1. Get a Travel Credit Card

On my trips abroad, I take my Capital One Venture card because of the zero transaction fees. I’ll typically take that and one debit card. It’s actually more cost efficient to take out cash at an ATM rather than exchanging it at the airports or at an exchange stand. I’ve found that exchanging currency elsewhere normally comes with higher fees.

Note: Make sure your debit card works outside of the country before traveling.

2. Look for Travel Deals

I always use europeandestinations.com when I’m looking to travel abroad. This travel website is the reason I can afford to travel as much as I do. They have package deals for as low as $700 for flights and hotels depending on the time of year and destination. It’s a great way to explore the world at a low cost. Recently, I traveled to Paris and Amsterdam for 6 nights and spent around $800-$900 per person for hotels and flights out of Jacksonville.

3. Research the Country You’re Traveling To

This is a no brainer and is important because it gives you insight into the country you are visiting. One thing I’ve discovered is that some countries might frequently use credit cards while other countries almost only take cash. For example, when we traveled to Japan we had to use cash pretty much everywhere, but when we traveled to London, credit cards were widely accepted.

It’s also important to research the activities you want to do and on what days. Some attractions are closed on Sundays and Mondays. When traveling to Berlin over a weekend, I found that most of the restaurants were closed on Saturday and Sunday. It sucked because we didn’t get to try some of the foods we wanted to. This could have been prevented if I had done a little more research ahead of time.

4. Pack Light

The first time I traveled abroad I packed way too much and had to lug around a giant rolling bag. The second time around I wanted to give backpacking a try. Backpacking makes traveling easier and makes you more mobile. 

I purchased an Osprey 46 bag around 5 years ago and I highly recommend this bag because it’s still going strong, fits all of my essentials, and is super comfy while wearing.

So what does my typical bag look like for a 10-12 day trip? See below:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 3 pair of leggings
• 1 pair of cute flats for nice dinners (Note: Wear heavier walking shoes on the plane)
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 4-5 pair of socks
• 2 bras (Wear one, pack one)
• Makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, Tylenol, etc.
• Empty water bottle (This helps save money in the airports where bottles of water can be 5-7$)

If it will be cold where I’m going, I will attach a thick, waterproof coat to the outside of my backpack. Along with my carry-on, I also take a larger purse (see picture above) with my camera, iPad and phone chargers.

Note: I do not pack shampoo, condition, hair dryers etc. These items are typically at the place I’m staying.

5. Stay at an Airbnb

There are many benefits to staying at an Airbnb. It’s great because you can split the costs with other travelers, it makes you feel more like a local, and you can stay close to main attractions.It’s also my secret to packing so light on longer trips. I take less clothes and wash what I need to at the Airbnb. 

These are the top 5 things I’ve learned over the years and I hope these tips help you on your next adventure. If you have a question or want to share your experience please do so in the comments. I would love to hear from you!

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We are meant for so much more than the day to day. God calls each and every one of us to live out His purpose. He wants us to be happy, healthy, and free of anxiety and fear. As I write this, I’m thinking how God wants to connect with us. Start writing down the vision God has for you. There is something powerful about seeing this vision written. I promise you are more than just an employee, mom, grandmother, sister, son, father, brother, student etc.

Take a moment and ask God, “What word do you have for me today, Lord?” Remember, everyone has the same amount of time in the day, so what will you spend your time doing?

I want you to say this prayer over yourself today…”Lord, I struggle with distractions in my life. I pray that you give me the strength to push aside the distractions to seek you. I want to know you more, Lord. Help me to align my life and mind to your Word. I know that I am called and that I am loved. Help me to see that I am those things, Lord. It’s easy to become consumed with the day to day, but I am meant for so much more. Lord, give me vision, wisdom, and peace today. Thank you Jesus. Amen.”

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When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. -1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

It seems like just yesterday I was in school, living at home, working part-time, fighting with my siblings, and enjoying a somewhat care-free lifestyle. I used to think after I graduated college I would have more time on my hands for the things that I enjoy. However, it seems like I have been going full speed ahead since graduating. It’s crazy to think that I turned 30 years old this month because I still feel like my younger self, just a little wiser. Over the past 10 years I have experienced and gone through so much and I wanted to share some of my good memories from my 20s with everyone. 

One of my first memories from my 20s was traveling out of the country for the first time on a study abroad. It opened my eyes to a whole other world and would change my outlook on life forever. I was hesitant to go on the trip because the guy I was seeing at the time did not want me to go. My mom, however, encouraged me to go, reminding me that I may not get an opportunity like that again. I’m so glad that I went on that study abroad in 2009 because it gave me a new perspective about what I wanted out of life.

