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Hi! It’s been a full summer over here so far. We welcomed a new niece into the world. I’ve made new friends. Bugs and caterpillars found our garden before we did and turned every leaf to lace. We replanted. We problem-solved. We carried on. There’s still basil, tomatoes, and lettuce making it into our salads. Our first pepper came in, and we jokingly planted a watermelon that is now, against all odds, the size of a lemon. It’s work, and it’s fun. I’m also still looking for the perfect mint lemonade recipe, so if you have one, please send it my way.

We’ve celebrated birthdays with ice cream.

The pool has been filled with family.

All is well. I’ve been thinking of you.

I have a sticky note on my planner right now with two things written on it.

God sees. God leads.

I wrote it down during my Bible study. We’d just finished reading a few stories. Hagar in the wilderness, and then a woman in Judges 13 who receives an unexpected visit from an angel. In both stories, God made himself known.

Hagar is alone and afraid, with no idea what will come next. God meets her where she is. He sees her. The moment is so significant to her that she gives Him a name that reflects the reality of it all. El Roi. The God who sees me.

Then there's Manoah's wife in Judges 13. She's told she will have a son who will be set apart for the Lord. She goes and tells her husband, and Manoah prays.

Lord, please let the man of God come again and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.

He’s a human asking a practical and honest question. What do we do now? Tell us again. Show us again. Can you repeat that?

God listened. The angel returns, confirms what was said before, and gives them instructions for the days ahead. That’s who He is. He listens to us. He sees us. He leads us.

Then it clicked for me. When God sees His people, He leads them.

Hagar was seen in the wilderness and then she was given direction for what to do next. Manoah and his wife were affirmed and then they were instructed. When God sees His people, He moves toward them. Isn’t that kind?

God saw and led Abraham. God saw and led Moses. God saw Israel in oppression and led them out. God saw Ruth and guided her steps. God saw the world and sent His Son.

I love it when I see patterns like this.

I’ve had a lot of show me, Lord moments lately.

Can you repeat that? I've had moments when I've asked what's next. What are we doing? Am I on the right track? What do I do with this? I’m a normal person seeking what God has for me, and sometimes I just need the reminder that he hasn’t lost sight of me in the middle of trying to figure things out. He’s going to lead me through.

Hagar learned that. Manoah’s wife experienced that. And now, on a sticky note on my planner, I’m trying to remember it too. He sees me. He leads me.

Maybe you need the same reminder today. Maybe you’re asking your own version of Come again? Give me clarity. Show me what to do.

Keep asking, friend.

The clearest proof that God sees us is Jesus. When I wonder if God sees me, I remember that. The God who sees is the God who came close. And when He did, He made a way.

The God who met Hagar in the wilderness and answered Manoah's prayer is the same God. He has not changed.

He sees you. He’ll lead you. He met them there, and He'll meet us, too.

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Screen Distance.
Most people laugh when they find out my phone’s home screen is color-coded. I've done it for years, and long before The Home Edit made it a thing. I keep things minimal. No unnecessary apps, and I use the screen time settings on my phone. The feature that’s become a love-hate relationship is Screen Distance. Whenever I hold my phone too close to my face, a white screen pops up.“iPhone May Be Too Close.” At first, it just made me aware. Now it makes me pause and ask, is what I’m reading or watching worth it? How are you using your phone these days, and what does being intentional about it look like for you?

80 Day Obsession.
Years ago, I used to host “Faith Camp”. It was an online community where women gathered in small groups around faith, fitness, and coaching. Everyone had their own goals, and I was there to check in, encourage, and cheer them on. I’ve kept up with at-home workouts since then, but I lost my consistency.

I’m a few weeks into 80 Day Obsession now. It’s an 80-day commitment. After having my first daughter, I used this fitness program to rebuild my strength. I remember feeling discouraged at the beginning because my body couldn’t do what it used to, but by the end, I became so much stronger.

Today’s workout was a reminder of that. Imagine this. You’re in a plank with sliders under each foot. One knee drives up like a mountain climber, crosses over the other foot, and then both feet crunch in and back. Repeat with the other side. My word. Who comes up with these things? What kind of fitness do you actually enjoy?

Embroidery.
Have I ever told you I like to embroider? For Christmas, I made snowflakes with added pearls for my family. Recently, I finished a hoop and embroidered a bag. I’m excited because I just ordered a few new patterns to make something special for my daughter’s upcoming birthday. One is a set of flowers with two little butterflies. The other is a whimsical birthday cake. What’s an activity that slows you down in a good way?

The 90-Day Goal Planner.
When I’m ready to be laser-focused, I grab my 90-day PowerSheets. It’s like having a personal life coach, but in a notebook. Over the next 12 weeks, I’m using it to be present with my family, prepare for the days ahead, and be intentional with my time. I’ve got goals, and that 80-day program fits right in.

It’s got me thinking what matters most when everything else is fleeting. Maybe I’m still working through a fear of wasting my life. Maybe I’m learning that living faithfully when life is short is its own kind of answer. What matters most to you right now?

On My Mind.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be human. What does it look like to live the way we were actually made to live? Take Flora, for example. She’s my Roomba. She runs her cycle, stays within her limits, and does what she was designed to do. There’s something simple about that. We’re not machines or robots, but we are created beings. We have limits. We have a finite capacity, aging bodies, and real boundaries. My eyes can only see so far.

God, as our Creator, designed us with purpose. The more I understand who He is, the more I understand who I am. I’m wondering if part of wisdom is simply learning to live within that design rather than resisting it. What if the Bible is our guide for how life works best? There’s freedom in that. What’s been on your mind lately?

The Church Guest List.
Last week, I mentioned that Lisa Harper spoke at our women’s event. The very next Sunday, I walk in and Tauren Wells is speaking. I keep asking my friends what kind of access our church has. Every year, I’m surprised and impressed by the authors, speakers, and musicians who are there. We do live at the beach, so I’m sure guests don’t mind coming to visit. But still! Someone knows someone. Connections were made. Either way, I’m grateful to be in the room. What’s something that’s surprised you lately?

What does an honest summer look like?

Putting your phone down and asking if it’s worth picking up. Getting back into a workout even when your body feels behind. Making something by hand just because it’s slow and good. Planning with intention because life is short and you don’t want to waste it. Sitting with half-formed thoughts about what it means to live inside your Father’s world. And walking into church on a Sunday morning, only to be surprised by who God puts in the room.

It’s ordinary. It’s attentive. It’s playful and a little bit weighty.

Sunlight. Slowness. Grace.

Of course, there’s more.

So much has happened over the last few weeks. I kept meaning to share life and podcast updates with you on Instagram, but then found myself doing other things.

This is my little check-in from the middle of it all. I don’t know if you’re on the couch at home or reading this from your desktop, but let’s catch up. I'm glad you're here.

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Last Day of School Waterballoon Fight

On the last day of school, we had our annual neighborhood water balloon fight. Parents vs. Kids. One by one, all the kids get off the bus at the same stop. They throw their backpacks into a pile, come together for a group photo, and then run.

Imagine tubs and laundry baskets filled with water balloons. Sam’s has 400+ balloons for $20. We all pitch in and bring snacks, popsicles, and drinks. This year, the local fire station joined in on the fun to help the parents dominate! They sprayed their hose. My girls danced under the splash. The kids had the best time. It’s such a fun way to kick off summer.

Radiant

Last weekend I attended a women’s conference at our church. I got the privilege of hearing Lisa Harper speak at the conference and on Sunday morning. What a great weekend! Click here to see a little recap. Our church goes all out. Every detail is intentional. All of it is free and so beautiful. I brought my mom with me, which made it even sweeter.

My favorite moment happened before I even stepped inside. Walking up to the entrance, underneath the balloon arches, the women outside were cheering and clapping for us. Cheering for no other reason than that we showed up. I know that might sound small, but it brought tears to my eyes.

It made me think about what it means to be the church. We’re all making our way home. And before I even crossed the threshold into the House of God, His people were already cheering me on.

I want to be that for someone. I want to be cheering people on as they make their way. Maybe that’s what the saints and angels are doing for us right now. Cheering us home.

beach + pool

Ever since we moved into our home with a pool, the beach has taken a back seat.

I know. I know. Hear me out. I’m a mom with a 4 and 7-year-old and I’m telling you there’s something so easy and wonderful about the girls being able to come and go as they please. They wake up in the morning. Pool. Come home from practice. Pool. Need a bathroom? No problem. Snacks? Let me put a fun tray together. Popsicles? Always.

We still love the beach, of course. These days, we might meet up with friends or go out in the evening for a walk and to watch the sunset. Let’s just say for this season, I’m perfectly content to tan in my own backyard.

Garden Update

Back in April, we finally turned an area of our yard into a garden. We have had no idea what we’re doing. Just YouTube videos, a little research, and advice from friends. To keep ourselves from getting discouraged, we’ve claimed the whole thing as one big experiment. We have three boxes: one full sun, one part sun and shade, and one full shade. It’s a work in progress, but it’s ours.

What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it. I love spotting the first blossoms. I love watching the corkscrew of vines climb and curl. It genuinely fascinates me. My favorite part right now is getting to call my husband Farmer John and watching the girls run outside in the morning to see what’s new and give us an update. We have a pepper! It’s become a sweet little thing we share.

I learned you can actually cut off parts of a stem to make the plant more efficient. Left on its own, a plant will spread its energy in too many directions. But when you prune it back to the main stem, everything gets redirected exactly where it needs to go. There's a lesson in there somewhere.

Camp Capable

This is something I’m really excited about. I first heard the idea from Valerie Woerner and immediately knew I wanted to do something similar. You’ve probably seen moms doing “how to be a person camp” or using a checklist to teach their kids life skills. We’re doing that, but with a twist. We’ve involved just about every member of our family, and each one is contributing based on what they’re naturally good at. Every person has a learning focus and will lead a few activities to go with it.

Here’s a glimpse of the lineup!

• My mom. She’s the hostess with the mostess. She is teaching the girls how to organize and care for a kitchen. They’ll make a recipe together and learn the rhythms of preparing a real meal for the family.

• My dad has always been wise with money. He’ll walk them through where money comes from and the difference between saving, spending, giving, and tithing.

• My brother is a nurse who enjoys running, so he’s going to lead a little workout and talk about health and nutrition.

• My sister-in-law is taking on hygiene habits and beauty basics. Honestly, we’re just going to have a fun spa day, but they’ll learn the importance of taking care of our bodies. It’s going to be so fun.

Again, the best part is that our girls will be learning skills from the people who love them the most. It all means so much. If you’d like to see our full plan, just let me know. I’d be happy to share it!

Gentle Words Podcast

We celebrated 40 episodes of Gentle Words! After wrapping up the Joshua series, I closed it out by sharing five things I've learned this year. You can catch up on the full series or jump straight to the final episode. And if you missed it, I put together a free PDF for us.

Gentle Words Podcast

40 Episodes In

Alright! That's all for now! I’ll talk to you next Thursday! I'm already looking forward to it. Until then, go eat a snow cone and stay cool out there. ☀️🩵

Today, we’re celebrating how far we’ve come.

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One thing I’ve learned about the Bible is that when numbers are used, they’re more often symbolic than literal.

The number 4 represents earthly completion. The wholeness of the created world. There are four seasons. Spring, summer, fall, and winter. Four cardinal directions. North, South, East, and West. Did you know there were four rivers flowing out of Eden? There are 4 gospels that tell us about Jesus.

The number 10 represents divine completeness, but it’s also associated with human accountability. The Ten Commandments were words to live by. We tithe 10%. It’s a number that invites us to participate.

So when you multiply them together, we get a number that indicates completion, our participation, and the start of something new. Isn’t that cool?

4 x 10 =40

Forty is where earthly completion meets divine accountability. You’re probably already familiar with this one. In Scripture, 40 marks a turning point. It’s a time of testing or trial, and it’s also a time of preparation.

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights during the flood. It was a de-creation that cleared the way for a new beginning. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. A complete number of generations passed away, while others walked toward the Promised Land. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days before beginning his earthly ministry.

And now, we've reached 40 episodes together.

To mark this milestone, I went back through every single episode and gathered all 40 topics for you. Each one comes with three related questions, so if you missed something or want to revisit an episode, it’s all in one place! It took so much longer than I planned, but it was worth it.

Download the full collection of episode topics and thoughtful questions:

40 Episodes Of Gentle Words

72.7KB ∙ PDF file

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Let’s talk summer! It’s my fav.

I’ll keep the conversation going here every Thursday. I’m really looking forward to keeping things light-hearted and fun.

There’s something about summer that gives me permission to go off the clock at a certain point in the day and just be. It’s okay to spend hours in the sun. Read a fiction book for fun. Hold my daughter a little longer. Add gummy worms and edible glitter to my snowcone. Because why not.

Here’s to a fresh start, new rhythms, and living in the abundance and freedom meant for all of us!

I’m taking time to prepare for the next season, and I can’t wait to keep growing alongside you. We’ll keep walking with God as He walks us Home.

Thanks for being here. Let’s keep going, together.

In college, I had a notebook with the lyrics to the Lee Ann Womack song, “ I Hope You Dance.” It wasn’t cute, but I liked the words, and I wanted to use it for something good. I decided to begin collecting lessons learned.

