Tag: jesus

encouragement, hope, rest, Uncategorized

Anchored Between Silence and Sound

The Kedge Anchor
Rusty anchor partially buried in pebbled beach with ocean waves and a colorful sunset sky
Maybe peace isn’t found when the noise disappears.
Maybe peace is found when we know what holds us steady while the noise continues. ⚓

Shortly after writing this blog post about being still I went over to IG since I hadn’t been there in while. I came across a post by Dave Adamson a.k.a. Aussie Dave. In his IG post on June 29th he talks about how the Western Wall changed his perspective about “quiet time” with God. And after reading his post and reviewing what I wrote – we’re both not wrong or right. He always thought quiet time was just that and what many of us envision it to be. Silently praying,  silently reading and perhaps silently journaling. And he brings up a good point, perhaps quiet isn’t how it’s thought to be. It was when he visited the Western Wall Jewish men and boys weren’t reading silently. They were reading the Torah aloud and discussing it, he says even wrestling with it – together. The Hebrew word we translate as “read” actually means to call out or proclaim. 

He points out that Jesus read scripture in publicly in the Synagogue. And Paul told Timothy to devote himself to read scripture in public. He points out that ‘faith comes by hearing” in Romans 10:17. Scripture is meant to be read quietly as well as be spoken out loud. 

Aussie Dave ain’t wrong and I’m not right. Honestly it’s when I am sharing and living out  my faith that the words I have read become real and anchored. 

Maybe the invitation isn’t to choose between silence and sound, but to recognize that God meets us in both. There are moments when we need to be still enough to listen, to sit with His Word, and allow it to take root in our hearts. And there are moments when we need to speak it, share it, wrestle with it, and live it out among others.

Perhaps stillness isn’t about the absence of noise. Perhaps it’s about creating space for God’s voice to become clearer — whether that happens in the quiet of a room, the conversation around a table, or the faithful act of proclaiming what He has placed on our hearts.

The words we read are not meant to remain on a page. They are meant to transform us. They are meant to be carried, spoken, and lived.

So maybe the question isn’t, “Am I doing quiet time the right way?” Maybe the better question is, “Am I making room for God to meet me — and am I allowing His Word to work in me and transform me be it in the sounds or in silence?

Because whether whispered in stillness or spoken out loud publicaly, His Word is alive.

encouragement, hope, prayer, Uncategorized

Anchored in the Silence

The Kedge Anchor

Silence. It can be deafening sometimes. It can be uncomfortable. Many times in conversation we feel the need to fill the pauses. Many times silence speaks louder than words. 

Psalm 46:10  – “…Be still and know that I am God…” In Hebrew,  according to biblehub.com “Be still” means sink, relax. Sometimes that can be the hardest and the last thing I want to do. 

Yet, it’s in the chaos, in the storm I need to be still. Jesus isn’t always going to calm the waters, maybe not right away, maybe in a while – in His time.

Most times, even when I am choosing to be still, shutting out the wandering thoughts, the to do list, the what if’s, the noise of the day – it’s hard. Focusing is hard especially after a migraine my brain is foggy and tired. All I can think about is what I need to catch up on.

Being still and sitting in silence to me is like staring at a blank canvas or a blank page in a journal. It can be paralyzing and scary. Why is it my mind can blank at that but in silence I can come up with the worstest (it’s a word, I just made it up) scenarios. But that is neither what I want to write about, paint on a canvas or think about. Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” 

“Meditate on these things.” Prayer is a form of meditation, just remember to leave some space for God to respond. Recalling scripture and God’s faithfulness are always a good things to meditate on. 

Maybe silence isn’t meant to be filled. Maybe it is meant to be surrendered. (There’s that word again).

The blank space that feels uncomfortable, the pause that feels awkward, the stillness that makes our minds race,  those are often the very places where God invites us to meet Him.

An anchor does not prove its strength when the waters are calm. It proves its strength when the storm comes and the waves are pulling hard. Maybe being still is not about having a quiet life or a quiet mind. Maybe it is about knowing where we are anchored when life is anything but quiet.

So today, I want to practice sitting in the silence,  not because I have everything figured out, not because the noise has disappeared, but because I know Who is there with me.

“Be still and know…”

Not be still and understand everything.
Not be still and have all the answers.
Just be still and know.

Know that He is God.
Know that He is faithful.
Know that even in the silence, He is near.

hope, Uncategorized

Intentional Living, One Step at a Time

The Kedge Anchor
Open door leading to a cozy living room with an armchair, bookshelf, lamp, and fireplace

I used to think showing up was the win. Now I think it’s just the doorway.