Some of my not so favorite memories include partying and drinking a lot, staying up until 4:00 a.m. and then waking up to attend classes the next day. Thinking back to it, I’m not really sure how I managed that and I often wonder why I was so driven. 

All and all, there were good and bad times in my 20s, but I like to focus and remember the positive things. One of my happiest moments was when Griffin proposed to me at the Pantheon in Italy. It was so surreal and a memory I will cherish forever. What you don’t know is that I never wanted to get married. I saw first hand what divorce does to families and I never wanted that. However, God had different plans for me and brought me the perfect person to do life with.

With all the things that happened over the past 10 years some of my favorite memories came from traveling the world with Griffin. We’ve seen some amazing places together and traveled to Italy, England, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland and Japan. We’ve also traveled around the U.S visiting Washington D.C., Savannah, Atlanta, Asheville, Charleston, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Chicago, Austin, San Antonio, Beaufort, and Panama City.

Now here I am, sitting in our second home reflecting on how great God is. All of these experiences I had were because of God. He loves and cares for me so much that he gave me these amazing opportunities in life.  Over the years, God has shown me that I am loved and perfect just how I am. I’m excited for the future because Griffin and I have so much planned for the years to come. I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on something positive in your life. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

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This month, I am starting a new chapter in my life – one that is filled with a lot of unknowns. I know in these times I have to trust God and just let Him direct my steps. No matter where we are in life, God is ready to meet us. When you start to fully trust in God, He will change your life! I can without a doubt say that God changed my life for the better. As I think back on my past, I realize the depression, anxiety, insecurities, sexual abuse, etc. do not define me.  The good and bad experiences I went through are all a part of my story.

When you are going through tough, stressful times it’s hard to understand what God is trying to do, but it’s in these times He wants us to seek and trust Him more! I am the person I am today because of my past and my life is truly testament to the grace of God. I give all the thanks and glory to Him! I am a completely different person because I’m learning to trust Him fully. I’m excited to see what the future has for Griffin and I and I can’t wait to share that with everyone.

As I end this post, I’ll leave you with this song that really spoke to me about letting the pain of the past go and trusting God. I pray that you continue to seek God more and trust Him more with your life and your decisions. I promise you that He will change your life… He’s just waiting for you.

If you could let the pain of the past go
Of your soul
None of this is in your control
If you could only let your guard down
You could learn to trust me somehow

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That study abroad changed my life. Before that trip, the plan was to get married and have a large family because that’s all I had ever really known. My trip to Italy in 2009 changed my perspective and opened my eyes to whole other world. I had a new appreciation for the art and architecture I only read about in my art books. I remember seeing the Coliseum in person and was just so amazed! The tiny picture in my art book just did not do it justice and I truly feel like you have to see these things in person to appreciate them. It was at that point I knew there was so much more to experience in life and I wanted to do just that.

I fell in love with traveling that summer and it was after that trip I decided to create a list of things I would experience and see before I settled down.  So far I have traveled to 6 different countries with plans to visit more! My husband and I have been to Italy, Japan, England, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. Next on our list is to visit Belgium and Germany. Some other top destinations on our list include the Ireland Coast, Spain and Iceland. I’m so happy that my husband loves traveling as much as I do and I can’t wait for our next destination!

If you are interested in traveling abroad, I highly encourage you do it! Traveling doesn’t have to be super expensive and there are ways to do it on a budget! I love helping people, so message me if you need some guidance on where to begin!

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This past weekend I ventured out on my own and attended the Bethel Music Wild Love Event, in Jacksonville, Florida. I was so pleasantly overwhelmed by just how excited everyone was to be worshiping God. No one cared what everyone else thought of them and it was quite amazing. We were all there seeking the same thing…to have an encounter with God. I wanted to jump, shout and just worship God, but my mind was holding me back. I kept having thoughts like, “did I do that right, do I look silly dancing around, what do people think of me.” What’s even funnier is how quick people are to jump and shout at concerts while listening to their favorite band. I’m guilty of this too. Yet, when it comes to worshipping our creator, we just stand there at church.

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.”
Galatians 1:10 NLT

It was an eye opening experience for me. The second night of the event, I too was jumping, shouting and raising my hands. That night, I had so much fun and I experienced God’s presence more than ever. I declared that I would not care so much about what people think of me because I do not live to please people. That feels amazing to say!

Everyday I will strive to show my gratitude to God. My identity is no longer in what people think of me, but rather in who God says I am. It’s okay to honor and help people, but we need to stop caring so much about what the world thinks of us. I know without a shadow of doubt that those worldly labels will start to fade away as you start believing in the things God says about you.

I’ll end this post with one of my favorites from Bethel Music! It’s so good!

