Soul Sister Time

c           On the pilgrimage, Camino de Santiago, I walked with literally hundreds of strangers.  There were people from almost every country and Americans from many different states.  What was most surprising to me was that very few of the pilgrims were Christians or really knew much about Jesus’ close disciple and the first disciple who was martyred—St.  James.  As you walk the way, you can’t help but connect with those who walk with you.  You have an instant commonality simply by walking the same path, taking in the same breath-taking views, and being challenged by the similar hindrances.  This camaraderie creates a sense of intimacy.  If you are brave like me, there is one question that is acceptable to ask a perfect stranger on the Camino.  The question is: Why did you come?           Every time I asked this question, I received insightful answers.  One young man told me he came to experience Spanish culture.  Another explained he and his wife love to hike on their vacat

               At times we are so distracted by the pitfalls of living in a fallen world that we miss the intimate love of God that is present in each day.  I discovered this reality over and over in my pilgrimage.  I could not imagine the personal affection that God demonstrated for me in a multitude of ways.  I am not saying that God made my journey painless or easy.  It was painful and difficult. I am saying that He personally guided me and walked with me and helped me not miss the abundance of His grace that was all around me.  If I had walked that pilgrimage in my flesh, I would not have much to write about.  I could tell you that I had a really good time walking through beautiful forests between villages and cities leading to a cathedral of significant history.  I was frustrated by pain, people and inconvenient rain.  I was proud of myself for finishing in spite of my pain and delighted by beautiful sights.  Yet I have so much more to say because when you add God’s intimate

How my Pilgrimage surfaced my Doubts about God’s Love                Most people who know me know that I see my true identity as God’s dearly beloved daughter.  Both of my children have affirmed that I have taught them to see themselves this way.  I have received countless notes from those I have ministered to telling me that what they learned best from me was how to love themselves as God’s dearly beloved child.  1 John 3:1 is my second favorite verse in the Bible.  Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him .                 My pi lgrimage opened my soul to perceive how far I have to go in living out who I truly am as the dearly beloved daughter of God who I truly am.  In spite of the fact that the Holy Spirit is constantly telling me how much I am loved by God, I stray from His voice and am tempted to listen to other voices.  These voices demand that I b

Our Memories Maintain our connection   Soul Sister Time: In Memory : Thirty-two years ago on July 5, I received the shocking call from my now husband that his mother had been killed.  Her death was tragic e...#teatimeforyoursoul.com

Thirty-two years ago on July 5, I received the shocking call from my now husband that his mother had been killed.  Her death was tragic enough for someone like me who knew and loved her.  I was devastated but not as devastated as her six children.  How would they make it after such a soul crushing loss? Thirty-two years later, I am married to her son and continue to be grateful for the love that laid such a great foundation or the man he is and the husband he is for me.  He often quotes his mom :  It’s the tone that makes the music .   It’s so freeing to be loved by someone who gets me. He knows when I’m teasing winks at my comments in an understanding way.  For this reason, I am very grateful for his mom.  She gave me a wonderful husband who learned from her that faith, love, acceptance, persistence and family are the most valued qualities to focus on in this life. She would claim that her faith in Jesus Christ is was made her the woman who loved so well. Last year around July