Happy Veteran's Day

This last Veteran's Day Weekend provided a great opportunity for personal reflection. I am so grateful for the education, leadership opportunities and growth that the I received by raising my right hand to serve in the Air Force. From studying in France to graduating from Air Force Academy... to leading a team of 50 people and complex processes... to meeting the Vice President of the United States and coined by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, I know I had an amazing Air Force career.

Not all of it was easy, but I can't put a price on the value of the experience that I gained. I know that the maturity of my faith, lessons learned as well as the life-long friendships I made will serve me well for the rest of my life.

I am honestly so grateful for the time that I had to serve our nation. I'm also so grateful for the opportunity I now have to continue serving by supporting our family and Foster as he progresses in his Air Force career. Separating from the Air Force has brought about a lot of change for us a family, but has ultimately provided the balance that we needed.

Our family mission statement is to "Share the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the Love of Christ by Investing in Relationships and Living Intentionally,"

It has been such a privilege to have the added capacity to live out our mission in a new way, starting with our kids. It's honestly difficult for me to put words to how precious our children are to us. We are sincerely so blessed by them and grateful for the sanctification journey we are on to love them intentionally. C.S. Lewis' says it well, "Children are not a distraction from the most important work. They are the most important work."

Another way that I've felt convicted to live out our mission is by starting this blog. What an amazing resource this has been for my processing, and what a blessing it is to know that my writing has encouraged and inspired others. Living intentionally doesn't just happen on accident, but we can spur one another on by pursuing it in community! I'm also so grateful for how life-enhancing it has been for Foster and I to continue our educations through Western Seminary. Foster is currently pursing a Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies, and I have been able to take classes through their amazing Coach Training Program. I'm so excited to continue pursing and practicing coaching, which is what inspired my new head shot: )

I love seeing these pictures side by side because they're both me. That probably sounds very basic to say, but I'm so thankful to be both of those ladies... and I'm inspired by the work that God has done and continues to do in my life.

To all of those currently serving on Active Duty, and to those who no longer wear the uniform, thank you so much for your service and Happy Veterans Day!