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I thank you for another day. I thank you for the blessings in my life. I’m trusting and believing in you Jesus. I pray that you give me wisdom, peace and a desire to know you more. Your word says to lean in, trust on and be confident in you Lord. Today, I’m trusting you. I’m giving my worries, my doubts and my situation to you. It’s in your hands Lord. Give me the strength to seek and know you more. Help me to not rely on my own understanding. I know that you see the bigger picture and I know and trust that you are paving the path.

Today, I’m leaning not on my own understanding, but on your promises. I trust that you will help me get through this situation. I trust you will bring the people, the opportunities and the healing I need. I’m giving my worries to you today and looking forward to the future. Lord, continue to guide my steps as I go through each day. Thank you,

Amen!

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. – Proverbs 3:5-6

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I used to think that the closer you got to God, the easier life became. When in reality, life doesn’t get easier. The closer you get to God, the more distractions you experience. I like how 1 Peter 5:8-11 says it, “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

We all experience trials and hardships in life, but it’s important to remain firm and strong in the Lord. How do we do that? By praying and reading His Word! Sometimes that’s easier said than done. I find that just spending a few minutes in the morning praying and reading one verse helps. I ask God to speak to me and give me peace for that day. It helps give me hope that I can get through whatever situation I’m experiencing.

Sometimes even just listening to worship music can help lift my spirits. Just today on my way home from work this song called “Breathe,” came on:

Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe (just breathe)
let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what’s good and find what’s best
Just breathe (just breathe)

I love this, “Breathe, just breathe, come and rest at my feet and be, just be.” I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedules, push the distractions aside, breathe and have a moment with God. I’m thankful for just one more day because I know I am not guaranteed tomorrow.  Today, I’m believing and praying for peace, clarity and wisdom in your situation. Amen and thank you for reading!

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As I write this I think of just how intentional God is in everything He has set into motion in my life. From the people I meet to the experiences I have. Even when I question and doubt myself, I know that there’s this vision that’s bigger than I can even imagine. The closer I get to God and the more I align my thoughts with His, the more I see just how intentional He is.

It reminds me of how I recently started serving on the prayer team. I know I am meant to be on that team, but praying over someone is not something that comes naturally for me.  It has nothing to do with the person, but rather to do with my doubt. The first time I prayed over someone on the team my mind started running wild. It’s funny how in just a matter of seconds, I convinced myself, “I shouldn’t do this,” “I don’t say the right things,” “this person needs someone who is better at praying.” The negative thoughts ran rampart! It’s really crazy how powerful a mind can be!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

I recognized that my perspective needed to change and I started speaking words of encouragement to myself. I then began seeing this adversity as a sign that I am on the right path.

I am outside of my comfort zone, but I know that this is where God wants me. I also know I am being harder on myself than I should and this isn’t about me. I’ll admit I’m struggling, but I’m continuing to face my fears and live out my life in an uncomfortable place.

I encourage you to not let fear hold you back from that thing God is calling you to do. All it takes is that one step of faith, that one step in the direction He is calling you towards. I know life throws curveballs, but you got this. You can and you will persevere. I believe it and you should too!

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Ultimately, I think I was trying to fill a void in my life with a man. As I got older my identity started to get wrapped up in how well I was performing in work and in school. If I didn’t get all A’s, I felt like a failure.  This mindset can be attributed somewhat to my mother, who always encouraged and pushed me to make something of myself. As a single mom of 5 kids at the time, she knew what it was like to struggle to make ends meet and she wanted more for her children.

I’m happy that she pushed and encouraged me because I wouldn’t be where I am without her. However, I did start this cycle of defining who I was by my performance and never realized that God wanted me to seek him for affirmation. So what exactly changed last year that made me start seeing my identity and self-worth in Christ?

Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” – John 8:54

Well, I was sitting with a good friend one night just sharing my story. She encouraged me to read a section about identity in this leadership book called “Leadership that Builds People” by Dr. James B. Richards. What’s crazy is I didn’t even realize I had identity issues because it was so embedded in who I was. In the book, I read about anyone who does not have a Bible-based self worth will use others to build themselves up, which is exactly what I had been doing all these years. To feel like I had self-worth I sought the approval from people.

Finding my identity and self-worth in God has been a struggle, 28 years of my life has been wrapped up in a false identity. In 2017, I started reading and believing in the things God says about me in His Word. Some of these things include:

• I am His daughter
• I am perfectly and wonderfully made
• I have strength in Him
• God will never leave nor forsake me

So what can you do to start finding your identity? I would encourage you to start reading, praying and meditating on the Word of God. I started by downloading the bible app and reading and meditating on the daily verse. I also only listen to Christian radio stations. It’s really great in the mornings especially because 91.7 in Jacksonville has sermons playing and I always ask God to speak to me while listening to them! I hope this was encouraging and I can’t wait for what 2018 will bring!

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