Since my last post, I have been intentional about showing up. And as usual, when I do that, when I sit down to do anything I need to do, especially creative work or time with God, voices enter the scene.

I hear: “You shouldn’t be doing this… what about laundry?” Like Lisa Simpson having to organize her CDs first. IYKYK. Or “Why bother, no one cares.” And the classic: “You’re not good enough.”

All distractions. All lies.

Showing up requires intention and preparation. My corner of our shared office, or really my little studio corner, needed organization. I didn’t want to work in a space where I couldn’t access my art supplies. There was no room to spread out, and it became frustrating.

So I changed it.

One day while my husband was at work (he had to be for me to do this, his allergies… OY!), I rearranged the layout and organized my supplies. It’s still a work in progress, but I have to admit, it is so much better. (I have a few photos I’ll share in another post.)

Once things were more organized and accessible, I felt more encouraged to actually go in there and create.

Some days I have a specific project in mind. Other days, I just make marks on paper—paint, markers, or hand-letter a verse of Scripture. And there are days when a migraine shows up, and that’s when I give myself grace. Pushing through migraine pain has never benefitted me, or anyone else, for that matter.

I used to think showing up was the win. Now I think it’s just the doorway.

I’ve started applying the same mindset to my time with God. I’m not just “showing up” – I come prepared, usually with my Bible and a favorite pen. There was a time I would simply open Scripture anywhere and read whatever landed in front of me. But now I have a plan.

One of my goals was to read the Bible all the way through. My mom gave me a chronological Bible a few years ago for my birthday, and I only made it halfway through.

Now I’m more intentional. In January, I bought a journal and decided I wanted to create a kind of junk journal as I read. I write notes on passages that speak to me, not as a theology student or someone in seminary, but simply as someone listening for God along the way. I add notes, doodles, and small decorations to the pages. It helps me remember, and it draws me back in later.

Showing up in my office/studio space has become more inviting. I’m more prepared to work on projects and to journal.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” – Proverbs 22:3  To me, this speaks to being intentional and aware with how I use my time, choosing what deserves my attention, instead of moving forward on autopilot.  I’m trying to be more discerning with my time, intentional about when I create, when I rest, and when I simply let an idea come through.

Uncategorized

Showing Up: The First Step to Meaningful Action

The Kedge Anchor
Open journal with handwritten notes and pen beside steaming coffee cup on wooden windowsill overlooking sunrise over countryside.
Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead – James 2:17

There’s a phrase I keep hearing lately: “Just show up.” Apparently it’s the secret to consistency, growth, and success. And yes, showing up matters. But what happens after you arrive? So I show up, now what? Showing up is only half the story. The other half? Courage. Action. Actually doing the thing once you’re there. Showing up without following through, without engaging, can feel…empty, lost. Just showing up to class isn’t going to get you an “A”. You need your books, your notes, a pen. You need to listen to the lecture and engage with the class. Without action, showing up is, well, like I said, empty.

If answered prayers came from simply showing up, faith would be easy. What would I gain each day if I thought that simply showing up with my Bible and journal would make me a Bible scholar—without actually opening my Bible, reading it, or making notes? Where would that take me? Not very far.  I apply the same idea to making art. I make art because I showed up, and now I have a space to act, to create, to reflect what’s inside me. I try to be intentional but sometimes just “playing” is all that’s necessary.  And sometimes it’s messy, many times it’s imperfect—but it’s real. Sometimes I actually have an aha moment.  “Showing up” becomes a small step to being consistent.

And here’s the tricky part: showing up and doing while tired counts even more. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of my mental health. Pushing myself past what’s reasonable, past my bandwidth, doesn’t make me disciplined—it just makes me more tired and drained. God understands when I am tired or struggling with something. He gives me grace.  And I have to give myself grace when I’m too tired to paint or make art. Those are good moments to pray, listen to a sermon or podcast, or hear Scripture read aloud.

For me, showing up has become a practice of balance. I open my Bible. I journal. I grab a few art supplies. I read some commentaries I value. And I shut out all the other voices—the noise, the chaos, the endless “steps” that overwhelm me.

 So yes. Showing up alone isn’t enough. But it’s where it begins. Showing up opens the door. What we do afterward is what changes us.

Uncategorized

The Power of Curated Learning: Less Noise, More Insight

The Kedge Anchor

I’ve been thinking a lot about the noise in learning these days—the endless “how-to” lists, step-by-step guides, and voices telling me what I should read or do. It’s exhausting, and at times, it overwhelmed me.