I know.

Kind of weird.

I still have that notebook.

I’ll never forget how it started.

These days, I collect what I learn on the notes app in my phone. I jot them down in my planner. I write about them here, and I talk about them on Gentle Words.

The end of the year has a rhythm to it, and I’ve made it a habit to name what I’ve learned. In November, I make the gratitude list. In December, I’m reflecting on the year. January brings the New Year and my birthday, so naturally, I find myself praying over what God might have for me next.

Over the past few years, I've noticed I'm better at analyzing or connecting the dots on what I’ve learned mid-year.

Out of everything I’ve learned, I chose 5 to share with you. They’re the ones that when I wrote them, I thought of you. And for me, that’s my cue to share them with you.

Last year, I shared the books and Bible studies that impacted me. This year turned out differently than I expected. Even so, I’m so grateful the Lord cares to teach me! Who am I that you are mindful of me?

Listen in and get ready to learn about object lessons!

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I hope this episode encourages you to see what God has been showing you all along.

After this episode, I’m taking a summer pause on the podcast. But if you want to stay connected, meet me here every Thursday. I’ll be sharing about our summer and keeping things lighthearted.

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When most of us think of the book of Joshua, we remember the battle of Jericho. We remember the song. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down. Or we remember Joshua as the leader who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. That’s usually where it ends.

But there’s so much more in that book than just those parts.

Throughout my study, I recorded and tracked the memorial stones the Israelites had set up. They marked specific events to help people remember where they came from and who God had been to them. Each one has its own story. By the end, I had recorded seven points.

As I sat back and looked at the list, it was really cool to see what God wanted them to remember and the order or culmination of it all. Don’t forget.

I thought of my paved diamond ring.

Levi surprised me with it at one point in our lives when we felt like we’d finally made it to “the other side”. He said it was our stones of remembrance.

We met in high school and started dating. The Lord brought us together. We’d go on to separate colleges, and he would study abroad in Italy while I got my master’s degree. The Lord holds everything together. We got married and had our first child. The Lord is light and life. We faced a challenging second pregnancy where everything in me had not fused together properly to sustain life. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

We all have moments in our life we can look back on.

What happened? How did God show up?

The stones were what God used to help his people remember.

So here’s a quick picture of the seven memorial stones. I put a lot of time and effort into this one! If you enjoy learning or you’d like a refresher, keep reading. You’ll find the 7 memorials, the scripture reference, and what to remember.

1. Remember Where You Came From

Crossing the Jordan. Joshua 4:20

The first memorial is set up right after Israel crosses the Jordan River. They used twelve stones to represent each tribe. Each stone was pulled from the middle of the riverbed and then stacked on dry ground. I love that.

Israel had been standing at the edge of the river with the Promised Land right in front of them. The river was practically a jungle and impossible to cross, but the moment the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant (the literal presence of God) stepped into the water, all of Israel walked across on dry ground.

I still love the imagery of God going before them. Standing in their midst and waiting patiently for everyone to safely make their way across. And then He follows in behind. For me, it’s brought a fresh perspective on the idea that God goes before you, He is behind you, and He is with you.

Through all the generations to come, they would tell their children about this day.

The first memorial is a reminder of the miracle of their deliverance and how God’s faithfulness brought them safely across. The hand of the Lord is mighty.

2. Remember The Seriousness Of Sin

Achan Story. Joshua 7:26

The second memorial is set up after a man named Achan disobeys God. Before the battle of Jericho, God had been very clear that everything in this specific city was to be set apart for destruction. Don’t take from the spoils. But Achan saw a beautiful robe, some silver, and gold. He secretly took them anyway.

Israel proceeds to go into their next battle at the city of Ai. It should have been an easy job. In and out. But they lose, and people die! Joshua falls on his face before God and asks why?! What is happening? God tells him there is sin in the camp. Someone took what was God’s. Eventually, it comes out. It’s Achan. He confesses. And the consequences are… bad. A pile of stones goes up over him.

Here’s the thing that gets me. After Jericho, God had already planned to let them keep the spoils or plunder from Ai. It goes back to the idea of the “first fruits” belonging to God. If Achan had just waited and done things God’s way, he could have had it all.

The second memorial is a reminder of the seriousness of sin. The sin of one affected everyone. At the same time, one perfect act of obedience would one day change everything for all of us. That’s the gospel right there.

3. Remember God Restores

Defeat of Ai. Joshua 8:29

After everything that just happened with Achan, Israel needed some encouragement and strength. They had just experienced one of their lowest moments. They dealt with the sin, and now it was time to go back to the same place they had just failed. God gives them another chance. They ambush the city at night. It’s strategic and a total defeat. A stone goes up over the king of Ai at the city gate.

The third memorial is a reminder of Israel's second chance and restoration. The takeaway is that once sin was dealt with, God could move again. The obstacle was never the city of Ai. It was the unconfessed sin in the camp. He got them back on track. He can and will do the same for you.

4. Remember God’s Wisdom and Provision

An Altar of Worship. Joshua 8:30

The fourth memorial is an altar set up for worship. Israel has had a defeat and a win. They have finally set foot in Canaan. Before they go any further, Joshua builds an altar. In an act of obedience, they write out a copy of the Law and read it aloud. They have received the land. Knowing how to live in it will be important.

Without God, they cannot win battles. But with God, all things are possible.

The fourth memorial is a reminder of God's wisdom and provision. Remember to meditate on the Law of God.

If you’re still reading this. You’re awesome. This next one is really cool!

5. Remember The Lord Of Heaven And Earth

The sun stood still until the battle was won. Joshua 10:27

The fifth memorial is wild. Short version. Five kings join forces to come against Israel. Joshua gets word and moves in the night to meet them.

God shows up and throws the enemy into confusion. Hailstones fall from the sky, and He takes out more of the enemy than Israel’s own army does. There’s a point when Joshua asks God to make the sun stand still. And it does! The battle continues until it’s won. Stones go up at the mouth of the cave where the five kings were buried.

The fifth memorial is a reminder that God is the Lord of heaven and earth. The Lord is a sun and shield. Psalm 84:11. He will move heaven and earth for his people. Nothing is too hard for him.

6. Remember To Love One Another

The Altar of Witness. Joshua 22

The sixth memorial causes a very big problem.

Two and a half tribes have settled on one side of the Jordan, away from the rest of Israel. Before they go, they build a large altar by the river. When the other tribes hear about it, they’re so mad. You did not just do that! They assumed it was an act of rebellion and thought that the tribes were turning away from God and setting up their own place of worship.

Basically, there’s a big disagreement. The tribes who built the altar were afraid. Their reasoning was that because of the distance, they thought the rest of Israel would look across the Jordan and say you don’t belong with us. They wanted to build the altar as a witness. We serve the same God. We are one people.

