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Hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park

If you go to Zion National Park you can not miss The Narrows. It is in the top 2 most strenuous hikes in the park & so very worth it.

It is first off such a different hike then so many out there. You are literally hiking in water the entire time between two beautiful canyon walls.

Let me preface all my recommendations are for people hiking The Narrows the more common way:

the 9.4 Miles via the Riverside Walk

by getting off at the last Zion Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava

Some people hike the Narrows Top Down & do the 2 day backpacking trip. I did the more common hike starting at the bottom.

After getting off at the Temple of Sinawava- you then have to hike about 1 mile in to reach the beginning of The Narrows.

It starts out pretty shallow like a foot of water at the beginning of the hike, but the further you go it can get up to your shoulders / there are moments where you even have to swim.

What is great about The Narrows is that it is an Out & Back hike. So, there is only one way in & when you want to turn around & be finished with the hike you can !

I know plenty of people who just hiked 1 mile in & called it a day.

I went the full 5ish miles in & 5 back out in one day & it got more gorgeous with each mile. I highly recommend going as far in as you can.

I went this October & the water was a little under 50 degrees. AKA – I was FREEZING.

I wore quick dry leggings, my own industrial hiking boots, a good coat, & rented a walking stick.

The stick was like $8 to rent & helped me tremendously. You are walking in water on top of rocks you can’t always see so the stick allowed me to go so much faster. Some people did not have sticks but were also going much slower.

Many people also rent hiking gearing -like waterproof shoes & pants. I decided to save $ & not do that.

I talked to many people on the hike (people who rented gear & people who did not) & everyone’s feet were freezing regardless.

I would rent gear if you aren’t a person who knows how to tough it out/ does not go hiking often. If you don’t have the money, bring very warm clothing to make up for how cold your feet will be. Mine were numb by mile 3.

Like I said, the further you hike in the more rewarding it will be.

I would also go as early as possible. I got there as early as the shuttle would allow & the hike was tremendously more enjoyable at the beginning when there were less people.

Also, the further you hike in the less people there will be because a lot of people don’t go all the way in.

This was my favorite picture I got on the trip & had to edit people out because there are always people hiking up & down The Narrows.

Again, would highly recommend because it is just so different compared to your normal hike up a mountain!

If you have any questions, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill

X O X O

– D O L L

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10 Things to do in San Diego During Quarantine

Hello my beautiful travel friends! – here is a list I have been working on all year from my many visits to San Diego in 2020!

It is my top 10 things to do in San Diego during quarantine!

1. Hike South Fortuna Trail

South Fortuna is part of Mission Trails Regional Park and it is the 2nd most popular hike compared to North Fortuna -BUT it is just as beautiful ! & WAY less people. Honestly it is the same view, if not better! It is around 4.6 miles, & has no shade so bring extra water.

2. Visit Hotel Del Coronado (Hotel Del)

A lot of people stay or visit this hotel when in San Diego! The outside of the hotel with it’s white walls and red roof is gorgeous. It is great place to stroll around the grounds or along the beach.

The view of the hotel behind you & ocean in front of you make for a great place to watch the sunset or take a photo on the massive black rocks along the sand.

3.Hike Potato Chip Rock

This hike is seriously gorgeous. Most people go for the cool rock formation (like I did), but truly the views were nothing short of incredible & I would do this hike again.

I do not reccomend doing this shot ^ it was a little risky. The initial drop below is at least 40 feet & then hundreds of feet below that. Many people don’t climb it but stand further away & pretend they are eating the rock (like a potato chip).

4. Climb Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Ho Chi Minh Trail is SUCH a fun little adventure. This mini trail is located in the La Jolla area. You can take this trail all the way down to Black’s Beach. It is less a hike in my book and more of a climbing escapade!

It is not the easiest to find.

But type in Ho Chi Minh Trail or 9883 La Jolla Farms Rd, La Jolla, CA in whatever maps you use. You will park in a neighborhood & the entrance is a little path between two private properties with wooden fences. There is no sign but the address above will take you right near it.

If at the beginning of the trail you rear to the left it will take you into the main part of the trail & into these cute sand colored rock formations.

If at the beginning of the trail you rear to the right & start to go up a little path on a hill you will have this awesome view of the beach!

5. Go Surfing at Del Mar

Rent a board & enjoy the water. This picture was my first & only time I have gone surfing thus far. I got eatn by ALL the waves, but it was still a blast to try! I would recommend trying at Del Mar Beach!

6. Visit the 1935 Old Cactus Garden

This place is pretty awesome for a fun photoshoot ! There was no one there when I went & it was just a fun little patch of Cacti !

7. Swim to Sunset Cliffs Open Ceiling Sea Cave

This cave is hard to reach but such a fun escapade. Type in Sunset Cliffs at Luscomb Point to take you there. When you arrive look for the rocky area to the right of the cove & that is where you can maneuver down to be able to swim into the cave (I used the local rope that is always there to climb down).

No one is usually here because it is that hard to get to. You should not try to reach this spot unless it is extremely low or negative tide. I went when the tide was lower & just a few feet high and it was rough getting in as the waves can hit you against the rocks pretty harshly. Go with someone & only if you are a great swimmer!

8. Find La Jolla’s Secret Swing

This little gem is also not easy to find. Type Prospect Place La Jolla, CA in your phone to get here. There is a curve of parking spots near some neighborhood homes & behind the parking is a little path. Go down the path & take a right, eventually you will see white fencing. This is where you stop off to the left to start down the path to the swing.

You can also go even further down this hill (using the rope) to get yourself all the way down to the beach.

9. Visit the La Valencia Hotel for brunch & pictures! They have COVID practices implemented & the restaurant is mostly outdoor seating!

Trust me, this adorable hotel will make all your pink travel dreams come true!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…..

10. Buy a pizza & take it anywhere on Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset for dinner!

Trust me it will be SO much better than a night in watching Netflix.

If you have any question, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill

X O X O

– D O L L

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Being a Single Christian During a Pandemic

I feel ya- it is something you don’t want to relate to during a pandemic.

For me, being single has come & gone, & come & gone, &&& so on..

When it comes, it feels like it will be forever.
Why God? When God?

God is there something wrong with me ? Do I need to grow more in a certain way? Am I not worthy of a marriage? Will this imaginary relationship that can glorify you AND bring me comfort ever come?

Friends- you are worthy. 🤍You are good enough. There is nothing wrong with you. You are loved. You may need to grow, or you may NOT need to grow! Who knows.

I don’t know the why for me- but I know the reason I am here on this 🌎earth is not to be someone’s person – but to share the gospel with others. To love people well & show them Christ.

If the Lord allows me to glorify Him / share the gospel with others – WHILE in a marriage well that would be amazing too!

It is okay to have a desire for a relationship! I tell God I want one ALL the time! BUT with remembering…

God’s timing is good &
He is the ultimate comforter.

Now, I get it…

God can not pick you up & buy you flowers. God can not take you on dates. God can not physically give you the hug you may need at the end of each day.

But let me tell you –

Man can not fulfill your heart🤍 with endless, perfect love. Man can not make you perfect & whole. Man can not carry you through all your trails. Man can not be your savior & cover all your sins.

No human can fulfill the relationship you need on your own with God. If you are a Christian, the Lord should be your #1 relationship.

When my mind tends to wonder from this hopeful attitude of truth & into the 🖤darker places…

I remind myself:

The Lord is faithful.
He will carry me.
He will lead me.

& He will lead you too if you let Him.

Here is to the renewing of our minds
from:
God when will he or she come ??
to —>
How can I serve you today, Lord?

Friends, you are not alone.
We all out here.
The Lord is faithful.

If you have any question, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill

X O X O

– D O L L

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Top 5 Best Atlanta Breakfast Places

I have been living in Atlanta for 2 years now & have eaten at over 40 of the best breakfast places in the city! Of those 40+ here are my TOP 5 Breakfast / Brunch spots!

#1 Buttermilk Kitchen

Buttermilk Kitchen is my #1 because nothing is over done but everything tastes like perfection. It was on the hit TV show Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. It has the charm and ambience of a southern home. The line & wait will be long so be prepared to get there earlier than expected. The line often reaches all the way outside- so dress accordingly !

#2 Joy Cafe

Joy Cafe is a hoot. The servers had such character & I met Joy herself when I visited. She told me how she wakes up at 4am herself to make the biscuits each day… Yes, you need to pay a visit.

#3 Muchacho

Muchacho is breakfast tacos & coffee so truly you can’t go wrong. The restaurant is very retro & cute on the inside if you are looking for a good brunch pic with your tacos & friends!

#4 Le Petit Marché

Le Petit Marché has all the fresh breads, cheeses & pestos. That french toast sandwich in the picture ^ also has eggs & bacon on the inside. This itty bitty shop has fantastic breakfast & brunch options.

#5 Fellows Cafe

Fellows Cafe gives you all the quaint, old-time, romantic feels with fantastic food. It felt like a home & each dish had a fun twist to it. Highly recommend for a date!

Those are my top 5!

If you have any question, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill

X O X O

– D O L L

+ + + some of my other favs 😉 !

Corner Cafe and Buckhead Bread Co. (This is an older establishment but has fantastic vibe & bread!)

Hop’s Chicken (@ Ponce City Market. Get the Chicken & Waffles)

Howell’s Kitchen and Bar (newer vibes, has outdoor options)

The Village Corner (fantastic Germany Bakery near Stone Mountain)

Cafe Intermezzo (it is a chain, but a great European one!)

Sweet Hut Bakery Cafe. This Asian Bakery and Cafe chain is a fun experience of culture and bread galore!

Rise-n-Dine (at Emory Village)

Folk Art Restaurant

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Virgin Falls, Tennessee: A Perfect Weekend Trip

Virgin Falls State Natural Area is the perfect place for a quick weekend trip in Tennessee.

Virgin Falls Trail is a massive waterfall at the end of 3 other mini falls located in Sparta, Tennessee. This trail is 8.7 miles round trip & is rated difficult, but it seemed more on the mild side to me!

Before starting our hiking & camping – we kicked off our trip by staying at an Airbnb the night we all drove to the little town of Sparta, TN.

We knew it would be too late to set up camp so we found this cute gem of an Airbnb – & it slept 5 of us for $168 total! We paid like $30 each!

The kitchen had everything you would need & a washer & dryer!

If you were trying to go GLAMPING instead of camping – I would suggest hiking Virgin Falls Trail all day & then staying at this Airbnb!

For a great start to your morning stop by The Coffee Collective.

Then head to the trail head.

Remember if you want to camp here over night you have to make reservations.

We did not make reservations & got lucky. The worker on site allowed us to stay at a campsite for a donation.

I would recommend camping at Bill Laurel Falls. There were 2 or 3 campsites right near this minier waterfall & it was so peaceful to fall asleep to! I would call & ask for this campsite to reserve !

This was our view from our campsite! Big Laurel Falls is a little over halfway to the biggest waterfall, Virgin Falls. We safely set up camp (brought our expensive items with us) & continued on.

We reached Virgin Falls & it was beautiful!

There is a great rock situated across from the top of the falls for a great view & pic!

Getting close to the bottom you could feel how powerful the waterfall was! It was pretty awesome for such a short hike in!

Once you reach Virgin Falls it is time to turn around. There were a few waypoints to stop at like Sheeps Cave & a few great places for some climbing along the way.

Nothing beat the view of the stars we saw at night from our campsite!

As we packed up & head back to the trail head we stopped at some of the beautiful rivers along the way!

If you have any question, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill

X O X O

– D O L L

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How to Read the Bible

The Bible is an enormous book filled with history, details, and THE ultimate love story.

The most read book in the world can be a daunting book to approach!

So here 3 easy tips to get you started.

Tip #1: Make a reading schedule on the 1st of each month

This will make it easier to actually pick up your bible everyday & read it because you already know what you are going to read for everyday of the month. A month is a great time commitment to set because it is not too long, yet long enough to form a habit.

I would suggest to pick a short book of the bible, for instance: Ephesians, Philippians, Galatians, James. All of these books of the bible are literally a few chapters (aka a couple pages!) You can do this.

Philippians is four chapters. I would read one chapter a day, and then once you finish chapter 4, begin at chapter 1 again. By the end of the month you’ll have read Philippians around 7 times!

This may seem repetitive but I promise these short chapters are filled with such depth that you’ll want to read it a few times over to understand them.

This puts the same scripture in your mind during your weeks. It is helpful because when someone needs encouragement, or when someone asks you what God has been teaching you – you are going to be ready with that scripture you have been reading over and over again.

You will, “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15.

1 Peter, another short book of the bible 😉 (only 5 chapters my friends).

Many devotionals out there will point you to different scripture everyday. Which is totally fine when trying to focus on one topic! BUT – if you are trying to learn scripture from scratch, picking one book a month can really help!

Tip #2: While reading scripture ask – What does this say about God ?

This question helps you define & begin to understand who God truly is. It answers what characteristics God holds, and how you should view the Lord based off of truth.

For instance, after reading the below scripture, try & ask yourself the question.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you – Philippians 4:8-9

What does this say about God ?

It says God gives us things to learn and put into practice. He is a teacher. It also says God is a “God of peace.” He holds peace & restfulness. He is someone that can calm you if you go to Him.

By asking this question you know more about God by defining what you have learned straight from the truth of scripture itself!

Tip #3: While reading scripture ask – What does this say about you?

Lastly, ask yourself: What does this scripture say about me?

This will help you understand who you are as a loved daughter or son of the King, chosen, holy, redeemed. These are just a few words I know describe me from reading scripture.

With the scripture mentioned above we learn about ourselves what God wants us to think about. He wants our minds to dwell on truth, nobility, rightness, purity, and things that are lovely, admirable, excellent, & praiseworthy!

Asking yourself what scripture says about you is helpful for defining yourself by what Jesus has said and not the world.

Setting a schedule each month & asking yourself what the scripture says about GOD & what it says about YOU are my easiest tips for how to read the bible!

If you want to hear more on this –>

I have a 5 minute IGTV on my Instagram about this topic!

Go check it out –> tori_churchill

You can ask a question here, or ask on my IGTV, or DM me on Insta!

X O X O

How to Pray

How do you Pray ?

Do you not know how ?

Are you a new believer & have no idea where to start?

Have you been a believer for a while but no one taught you how to pray ?

♥️

That is okay! I have heard this question ALL the time over the last 15 years as a believer.

It is not an uncommon question. It makes sense if you are asking because you are new, or no one taught you, or it has just been a while.

I am no expert, but I’ve had time in the ministry & have been praying for a good portion of my life.

When I first really started to pray, I did not know where to start either! Usually just with stuff I wanted from God, but there is so much more to prayer life.

Here is an acronym I have heard over the years in church + from others that is simple, yet SO helpful:

A. C. T. S.

A= Adoration

C= Confession

T= Thanksgiving

S = Supplication

Let me walk you through each one!

Adoration:

After you bow your head & close your eyes, start by telling God how you adore Him.

Tell God characteristics of who He is:  Holy, strong, Prince of Peace, kind, good, your Rock, Fortress, faithful.

Anything you know about Him. This is the time to focus your heart on praising Him for who He is.

As you read scripture more, these descriptors will come more easily to you. When you get to know someone you can tell them why they are great!

♥️

Confession:

This is the time to confess your sins. God already knows them, but confessing them to Him is important.

You are acknowledging that you are a sinner & need God’s help. Take your time to say exactly where you need more Christ & goodness in your life & heart.

Ask for forgiveness & the power to repent from your sins.

Question your intentions & ask God if something in your life that you may not think is a sin, may actually be one. 

God is righteous AND forgiving. He is both.

♥️

Thanksgiving:

Take this part of your prayer to praise God for what you are thankful for ! Be it your family, health, job, car, friends, church, knowing Christ, growth, ANYTHING!

When I have been down, or blue in life & not a lot of things were going for me  … I still was able to give thanks for the air in my lungs!

I am a strong believer in that there is ALWAYS something to give thanks for.

♥️

Supplication:

This one is the easiest! It is time for you to ask God for what you need! Do you need peace ? Understanding ? Help being more like some fruits of the Spirit ?

Guidance in what job or which boy ? Do you need rest? Do you need to forgive someone who has not even asked you to forgive them?

Ask. God is here for you. He wants to hear what you need & how you can lean on Him! Don’t forget that an answer right away may not happen.

OR he may give you an answer you don’t like! BUT remember to trust Him & His timing. His answer (or lack of answer) is for your good. Is for His plan.

♥️

Lastly, when this seems to be working well for your prayer life, turn to Psalms!

There are so many prayers in this book of the bible that will accurately portray your true feelings. God has literally provided us with sample prayers- how perfect!

