One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament takes place beneath a juniper tree.
The prophet Elijah found himself exhausted, discouraged, and afraid. Sitting beneath a juniper tree, he poured out his heart to the Lord and told Him he had had enough.
What happened next has always been meaningful to me. The Lord didn’t remove Elijah’s problems. Instead, He sent an angel. The angel brought him food, invited him to rest, and returned again. The journey ahead was still long, but Elijah left that place knowing the Lord had not forgotten him and with enough strength to keep going.
I’ve often thought about that story because I’ve had my own juniper tree moments-times in my life where I have felt discouraged, lonely, and not sure what to do next. The Lord hasn’t always changed my circumstances. But He has changed me. Again and again, He has reminded me that He sees me, He hasn’t forgotten me, and He will provide enough strength for the next step.
That strength helps me in my daily life as I am a wife and mother who loves health and fitness, cooking and organizing, reading and listening to podcasts, and learning about new things. Professionally, I’m a pharmacist and recently completed training in culinary medicine.
Over the years I’ve also been blessed to teach the gospel in a variety of settings-from many years as an adult Sunday School teacher to serving as a Gospel Library Service Missionary, helping others learn how to deepen their scripture study. Recently I was called to be a youth seminary teacher.
I love opening the scriptures, noticing the words and verses the Spirit draws my attention to, and then pondering and asking questions to discover what the Lord is trying to teach me. Over time, I’ve realized that this simple process has become the pattern of my life.
Learning to Seek, Notice, and Receive.
I’ve also learned that this process doesn’t end when I close my scriptures. The Lord teaches us while we’re raising children, serving in our callings, making dinner, organizing our homes, taking a walk, or quietly praying through the challenges of everyday life. I’ve come to believe that every part of life can become an opportunity to learn from Him.
I’d love to invite you into the process with me-the questions I’m asking, the things I’m noticing, the connections I’m making, and the quiet ways the Lord teaches me through His word and through everyday life. I don’t want to simply share what I’m learning. I want to help you discover how the Lord can teach you, too. My desire is that together we can become better at seeking Him, noticing His hand, and receiving the guidance, peace, and revelation He so generously offers.
Whether you’re here for scripture study, encouragement, or simply a quiet reminder that God sees you, I’m grateful you’re here. We all have juniper tree moments. My hope is that when you leave here, you’ll know that the Lord sees you, too. And maybe…just maybe…you’ll leave with enough strength to take the next step on your own journey.
That little juniper branch you’ll see throughout this website is my reminder of that promise.
