ç'est la vie RN

Tag: christianity

Could It Really Be That Simple?

Do you remember the movie National Treasure? At the end, Ben Gates (played by Nicolas Cage) pulls a delicate Meerschaum pipe from his pocket and declares, “The secret lies with Charlotte. Could it really be that simple?” And surprisingly, it was. That one intricate clue led him and his team to one of the greatest treasures ever found.

That moment came back to me recently, and not by accident.

I just completed a Discipleship and Evangelism course at my church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. During our final class, we each shared reflections from our journey. Our instructor left us with this for our remembrance: “Discipleship is simple…others follow us as we follow Christ.”

Simple.

A few days before that class, I had written something strikingly similar in my journal: What the Lord asks of us under the new covenant is simple; it is the fight against the flesh and the principalities of darkness that makes it complex. But even the resolution for that is simple…seek, hear, listen, trust, and follow the Lord.

Could it really be that simple?

Scripture affirms that it is. In Micah 6:8 (NIV), we are reminded: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Clarity, not complication. Walk humbly. Follow closely.

Yet, if we’re honest, it rarely feels simple. There is a daily tension between what we know is right and what we feel pulled toward. Galatians 5:17 (NIV) explains it well: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” The complexity isn’t in God’s instruction, it’s in our resistance, our distractions, and the very real spiritual battle we face.

God does not leave us without a clear path forward. Like the Meerschaum pipe that seemed small but pointed to hidden treasure, God’s Word may appear simple, yet it holds the exact direction we need to uncover the fullness of His purpose.

Seek. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).
Hear. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27, NIV).
Trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” (Proverbs 3:5, NIV).
Follow. “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NIV).

This is the “pipe,” so to speak—the simple yet powerful pathway that leads us to the true treasure: a life aligned with Christ. Discipleship isn’t about mastering complexity; it’s about modeling consistency. Others don’t need perfection to follow, they need direction. And that direction becomes clear when our lives reflect a steady pursuit of Jesus.

So maybe the question isn’t whether it’s simple.

Maybe the question is: Will we follow the simple path with faithful obedience?

Because just like in National Treasure, the clue may seem small…
but it leads to something far greater than we could ever imagine.

April 12, 2026
Thank You For Your Love

It was an emotional, fast and furious weekend! On my mom’s side of the family, we have six birthdays that span over 12 calendar days and four generations. I got to fawn over our newest member, who is two weeks old and a little under eight pounds. After Friday’s gathering, I took some time to reflect on the heaviness of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ…and the love the Father has for us that sent Him here to save us. It’s a deep love; the kind that takes your breath away…agape. All I can say is thank You Lord! Thank You for the gift of salvation and resurrection power!

If you were unable to make it to an Easter service yesterday, below is the service from my church home. I pray it blesses you.

April 6, 2026
Chapter 47: Just Wanna Make it to Heaven

Yesterday, I turned 47. WHEW…that half a century coming in fast y’all! This year feels less like a milestone and more like a moment of alignment. Looking back, I can see how intentional this past year has been. Not perfect, certainly not without challenge, but purposeful. God has been gently, yet persistently, calling me deeper; deeper in faith, deeper in discipline, and deeper in obedience.

Spiritually, this has been a year of learning to truly walk with God, not just acknowledge Him. Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV reminds me, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Submission has been the stretching place. It’s one thing to know His Word, but another to follow His voice when it requires surrendering comfort, control, or clarity. I am learning that obedience to the Holy Spirit is not about me having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does.

Health has also taken its rightful place as a priority, not just for today, but for the future I am stewarding. The body is not separate from my calling; it supports it. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV grounds me in this truth: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This year, honoring God has looked like choosing rest when needed, being more mindful of what I consume, and recognizing that longevity in purpose requires intentional care.

As a leader, I’ve grown in understanding that leadership is less about position and more about posture. It is about humility, consistency, and the willingness to be led by God first. James 1:5 NIV has been a steady anchor: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.” I’m leaning into that promise; seeking wisdom in decisions, in how I serve others, and in how I show up. Leadership is refined in the quiet places where character is built long before it is seen.

At 47, there is no arrival; I am still becoming. Becoming more attentive to God’s voice. Becoming more disciplined in my stewardship. Becoming more grounded in who He’s called me to be. And that is my posture moving forward: not striving, but surrendering…trusting that every step of obedience, every choice toward health, and every act of faithful leadership is part of the greater work He is completing in me.

Great, growth or groan, I’m ready for whatever comes next!

March 30, 2026
Across the Finish Line…

Happy belated new year! Pardon my absence for the past few months. It’s true what they say, the older you get, the quicker time passes by. This past fall, I finally completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree!

The idea of a doctorate lived in my prayers before it ever hit my résumé. The quiet nudge that demanded discipline, resilience, and more faith than I realized I had. There were seasons when progress felt slow, when I questioned whether I still had capacity, and when life didn’t pause just because of the added weight. Yet somehow, every chapter, every assignment, every late night carried purpose. The journey stretched me intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Scripture reminds us, “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me” (Psalm 138:8, ESV). Looking back, I see that God wasn’t just helping me earn a doctorate; He was shaping my leadership, refining my dependence, and aligning my work with His will.

Listening Closely to the Spirit

One of the most meaningful parts of this process was learning how to listen, not just to mentors, evidence, or systems, but to the Spirit. Purpose isn’t found in hustle; purpose is found in stillness. It’s discovered when we quiet the noise long enough to hear what God is already saying. Many times, we pursue the certainty of an outcome before obedience. I wanted the whole roadmap before taking the next step. Faith doesn’t work that way. Instead, God kept inviting me to move one decision at a time, trusting Him with what I could not see yet.

Proverbs says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NIV). The journey wasn’t just academic advancement; it was spiritual formation. I learned to pause before reacting, pray before planning, and ask God not for what I wanted, but instead for what He desired to grow through me. Listening to the Spirit changed how I approached leadership, scholarship, and even my own limits.

The Struggle of Full Surrender

If I’m being honest, surrender is a hard lesson. We like partial surrender. It’s the kind where God can guide, but we still need to control the outcome. Full surrender asks us to release timelines, expectations, comparison, and fear. Even now, there are moments when I have to lay down the fallacy of perfectionism, self-doubt, and the pressure to prove myself even if only to myself. I am learning that obedience is more powerful than striving. Rest is sometimes more productive than pushing.

Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NIV). Following Christ isn’t always big and dramatic, sometimes it looks like staying committed when motivation fades, trusting when outcomes are unclear, and choosing faith when comfort would be easier. Surrender meant letting God define success…not just finishing strong but finishing faithful. Not just earning credentials, but becoming the kind of leader who reflects humility, courage, and compassion. Isaiah reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). Peace comes not from knowing every answer, but from knowing who holds them.

…to Beyond

Now that this chapter is complete, what’s next? Only God knows! My certainty lies in knowing He purposed me to serve, to mentor, to influence, and to lead with integrity and grace. This degree represents both a milestone and a mission. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NASB). God will always finish what He starts…in our careers, our families, our education, our businesses, our communities, our leadership, and our hearts. Cheers to moving forward with gratitude, humility, and expectancy. Listening more closely. Trusting more deeply. Surrendering more fully. Because the greatest reward isn’t the thing I achieved, it’s becoming the woman God was shaping all along the way.

c’est la vie RN

January 27, 2026
Living Wisely with Time

Have you noticed how time seems to move differently as we age? As a child, I felt like the days stretched on forever…a single summer seemed like endless cousin joy, and waiting for a birthday or Christmas was almost unbearable. But now, as an adult, I swear the weeks and months seem to fly by. Yesterday, I traveled back home to attend my godson’s gender reveal. I remember when he was born, and now he’s celebrating having a little one of his own.

I stopped to visit my uncle and great aunt. While they were always considered an elder in the family, it’s more evident the family elders are in their elderly phase of life. The neighborhood kids I remember from my young adulthood are now grown, with their own grown children! Now, one year fades into the next before we’ve even caught our breath. This shift is more than just perception. It’s a reminder from God that our days are fleeting, and we are called to use them with wisdom and care.

The psalmist captures this reality when he prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NIV). In other words, we aren’t just to count the years that pass but to make the years—and the days within them—count. Every sunrise is an opportunity to live with intention, to love more deeply, and to grow more faithfully. If we aren’t mindful, we risk letting time pass while our hearts drift from what matters most.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) speaks directly to this truth: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Life has many demands that compete for our attention…work deadlines, family responsibilities, financial pressures. Yet, in the midst of it all, God calls us to slow down and live wisely. That means investing our time in what nurtures our souls, strengthens our families, deepens our faith, and brings light to a world that desperately needs hope.

Time will continue to move quickly, and we cannot control its pace. But we can decide how we will walk through it. When our priorities are aligned with God’s, we discover peace even in the busyness. We can look back not with regret but with gratitude for a life lived intentionally.

Here’s a question for you to reflect on this week: pause and ask yourself—how am I spending my time? What needs more of my heart, and what is draining it unnecessarily? Choose today to live on purpose, to lean into God’s wisdom, and to let every moment reflect His love.