♥️

Hope this acronym is helpful & remember – just start. It does NOT have to be perfect. God already knows where your heart is, He just wants to spend time with you.

♥️

Want to hear more on this ?

I have a 5 minute IGTV on my Instagram about this topic!

Go check it out –> tori_churchill

You can ask a question here, or ask on my IGTV, or DM me on Insta!

X O X O

– D O L L

Featured

Aruba: Top 4 Things to Do

Aruba: Top 4 Things to Do

This post is going to be a lot more pictures than words because they speak for themselves !

1 hotel rec + top 4 things to do + other fun little stops!

HOTEL REC

I stayed at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino & it was absolutely beautiful.

Me, Beachfront at the Stellaris ; )

The view from our balcony was truly awesome & dreamy.

There is a swim up bar & volleyball court!

They also have an adult pool that is more secluded & has cabanas

Had to work remote a few days from there so there office space was helpful (had to use wifi hotspot).

+ they also have a Starbucks inside, which I loved bc I needed a little familiarity in my diet while visiting

<Yes , this hotel was expensive, BUT there are quite a few restaurants and bars to walk to along the beach (see below) + everyone came to this hotel for the night life (it IS a Casino) ! I am all about being walking distance from everything because walking places is just so lovely to me.>

okay now for THE TOP 4 THINGS TO DO IN ARUBA !

#1 Arikok National Park

1. Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is a MUST. If you go to Aruba & don’t come here, you are not cool. I rented a car for the day & drove around the entire thing. There are 21 stopping spots on the park map, below are my top spots.

Quadirikiri Cave

Quadirikiri Case is extremely picturesque. Many photographers go to Aruba just because of this cave with a hole in the top!

Dos Playa

Dos Playa was breathtaking. The water was actually this blue. Some locals come here to surf, but for most the water is too dangerous & you should not go in.

Fontein Cave

Fontein Cave was a lot smaller than Quadirikiri Cave, but the rock formations were pretty cool to me ( don’ t you remember learning about stalactites & stalagmites ? ) + the cave is filled with Indian Pictographs dating back 1000 years.

(Conchi) Natural Pool

You can actually swim in this pool! Every few minutes water will splash over the rocks & into the circular pool area that you can swim in! It is always packed during the day, so I would go early one morning.

#2 FLAMINGO BEACH ON RENAISSANCE ISLAND

2. Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island

A guest pass to Flamingo Beach is $125……. & 100% worth it.

If you stay at the Renaissance Aruba Resort you can get a pass for free, but guest or not you need to book in advance. Starting at 6 AM (& you can only book for a visit the next day) you go to this website & book. Tickets were gone within a couple minutes every morning I tried. I got lucky my last day ; )

You get a boat ride to the island, a full meal & drink of choice from their menu, you get to see flamingos & other awesome little animals + the beach itself is so incredibly quiet & refreshing. Such a different experience on this beach/island compared to the shore.

I hung out with these guys for awhile. There are only 6 of them. They stay here on the island because their wings were clipped. Aruba is not filled with endless flamingos. If you don’t come to this island, you won’t see em! The island is open from 7 AM to 6:45 PM. Boats leave every 15 minutes.

#3 UTV TOUR

#3 UTV Tour

My aunt & I did a UTV tour which are pretty popular in Aruba as they are a fast way to see a lot of the island.

A UTV is a mix between a golf cart & an ATV, aka not this car behind us.

We did the Nautural Pool UTV Off-Road Adventure from De Palm Tours. This tour was around $230- $260. My aunt & I both went, so $100 something a person is not too bad. This tour included 6 stops, but you can pick all different kinds of tours with different sites to visit.

My fav 3 spots are pictured below:

(Conchi) Natural Pool
REAPEAT bc this place is in Arikok National Park & 1 of the 21 spots!
+ this is tagged all sorts of incorrect on maps in Aruba, but it is in the National Park !

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

Alto Vista Chapel

Everything you see on these tours, you can see on your own. But you would still need to rent a dune buggy (or jeep, something off-road friendly) which can be around $100 a day as well.

The reason I liked this tour was driving the fast UTV buggy around & it gave me idea of Arikok National Park the day before I explored it. (+ time w my Aunt <3). The reasons I did not like it, you have to stick to a schedule, a bit pricey, + you get COVERED in dirt.

