It was once said, “Writing is the painting of the voice”.

With that thought in mind, let me introduce a beautiful friend of mine, Janet Hines !!

Janet’s voice, Janet’s writings have recently been captured, threaded together and bound for public view in her new book:

And, this is what Janet has to say about it:

Well, Hello

There are times in our lives when

we experience the lonely and empty roads.

Going through the process of identifying my audience – my reader – I kept thinking it was everyone. “NO Janet – keeping searching” I was told. “This book may meet many at some point and bless them, but who is your specific audience?”

I connect with more women but keep reading guys! You are welcome here too. “Not narrow enough – still” they said. (Guys still welcome!)

I worked through every story one more time and there I met them – the people who look a lot like me. And I know, I’m not alone on this path. These are not telling you how to “get over it” stories – these stories invite you into my adventures, experiences and my journey through grief in death, divorce, addiction and mental illness in our family.

Even in the big cities like New York, as seen in this picture

I took from the Empire State Building, loneliness thrives.

Many travel with me but often our heads are hung, gazing at the ground, alone and lonely, walking with blinders beside our eyes, not seeing the fellow travelers shuffling alongside us. My journeys have taken me to the high mountain peaks, the below sea level paths, the badlands and deserts, fording rivers and being lost in the forests. But, most of all my journey is about moving – moving and learning with God as my Guide.

In the process of moving, I find scriptures like this that encourage me.

Colossians 1:12-14

“…and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Experiencing God’s forgiveness empowers us to extend forgiveness to the world we live in and we experience a freedom we never before knew.

And it’s not the face in our mirrors that connect us but the broken hearts we hold in our hands with a death grip.  We are certain if they break one more time, there will be no hope, not enough pieces left to hold in our hands, and fear and helplessness shoot another root into our souls.

This is a story of redemption. This is a story of great hope. A story where the roads merged and I quit living my life half in and half out of relationship with God. The place where I came face to face with the reality there is only one way to become whole again.

A story that invites you to join God and begin a journey down a new road, one walking with Him as His hand lifts our chins and we discover the immense love He has for us. Watch as He puts the pieces of our hearts back together again, the scars becoming a beautiful reminder of who we once were but recognizing who we have become. We are learning that we have nothing to fear when we find ourselves alone and everything we need to reject loneliness, helplessness and hopelessness.

We learn to reach for Him in our empty beds and find Him in stillness, in the early morning hours when we don’t sleep. We learn being still is beautiful because we no longer carry the weight of our brokenness. We learn there is beauty in being alone and not being lonely.

I lift my hands in praise to God our Father, the one who loves us, the one we find when the paths merge and we walk the path leading to Him. So, here is my hand. Come walk with us as our community gathers, moving through what would break us, we will live redeemed!

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Let’s close with this tender word and I thank you for being present here with me on this journey.

Revelations 21:4

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

“Lord, please forgive us when we forget how real Your love for us is. Please help us turn to You when our pain is unbearable. Help us turn to You when we only need a bandaid. Keep us turned to You in all things of this life. We love You, Lord. Amen.”

Janet, my friend, your voice is soulful, your photos inspiring and your new book is simply engaging. I invite all to purchase their copy of –

Between the Valley and the Mountaintop: Glimpses of God in the Middle Places by Janet Reeger Hines 

Well, it has been awhile, but now it its time to get back to the work of spreading The Good News of The Gospel.

Last night, I did a trial run with Brooke, Melissa and 8 other gals kind enough to come and listen to my message. We gathered in Brooke’s uptown apartment, shared snacks and I stood behind a parsons chair using it as a makeshift podium. We rehearsed three scheduled sessions and spent over 4 hours together. I appreciate the attendees sacrifice as most of them were dental school students with a limited amount of free time. Studying is usually at the top of their to-do list.

After an evening together,  they gave me a thumbs up, assured me others would see the face of Christ in my story and encouraged me to continue on my journey.

Because of their support it is easy to share that I’ll be heading to the Dallas area for the first weekend in April. It is here that I will shakily climb the steps, to stand on a stage and once again sing my praises to the One who saved me.

