nutshell1Without interacting in person over a good length of time, how do I accurately convey who I am?  Let me try to hit the biggies.

For starters, I am a people person. So the very thought of trying to be in relationship with people over technology seems like a jip on both of our parts. I love getting to know people, the real stuff, and encouraging the best parts of who they are made to be. I am about depth. I can do small talk—it’s not my favorite. I like diving past the surface to figure out what makes myself and others tick.  It’s what makes relationships so inviting to me.  Jocelyn Hefner once said, “Going deep is my cookie dough.” That’s the truth! I could gorge myself on the depth in relationship and not thIMG_6820ink twice about the calories associated. I think deep relationship ushers in vulnerability, empathy, awareness of self, and compassion for others.

My favorite relationship, my forever ride or die is Jesus Christ. I met him in 2007 and since then he has stolen my heart, adjusted my perceptions, and continued to ravish my soul through the Spirit. It is my daily desire to grow in relationship with God and to live out who He has called me to be in all my imperfections and idiosyncrasies.

I am a student of life, a learner of things, and a bookworm at heart. Having adventures, creating memories, and noticing those sweet, seemingly ordinary moments are something I cherish. My perfect day would consist of sleeping in, good coffee with even better conversation, being outside via hike, walk, run or kayaking, a yummy meal, movie with friends, staying up late talking & laughing, then cuddling into bed with a good book and a dog.

There’s a lot more, I know it, but small highlight reel of other things – I’m a native of San Diego now transplanted to Orange County. I served in the military for 12 years (I know I don’t look old enough). I have an irrational fear of water where I can’t see the bottom. I hope to accomplish my extensive bucket list. And I am the youngest in my family (even though I sometimes act like the oldest).

I have an undergrad in Organizational Leadership from Biola University in La Mirada, a Master’s in Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Bethel Seminary in San Diego and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. And Lord knows which degree will be on the horizon after that.

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Lastly, but certainly not least I am recently married to a wonderful man who I met through online dating because that’s how all the kids are meeting people nowadays. While no relationship is perfect, he’s definitely the partner that compliments me best. He helps me to practice & live out my mission in life to live authentically, to love fearlessly, and connect deeper to God & to people so that we each fully embody who we are intended to be.

I would love for you to follow my blog! That in my discovering and expressing the nuances of life it allows our souls to connect, creating a semblance of solidarity in an otherwise lonely world.

“She’s got a heavy heart, a messy soul, a reckless mind; and I think it’s the beautiful way she carries herself.” –Sean Bates

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“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. That is the true essence of beauty.” –Steve Maraboli