Before the responsibilities start calling our name.
Psalms 143 reminds me that the first voice I need to hear each day is not the voice of the world — but the voice of the Lord. David’s prayer is simple and honest: Let me hear of your unfailing love. Not productivity. Not success. Not answers to every question. Just love.
Isn’t that what our hearts truly need?
When we begin the day grounded in God’s steadfast love, everything shifts. Our worries shrink. Our plans loosen their grip. Our striving softens. Trust grows.
And then comes the second request: Show me the way I should go.
Not five years from now. Not the full blueprint. Just the next faithful step.
That’s how walking with God works. Daily dependence. Morning by morning mercy. Guidance that meets us in real time.
Psalm 143:8 is a posture prayer. It’s surrender before strategy. Trust before timeline. It is choosing to entrust our lives — the messy, unfinished, beautiful whole of it — into faithful hands.
So tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, whisper it:
“Lord, let me hear of Your unfailing love. Show me the way I should go.”
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent ,a season in the Christian calendar that invites us into reflection, repentance, and remembering our need for God.
I didn’t grow up observing Ash Wednesday. In fact, I never even heard much about it. But as I’ve grown older in my faith, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what this season represents ,especially the practice of lament.
One of my new favorite resources this past year has been The Worship Initiative. A friend shared it with me, and recently they’ve been doing a series on lament. In one episode,Mark Vroegop (author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy) shared a powerful definition:
“Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.”
Pause on that for a moment.
A prayer.
In pain.
That leads to trust.
Not a denial of pain.
Not pretending everything is fine.
Not rushing to a quick spiritual answer.
Lament gives us language for the hard things ,the unanswered questions, the disappointments, the grief, the confusion. It teaches us that we can bring all of it to God.
Psalm 13: A Pattern for Lament
In the Book of Psalms chapter 13, David begins with raw honesty:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
He asks questions.
He expresses sorrow.
He feels forgotten.
But the psalm doesn’t end there.
It ends in trust:
“But I trust in your unfailing love…”
That’s the movement of lament.
From pain → to prayer → to trust.
Not because circumstances changed instantly.
But because the heart turned toward God.
Why Lament Matters
Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust. That we are fragile. That we are not in control.
And lament gives us permission to bring that fragility to God.
We don’t have to only pray polished prayers.
We don’t have to only thank Him when things are good.
We can say, “How long?”
We can say, “I don’t understand.”
We can say, “This hurts.”
And still — we can trust.
Check out The Worship Initiative on the link below and go to Monday 16 to hear this beautiful psalm in song form. It’s one of my new favorites ✨
Snowshoeing at Crystal Mountain was quite the adventure for our family. We arrived early and found parking in the lot where the snowshoe routes start which was a huge blessing!
We geared up and then headed toward the Bullion Basin snowshoe route. We decided to do the Blue Bell Loop since it was our first time snowshoeing this area.
As we climbed higher, the views began peeking out everywhere. Openings in the trees revealed layers of snow-covered ridgelines, and on clear days you can catch breathtaking glimpses of Mount Rainier rising in the distance like we did …amazing!!Each clearing felt like a reward for the work it took to get there.
Bullion Basin isn’t a flat winter stroll. It’s a steady uphill climb that definitely gets your heart rate up. But that’s part of what made it feel like an accomplishment. The higher we climbed, the better the views became.
Near the top, parts of the route connected with ski terrain, so the trail became shared with skiers descending. Staying alert added a layer of awareness that kept us moving and paying attention.
And then came the descent.
It was steep — especially with packed snow underfoot. We took our time, used trekking poles, encouraged each other, and carefully made our way down. Snowshoeing downhill can sometimes feel trickier than the climb up, but slow and steady wins.I switched to my spikes and was much more confident going down.
By the time we reached the bottom, our legs were tired, our cheeks were cold, and we were ready for a warm cup of Cocoa and /or Coffee.
Crystal Mountain operates a reservation-based parking system during peak winter season (especially weekends and holidays).
Parking fees typically range from $10–$40 depending on demand and lot location.
Carpool vehicles (4+ people) may qualify for free parking in select lots.
Reservations should be made online in advance.
Arriving early is highly recommended.
What to Bring
Snowshoes
Trekking poles (very helpful for descent)
Waterproof layers
Warm gloves and hat
Snacks and water
Microspikes for icy conditions or for descending
Winter adventures like this stretch everyone — physically and mentally — but they also build confidence and shared memories that last long after the snow melts.
If you’re looking for a Washington winter adventure that feels both challenging and rewarding, Bullion Basin at Crystal Mountain is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Between Us: A 52-Week Devotional for Moms and Daughters is one of the devotionals my daughter and I are working through this year, and it has been such a meaningful addition to our homeschool rhythm.