And that’s the name. They call it the altar of witness.

The sixth memorial is a reminder to love one another. Israel made peace and unity among itself. We are one family under God.

7. Remember God

The seventh and final memorial is set up by Joshua himself at the very end of his life. They are at Shechem, the same place where God first made his promise to Abraham in Genesis 12. Everything has come full circle.

Joshua has just finished recounting everything God has done, and then he sets up a large stone under an oak tree. In light of all these things, He’s been faithful to you. Make your choice to serve the one true God.

The seventh memorial is a reminder to remember the Lord your God. He has been faithful through every generation, and he will be faithful to you. Remember Him.

I’m not sure how to end this. Do I ask you what your “stones” are? Do I give you a prompt and send you off? What might God want you to remember? I went back and forth on different ideas. What I’ve settled on is that at the end of the book, Joshua tells the people to look around. The land testifies. The stones are still here to this day. The evidence of what God has done is already around you.

So that’s where I’ll leave you.

Look around.

Your stones are already there.

You just have to stop long enough to see them.

REFERENCES:

• ESV Study Bible, Crossway

• Joshua Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode here.

Thanks for reading and for showing up with me every week. If this essay encouraged or resonated with you, pass it along to a friend. There’s more waiting for all of us.

P.S. Ready to go a little deeper? See what’s inside this month’s notebook.

This week’s episode is up, and it’s our final one in the Joshua series.

Joshua 24 is where it all lands. After everything they’ve been through. After all this time. The wandering, the waiting, the battles, the land, and finally arriving. Joshua gathers the people and says something to the effect of, You’ve seen what God’s done. Now choose.

We’re going to look at what it means to actually choose God. Today and tomorrow too. We’ll see that the landscape of your own story is already a witness to God’s faithfulness.

The series is complete. The land is yours.

Press play when you’re ready. 🎧🤍

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When the Israelites were dividing the Promised Land into seven portions, they went out, walked the territory, sized it up, and wrote out descriptions of what they saw. Their job was to figure out how to divide the land. After that work was complete, their next step was to cast lots before the Lord. (See Joshua 18)

I’d heard the term before. Casting lots. But I never really knew what it meant.

In my study of Joshua, I learned there’s a human and divine element to what’s taking place here.

The human part was that they went up and down the land and wrote up their best assessment of how to divide it fairly.

Here’s the thing about dividing land, or really anything. If you’ve ever cut a piece of pie, you know that while you try to make each slice even, you also know which one is the better piece. ;) If I were to give you a piece and myself a piece, I’d take the one I want.

Case in point. This is where the divine piece comes in. The lot was a way of making it all fair.

My ESV Study Bible pointed me to Proverbs 16:33 in the commentary.

The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord.

Casting lots is basically a random draw. Think dice, small stones, or marked sticks. We’re pulling straws. The Hebrew word for “lot” is goral, and what’s interesting is that it refers more to the result, in this case, the portion of land that would be assigned, than to the object used to get there. Scholars think the most common method was to place tokens into a fold of cloth or a container, and then draw from it.

Learning this made me think of Survivor.

There are moments in the game where players may have to draw rocks. It’s used to randomly assign teams or as a tiebreaker when everyone cannot unanimously agree. Players pull rocks from a bag. Everyone reaches in. They can’t look at what they’ve drawn. Everyone holds out their hand, and on a count of 3, everyone opens their hands at the same time.

Where am I going with this? Biblical casting of lots worked the same way socially, but the theology underneath it is different.

In Survivor, drawing rocks is understood as a matter of chance. It’s intended to be random, and the outcome is honored. No one can cheat their way ahead.

In the Bible, they believed God determined the result. The outcome wasn’t random to them at all. Casting lots was a way of saying, we’re placing this before God and trusting He’ll determine where it lands.

That same commentary led me to Acts 1:26, which gives us the clearest New Testament picture of this.1

After Jesus ascended, the disciples needed to fill the open spot left by Judas.

Look at this process or sequence of events here.

They proposed two options. They prayed. They cast lots.

They surrendered the outcome to Him.

I think that sequence matters more than we realize. We do our part. We bring it to the Lord. We trust Him with the outcome.

Total side note, but I found this interesting. Some theologians point out that Acts 1 happens before Pentecost. After the Holy Spirit arrives in Acts 2, there’s no record in the New Testament of believers making major decisions by casting lots again. Some see that as a transitional moment. We’ve got one foot in the Old Testament ways, but we’re on the brink of something new.

Spurgeon wrote about Proverbs 16:33 and said this.

“If the simple casting of a lot is guided by him, how much more the events of our entire life.”

That language made me think of the same logic Jesus uses in Matthew 6, when he says, "Consider the birds.” If God feeds them, will he not care for you? The answer is always yes, and it’s always more. If He is present where a stone lands, that means He is also present in whatever is keeping you up at night.

Here’s what I keep coming back to. Even people who wouldn’t call themselves people of faith carry this instinct that randomness isn’t really random at all. Things happen for a reason. There’s a bigger picture or something bigger than ourselves. That's not a coincidence. We were made to sense that.

So they did the work, and then they placed it before God. They didn’t. skip. either. step!

Most of the time we do one or the other. We strive and grit our way through something on our own effort. Or we’re completely hands off. We are waiting on God and calling it faith. But what I’ve learned from all of this is that it’s both.

What are the odds?

With Him, nothing is left to chance.

You bring what you have.

Then you open your hand.

REFERENCES:

• ESV Study Bible, Crossway

• Casting Lots in the Bible, The Bible Seminary

• Spurgeon Morning Devotion on Proverbs 16:33

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode here.

Thanks for reading and for showing up with me every week. If this encouraged or resonated with you, pass it along to a friend. There’s more waiting for all of us.

P.S. Ready to go a little deeper? See what’s inside this month’s notebook.

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There’s a question in Joshua 18 that made me stop. I wrote it down immediately.

Joshua looks at seven tribes who are already in the promised land. They’re where God meant for them to be. He asks them, how long will you wait to take possession of what God has already given you?

I feel like this is what I’ve been trying to put into words for so long, and there it was. The land was already theirs. The promise was fulfilled. It was time for them to inhabit the land. But for some reason, they were just… there.

This week’s episode is up and we’re sitting with that question together. We’re going to look at three people who had the same promise, but responded to it differently. We’re going to ask ourselves which one we are right now. I know which one I want to be.

Press play when you're ready. 🎧

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If you want to go deeper this month, the companion notebook is ready and waiting for you! Consider it your own survey-the-land moment. :)

So glad you’re here!

Brooke

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In Joshua 1, before Israel takes a single step into the promised land, God tells Joshua: Every place the sole of your foot will tread, I have given to you.