And who knows, if lives are transformed and hearts are touched at this ladies retreat, maybe the Lord will send me to another group to share with.

As for now, the message is prepared, the green light was given and what is needed is prayer. Please keep this retreat and the ladies attending in your thoughts and conversations with Jesus; asking Him to open the eyes and hears of all who will travel to Camp Compass in Denton, TX during the first weekend in April.

Coppell Bible Fellowship – I’m comin’ at ya!

This is such a great reason to get back online. When you see a young woman stepping out in faith an answering God’s call on her life it is simply to incredible not to share!

At present Grace Valentine is a college student at Baylor University and an active blogger ( Grace Valentine – ENOUGH ). I am sure she is involved in many other activities, but in my mind those two things put together, constitute a full-time commitment.

However, about a year and a half ago Grace contacted me and asked for an interview.

“WHAT?”, I replied! My reaction was of surprise because, I simply had no idea what she was up to! Through excited phrases and short explanatory sentences, Grace revealed she was writing a book! “WHAT,” I replied again! “Aren’t you busy writing papers for professors,” I jokingly but impressively added.

Grace was quick to acknowledge her craziness, but she was more adamant about capturing her commitment and love of Christ. She went on to testify to me that she felt called to record in writing her young adult life and how the world attempts to tell females her age they aren’t enough. Obviously, Grace has a different message to share!

Grace was reaching out to me because of her friendship with Samantha. She and Sam were in St. Timothy Youth Group together and became fast friends. Grace was close to Samantha at the time of her death and Grace’s spiritual journey was affected by the loss.

Grace and I have had many conversations since Samantha’s accident. As well, we have traveled the to the village of Kui, Kenya together and shared in times of worship. Our space to communicate was open and honest. We knew each other well and trusted in our relationship because of Jesus.

So, Grace asked questions and I answered; she inquired about my faith and I tried to be forthright about what I believed, she examined my experience and I did my best to share the circumstances, she interrogated about the accident and I revealed what happened and she gave me the third degree about what helped and I let her know it was God that brought the healing.

Another year later, Grace Valentine is a published author, at the dynamic age of 21. (Grace you look great in pink!)

Her book, Am I Enough?: Embracing the Truth About Who You Are, will be sitting on bookshelves by mid-July.

Grace has an incredible message to share with women about our self-worth. It is one rooted in Christ’s love for us NOT what the world tells us we are worth.

I encourage you to join Grace on her journey!!! You can pre-order her book now on Amazon:

P.S. – Samantha in her sassy ways would be so excited to know a bit of her story is shared in Chapter 21.

As always, I invite you to subscribe to Just Do Today!

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I love it when a friend shares something with me that speaks to her. I always think, “If that is the case, how many others would the message resonated with.”
Take a minute and be blessed, as I was, by reading through Lisa Terkeurst’s message about how to live a life that doesn’t betray our best intentions.

Great Sermons Aren’t Preached, They’re Lived
Lysa TerKeurstJune 8, 2017

As school ends and summer approaches time spent for so many shifts. Sp whether it is a vacation or a staycation that comes next … take a minute and see what Janet Hines has to say about how we interact with the world around us. Thank you Janet for haring your inspiring message with us today.

Janet Hines – Traveling Mercies

I am passionate about traveling this big world. Everyday is filled with sights, sounds, tastes and flavors I have never experienced before. It is a thrill to me. Taking pictures, conversations with random strangers – language not creating barriers – smiles – sign language – pointing – all fill my heart with the sense of adventure God planted in me when He created me.

Yet, the older I get, the more I realize my everyday world is full of these same wonders. It just depends on how I look at it. What has my attention? Do I become so habitual in my days that I forget to look for the adventure? Do I forget to look for things I have never seen before?

This is just a simple blog post inviting you to join me in looking at the world around us a little differently today. When people speak, listen in a different way. When we greet someone, let’s pause intentionally a moment longer to look at them and see if they need to really tell us. Maybe a hug is in order. Maybe not.

