Returning to A Place Called Home

I am bursting with excitement to announce that I am returning to Shepherd’s Fold Ranch this summer to be on the leadership team as a Furnace Coordinator! Simply put, I will be teaching the discipleship curriculum that changed my life and walking side by side with the girls on staff, championing and mentoring them. I was truly honored when this opportunity was placed before me as I am fervent believer that discipleship can change the world. My personal journey with the Fold started when I graduated High School as it was a safe place for me to land as a young adult trying to figure out what I believed as my own, who I was created to be, and what my place was to be. I served for four summers and received not only foundational truths, a servant leadership work ethic, but also a community of friends that has continued to surround me in some of my hardest moments in life. We always talked about going back to camp one day and it just so happens that 10 years later, we will be serving on the leadership team together. I believe that this is a thoughtful next step directed by the Lord in the journey He has been shaping over the last several years. I couldn’t be more grateful for the continued support of my surrounding community and would love to paint a picture of what this process has looked like to grab hands and walk together on this fun, beautiful, colorful road.

First and foremost, I am utterly lovesick for the One who created me. Who formed my desires before I knew what they were. Who crafted my heart and spoke life into my cells. I have known Him in the fire and now I get to know Him on the mountain. We have been walking a path of silence and solitude together, learning the art of sabbath practices and slowing down, and the importance of listening and asking questions. The dream placed in my heart is to open a retreat center and teach people this art of slowing down. Like a deer panting for water we can return to our Source, receive, and go out to our daily lives with a full and overflowing cup. Over the last several years, I worked with a digital marketing agency that helped me hone specific abilities, taught be valuable lessons, and gave me the ability to practice rest and retreating during busy seasons. To fight against the current of having much to do and choosing the hard work of giving way to the sacrifice of simplicity. It has certainly been a pruning process and I will be the first to admit that there were things I did not want to be pruned, that I did not want to give up, and just felt too hard to do. But to taste and see the freedom it has brought is a gift worth more than what the world could ever offer and I wish to share that freedom with anyone who will listen!

In one of my writings, I tell a story about walking a road with the enemy in sight before me but being drawn away to a full table set with a feast. Today, I feel like I am feasting in victory. To have the opportunity to consecrate the next several months pouring into young hearts and minds, making waves in generations to come, and to simply play outside feels like a dream in itself. Life is full and I recognize the gift it is to be here in these moments that will continue to shape my future and dreams to come.

To the ones reading this, I want to thank you. I feel humbled to have a place at this table. Your lives are of deep worth, you are cherished beyond belief, and the story unfolding before you is significant. So thank you for taking time to see me and know my story. As I walk this path of discovering simplicity, cherishing the skills learned but ultimately giving up what would be a successful career, and forging on to a journey of teaching in ministry I hope to continue to meet with you along the way.

For what would a feast be without people to share it with?

Much love,

Lis