I have to be honest: a lot of that overwhelm is on me. I fall for the marketing, the shiny promises, and the fear of missing out on what someone else has to say. That’s my responsibility. I have to shut it down and choose what truly deserves my attention.

So I’ve started slowing down. Just me, my Bible, my journal, a few art supplies, and carefully selected commentaries or resources. I’ve had to make choices what to read, who to listen to, which voices actually stick. The ones that don’t add meaningful insight don’t get a seat at the table.

As I read, especially in the Old Testament, I notice things in a new way:

  • I catch verses that cross-reference others, sometimes in ways I’ve never realized even when the margin notes point them out.
  • Familiar stories take on fresh meaning. Take Samson, for instance. Delilah asks him where his strength comes from. Most imagine him as a huge, muscular man. But I can’t help but picture him as tall and lean strong in a different way. That shift changes the story for me.
  • I watch God’s plan unfold in 1 Samuel. I see the Israelites repeating mistakes, yet God remains faithful to provide for them. And sometimes, I see myself in them flawed, forgetful, but loved and guided.

Slowing down like this—curating my inputs, reflecting in my journal, letting the text breathe is opening up insights I’d missed before. Clarity grows in quiet spaces. Depth matters more than breadth. And my pace? It’s enough.

Choosing what and who to let in doesn’t just protect my focus it shapes my learning in a way that’s meaningful and lasting. Growth isn’t about absorbing everything; it’s about absorbing what matters.

Thanks for stopping by and reading, you can follow me on Substack @anchorangel ⚓️😇

hope, salvation

Steady, Present, Anchored: Your 2026 Reminder

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Peggy Anke on Pexels.com

Happy New Year! Time really flies as we become more seasoned in life and when we are having fun. I am thankful for another day, another week another month and another year. And just like I am not one for bucket lists I am not one for resolutions. I would rather be focused, present and intentional about my goals and projects. LOL I guess that is a resolution of sorts. 

Challenges

My family has had a few challenges over the past three years. It’s been a struggle making the season merry and bright. But God, has been through it all with us. It didn’t always feel like He was there. However, I know He has been. Focusing on God and His Word have been key. There were days I didn’t feel like it or wanted to. So, those days may have been reflective and creative. So if your holidays have been challenging and short of merry and bright, I wish you New Year Blessings. 

The challenges our world has faced in 2025 have made me become more aware of the “labor pains” in Matthew 24:8 – “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.” I began to think; this could have been said 50 or 60 years ago. What’s the difference? Like a mother in labor, they become stronger and closer together. The events that are unfolding have been happening for centuries, the only difference is, these events, wars, rumors of wars, immorality, etc., it’s just happening more frequently and in some cases more intensely. 

New Hope

But there is hope. Hope came in the form of a baby over 2000 years ago. We just celebrated His birth. Jesus came to be born as a baby, grow up and start His ministry, die on the cross, be buried, rise again and ascend to Heaven. He did all that for us while we were still sinners – Romans 5:8. Jesus’s death and resurrection, His blood that was shed is for us. But it’s only for those who acknowledge their need for a savior, who confess they are sinners and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  One day Jesus gather us up and we will meet Him in the clouds –

“Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17

There’s our Hope. Then one day all this, the earth, all that we know here on planet earth will pass away –

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” – Matthew 24:35

Then God will create an new Heaven and new earth –

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.“ Isaiah 65:17

When I look back at the challenges and the state of our world, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty, His omniscience and His redemptive plan for us and all of His creation. It’s all in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation and all in between. It even tells us how it ends. (Read the book of Daniel if you want to read about what has been prophesied and what has already passed and what’s to come). Today we all have a choice. We can choose God, His plan of salvation and His Hope or not. It’s that

Anchored in Hope

Here we are, stepping into 2026. I’m not chasing perfect days or forcing resolutions—just staying anchored. Anchored in truth. Anchored in Hope. Anchored in Christ. Life will throw highs, lows, and everything in between, but He’s faithful, He’s present, and He is sovereign.

Stay focused. Stay present. Stay intentional. And above all, stay anchored—because that’s where real hope lives.

healing, hope

Surrendering Doubt: Finding Peace in Faith

The Kedge Anchor

Today, I want to share something that’s been sitting heavy—but beautifully—in my heart. It was sparked by a devotional my pastor in Rhode Island, Pastor Dave, shared this morning on Instagram. @therrien6034 

Every day at 6:00 a.m., Pastor Dave posts a short but impactful video devotional called The Bible Café—a time where we receive “a serving of Scripture and a cup of caffeine (or the beverage of your choice).” Each week he focuses on a new topic, and many of us are keeping topical journals based on the Scripture he shares each morning.

