The Joyful Wild

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I did it. After 3.5 years I graduated with my MA in Theological Studies.I  completed it in my quiet hours listening to l...
06/15/2025

I did it. After 3.5 years I graduated with my MA in Theological Studies.

I completed it in my quiet hours listening to lectures in the school pickup line, squeezing in zooms with professors during the week, long papers written after the kids were asleep, and a whole lot of showing up when it would’ve been easier not to in hard seasons.

I started this journey with a deep sense that there was more to ask, more to learn, and more of God to find in the mystery. It’s been a stretching, beautiful, exhausting, and Holy experience. Somehow in the in-between moments, the work got done and the community I’ve made along the way at was one of my favorite parts.

This one means a lot.

Monmartre - Sacre Coeur
05/28/2025

Monmartre - Sacre Coeur

I traveled to the  conference in Bluefield, WV this past weekend for the second year in a row—the place itself has a way...
04/08/2025

I traveled to the conference in Bluefield, WV this past weekend for the second year in a row—the place itself has a way of drawing me back. The storied streets of Bluefield hold rich history and the people have a soul-deep kindness to them. Time seems to slow down just enough to unplug and listen to others, and to God.

This year’s theme, “Writing in the Dark,” felt like a personal invitation. Honestly, that’s where most of my best writing begins—in the shadowy ache of uncertainty, and the unspoken longings that ask more questions than they answer. Dr. Lewis Brogdon said that “Writing is a holy conversation.” Yes. A thousand times, yes.
Writing is how I pray when I don’t have the words to pray. It’s how I grieve what I don’t fully understand. It’s how I wrestle and wonder and hope. It is a sacred dialogue between me, God, and the world around me. Dr. Karen Swallow Prior reminded us that “passion follows competence.” She spoke on calling and how it isn’t always revealed in a flash of inspiration—but often in the quiet, faithful work of showing up and doing the thing. Again and again. So often, I chase the passion, waiting for a sign that I’m called to this work. I can’t help but think however that the call is already there, tucked inside the discipline of showing up.

Continued in comments…

Happy Birthday to my favorite adventurer, whether on land, sea or in the Florida Springs swimming with manatees, life’s ...
01/05/2025

Happy Birthday to my favorite adventurer, whether on land, sea or in the Florida Springs swimming with manatees, life’s better with you. 💙

Every year should begin with a swim with manatees. 🫶🏼
01/03/2025

Every year should begin with a swim with manatees. 🫶🏼

Rest is important. This season can take a toll on our bodies physically and emotionally. This morning as I paused to ref...
12/15/2024

Rest is important. This season can take a toll on our bodies physically and emotionally. This morning as I paused to reflect on this third week of Advent, I read the prophecy found in Isaiah 9. It reveals a promise that cuts through the darkness with a radiant burst of hope. Isaiah 9:2 says that “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”

These words carry the wonder of anticipation, and the beauty of a promise fulfilled in the coming King. Isaiah looks forward with hope, Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace.”

This is the light that breaks through: a humble King, a child who brings eternal peace. Advent reminds us to pause in the stillness, and wonder at the God who steps into our brokenness with endless peace.

A Carolina Thanksgiving.
12/02/2024

A Carolina Thanksgiving.

This week we celebrated 17 years of marriage. Our marriage has been full of moments of joy and struggle. I think it’s im...
11/23/2024

This week we celebrated 17 years of marriage. Our marriage has been full of moments of joy and struggle. I think it’s important to highlight both moments because over time we’ve learned that marriage isn’t about perfection, but about cultivating a love that grows deeper with time. That requires us to be willing to face challenges, forgive flaws, and celebrate victories, big and small. It requires us to be real, vulnerable, and show up as our full selves while making space for the other person to do the same.

Love isn’t static; it requires constant care, pruning, and patience. And after 17 years, I can say without a doubt, it’s worth every moment. I am looking forward to many more years of weekly date nights, giving grace, and keeping an open line of honest communication always. Love you .

The  Dubai Forum was a truly inspiring experience. There is something really unifying about being in a room full of extr...
11/21/2024

The Dubai Forum was a truly inspiring experience. There is something really unifying about being in a room full of extraordinary women, all working toward peace and inter-religious harmony. Some deep conversations and truly beautiful connections were made during our time together.

The Forum brought together leaders from all corners—business, government, faith, and more—to share stories and solutions that matter. Collaboration across faiths is the transformation our world needs.

I left feeling hopeful and motivated to continue to be a bridge builder and create space for one another.

Welcome to Jurassic Park! 🦖🌴
11/01/2024

Welcome to Jurassic Park! 🦖🌴

We did it! Our first  was amazing because of the incredible team put into place to execute it.   had the dream and visio...
10/26/2024

We did it! Our first was amazing because of the incredible team put into place to execute it. had the dream and vision to create an innovative platform to equip, energize, and empower High School and College students to raise awareness and create impactful solutions to combat human trafficking in their communities. Yesterday, we saw that vision come to life. It was a day full of hope and I am grateful to be a part of the movement.

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Bluefield, WV
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