What I love most about this devotional is how interactive it is. Each week includes a short devotional followed by intentional conversation prompts. There are moments where my daughter asks me a question and I respond while she records my answer, and then the roles reverse—I get to ask her a question and hear her heart. Those simple exchanges have opened the door to deeper conversations and sweet connection that I didn’t even realize we were missing.
This devotional has been a gentle, faith-filled way to slow down, reflect, and grow together. It’s not overwhelming or time-consuming, which makes it easy to weave into our homeschool days, and it encourages both spiritual growth and meaningful communication.
Have you ever done a devotional with your daughter? I’d love to hear what has worked well in your home. Share in the comments or send me a message—these conversations encourage so many other moms walking the same journey ❤️
If you haven’t done one or you’re looking for a devotional that strengthens faith while also nurturing your relationship with your daughter, Between Us is one I highly recommend.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
We had a short window to visit Waco and an opportunity to visit Magnolia, and I’m so thankful we made it work! I hadn’t been to Waco for over 20 years, and setting my feet back on Texas soil reminded me that I’m every bit Texas as the day I left , even with my Washington roots now. It’s funny how travel can make you reflect on where you come from and where you are now⭐️
So much history ⭐️ Travel + Field Trip
This city holds a rich history and it’s so deep in my roots that all of it came flooding back as soon as we landed in Dallas. So many memories of growing up here , and so many new adventures waiting to be discovered with Magnolia being at the top of our list .
Magnolia was absolutely delightful! We tried to take it all in and enjoy every part of it—soaking in all the decor, shopping, treats, and the many Insta-worthy spots. Walking around, it felt like stepping into a modern version of history, where every detail—from the buildings to the vintage-inspired decor—tells a story.
Magnolia Market The Holiday Shop Homebody
One of our first stops was the church right in the middle of it all. It was beautiful, steeped in history, and reminded me of how faith has long been a cornerstone of communities here and in my own life . Standing in that space, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on the generations who had gathered there before us .
A beautifully restored Chapel ❤️So beautiful at night ⭐️
The shops were all decorated for the holidays and so welcoming. I loved that they offered a ship-to-home option, so I could shop without worrying about packing everything into my luggage—a little luxury that made travel feel so smooth.
The bakery was a sweet little highlight! My little one picked out a gingerbread cupcake, and just the smell of the fresh baked goods was enough to make us pause in delight. Moments like these remind me that travel isn’t just about the sights—it’s about the wonderful smells of fresh baked goods, brewing coffee and so many other little joys along the way.
I was most excited to try Magnolia Press. I ordered an iced Americano, and it hit the spot. If you’re planning on shopping as well, be sure to look for deals in the stores—they had a free drink with the purchase of a mug, during the time we visited.
So many Insta-worthy Stops
One of the unique collaborations I discovered was the Silos Watercolor book by Emily Lex . I loved it! My littles love her watercolor books ❤️ And with her being from Washington, it made me reflect on my own journey—how life and travel can connect distant places and memories, tying together past, present, and faith in unexpected ways.
Love these watercolor workbooks! Perfect for Homeschool Art Classes
Washington is my home now—and for as long as God keeps me there—but Waco will always be part of my story. Years ago, when I packed up my life and moved west, I had no idea how it would all unfold. Looking back now, I can see Gods hand in every step, every transition, and every place that shaped me along the way. I’m deeply thankful for the way God continues to orchestrate the details, faithfully writing a story far greater than I could have planned myself ❤️
If you’ve ever returned to a place that shaped you, I’d love to hear your story. What city, season, or moment did God use to grow you—even if you didn’t understand it at the time? Share in the comments or save this post as a reminder that He’s still writing your story ❤️
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalms 143:8 NIV
“Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.” — Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
How fitting as we step into month two of twelve.
It’s easy—almost exciting—to write goals down on paper at the start of a new year. Fresh pages. Big intentions. Hope feels abundant. But I recently heard something that stopped me in my tracks: by day nine of the new year, most people have already given up on their goals. Day nine. That’s barely enough time to break in a new planner.
There’s even a name for it. The second Friday of January is known as Quitter’s Day. Anyone else not know about this?
Only about 8–9% of people actually stick with their goals all year. That’s less than one out of ten!
Wow! That sounds exactly like the kind of courage Atticus Finch was talking about.
Real courage isn’t loud or flashy. It’s not the perfectly executed plan or the viral success story. It’s choosing to keep going when motivation fades, when progress feels slow, and when you already know this won’t be easy.It’s continuing—not because you’re confident—but because you’re committed.
You don’t have to be in the top 1%. You just have to begin… and see it through. Real courage isn’t rooted in confidence—it’s rooted in obedience. Scripture reminds us that perseverance is formed through endurance, not ease. We don’t keep going because we’re certain of the outcome, but because we trust the One who called us to begin.Say that last sentence again ,write it down and remember it❤️
Faithful steps—especially the unseen ones—matter. God honors consistency more than perfection, and He meets us in the quiet decision to stay the course, one ordinary day at a time.