September 8, 2025
Reflection: Growing in Christ
Yesterday, was Resurrection Sunday. After church service, I spent some time reflecting on my walk with the Lord. Growing in my relationship with Christ has been a journey filled with grace, correction, love, and transformation. In my early walk—what they call “a babe in Christ”—I relied heavily on others to feed me spiritually. I was open to the warmth of His presence but had little understanding of His Word. My prayers were often simple and self-focused, like a child asking for what they want without fully grasping the love or authority of the One they were speaking to.

As I’ve grown, my hunger for deeper understanding has increased. I now recognize the importance of obedience, trust, and surrender. I’ve learned that following Christ is not just about feelings but about faith—walking even when I don’t feel Him, believing even when I don’t understand. I see more clearly the areas of my life where He is calling me higher—into holiness, humility, and genuine love for others.

Still, there is a long way to go. There are places in my heart that need refining, thoughts that need to be taken captive, and habits that must be surrendered. Living a righteous life is not about perfection, but about direction—constantly moving toward Christ, even when I stumble. His grace covers me, but His Spirit also empowers me to grow. The journey never truly ends.

All of this growth is only possible because of what Jesus did on the cross. I think back to being a little girl in church where they would sing songs like Jesus Paid it All, There is a Fountain, and my favorite hymn, Near the Cross. I now understand the gravity of salvation. He bore my sins, past and future, and gave me access to the Father. He didn’t die so I could live a good life—He died so I could live a new life. His resurrection power is what enables me to mature, to be transformed day by day into His image. The wonder of His love, proven through His sacrifice, draws me closer and inspires me to live a life that honors Him.

3 Simple Ways You Can Grow Closer to the Lord Today:
1. Talk to God Throughout Your Day
  Prayer doesn’t always have to be long or formal. Whisper to Him in your car, thank Him while cooking, or ask for guidance in a moment of stress. Make Him your constant companion.
2. Spend Time in the Word Daily
  Even if it’s just one chapter or a few verses, let God speak to your heart through Scripture. His Word is living and will guide your thoughts and actions.
3. Show Love Intentionally
  Look for simple ways to love others—through kindness, listening, encouraging words, or acts of service. Loving people well is one of the clearest signs of a deepening relationship with Christ.
April 21, 2025
Everlasting Life
Remembering Shelley Bailey

Yesterday morning I attended the memorial service of a formal colleague and friend. Every so often in life, you meet someone who truly has a beautiful soul. Shelley was one of those people. Her smile would light up a room. She consistently put the needs of others before her own. She was a loved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many. During the service, I became hyper aware of a number of things. First, who will write my obituary? How long will it be…my immediate family is massive? Maybe I should work on that myself right now. I mentioned it to my sister, and she told me she would not accept it before age 70. What would the vibe be? Would I want my body present or grave burial? All these random thoughts entered my mind as we celebrated Shelley’s life. I drew my attention back to the service and briefly settled into sadness because she is no longer physically present. However, it was short lived, as a level of palpable peace and hope arose in the building because of her faith in Jesus. Though her absence was deeply felt, there is comfort in knowing that she is now with the Lord.

The Bible assures us that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. John 11:25-26 (NASB) says, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” Her faith in Christ means she is now in His presence, free from pain and sorrow. That is the real victory…accepting Jesus into our hearts that we may gain eternal life.

For those who want to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, here are simple steps:
1. Believe in Jesus – Trust that He is the Son of God and that He died for your sins. Romans 10:9 (NASB) says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
2. Repent of Your Sins – Turn away from sin and seek to follow God’s ways. Acts 3:19 (NASB) says, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
3. Pray and Invite Jesus into Your Heart – Talk to God, confess your faith in Him, and ask Him to lead your life.
4. Read the Bible and Pray Daily – Grow in your faith by spending time with God.
5. Find a Church Community – Surround yourself with believers who can encourage you.
Though our loved one is no longer here, her faith in Jesus assures us that we will see her again.
February 9, 2025
Never Would Have Made It

Do you ever feel like December just insists on snowballing itself into the new year? I finally made time this weekend to sit and reflect about the 4^th quarter and all the things. Never would have made it without you Lord! The sentiment resonates deeply with overcoming life’s trials through faith, perseverance, and the support of all my tribes. Whether it be in the nursing profession, ministry work, or in personal struggles, there are moments I realize that I didn’t make it on my own. “If the Lord had not been on our side…the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us” (Psalm 124:2,4).