Let that person who made their way through the construction barricades without merging and now wanting to merge when there is no space left {this is a personal battle for me living where I do} – let them in without making a comment Janet – just. let. them. in.

Choose to make the world a teeny tiny bit better in our wake today. There are way too many things we are not in control of but God gave us each the free will to choose how we interact and react to the world in our breathing space every day.

Let’s make a difference today. Let’s be bold – maybe someone will notice – maybe no one will – but in our hearts when we lay down in bed tonight, we will have a peace about the moments we remember and how we saw something new – even without leaving the parish today.

  But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, 

what God is looking for in men and women.

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love, 

And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.

 Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Mic 6:8). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

“Lord, we pray to You to give us the courage to interact in positive ways today to whatever situations the world throws at us. We believe You, Lord, when You promise us You will give us everything we need to see You up close and the courage to allow You access to the deep places in us that need the most work. We want to be closer to You, Lord. Give us an awareness of what creates barriers in our relationship with You and help us move through this world seeing You in new ways today. Amen”

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For weeks, I felt pressure and pain, The good news is the stacks of self-help books, the many trips to the therapist and lots of alone time were all doing their part to help ease my panicked and pressed state-of-self.

Long ago, I learned and experienced how important the healing power of healthy support can be. Each type of assistance strengthens and sustains a unique need. For me, the reading helped to remind me I wasn’t alone. As well, because others took the time to share their knowledge and record their past experiences, I was blessed with wisdom and what techniques worked. Visiting my therapist offered the opportunity to have an objective conversation, free of judgement, therefore, facilitating the customization of coping strategies.

Ahhhh, and the alone time allowed me to soak in the strengthening messages, the saving grace and powerful promises of my Savior. By reading the many passages that I have earmarked in Samantha’s Bible, then giving myself space and time to ponder their meaning and then apply them to my current personal situation was once again a game changer.

Over time, I began to feel better and I began to understand myself more. There are psychological shifts that need to take place in order to work through shame. I was learning how to talk to myself, how to perceive myself with compassion rather than criticism. and how to own my story so that I could write a new ending. Thankfully and as I was counseled, the emotional and psychological work was helping to change my self-characterization and how I saw my past circumstances. I was in tune and keenly aware as the embarrassment melted away and I began to embrace what was to come.

Honestly, the process was powerful! However, it wasn’t perfect!

Like a nagging hangnail that snags on all types of surfaces, I often reverted back to my old way of thinking, “Elizabeth, you should be ashamed! Elizabeth, this is awful and needs to stay a secret!”

When I heard the degrading message, I would go back to work to mentally distinguish it!

Eventually, I got fed up and I grew tired of fighting!

So much energy in the last few years of my life, has been spent on working to be well, to come back to life after loss, to caste off the mental strongholds that have the power to sink me.

Quickly, I grew weary of living this way again.

“Enough of this!” I ssshhhed myself.  “Why do you think you can do this on your own?” I asked myself. Caught off guard at my own question, I paused and paid attention for an answer. And, that is when I remembered a woman, who had ultimately handled her issue in another way.

However her circumstances differed didn’t matter, it was her solution that I knew to seek.

So, I did.

That evening, I hurried off to my Heated Power Vinyasa Yoga class. As the sweat dripped down my cheeks and trickled into my inner ear, I knew the workout was about to end. “Thank goodness!” I thought. Yes, I was grateful the twisting and turning was about to stop. But, more importantly, I was ready to pray!

In a whisper I heard, “Ladies, find your Savasana.”  I gladly obeyed and lowered down, flat on my back and relaxed my arms and legs. Spreading the cold towel soaked in essentials oils over my blotchy red face and closing my eyes brought a sense of stillness. I allowed a few seconds to lose myself and let go. And then, like I love to do while recovering from a especially challenging yoga class, I prayed

Father, 

I ask for one special moment with you. I know that is all it will take. Just like the woman who touched the hem of your garment and was healed, I am asking for the same miracle for myself. Please rub away this last little bit of stain from shame deep in my soul. Please do for me what I can’t do for myself, so that I am free to carry out your work. 