I have given you.

I keep holding onto those words. And they bring another verse to mind — one I held onto during a season when I really wrestled with God. In John 14, He says I do not give to you as the world gives.

Here’s what I’m sitting with.

The land was already theirs. The promise had already been made. And kept. They just needed to walk into it. And I think about how often I do the same thing. I’m standing at the edge or I’m unsure whether it’s really meant for me. Sometimes I hesitate to make a move.

But His promises are not pending. They are fulfilled.

Through Christ, we already have access to so much, and so often, we simply forget. We get so focused on our situation that we forget who He is, what He’s already done, and that His peace, His presence, His word, and His promises are already ours.

Here’s a list I keep adding to:

We already have His peace. We’re waiting to feel peaceful. We already have His presence. We’re waiting to feel His nearness. We already have His Word. We’re waiting for it to feel relevant. We already have access to Him. We’re just standing at the edge.

God already did the work. He made it possible. So the challenge isn’t gaining access, it’s remembering His faithfulness and learning to take hold of what’s already ours.

And I say this in love. Most of us don’t actually know what we have access to in Christ. We know enough to believe. But not enough to live differently.

That’s what this month’s notebook is for.

May’s Notebook: Welcome to the Deep End

☆ A 15-page PDF you can use and revisit all month
☆ Lessons from Joshua on what it means to look, access, and take hold
☆ Guided questions and prompts to help you move from waiting to living in what’s already yours
☆ Scripture to anchor you in God’s presence and His foundational promises

Because inheriting something is one thing. Learning to live like it belongs to you is another.

Download the Honest Questions Notebook Here:

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It’s May and we’re trying something new together! I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while, and I think you’re going to love where we’re headed this month.

Welcome to the deep end.

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This month, we’re spending time in the book of Joshua. I’m starting with a story you might know. Rahab. But I promise you haven’t heard it like this before. Come learn how to read scripture differently and discover what’s waiting when you go past the surface.

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Join me back here on Thursday for this month's Honest Questions Notebook! What I keep coming back to is that the land was already theirs. God had promised it. It was done. But there’s a difference between inheriting something and actually stepping in to possess it. You with me?!

Grateful for you. Happy listening! Talk soon.

Brooke

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On Monday we talked about what we’re leaving in the shallow end. The box checking. The comfortable routines. The fear. The crowd. If that conversation stirred something in you, then this one is the reason why.

Leaving the shallow end only makes sense if something better is waiting.

So today I want to answer the question of what I will actually find when I go deeper.

I’ll go ahead and tell you, my answer feels incomplete. What I have is what I’ve collected along the way. The days spent returning to Him. The time in scripture. Praying this answer helps lead us closer to Him. Doing my best to even answer questions with humility and honesty. Here’s what I’ve found.

There’s a parable I come back to time and time again. You probably know it. It’s the one about the prodigal son. (Luke 15)

The younger brother takes his inheritance early, leaves home, wastes everything, and ends up broke and desperate. He decides to return, probably expecting a lecture. Instead, he finds his father running toward him with open arms. It’s a story of forgiveness, belonging, and celebration. A feast was prepared in his honor. It’s the story of how a father’s love was more than enough to cover the weight of all that had been done.

But then there’s the older brother. And I think about him just as much. I actually think about him more, which is why I’m telling you this story.

He never left. He stayed. He was faithful. He worked hard. I think he did everything “right”. And when the party began, he stood outside. He was mad and resentful. Probably felt overlooked. I’ve done everything. I didn’t do what he did. Is that not enough?!

And the father comes to him, too. Stop right there. We forget that part! The father came to both sons. I just love that.

He says, Son, you are always with me. And everything I have is yours.

The abundance was never withheld. The access was always there. He just didn’t recognize what he had all along.

I relate to the older brother. I’ve stayed close. I’ve done the right things. But there have been times where I’ve stood outside the party, so focused on what I thought I was missing that I forgot I’m already in the house! I already have access to everything the Father has.

You know a little bit about my story. I’ve asked is this all there is. I’ve wondered if He was holding out on me. I’ve looked at my life and felt like I wasn’t where I thought I’d be. But I’ve been in His house all along. I’ve had access to Him all along.

You’ll find access.

We live under an open heaven. Everything He is, is available to you, right now. His peace, His presence, His word, His nearness. The storehouse is full and the doors are open.

The storehouse belongs to the Master. He is kind and generous. He never runs out, and what’s inside is meant to be used, shared, and poured out.

We spend so much time reaching for more out there (like the younger brother) when everything we actually need is already available in Him. That’s what the deep end offers. Finally recognizing what you’ve had access to all along.

You’ll find enough.

The deep end is where trust comes in. It replaces striving.

I’m not saying life in the deep end is easier or more comfortable. But know this, you’re with the One who is the source of everything good. What’s accompanying you is goodness, righteousness, and holiness. When He is what you’re after, you start to notice how much He’s already placed in your hands.

With Him, we have access. We have enough. We have all we need.

You’ll find a preview.

I love this one. I think about the woman at the well. (John 4)

She came for water. Nothing fancy. A daily task in the heat of the day. They say she hoped to avoid being seen. Maybe she’d gotten used to carrying her jar, her story, and her shame. Whatever the reason, she walked to that well thinking she knew what she needed.

We do the same. We show up. We stay busy and tired. We’re doing our thing. We try to manage our daily lives. We’re all carrying our own stories and bags.

But Jesus meets her there. And He says, if you knew what I had for you.

He offers her living water. Something she didn’t even know she was thirsty for. And she was never the same.

That’s what living with eternity in mind does. We’re still in the ordinary, but our minds are transformed by how we see it. Making lunches, driving to work, sitting in carline, and those moments when we stand in front of the fridge, wondering what we’re actually hungry for… It’s all a preview of something more.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:1 that our bodies are temporary tents. They’re not built for eternity but for our brief journey Home. You can have a good tent. A pretty tent. An expensive tent. A functional tent. A big tent. A small tent. But no matter how beautiful or well-made our earthly tents are, they are not our final home. We were created for something far more lasting. An eternal dwelling with God Himself.

Every glimpse of beauty, every taste of goodness, every moment that takes your breath away, is a foretaste of glory divine. That’s Him giving you a glimpse of what’s coming. Every beautiful thing here is pointing you home.

The best is still ahead.

You’ll find Him.

This is where it all lands for me.

The more has always been Him. Whatever your heart is reaching for, the abundance found in Him surpasses anything the world could ever offer. Please don’t reach for more out there. Lean into who God is. As believers, we get to keep discovering and letting the reality of God Himself shape the way we live each day.

He is walking me home. And that’s the best part. It brings tears to my eyes every time. That’s how I know it’s real for me.