These words are a reminder that every victory, every step forward, is evidence of God’s faithfulness! The truth is none of us could have made it alone. But through His grace, and often through the people He places around us, we stand as testimonies of His unfailing love and power. As we look back, we give thanks. We lean on the same God who brought us through. We never would have made it…but God! Giving God the glory after a hard time is not just about gratitude—it’s about acknowledging His sovereignty and His hand in the process. It’s saying, “God, I couldn’t have done this without You.” As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

After almost 8 months without a job…I never experienced homelessness or hunger. All the bills got paid. I was granted the opportunity to continue fellowship with friends, grow in the Spirit, get back to singing, and simply have joy in the valley. When we glorify God after a trial, we testify to His faithfulness and inspire others to trust Him in their own storms. He is trustworthy! Keep trusting and believing Him for whatever desires He has planted in your heart. In the end, I realized my struggle was about revealing His power and His glory through my life. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

December 16, 2024
Embracing the Generational Shift

Last week, my great-great uncle passed. He was the last of a generation. Suddenly, it occurred to me that I am on the path to becoming “the older people”. Don’t get me wrong, it is a blessing to wake up every morning! There is also the realization that the number of days behind me, likely exceed the number of days ahead. Middle adulthood is a phase of life marked by responsibility, wisdom, and the opportunity to influence future generations. Being the adults of this generation, in this culture, means navigating challenges unique to our time while anchoring ourselves in timeless biblical truths. As we grow older, our roles as stewards of God’s blessings, mentors to the younger generation, and servants in His kingdom become more pronounced. What does Scripture say about this sacred responsibility?

1. Living as God’s Stewards

Adulthood calls us to steward the resources, talents, and relationships God has entrusted to us. Whether it’s our time, finances, or spiritual gifts, we are accountable for using them wisely for His glory.

In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul reminds us:
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

Faithfulness in stewardship means making decisions that honor God and benefit others. This includes providing for our families, investing in our communities, and being diligent in our work.

2. Leading the Next Generation

One of our primary responsibilities as adults is to guide and mentor the younger generation. In a world filled with competing values, they need godly examples who live out biblical principles with integrity.

Psalm 78:4 emphasizes the importance of this role:
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”

As adults, we are called to teach the next generation about God’s faithfulness, equipping them to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and faith.

3. Pursuing Wisdom and Growth

Adulthood is not the end of personal growth—it’s a time to deepen our relationship with God and mature in character. Proverbs 16:31 says:
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”

This verse reminds us that growing older is a gift, not a burden. It’s an opportunity to gain wisdom and use it to guide others, reflecting God’s glory in our lives.

4. Serving in the Kingdom of God

As adults, our maturity equips us to serve in unique and impactful ways. Whether through leadership, discipleship, or acts of service, our lives should be a reflection of Christ’s love.

In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we are encouraged:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Adulthood is a season to step into God’s purposes with boldness, embracing the privilege of being His hands and feet in a broken world.

Walking in Purpose

Becoming the adults of this generation means more than simply growing older—it’s about growing in purpose. It’s about living as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), taking on the mantle of responsibility with grace, and leaving a legacy that points others to Him.

Let us rise to this calling, knowing that our work is not in vain when done in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). May we embrace the responsibilities and opportunities of adulthood with faith, wisdom, and a heart for service.

November 30, 2024
In the midst of a storm, He’s there
I was watching footage on the Weather Channel from the tornado in Iowa. There was a video clip of a woman. She was holding her baby in her friend’s basement when the stairs began to collapse on them. She said it was the only time she had ever prayed. She only spoke “Dear Lord”, then it was over.

I am a strong believer that prophetic words and events often occur so we can receive the message at a time when it is most needed. This past Sunday we reviewed the passages in Mark 6 (45-52) where Jesus walks on water. Dr. Evans opened his teaching with an analogy (he’s good at these). He said a soaked sponge under pressure [when squeezed] will reveal what is on the inside, and sometimes God intentionally allows or causes pressure [trials] in our lives to grow us spiritually and build our faith. Just an observation right quick based on this analogy…if someone doesn’t have a relationship with the Lord but call on Him during their trial, He has to inhabit a space within them for His name to be the first they call when under pressure.

A couple of things that stood out to me regarding those verses:
- You can be obedient, operating under the will of God AND still be in a trial – Jesus instructed the disciples to cross the sea. They became stuck in the middle, fighting against the winds.
- No matter the time, day or night, He sees us in our struggles – Jesus was watching them
- The Lord can present Himself in unexpected ways. If you limit Him, you may miss Him – The disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on water. They thought He was a ghost.
I think I was in my late 30’s when I heard someone say that if you continue to experience the exact same trials over and over again, it’s because you’re not learning the lesson God is trying to teach you. My ultimate takeaway is we should be able to absorb God, know what He can do, and stand on that knowledge during our trials so that evidence of Him comes pouring out of us. No matter where you are in life and what you are facing, I pray you take a moment to remember when God clearly revealed Himself in the workings of your life. Bring this to the forefront during your next storm and remember the Lord walks on water!

…But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” – Mark 6:50 NLT
May 23, 2024