This week’s theme is doubt.

In Luke 24:38–39, Pastor Dave pointed out that the disciples doubted they were really seeing Jesus after His resurrection. Despite walking closely with Him, they quickly forgot what He had already told them—and that forgetfulness opened the door to doubt.

Doubt often leads us to lean on human reasoning, which I know too well. In my own experience, doubt hasn’t just led to overthinking—it’s brought discouragement, disappointment, and sometimes even depression. When we doubt, we start trying to make sense of everything on our own, and it rarely leads us closer to God.

Earlier this year, in a season of deep grief, I found myself overwhelmed—like I was drowning, searching for a way out. That’s when a word began repeating in my heart: surrender.

It was simple, but powerful.

Surrendering my grief to Jesus didn’t make the pain disappear overnight, but it created space—a holy emptiness—for Him to step in and carry what I couldn’t. And lately, another word has joined that inner echo: seek.

Maybe it’s an “aha” moment from God.

When we surrender—whether it’s a habit, addiction, grief, doubt, or anything that weighs on us and pulls us away from God—we’re not just letting something go. We’re making room.
Surrender creates a void. But that space is not meant to stay empty. It becomes an invitation for Jesus to move in.

Letting go may feel like a loss at first, but in reality, it’s the beginning of something greater: peace, clarity, healing, and deeper intimacy with God.

The disciples were incredibly blessed—they saw the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes. His glorified body stood before them, scars and all. Sometimes I find myself wishing I could have a visual like that. But the truth is: we do.

We may not see Jesus physically, but we see Him in His Word, in creation, in the love of others, and in the quiet moments of prayer. His presence is still near. – Joshua 1:5 “ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” We may not walk beside Him like the disciples did, but we can still walk with Him daily.

And just like the disciples, after their doubt, were filled with faith—we too can be filled.
When we surrender, we make space.
When we seek, we find Him. Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

So today, I invite you to do the same:
Surrender whatever is pulling you away.
And seek the One who is always ready to fill the void—with His truth, His presence, and His peace.

healing, hope

The Impact of Charlie Kirk: A Voice for Our Time

The Kedge Anchor
Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On September 10, 2025, many of us were shaken by the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing. I was in disbelief when I first heard the news. My husband texted me and told me that Charlie Kirk had tragically lost his life. I was crushed. How? Why? A husband, father, and bold voice in our generation, his presence was felt not only in politics but in the realm of faith. In our home, Charlie was a staple in our YouTube news feed. Day after day, his voice popped up alongside pastors, analysts, artists, animal videos and storytellers, becoming part of the rhythm of our daily life. While the world remembers his speeches and debates, we remember a man who, for such a time as this, stepped into arenas others avoided and spoke with conviction.

Charlie embraced his moment in history. He was not perfect, none of us are, but he understood that the times we live in call for courage. Whether one agreed with him or not, there was no denying that his anchor was firm, and his willingness to stand was clear. “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas—not run away from them or try and silence them.” Charlie was created for “such a time as this” Esther 4:14.

As believers, we grieve his sudden loss, but we do not grieve as those without hope. Hebrews 6:19 reminds us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Charlie’s voice has not been silenced here on earth, but his ultimate hope was in Christ, and that hope is eternal.

Charlie knew his calling and was given a platform, and he used it boldly. The challenge now rests on us, to boldly rise up in faith, to speak truth with love, to love others regardless of what they believe and to anchor our souls in the One who gives life beyond the grave.

Like many, I still have questions. Why, Lord? I asked God. And in His gentleness, He reminded me of His sovereignty, that He ordains our days. “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). What shocked and saddened us was no surprise to God. From the day He gave Charlie life, God already knew the day He would call him home.

Even Jesus knew, while He walked this earth, when, where, how, and why He would lay down His life for the sins of the world. My heart aches for Charlie’s wife, children, and family, I can only imagine their grief. And yet we serve a Savior who does understand grief: “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” – Isaiah 53:3.

So I trust God, and yet I still struggle. My prayer for Erika and the entire family is that as they walk through this valley, they will continually seek the presence of God. As Psalm 16:11 promises: “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Charlie’s voice is not gone, in fact, it continues to echo through us, in the lives he touched, the convictions he stirred, and the courage he inspired. For such a time as this, we are called to step boldly, to speak truth with love, to love others as Christ loves us and to anchor our lives in Christ. May we honor his memory not by clinging to sorrow, but by living faithfully, loving deeply, and standing courageously in the moments God has given us.