As we step into month 2 of 12, I created a simple Courage Check-In Reflection Sheet to help you pause, reset, and gently refocus—without guilt or pressure.
It’s not about doing more.
It’s about staying the course in what truly matters.
We planned a family snowshoe day at Mt. Rainier not knowing what the snow levels would be—but we decided to show up anyway.
And wow… we were rewarded with a bluebird day, empty parking lots, and one of the most peaceful winter hikes we’ve done as a family.
Starting our Adventure
We chose the Myrtle Falls trail—mostly flat, kid-friendly, and absolutely stunning in the snow. The bridge crossing was the trickiest part (snow covered with a drop off ), but we went slow and took our time which made all the difference.
The view from one side of Myrtle Falls Slowly crossing the waterfall
We veered off to a steep up hill side trail for panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, we soaked it all in, and snapped way too many photos 📸
Approaching Myrtle Falls and the bridge Look at this beautiful Mountain and the beauty all around
The kids were happiest just playing in the snow every chance they got—and after burning all those calories, everyone was very ready for pizza 🍕
Heading back On our way back to Paradise parking lot. One of my favorite viewsHot Cocoa for Littles and Coffee for Mom
Are you ready for your adventure at Mt.Rainier Snowshoeing? If so check out my Snowshoeing Guide below ⬇️
❄️ Family Snowshoeing Guide: Myrtle Falls at Mt. Rainier
Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier can feel intimidating with kids—but with the right trail and prep, it can be one of the most magical winter adventures. Here’s our experience snowshoeing the Myrtle Falls Trail and everything you need to know before you go.
📍 Trail Overview
Location: Paradise Area, Mt. Rainier National Park
Myrtle Falls (winter route)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Distance: ~1 mile round trip (can be extended)
Elevation Gain: Minimal around 160 elevation gain
Best For: Families, beginners, kids, first-time snowshoers
This trail is mostly flat with gentle inclines, making it ideal for little legs and families new to snowshoeing.
❄️ What to Expect on the Trail
Snow-covered paths with stunning Mountain Views
Quiet winter scenery (especially on weekdays)
A magical waterfall at Myrtle Falls
Open areas perfect for kids to stop, play, and explore
⚠️ Important note:
The bridge near Myrtle Falls can be snow-covered. We crossed carefully by stepping slowly on packed snow. Take your time, assess conditions, and don’t hesitate to turn back if it feels unsafe.Do not try to go around the bridge. You could be on snow that is not safe and fall through .
🥾 What We Wore & Brought
❄️Gear:
Snowshoes (rentals work great!)
Waterproof boots
Trekking poles
❄️Clothing:
Waterproof snow pants
Insulated jackets
Warm gloves + hats
Extra layers (kids get wet fast!)
❄️Extras:
Snacks & water
Camera 📸
Hand warmers
Backpack for shedding layers
👨👩👧👦 Tips for Snowshoeing With Kids
Go slow and keep expectations flexible
Stop often—snow play is half the fun
Snacks are a game changer
Turn back before everyone is exhausted
Motivate with a warm beverage waiting back at car ( hot cocoa ,tea or coffee )
Snowshoeing burns a lot of calories, so plan for food after—trust me 😉
🍕 Where We Ate After
After heading off the mountain, we stopped in Eatonville at a local pizzeria to refuel. Warm food + tired kids = happy ending to the day.
🌲 Why We Loved This Trail
Beginner-friendly
Incredible views with minimal effort
Peaceful winter experience
Perfect mix of adventure + play
A great introduction to winter hiking with kids
🏔️Final Thoughts
You don’t need perfect conditions or expert skills to enjoy snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier. Showing up prepared, moving slowly, and embracing the adventure makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter trail, Myrtle Falls is a beautiful place to start.
Looking for the perfect post-hike stop in the Columbia River Gorge? Thunder Island Brewing Co in Cascade Locks offers Mountain View’s, craft beer brewed with adventure in mind, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re coming off the trails near Bridge of the Gods or just exploring the Gorge with your kids, this spot is the ideal place to unwind, refuel, and take in those incredible river views.
Brewery is on the first floor
This is one of our favorite stops when we are hiking in the Columbia Gorge area. The restaurant/ Brewery is beautiful and who can resist a staircase that reminds you of Dog Mountain? Love it!
Always the more difficult ! Love this reference to Dog Mountain
They offer a great mix of food .. burgers to tofu ! We were pleased with the many choices and having such a large group it really was great we could all order something we liked.
Thunder Mountain Brewery Co perfectly captures what we love most about the Pacific Northwest: community, craftsmanship, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re winding down after a family hike or planning your next mountain adventure, this cozy brewery is the perfect place to raise a glass to good trails and great company.
Restaurant is upstairs .. view down to brewery
Redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures
Family Adventures • Travel • Disney • Faith • Hiking •Homeschooling