On the good days and the hard days and the no good, terrible, hard to get through days. On the simple Tuesdays and the milestone moments and the early, quiet mornings nobody else sees. The gift, if nothing else, is that He is with us.

The deep end won’t answer every question or resolve every hard thing. Day after day, time after time, I ask God, what are we doing? There are still seasons where I can’t see where He’s working. The deep end, though, gives you something better than answers. It gives you Him. His presence in the uncertainty. His peace that genuinely doesn’t make sense given the circumstances. That’s peace that surpasses understanding. His word that stays true.

If you’ve ever thought the deep end or more was the university, a better job, a boyfriend, a great marriage, a child, a healthy body, an answered prayer, reading your Bible more consistently, feeling close to God all the time, more clarity and direction, never doubting. I could go on. None of those things is wrong to want. But if I’m being completely honest, that's not the more He's offering.

Stop looking for more and start looking for Him.

Somewhere along the way, you’ll realize He was the more all along. And everything good came with Him.

This week, come back to the Father’s words. Son. Daughter. You are always with me. Everything I have is yours. You don’t have to stand outside the party. You don’t have to keep wondering if He’s holding out on you. You’re already in the house. Step into it.

Welcome to the deep end.

Thanks for reading and for showing up here with me every week. If this encouraged or resonated with you, pass it along to a friend. There’s more waiting for all of us.

P.S. Ready to go a little deeper? See what’s inside this month’s notebook. Next week, a new notebook will be released!

I want to start with a thank you. Gentle Words just hit over 1,000 streams and downloads. That number represents real people. Real women who have shown up to listen and keep coming back. You’re one of them.

If you’ve ever shared this podcast with a friend or brought it up in conversation, you’re a big part of how we got here. Word of mouth will never go out of style. Thank you.

Now, this week’s episode. It’s personal, and I think you’re going to recognize yourself in it.

Knowing you’re in the shallow end is one thing, but leaving it is another. Today, I want to start the conversation by sharing four things I’m leaving behind and why I think naming them out loud is the first step toward moving forward.

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After you listen, meet me back here on Thursday. I want to flip this conversation entirely. I’m going to share what we find when we go deeper, and I think you’re gonna wanna be there for that one.

Grateful for you. Happy listening!

Brooke

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I was driving my daughter home from gymnastics when a song came on. A Little Bit More by Abby Robertson. The whole idea is that just a little more love, a little more patience, a little more forgiveness, can go a long way.

As I listened, I found myself starting to make my own list.

If I had a little more time, I could finally finish some things. A little more rest, and maybe I’d have more energy. A little more play, and I’d actually have some fun or enjoy my days. A little more surrender, and maybe God would know I trust Him.

Maybe your list looks different. More courage. More help. More peace. More of something you can’t quite name yet.

Then I started wondering. Is a little bit more actually enough? I took it to scripture and here’s what I found. The answer is yes and no.

Let’s start with no.

In Proverbs, King Solomon, sometimes called Qohelet. Teacher. He was considered to be the wisest man who ever lived, and he describes a person who keeps reaching for just a little bit more of the wrong thing.

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit. Proverbs 6:10-11 CSB

Think about the list we just made. A little more rest sounds good. A little more play sounds good. None of those things are wrong. But if a little more rest becomes a little more avoidance, and a little more ease becomes a little more delay, you look up one day and realize you haven’t moved. That’s the warning here.

The point isn’t just that the little things add up. It’s that you don’t see it coming. Poverty sneaks up like a robber. You don’t hear it until it’s already in the house.

And Qohelet knew something about excess firsthand. He had more than anyone, more wealth, more wisdom, more of everything. And he wrote an entire book about how none of it satisfied. Read Ecclesiastes. A little bit more of the wrong kind of more will always leave you empty.

So no. If what we’re adding more of is comfort, ease, or the kind of striving that keeps us busy but doesn’t move us forward, it’s not enough. It might feel like progress for a while. But it’s shallow. And you’ll only grow so much there.

Now for the yes.

A boy shows up with five loaves and two fish. It’s not enough. It’s barely anything. But he puts it in Jesus’ hands and somehow, it feeds thousands, with leftovers. (John 6) That’s not a little bit more effort. That’s a little bit of something placed in the right hands. We’re onto something.

And then there’s the parable of the talents. Classic. (Matthew 25) A master entrusts three servants with different amounts before he leaves. Two put what they were given to work. One buried his out of fear. When the master returned, he said to the faithful ones, well done. You’ve been faithful with a little. Now I’ll give you more. The more came from faithfulness with what was already in their hands. Because they were faithful with the little they had.

Here’s another one to consider. Jesus said if you have faith even as small as a mustard seed, you can say to a mountain, move, and it will move. (Matthew 17:20) John Piper put it this way, “a mere mustard seed of faith taps into the mercy of God’s tree-moving power.” It is not the strength or quality of your faith that matters. God does the moving.

So yes. A little is enough. We grow little by little. Faithful deposits over time. Small faithfulness, practiced consistently, produces something you cannot manufacture in a hurry.

Here’s where it all lands for me.

God’s people in Jeremiah 29 were in exile. Displaced. Disoriented. Far from everything familiar. Not so different from the feeling of reaching for more and not knowing quite where to find it. And right in the middle of all that uncertainty, God says this.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Not a little bit more of your heart. All of it.

That’s the thing. A little faith in His hands is enough. A little faithfulness over time is enough. But a little bit of your heart was never going to be enough. He’s not asking for a little more of you. He’s asking for all of you.

And that’s the difference between a little bit more that keeps you where you are and a little bit more that actually moves you forward. It’s not really about the amount, but where we direct it. It’s a posture of our heart. A little faith toward Him moves mountains. A lot of effort toward yourself just wears you out. See where I’m going with this?

It’s not about your more. It’s about His.

This week, sit with the question. What kind of more are you actually after? A little bit offered in the right direction is more than enough. That sounds like a good place to start.

Thanks for reading and for showing up every week. Word of mouth never goes out of style. If something here resonated, pass it along to a friend who might need it. There’s more waiting for all of us.

PS. Ready to go a little deeper? See what's inside this month's notebook.

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What even is spiritual maturity? Is it knowing more, doing more… or becoming more?

In this quick, honest conversation, Brooke shares how she realized she was outgrowing the shallow end of her faith and the subtle shifts that pointed her toward something deeper.

If surface-level faith isn’t cutting it anymore, this episode will help you understand why and what to do next. Listen in!

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On Monday, I talked about the idea that many of us have outgrown shallow faith. We’re ready for something deeper. Growth happens in the deep, so I challenged us to pay attention to what it might look like for us to step out of the shallow end.

What could it look like for you to move towards having a deeper faith?

Maybe we can answer that question together soon, but for now, I want to make space for you to consider your own answer before you take mine. :)

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With all of this in mind, I immediately found myself asking, well, how do you know if you’ve outgrown shallow faith? How do I know if I’m in the shallow end?

That’s the question I’m going to do my best to answer for us today.

Let me start by sharing that outgrowing shallow faith is a sign of spiritual maturity. This is good!

Who talks about spiritual maturity in the Bible? Paul. Peter does too, but mostly Paul.

I want to go ahead and tell you, if you think going deeper in your faith just means gaining more knowledge about the Bible, learning how to interpret scripture, or feeling pressured to do more, those aren’t bad ideas. I hope we all keep growing in our understanding! But from what I’ve read, spiritual maturity or true depth in faith means becoming more like Christ. It’s learning to let His character shape our own.

Yes, I agree, part of the process is learning to open our Bibles so we might learn more about God. Engaging with scripture is essential for knowing God better, and as we do, it deepens our knowledge of Him. To know Him is to love Him.

One of the first scriptures that came to mind is probably obvious. I had to look up the verse, but it communicates the idea that shallow faith is content with milk, while mature faith desires solid food.

Interesting scripture. From that verse alone, I see a few things. Here’s what I wrote down. One, we get a sense that spiritual growth and maturity are important. There’s a sense of disappointment, too. I thought you’d be further along by now. Two, believers are called to move beyond basic teachings to a deeper understanding. There’s a progression. There’s an experience. Third, we can cultivate discernment by studying scripture. Time to train.

Here are some signs you might be ready to step out of the shallow end and go deeper in your faith.

+ You’re asking more or harder questions. I started this substack, Honest Questions, because that’s where I found myself. The more I opened scripture, the more questions I had. Why 12? Why pomegranates? Who is this guy? Where is Parvaim? What does that even mean? I began to wrestle with harder questions, too. I have everything a girl could ever want. Is this it? Is this life? Is this all there is? I also found that I was no longer satisfied with “churchy” surface answers or clichés. I wanted to know what God actually said or did in His Word.

+ You want more. You genuinely long for spiritual depth. I know for me, this has looked like feeling drawn to study the Bible. I was willing to wrestle with Scripture and lean into the hard parts because I truly wanted to know God. I wanted to walk with Him. Let me put it this way. People say this and that. They do this and that. But for me, for you, for us personally, there comes a point when you just know you want more. You’re ready to own your faith, and you’re ready to learn how to walk with God.

+ You don’t want the same things anymore. There was a shift. I wasn’t satisfied with just “going through the motions.” I longed to be more intentional, more purposeful. The short morning devotion wasn’t enough. Going to church on Sundays wasn’t enough. Checking the spiritual boxes wasn’t enough. My prayers expanded from routine words to honest conversations. My desires changed. Faith began to touch every part of my life. It wasn’t just something I did. What I did shaped who I was becoming. It impacted the way I lived, worked, enjoyed life, and related to others.

We all have an inner knowing of what’s right and wrong, but I started to discern more. I became better at noticing the difference between what’s right and what’s almost right. My goals and priorities changed. None of this happened overnight. But I can tell you there’s been a steady, growing restlessness. A desire to walk with God as He walks me home. That longing became a clear sign to me that I was outgrowing shallow faith. I once was blind, but now I see.

+ When you’ve tasted and seen the goodness of God, you can’t help but go and tell. We’re all walking Home, and we’re not meant to walk alone. Your faith encourages my faith. As we get to know God more and step into the life He has for us, our mindset begins to shift. We’re transformed by the renewing of our minds. You start to say goodbye to the fear of missing out and begin to live confidently, knowing you’re exactly where God wants you to be. The urge to compare your story with someone else’s fades, and it’s replaced by security in who God is and what He’s entrusted to you. As we embrace our place in God’s story, we experience an abundance that naturally overflows into the lives of others. God has more for each of us, not just for someone else.

+ You’re willing to be uncomfortable. Cringe is cringe. Awkward is awkward. I’ve had my fair share of both, and what I can say is that I’m still here and I’m okay. I know I’m a little odd, but I know who I am. And if I was someone different, would I be here right now writing this to you? Stepping out of our comfort zone is a sign of growth. So whether it’s a conversation, confessing your sin, serving others, trying something new, or trusting God with each day and every hard in your life... those are very generic things, and I’m sure there’s actually something very specific in your life. All this to say, whatever you’re afraid to let go of your footing on, it might feel weird at first. It might feel be uncomfortable. But hey, we weren’t made for this world. There’s so much more.

+ You want to build your life on what’s true. I’m still working on this one. But the more I know who God is and his character, the better I’m able to understand my place in this world. One of my favorite attributes of God I keep coming back to is that He is unchanging. Everything around us shifts. Our circumstances and emotions can change on a dime. The Earth itself rotates on an axis, and even that axis isn’t permanently fixed. But the One we long for remains the same. He is constant. If He is constant, then my faith rests on His unchanging nature. That changes everything. How might I live differently because He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It’s really an entirely different perspective. I love this one.

Of course, there’s more, but that’s all I’ve got for now.

If you’re reading this and you resonate with one of these, take a moment to thank God for the desire to grow. He’s at work in your life. As a next step, choose one area where you sense God inviting you deeper. Maybe it’s setting aside time to read scripture this week. Maybe you want to reach out to a trusted friend to have a good conversation and talk about what God is teaching you. Or, pick up a notebook and begin praying honestly about your questions. Ask God to meet you as you step forward.

Let’s not camp out in the shallow end for too long, okay? ;) God designed us for depth, for purpose, for trust in His goodness. The shallow end, I know it feels safer, but the deeper waters are where we’re going to find growth. God’s got you, and He’s inviting you to experience more of Him. Let’s keep going.

🩵 Thank you for being here! If this message encouraged you, would you take a second to share with a friend, like or comment? When you do, it helps get these words in front of more women like you!

Let’s keep going together. Listen to the podcast or follow along on Instagram!

Maybe you’ve outgrown the shallow end. And maybe that’s a good thing.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing stories, songs, and scriptural truths that gently remind us we’re not meant to stay where our feet can still touch for too long.

If you’ve been looking for more than surface-level answers and feel drawn to something deeper, come to the deep end with me. There’s so much more here.

Listen to the latest episode wherever you get your podcasts.

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Every Thursday, I share an honest question. It’s something I’m working out with God, and maybe you are too. My answers aren’t perfect, but this is where we wrestle, wonder, and keep coming back to what’s true.

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This week, I was packing away the last of the Easter decorations, and somehow that turned into reorganizing half the house. You know how that goes.