Though we grieve, we do not grieve without hope, for our ultimate anchor is in Jesus, who gives life that never ends. May His presence bring comfort, guidance, and strength to all who mourn, and may we each rise to live fully, for the days God has entrusted to us.

hope, Uncategorized

Who is God to Me? Anchored in the Storm

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

Introduction
God is my anchor, my steady, unwavering presence when the stormy seas of life begin to swell. In moments of stress or emotional overwhelm, I often turn to comfort: food, TV, or even my art supplies. These things aren’t inherently bad, but they can’t hold me like God can.

🙏 What Does It Mean to Be Anchored in God?

When stress hits, I sometimes reach for things that feel comforting: a snack, a tv show maybe a movie or a paintbrush. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I need. In 1 Kings 19, God cared for Elijah with food and rest—not with judgment.

But when I elevate those comforts above God, they can’t provide the stability my soul truly needs.

📖 God’s Love Reminds Me I’m Not Alone

Truths that anchor me:

  • He is always with me. (Omnipresent)
  • He is in control. (Omnipotent)
  • He knows and sees me deeply. (Omniscient)

One of my anchors is a journal entry from August 22, 2011. A hurricane was coming. We were preparing to move. And in the chaos, God gave me peace. (See Hope for the Future Part 1 Part 2  Part 3)

God is my anchor. He doesn’t move—even when I do.

🧁 Comfort Isn’t the Enemy—Misplaced Comfort Is

After I’ve prayed, read Scripture, or reached out to family and/or friends for support, I can return to those comforts—but now with peace, not panic.

  • Instead of mindless snacking, maybe it’s yogurt with fruit and granola.
  • Instead of bingeing, maybe it’s watching The Chosen, Tangled, or Shrek to relax.
  • Instead of spiraling thoughts, maybe it’s making art with worship music in the background.

These become life giving when they’re no longer the foundation—but just blessings on top of it.

🎥 Why I Rewatch the Same Movies

There’s actually science behind rewatching movies you love. They create a sense of safety. You know how they’ll end. Favorites like The Chosen, Shrek, Star Trek: Enterprise, or My Big Fat Greek Wedding bring peace when my brain needs it most.

Learn more about why rewatching your favorite movies can be therapeutic.

🎨 Art + Worship = Grounding for My Soul

When I create, especially while listening to worship or hymns, feel grounded and more focused. My breathing slows. My mind calms. God meets me in the stillness.

Try using grounding questions during anxious moments:

  • What can I see?
  • What can I hear?
  • What can I smell?
  • What can I touch?
  • What can I taste?

Pair this with prayer or scripture, and you’ll feel the storm subside.

💛 Anchored in Hope

When life gets chaotic, remember:

  • You are anchored in hope.
  • You are anchored in love.
  • You are anchored in God’s Word.

Bonus Devotional: How Do I Put Joy into Words? (Optional Side Post or Sidebar Widget)

When we are anchored, we can oddly still have joy!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy…”
— Psalm 16:11

Joy is choosing contentment—even in difficulty. It’s not manufactured. It’s not circumstantial.
It’s found in God’s presence, where joy isn’t fleeting—it’s full.

encouragement, Uncategorized

Embracing Quiet Seasons: A Journey Back to Encouragement

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Hello again friends,

It’s been quiet here for a little while—and not by accident.

Life has seasons. Some are full of creating, connecting, and pouring out. Others are about rest, reflection, and letting God work in the unseen places. This past season has been one of those quieter times for me. A time to step back, breathe, and listen. Life happens and just needed time for some self care. It has also been a time to reorganize and recharge. Deciding to pause YouTube was not an easy decision.

A now I feel ready to come back.

A sense that it’s time to return—not to the hustle, but to the heart of what I’ve always loved: encouraging others, anchoring in truth, and creating things that point back to hope.

I’m coming back—not with fanfare, but with faith.
And I’ve got something special in the works.

✨ A little project is on the horizon… one that blends creativity, faith, and encouragement in a way I hope will bless you and others. I’ll share more very soon—but for now, I wanted to offer you a small gift as we reconnect:

👉 Download this free coloring page hereDownload


It features one of my favorite verses:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Print it. Sit with it. Color it slowly with a cup of coffee, a quiet prayer or some worship music.
Maybe even send it to someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

This little page carries a whisper of what’s coming next.

So stay tuned. Subscribe to the blog or follow along on YouTube and Facebook.
Something beautiful is blooming—and I can’t wait to walk in it with you.

Until then…
Stay anchored. Stay encouraged. Stay hopeful. 🤍

Blessings,
Caryn