all moved forward to fulfill God’s work and promises on day 41. These words resonated with me along with the song sang in worship, “It is Well With My Soul” written by Horatio Spafford. I have been in the 40 days but this week, I welcome day 41. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NIV)
When time stands still…
People who know me recognize that I am busy. Most meetings start with thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, or appreciation for me giving them minutes in a day filled with more critical minutes spent on more essential tasks. These last few days, I have recognized what those words really mean and I the message today is for all that have said that to me in the past, you know who you are. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV) I have one on ones scheduled with not only my direct reports, but also individuals that either reach out or who’s leaders reach out for me to “mentor” them. These one on ones are the highest priority on my calendar only surpassed by senior leaders placing time on my calendar. I don’t have these engagements because I have to, but because I want to. I had two of these meetings late this week and I have not stopped talking about either engagement. These meetings fill my cup as much as theirs. It gives me a chance to pay it forward, to share my lessons learned and in doing so, to learn myself. So for those individuals, you matter more than those busy schedules, you are my critical tasks.
Healthy Habits-essential to good living
These past few days have reminded me that healthy habits are essential. When I am anxious or feel weighted down by anything, my body is the first to tell me. It usually starts with feeling a bit queasy, then eating less, eventually sleeping less. The signs become visible to those around me, and thankfully, I have dear and honest friends that ask the simple question….when did you eat last? What did you eat? How is your sleeping? Have you ever found yourself in this space? I did. Some of those dear friends interceded without request. One dear couple prayed over me and laid their hands on me reminding me that I need to care for myself-that I cannot be for others without maintaining my physical and mental strength. They reminded me that this is not my burden to carry, that God has already stepped in and I just need to let go. And just as importantly, they reminded me that any load I had to carry, they were there to help.
Unexpected Gifts
Every now and then, you get unexpected gifts. The giver may not even realize the significance or impact of the gift, especially the timing. Recently, I have had a few of those. My day ended with one of those special gifts. My daughters and I attended a wonderful gala in support of Veterans Bridge Home. Since it was a fundraising event, they had several silent auction items. I later found out that my girls were trying to get me a military coin holder since they always see my coins stored in bags throughout the house. Needless to say, it quickly got too rich for their blood, but then they did this thing. They got on Amazon and found me an amazing coin holder-I mean perfect (you can find it here). So, when I came home today after a long day of illness, sick puppies, and high stress, I saw it on the dining table filled with coins that store years of memories. What a special way to end a stressful day…an unexpected gift. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV)