Intro to Blog

The Journey to Share Our Story

Over the years, many people have told us, “You need to write a book and share this story with the world!” But God consistently spoke to our hearts, saying, “No, you can share it verbally or through your journal, but that’s all.” We heard this message repeatedly, so we never attempted to write a book or blog—until now.

In early 2022, we had another divine appointment at the Inn (we have had many of these with guests we truly connected with). The woman said it again: “You really need to write a book and share this story for others to hear!” This time, God surprised me by saying, “Yes. It is time!” I was stunned and thought, “What?!” It was so unexpected, but His direction was clear. I realized it would be my next assignment after completing my current Journey to Know God blog post.

The next day, after finishing the blog, I spoke with my daughter-in-law, Candis. She had asked me to let her know when I completed my blog, so I told her I’d send her the link. Out of nowhere, she said, “You really need to share your story for people to read!” I asked her, “What—my blog or the ‘crazy journey’ from 2007-2009?” She replied, “Yeah, your crazy journey!”

Wow. That was the second time in two days that God told me to do this!

Just to make sure I truly “got it,” He gave me another confirmation. As I began going through my journal to prepare it for sharing, I came across a word from the Lord that had been given to a friend of Tom’s for him:

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Son, encourage Tom to write down his experiences and formulate a book of testimony. He is to share My love, forgiveness, compassion, new beginnings, and hope with everyone I place in his path. He is to walk the walk of faith—both he and his wife. They are Mine, and I am theirs...”

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Okay. Wow! This was the third time I received this message. It was clear: I was supposed to make this story available for others to read!

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Some Background Information

Here are a few tidbits to help you understand our story as you read:

1. Relying Fully on God:
   One of the many lessons God impressed upon our hearts during this time was to rely completely on Him for all things. He made it clear that we were not to tell anyone what we needed, nor ask for anything or charge for anything—whether in our life coaching ministry or any other work He led us to do. This is His testimony, not ours.

2. Life at the Time:
   At the time, I was working full-time, attending Hope Ministry Institute (HMI, a school at church to become a licensed pastor), and ministering to women through one-on-one sessions and weekly meetings. I was exhausted—stretched and stressed on so many levels.

   HMI required reading the Hope Journal, a set of scriptures to help you read through the Bible in a year. When I reference the Hope Journal, that’s what I’m referring to.

3. Family and Friends:
   For privacy, I use initials for family and friends. It might feel a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to it.

   Tom and I also prioritized spending time with our grandkids. We set aside one day a week (usually Tuesday or Wednesday) to spend the morning with the youngest, who wasn’t in school, and then swapped for one of the older kids after school, hanging out with them until bedtime. Sundays were “family day,” with dinner, games, or cards together.

4. My Eye Condition:
   In 2000, I was diagnosed with glaucoma in my right eye. Despite many tests, doctors haven’t determined the cause. Over the years, I’ve had four surgeries and manage the condition with eye drops to keep the pressure down and preserve my vision. Occasionally, you’ll see journal entries about my eye.

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A Prayer for You

As you read this story, may God reveal His love and care for you in powerful, transformative ways. This is His story—a testimony of His love, care, and faithfulness to His children.

Let’s begin!

Conclusion — 2025

Here we are, back in the here and now, at the end of 2025. I’ve decided to conclude this memoir with the final journal entry from November 9, 2009. It has taken quite some time to gather, revisit, and shape these entries, but I’ve truly enjoyed reading them again and again—remembering, reflecting, and reliving the countless ways God showed Himself faithful.

As I look back, I’m overwhelmed by the miracles God performed and by the people He placed in our lives—those who supported us, prayed for us, and walked with us through the ups, downs, struggles, and victories… even during moments when it likely looked as though we had completely lost our minds. There is so much more to the story, of course, but this particular chapter of the journey came to a close when God moved us into the Bed & Breakfast. And then—just like that—a new adventure began.

Tom and I are no longer at the Inn. In October 2024, we would have celebrated fifteen years there, but in June of that year the owners felt it was time to close the B&B. Our years at the Inn were deeply transformative. God brought tremendous healing to our hearts and our marriage, and He continued to reshape and deepen our relationship with Him. We were also incredibly privileged to coach, encourage, and walk alongside many others along the way.

In many ways, we experienced transformation twice—like caterpillars becoming butterflies. The first transformation happened during the fifteen months we lived nomadically, clinging to God as we learned to trust Him no matter what things looked like, even as it seemed we were losing everything. The second transformation unfolded during our nearly fifteen years at the B&B. I can say with complete honesty that I am not the same person I was when this journey began.

Regarding the house church, the Inn became a place of countless “God appointments.” Guests would ask how we ended up in North Carolina from California, or how we became Inn Keepers—completely unaware of how loaded those questions were. When hearts were open and the Holy Spirit led, God would open doors for ministry that were truly remarkable, sometimes even miraculous. Many guests became dear friends, and some we now consider family.

Early on, during one of those God appointments, I was sitting in the breakfast sunroom, watching God move in the lives of our guests. In my heart I said, “God, this is incredible. What a privilege it is to be used by You and to have front-row seats to watch You work.” And then I heard Him say, “This is your house church.” I remember thinking, Oh. My. Goodness.

From that point on, we truly believed that every person who walked through the doors of the Inn was brought there by God—whether we ever spoke about Him or not—to be loved, served, prayed for, and ministered to as He directed. Only God could orchestrate something like that. It also reminded me of a prophecy spoken over us on 07/07/07: “You won’t need to go get people; people will come to you.” That word has continued to unfold, even through the life-coaching ministry that followed. Only God.

As for the marriage retreat, that vision has not yet come to pass. At one point, we believed God might be opening a door to host it at the Inn, but it became clear that the timing was ours—not His. We fell flat, released it, and chose to trust that if it was truly meant to happen, God would bring it about in His way and in His time.

There are a few additional personal journal entries from late 2009, but in January 2010 I began a blog titled “Journey to Know God.” That blog continues our story from the B&B and eventually expands into reflections on what God showed me through His Word—insights that were both inspiring and life-changing. While working long hours in the Inn’s kitchen, I listened to the Bible on CD, and God began to reveal truth, gently helping me unlearn some things I had misunderstood and teaching me things that deeply transformed my faith. Those reflections are documented there, and I hope you’ll take time to explore them if you’re able.

As we close this chapter, our hope is not simply that you enjoyed the journey—but that you were encouraged by God’s faithfulness when we chose to trust Him, regardless of how things appeared. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. And He loves you far more than you can possibly imagine.