Tell us a little bit about yourself and what God has called you to do? I am passionate about leadership development and building bridges between generations because both create and cultivate influential moments of connection. I love sunrises, sunsets, wildflowers, mocha’s over deep conversation, walks, reading, laughter, the smell of pine trees, rolling ocean waves, and dark chocolate.

Where do you live and have you lived anywhere else? I live in sunny Southern California with my husband and son. I grew up in Ohio and moved to California two days after my wedding. It was the greatest adventure. If you would have asked me 30 years ago if I would still live in California I would have told you “no way”.

How do you carve out time with God everyday? As I have grown older I have realized more tangibly that God is with me always. I start the day in my journal and God’s Word, I see Him with the people that cross my path, I lean into the quiet whispers of silence and see Him in the beauty of nature. God is everywhere.

What is your best organizational/planning tip? I am laughing because I am the last person you would want advice or tips on organization. I am grateful for my apple watch and smartphone and I love spontaneity.

What is your family’s favorite go-to easy meal? Tacos!

Tell us your favorite God story (in your own life)? One of my favorites is when I was in a coffee shop and a young man was ahead of me in line. He looked a bit lost and disoriented. In that moment I had that sense I was suppose to tell him God saw him and loved him. My first reaction was no. So instead I told the woman behind the counter I would buy his coffee. It took a bit of convincing but he accepted my offer. As we waited for our drink the sense to tell him he is seen and loved by God became so strong I could not ignore it. I thought buying coffee was good enough however God had a reciprocal lesson for both of us in that moment. In a shaking and courageous voice I told him “God sees you and loves you.” He broke into tears and said, “How did you know I was asking God if He saw me and loved me.” We sat down for 30 minutes as I heard his story of being kicked out of his house, living on the streets or a friend’s couch while looking for a job. He told me he was lost. I could offer him nothing more then encouragement, grace and truth. I prayed for him and we both went our separate ways. In that ordinary moment of time in a coffee shop God became so tangible to both of us. We left with our faith bucket filled to the brim.

What are your 3 favorite books, other than the Bible of course? Artist Way by Julia Cameron, Unstoppable Force by Erwin McManus and any book by Henri Nouwen.

What is your favorite Bible Verse? Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT

What is your best piece of advice for women wanting to transition out of full-time church ministry and choosing to do ministry on their own? This is such a personal journey for anyone wrestling with this question. So here are my thoughts and a series of questions I challenge anyone to work through in the decision making process.

The creator of the universe has specifically designed each of us to make a difference with our passions, gifts, abilities, and experiences. For some it is working in the organization of church. Like any workplace there are times that we outgrow our position, struggle with burnout or desire a change because our heart passion will not be accepted, aligned or accomplished under the current structure.

Ultimately the tension intensifies and we are faced with the decision of staying or moving out.

In my journey of change these are the questions I had to ponder and get real about. I have found obedience to God is most important and it will require trust, courage, and faith in the unseen. With obedience comes freedom in doing ministry in a variety of ways.

QUESTIONS TO GET REAL ABOUT:

Are you rested? Are you able to sit silently so you can hear the quiet voice of the Lord?

Who is praying with you?

What is your passion and can it be expressed in the local church? If not, what would be required for you to live it out?

Can you map out what is at the root of discontent?

What are your motives?

Is your role at church your identity? Is your ministry your identity?

What are your fears?

What are you willing to risk?

What is God teaching you? Where is He guiding you? Will you be obedient?

I am praying for anyone that is in the middle of this decision. Lean into God’s voice and surround yourself with people who truly love you.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT