Chasing Views: Small Towns

One of my favorite Chasing Views Date Days so far this year took us on a fun little drive down to Landrum, SC — and let me just say… this tiny town is entirely too cute for its own good.

Main Street is lined with thrift stores, antique treasures, vintage finds, and one restaurant where people were literally lining up at the door at 5pm. That’s when you know it’s good.

There’s something about a small town with mountain views that just slows you down. We wandered in and out of shops, laughed at things we absolutely did not need (but definitely considered), and just enjoyed being together without an agenda.

Because that’s really what date nights are about — not impressing anyone, not fixing problems, not solving the world — just being present.

Here are a few of my favorite stops:

• Steps to Hope Barn

• Savvy Scavengers Antique Mall

• Dogwood Market

• Vintage Corner

• Hare and the Hound

  
  
  

The mountains were beautiful, but honestly, my favorite view was sitting across the table from Andy. (Yes, I’m that girl. And yes, he rolled his eyes when I said that.)

Chasing Views is About More Than Scenery

This year, we’re intentionally “chasing views.” Not just scenic overlooks and charming towns — but perspective.

Marriage gets busy. Life gets messy. Schedules fill up. And if we’re not careful, we stop seeing each other clearly.

Date nights are how we refocus.

They’re where we remember:

• Why we chose each other

• What God has brought us through

• Where we’re dreaming of going next

And sometimes they’re just about laughing until your stomach hurts over something completely unhinged that no one else would understand.

Marriage isn’t sustained by perfection. It’s sustained by intentional connection — and a whole lot of grace.

Make the Drive (or Dinner) Fun

One of my favorite parts of our date days is asking fun, lighthearted questions — either on the drive or over dinner.

You may think you know everything about your spouse… but trust me, creativity always finds new ground.

Here are a few to get you started:

• What’s been the best part of your day?

• What song do you KNOW every word to but wish you didn’t?

• What’s something you’re 98% sure you’re bad at but keep trying?

• What’s the most unhinged thing we’ve laughed at together?

• If we swapped lives for one day, what’s the first thing you’d panic about?

• Name 3 foods you’d eat if calories didn’t exist.

• What inside joke still makes you laugh every time?

• What memory of us should absolutely be turned into a movie scene?

• If we wrote a book about our marriage, what would the title be?

(If ours were a book, I’m not entirely sure it would be categorized under “Romance.” It might land somewhere between “Adventure,” “Comedy,” and “Lord Help Us.”)

A Little Faith Encouragement

Here’s what I’m learning:

God doesn’t just meet us in the big moments — He’s in the small-town drives, the shared desserts, the laughter in the car, and the quiet conversations about the future.

When we invest in our marriage, we are stewarding one of the greatest gifts He has given us.

Chasing views is really about chasing perspective — choosing to see your spouse with fresh gratitude instead of familiarity. Choosing grace over criticism. Choosing joy over distraction.

And sometimes, choosing to drive an hour for antique stores and mountain air because it just sounds fun.

We’ll be sharing a new Chasing Views Date Night each week this year — simple, intentional, and full of laughter.

If you love marriage, ministry, and a little messiness in between (and TJ Maxx), I’d love for you to follow along.

Stick around, subscribe, and join me as we chase views — scenic ones, spiritual ones, and everything in between.

And next time you plan a date? Don’t overthink it.

Just grab your person… and maybe a cupcake. 🧁💛

When I Want to Speak… But God Is Teaching Me to Listen

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how easy it is for me to speak my mind—especially in moments when I probably need to listen more.

And before you think this is a confession of guilt or shame, let me say this first: This isn’t about being “too much.”It’s about learning timing, wisdom, and grace.

I have a fast mind and a full heart. When something matters, my thoughts line up like kids ready to jump off the diving board—Pick me! Pick me! And honestly? Most of the time, my intentions are good. I want to help. I want to encourage. I want to fix, clarify, protect, or offer wisdom.

But God has been gently reminding me that good intentions still need discernment.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”James 1:19

Sometimes I Process Out Loud

Some people think quietly. Others—hi, hello, it’s me—think by talking. When emotions are involved, silence can feel uncomfortable, almost unproductive. But listening requires me to slow my internal commentary and trust that I won’t lose my voice if I don’t use it immediately.

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”Proverbs 18:13

Ouch… but also helpful.

Sometimes I’m Afraid of Being Misunderstood

If I don’t explain myself right away, will I lose my chance? Will my heart be misread? That urgency to speak often comes from past moments when I was misunderstood. But God keeps showing me that listening first doesn’t silence my voice—it actually protects it.

Sometimes I Want to Fix What Isn’t Mine to Fix

This one hits close to home. When someone I love is hurting, my instinct is to jump in with solutions. But not every moment calls for advice.

“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”Proverbs 20:5

Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is sit quietly and let someone draw their own words to the surface.

Silence Isn’t Weakness—It’s Wisdom

I’ve learned that silence doesn’t mean agreement. It doesn’t mean I don’t care. And it definitely doesn’t mean I have nothing to say.

“A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”Ecclesiastes 3:7

Listening is not passive. It’s intentional. It’s strong. And it often says more than words ever could.

Timing Matters

God isn’t just concerned with what we say—He cares deeply about when we say it.

“A word spoken in due season, how good it is!”Proverbs 15:23

Not every thought needs a microphone. Some need a moment. Some need prayer. Some need love to go first.

A Prayer I’m Learning to Pray

When I feel the urge to jump in, explain, or take over the conversation, this simple prayer has become my pause button:

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”Psalm 141:3

Not to quiet my voice—but to guide it.

Here’s What I’m Learning

God gave me a voice on purpose. He also gave me ears on purpose.

Learning when to speak and when to listen isn’t about shrinking back—it’s about growing wiser. It’s choosing presence over pressure. Discernment over impulse. Love over needing the last word.

If you catch yourself mid-sentence, take heart.

It’s simply a reminder that He’s still working, not finished with us yet, and His grace is never in short supply.

Welcome to My Blog

If you’re new here, let me officially say welcome. I’m really glad you’re here.

I started this blog during my years on staff in ministry. I needed an outlet—a place to be honest, to breathe, and to remind myself (and others) of grace. There is so much freedom in telling the truth about our struggles, disappointments, and the messy middle. I truly believe one of the best ways we serve others is simply by showing up real and engaging honestly.

Family is everything to me. We are blessed with a beautiful, growing family that keeps life full and meaningful. Our granddaughter Ona recently turned 12—she is our foster granddaughter, but we simply call her ours. We’ve also gained a wonderful son-in-law and a precious step-granddaughter, and watching our family expand has been one of life’s sweetest gifts.

This past season also brought the joy of a new grandbaby, and yes—I officially became a Gogo. Everyone warned me about this role, especially when you see your daughter have a baby, and I can happily confirm… they were right. It truly is the best thing ever.

Our son and daughter-in-law continue to enjoy doing life together with us—remodeling homes, dreaming up projects, and traveling whenever we can, often with a castle involved.

Since starting this blog, life has changed in big and beautiful ways. I’ve changed careers, survived a hurricane—both literally and emotionally—and walked through seasons I never could have imagined.

I’ve also walked alongside deep heartbreak. I watched one of my best friends lose her husband unexpectedly at just 52 years old. Another best friend went in for what was supposed to be a low-risk surgery, barely survived, and is now facing months of healing and additional surgeries ahead. These moments change you.

And yet, what I continue to learn—again and again—is this truth: God is good. God is faithful. And I can trust Him.

Life is one big adventure. Living it for Jesus and for His glory is the greatest adventure I know.

Oh—and marriage too. That’s definitely an adventure.

Life is messy. If you think everyone around you has it all together, you probably haven’t looked very closely. We all have a mess. But giving ourselves grace—and extending that same grace to others—that’s where the best life (and the best laughter) lives. And there must be laughter. Always.

As 2026 unfolds, I’ll be sharing about:

My new season in ministry

Marriage and new date-night adventures

Building our next home and dreaming out loud about home decorating again

Favorite finds as I plan gatherings and parties (oh the joy that brings)

Faith, family, and plenty of messiness along the way

So grab a cupcake (if you’ve been here since the beginning, you know why ), stay awhile, and follow along. You’re welcome here—mess and all.