Hello God. It's me, Jaime.

I've been thinking that it is time to make things right with God.  It has been a while since I've connected with Him and I am feeling a bit lost.  I've begun to pray and I even pulled out my Bible which I've been carrying around with me since high school.  However, I'm still having difficulty opening myself to Him.  I feel as awkward as I did on my first day at a new school.  I don't know exactly how to go about this new path or what to say to Him or how to act.  So, I bought my very first devotional book today and I am really stoked about reading "Delight Yourself in the Lord...Even on Bad Hair Days" by Sandra Bricker, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Debby Mayne and Trish Perry. 

While I was standing in the Christian Inspirational section at Barnes & Noble (for the very first time in my life), I was amazed at the amount of faith-based books that are available.  I didn't even know where to start looking but this book caught my eye and it seems like the devotional that is meant for me at this time in my life.  As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  I like that this book has realistic and humorous devotions, quotes from scripture and daily prayers.  I think that it is the tool I need to help me find my voice with God. 

One of the very first devotions that I flipped to is based on Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.  I don't really know what to say about this.  I guess that God really does hear us when we think no one is listening.     

            

Is it Friday Yet?

I'm completely exhausted.  I mean really, really tired.  Work is kicking my ass and my vacation cannot come soon enough.  In just a few days (four to be exact), I will be camping in a national forest and swimming in a natural spring.  My cell phone does not get service and I will not have access to the internet - thank God.  I need some time to sit in silence, absorb fresh air and savor things such as the warmth of the sun, the scent of a campfire and my family. 

I am planning on doing a lot of writing, too.  I haven't blogged in a while.  A few months ago I followed my dream and bought a small yacht.  Then, just a few days later, my husband & I realized that we didn't want to live on the boat so we sold it and moved to the beach.  I've been working on settling into a new place as well as enjoying bike rides and walks on the beach.  As much as I love my new home, I need to get away and go camping.  Camping is sort of spiritual.  When I am in the small space of my camper, I'm physically closer to my husband and my dog.  The close proximity naturally translates to emotional closeness and I become so thankful for everything God has given me.  When I am in this state of mind, I become more creative and I am hoping that this trip inspires me to follow through with some of the creative ideas that I have.  I also really want to sleep in every day, too.