Family Update | Soaking Up the Sweetness of the Season
It's been a while since I've shared a family update - and with everything that's unfolded over the last few months, I figured it was the perfect time to catch you up. Buckle up and enjoy the ride... there's a lot to take in!
Whew! If this year-to-date had a theme song, ours would be something between “On the Road Again” and “God is So Good” — because wow, have these past few months been full, fun, and overflowing with blessings.
Our family took an unforgettable vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota, and let me just say… if you have never experienced off-roading in a UTV through wide open trails and pine-covered hills, you’re missing out! We rented one and had the time of our lives kicking up dust, laughing until our cheeks hurt, and taking in God’s incredible creation all around us.
Several fascinating museum's.
The ironic Mount Rushmore, where my husband was honored during the veteran's lighting ceremony (yes, I teared up -- alongside a crowd of strangers who felt like family in that moment).
A visit to the mysterious and majestic Devils Tower.
The super cool Bear Country USA -- yes, real bears, up close!
Breathtaking scenic drives through the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
The beautiful and bold Badlands.
The one-and-only Wall Drug Store. If you're in the area, this is a must see, plus they still serve free coffee.
And, we certainly cannot forget my personal experience at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum where I successfully navigated the Flight Simulator - okay, maybe successfully is a mild stretch.
Another fun and adventurous moment was the train ride aboard the 1880 Steam Locomotive from Hill City to Keystone, topped off with a mouth-watering dinner at the 1885 Steakhouse (YUM).
One worthy of noting was the beautiful evening at the Chapel in The Hills where we found a little piece of Heaven on Earth. It was such a sweet reminder that God truly meets us right where we are—even in the most unexpected places. This little church was nestled in the hills, full of tourists by day, but three evenings a week they have a church service.
There we found peace, presence, and purpose during one of the evening services. I love how God always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. But some of my favorite moments? Cooking simple meals in our motorhome and watching my little family gather around the table or fire—tired, happy, and together. We didn’t eat out much, and I was proud of that! It reminded me that joy really is found in the little things. "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame." Isaiah 58:11
And, I have to share one of my favorite pictures of SweetPea licking her lips - just waiting for Lex to turn her head so she could snag a bite of her burger.
While this is not an exclusive list of adventures we enjoyed, it's some of the most notable ones that are a must-see if you are ever in the area. We feel so blessed to have the privilege of soaking up so much history, adventure, and awe on our vacations. My husband truly missed his calling as he is the best vacation planner, ever!
A Dream Realized
Amid the whirlwind of memories and laughter, a lifelong dream also came true. My very first book, "One Journey, A Lifetime of Purpose", has officially been published and released for purchase as of this week.
Cue the tears (again), because the overwhelming love, support, and sheer volume of orders have left me completely humbled and deeply grateful. Thank you to every single one of you who purchased the book or pre-ordered my next project, "Thirty Day Prayer Journal Workbook" (which is so close to a release date!).
Your support confirms what my heart has been feeling. This season. This calling. Is all God-ordained.
And guess what? I have officially started writing my next book! (Title TBD - but I promise it is real, raw, and reflective). This one is a tad-bit more personal as it is a look back at decades of my life - my climb to the top in corporate America, failed pregnancies, burial of our children, and so much more. Its a story of how I almost lost myself in the process, and how I finally broke free. It's not a devotional or journal, but a soul-level story of how I finally found my purpose, peace, and living for God's approval, not the world's applause. So stay tuned.
Life Lately
As if that weren’t enough, I’ve also thrown my name in the ring this election year to run for City Mayor of Garden Plain and for a seat on the School Board of Education. Talk about big steps—but I feel an unshakable peace and purpose walking this path. (Photo below to the left captures the big day I filed my candidacy paperwork—one step closer to serving our community.)
Oh, and school starts August 20th (how is that even possible?!). Our baby girl is heading into 8th grade, and I’m all kinds of emotional. I joke (kind of) that I’ll just head off to college with her when the time comes and earn another degree—but honestly, I might not be joking at all.
We’ve also got birthday celebrations, a wedding in the family, hopes of me subbing in the classroom again, and my sweet husband working hard on getting his CDL so he can help drive the school bus (because our little town always needs more hands on deck!).
But Through It All - We are so incredibly thankful for this full, fast-paced, and beautiful life. Just two short years ago, when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, we could barely think about the next day—let alone a future like this. Some days, it was hard to breathe under the weight of uncertainty. And now... we’re planning for the next two, even four years.
That’s nothing short of God’s grace. He has truly carried us from fear to faith, from breakdown to breakthrough.
Final Thoughts
In His grace,
Author | Speaker | Mom | Blogger | Founder, FaithZone Consulting Firm
🌐 www.faithzoneconsulting.com
"...the battle is the Lord's" -- 1 Samuel 17:47
Click here to purchase order of One Journey, A Lifetime of Purpose.
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