I have this little “party closet” downstairs. Just a tiny nook with linens, decorations, and games. When we first moved in, I hired a professional organizer, and to this day, every time I open this door, it still makes me so happy. Worth every penny. The systems she helped me put in place for our home have actually lasted.

Here’s the thing she said that’s really stuck with me over the years. Most of us only use about 10% of what we own. Think about that. Ten percent.

I’m not a minimalist. Maybe I’m more of a simplist? I just like to have and keep what we’ll use. If I haven’t used something in a year, it’s easy for me to let it go. Bye. I feel lighter without it.

But then there’s the playroom. And the playroom is a different story.

My girls have so many toys. Truly, almost anything you could imagine. And we are grateful. We really are! But there are these moments, usually in the middle of the mess, where it all just feels like too much.

Because sometimes “too much” doesn’t feel like abundance. It just feels like chaos.

As I’m writing this, I just let out a big sigh. It’s not even the cleaning that gets to me. I actually like having a place for everything to return to, just so. We have a basket for this. A shelf for that. It’s the sheer volume of it all unfolding at once. Babies tucked into dollhouses. Magnet tile hotels and zoos taking over the floor. Dolls getting their hair done before attending some elaborate tea party where, somehow, every single stuffed animal we own is invited.

And I’ll just stand there sometimes, looking at it all, saying and thinking…

”This is so cute.” What a mess.
“You’re so creative.” We’ve got a lot to clean up!
“This is so fun!” This is too much.

Is this what “more” of earthly things feels like? Because this doesn’t feel like happy. And it definitely doesn’t feel like peace. And so the question I keep trying to answer for myself, I guess, is what does “more” actually mean?

I keep finding myself believing for the girl next to me: God has more for you. I keep trying to find ways to articulate what it looks like to step into the more God has for us. The truth I know: There’s always more because there’s always more of Him.

I think we’ve been taught subtly, constantly that more is the answer. More things. More options. More experiences. More progress. A fuller life must be a better life, right?

But I don’t think that’s true. In fact, I know it’s not true.

All that constant reaching and adding. When we try to fill each space in our life, it doesn’t bring rest. It stretches us thin.

Our lives might be full, but they’re not always peaceful.

And maybe this is where we pause and ask a different question. What has God already said is enough? Are we defining abundance the way Scripture does? Are we forming our lives around truth… or around our feelings of fullness and lack?

If it’s never enough, is it even abundance?

Maybe it’s distraction, control, the goal, the filling of a void. I don’t have that fully figured out.

But I do know this. Contentment has never shown up for me in excess.

Maybe the next time that feeling creeps in, the one that says something is missing, something more is needed, we pause. We honestly ask ourselves, what do I think ‘more’ will give me? Peace? Security? Relief? Contentment? Control? Happiness?

And then… look around. Maybe peace has been here all along, quietly tucked beneath all the things we thought we couldn’t live without.

For anyone thinking, I don’t even want more. If “more” feels heavy or exhausting, if you find yourself longing for less, there’s wisdom in that! There’s wisdom in knowing your limits and choosing humility over striving. There’s wisdom in building a life that’s not just full, but truly livable.

Maybe that’s the quiet truth we’re all circling around. A life that’s full isn’t always a life that’s peaceful. And if the “more” we’re chasing is costing us our peace, was it ever really abundance to begin with?

As I close the closet door and pause in the middle of our real, sometimes messy, sometimes just-right home, I remember peace isn’t something I’ll finally reach once everything is in order. The peace I need has been here all along. It’s not waiting for me at the bottom of a to-do list or behind a perfectly organized shelf.

That’s what I want for us. For myself, my girls, and for you. To realize we don’t have to keep striving, adding, or perfecting to have a life that’s actually full. We don’t have to chase what’s already ours in Christ. With Him, the grass is greener right where we are.

Because He’s here.

And if He is here, then we already have more than enough.

I hope you had a Happy Easter! This weekend, we read all the books, made all the crafts, dyed the eggs, baked goodies, and spent time with family.

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One of my favorite parts was making resurrection cookies with my daughters. I grew up with this tradition, so it was fun to officially pass it on!

Earlier in the week, I texted my mom and asked her to send the recipe. Each ingredient in these cookies is paired with a scripture that tells the Easter story. Pecans are crushed, reminding us of Jesus being beaten. Vinegar is added for the moment He was given something to drink on the cross. Sugar represents the sweetness of His love. Egg whites symbolize the life He gave.

As a mom, watching my oldest look up each verse in her Bible while her sister added the ingredients was the sweetest. The best part is sealing the tomb (the oven) with some washi tape! And of course, waking up the next morning to find that the white, domed meringue cookies are hollow inside. Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! He is risen, just as He said!

Let me know if you’d like the recipe!

A new episode just dropped!

If the door is already open… why do we still stand outside?

Last week, we talked about the access we have to the Father through Jesus. The veil is torn, and we’re invited in. It’s 10 minutes. Go give it a listen!

So in this episode, we’re taking a minute to remember how we got here. I know that seems backward. We’re moving forward! Yes, we are. But I think it’s worth taking the time to reflect on how we arrived. We’ll walk through the five major covenants from Genesis to Jesus and trace God’s faithfulness throughout. Think of it like a pinky promise... but far more profound.

God’s promises are certain. He means what He says and He always keeps His word. As you listen, my prayer is that your trust in Him grows. We’re no longer on the outside. We can stop trying so hard. We can rest in what Jesus has accomplished and fully step into the life God has already given.

You’re invited! Let’s step into the story together.

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Thanks for being here! If this episode encouraged you even a little, I’d be so grateful if you left a review or shared it with someone who might need to hear it too. We were made for deep faith, not shallow living.

Let’s keep going.

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Happiest Thursday to you!

I hope you’re having a wonderful week. We’ve been getting back into our normal routine since spring break and this week, we’re embracing the Easter spirit!

ICYMI, on Monday, we talked about how we can stop wondering if we’re missing out and start living as God meant it. We don’t have to be on the outside anymore. Jesus opened the way. It’s a 10 min episode. Be encouraged.

Okay, I’m so excited about this month’s edition of the Honest Questions Notebook! As we step into Q2, I thought you’d enjoy a mini coaching session. A little life check-in.

I’m going to ask you simple but meaningful questions that will help you think differently, see your life with fresh eyes, and invite God into the process. So grab your notebook, find a quiet spot, and get ready to reflect on where you are now and where you’d like to be.

Inside April’s Notebook:

☆ A 13-page PDF you can keep and revisit anytime
☆ A mini-coaching session led by Brooke
☆ Walk through reflection and growth, step by step
☆ 20+ curated questions to help you prepare for the days ahead
☆ Encouragement + practical prompts to help you live what matters most. Starting now.

ACCESS YOUR HONEST QUESTIONS NOTEBOOK HERE:

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