Repeating my prayer over and over, adding a few words here and there, I only stopped when the teacher instructed, “Now, wiggle your toes and wrap your wrists. bring your awareness back to the room and when you are ready come back to a seated position.”

Rising to my feet at the end of class, I did a double take, a body and mind scan so to speak. Unfortunately, nothing seemed different. I was momentarily disappointment, but lacked the energy to do anything about it. So, I directed my exhausted body home and on to bed.

The gift arrived the next morning as I woke up and got out of bed. I smiled, I thought of my situation and said to myself, “I can do this. I can get through this and go on. And, better than that I can now be content and peaceful about it!”

For the first time in 35 years, I could think about a certain “something” and know everything was going to be OK. I wasn’t aware of the specifics, but I sensed however things played out they would be positive and for God’s purpose. I don’t know exactly what happened, but gone was the doom and gloom. The freedom was immediate and overwhelming.  So much that, for the first time in my life I stepped away from my shame and voluntarily shared my story.

Scheduled to attend, yet another exercise session, I headed back to the health club, skipped up the front stairs, swung the door open and said, “Travis, I have something to share.” It helps when your pastor greets you at the gym and what a relief it was to break free from the burden I had been carrying for so many years.

One day, when the time is right, I will write about my “something”, but for now I know it is the process that is important. As I take each step towards towards the full story, leaning into restoration, I know it is right to record the entire journey and to give God the glory for what is going on!

 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Matthew 9:20-22 (KJV)

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Romans 8:38:39 (The Message)

You see, there is thing about faith, it works!

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Yes, I went back to the bookstore!

Yes, I purchased another bundle of books.

Yes, as it was after Samantha’s accident, I am hoping the words and the wisdom, and the tests and testimonies of others will help see me through this next season.

Titles such as:

The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp, Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown and All Our Losses All Our Grieves by Kenneth Mitchell and Herbert Anderson weighed my shopping bag down.

I was hoping each author’s work would teach me how to implement the truth. It is one thing to read and believe what the Bible says. It is another thing, all together, to actually put the teachings into practice. I’ll admit I needed help with that.

So, I settled into my yellow linen rocker and worked to decide which book to read. “I’ll go with the thickest one first.” was how I got started. And, thank goodness I did because it was  Brene’ Brown’s Rising Strong, The Reckoning, The Rumble, The Revolution which helped me understand the process of recognizing, working through and walking away from shame.

Quotes like:

resonated with me.

As these thought provoking messages led each chapter, I found myself reading fast and furious. The writing is real and relatable. The research on human nature and our tendency to turn away from the painful parts of our life is tried and true, and instructions and suggestions on how’s and ways to overcome weren’t obvious, but indeed they were well laid out. Once again, I had stars and asterisks and underlining all over the pages of Brene’ Brown’s book. Flipping back through, I found one I wanted to share.

Passages like these provide powerful messages. So much that they initiated a new way of thinking and offered support to what I learned from the scriptures. And, another one too meaningful and emotional not to share:

Continuing to post pictures would be easy to execute. However, better than reading excerpts,  would be to purchase and read this book for yourself. It is for anyone who yearns to regain their footing in the face of fear and struggle, yet are willing to allow vulnerability to lead the way.

And to entice you to get started here is just one more snippet of powerful prose:

In a nutshell, Rising Strong is a book about what it takes to get back up and how owning our stories of struggle gives us the power to write a daring new ending. Struggle can be our greatest call to courage and and the clearest path to a wholehearted life.

Father in Heaven,

Your word instructs us to seek counsel, to find support and to search out wisdom. I give you thanks for making such resources available to seeking souls such as mine. Lord, you know the struggle and I offer praise for meeting me right in the place of need where you find me.

Thank you for researchers, such as Brene’ Brown who are full of knowledge and have been given the gift of writing providing a way to share their insights.

I ask for your constant presence, as I find the courage and bravery to embrace my own difficult stories so that a beautiful new ending can be written.

Amen!

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 19:20-21

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