#4 Sunset Cruise

Unfortunately, I did not make it on a sunset cruise, but there are a zillion offered on the island & I heard they are one of the best things to do in Aruba! I heard they can be very romantic (I went with my mom & aunt on this trip so I should be good that I missed! haha )

Those are the top 4 !

Below are a few more stops that I enjoyed so much!

Historic Lighthouse

Historic Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse is on the north side of the island and not near anything else, so I did this early on one morning. It just a pretty historic site to see & snap a picture. Keep in mind, from end to end the entire island takes a little less than an hour to drive across, but it was nice to check this off my list early!

Eduardo’s Beach Shack

Eduardo’s Beach Shack

You go to Eduardo’s Beach Shack for an awesome açaí  bowl, a fantastic view & of course a cute pic. I got the classic bowl & seriously ate it in under 10 minutes because it was so good! + I walked from my hotel to get there (1/2 mile).

Other things to do that I did not care for OR forgot to mention!

  1. Butterfly Museum (play w a tremendous amount of butterflies!)
  2. Donkey Sanctuary (play w Donkeys)
  3. Snorkel Cruise ( had just snorkeled in Hawaii + you can snorkel on the shore of the island)
  4. Baby Beach (I stopped but did not get a pic!)
  5. Palm Beach (my hotel was on Palm Beach so I explored it a lot. One of the best beaches)
  6. Eagle Beach (I stopped by in my car. A lot of ppl go here to take pics of the Divi Divi trees)
  7. Sunrise at Tripod/ Trinity Bridge (went but not during sunrise)
  8. Sunset Mangel Halto
  9. San Nicolas (a town with many beautiful Murals on buildings, saw a few from my car)
  10. Shopping in Oranjestad (I love shopping but not when on a beautiful island to explore!)

If you have any question, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram: tori_churchill !

I hope your trip to Aruba is as delightful & refreshing as mine was !

X O X O

– D O L L

Hurt by Church

Have you ever been hurt by your church before ?

Alto Vista Chapel (Aruba)

In church have you ever. . .

Ever had girls, boys, women, men, leaders leave you out?

Ever had someone put you down right after you had enough courage to share your ugly story?

Ever had people treat you different because your family does not attend church every Sunday?

Ever had the church treat you with kindness you can tell is fake?

Ever been left behind from learning, teaching, leading just because you are a girl? Because you are different?

Ever been shamed or punished because of a family members choice?

Ever go to church over and over and never had a one-on-one conversation where someone told you, you are loved by The Redeemer who is Jesus Christ?

Well I have too.

Almost all of the above or at least someone I know –this has all happened.

Without going into too much detail I want to get the point across to you that I have been hurt by the church.

When I shared with a minister about one of the instances in my past that happened within the church, she sent me away from the church and from teaching. She probably thought that was truly the best thing to do, but she also left me alone. Didn’t encourage me, didn’t check in on me, didn’t show me the love of Christ. Regardless of her intentions. I was hurt.

Trust me, oh how I have been hurt by the church.

At first, I was astonished

Lord, how can this be? How can the church be a place of ulgy? A place of hurt?

As I got older I began to talk to more & more people, from all walks of life. Old, young, black, mixed, guy, girl, smart, successful. Then I realized. Maybe it wasn’t my situation that someone was hurt by, but something else by the church had hurt them.

Something from a church experience had put a bad taste in their mouth about Jesus.

Many of these people have continued on in their faith, but a lot have not.

As I kept going to church
the Lord eventually told me:

“Daughter, I am not the church”

If you have been hurt by the church & think you have been hurt by Jesus, remember that the church IS NOT PERFECT. And the church is not Jesus.

You are not alone in being hurt by the church my dear sister or brother. You are not alone. Do not let that hurt, that scar, that story be the end of your story with church. With Jesus.

Jesus is not any of those things you have been hurt by.

Jesus is love.
Jesus is kindness.
Jesus is inclusion.
Jesus will not let you sit alone.
Jesus will invite you.
Jesus will tell you, you are certainly worthy.
Jesus will forgive you.
Jesus will lift you up.

To place the expectations of perfect, holy Jesus on people, leaders, or even ministers in church is too high an expectation to place on any person. Only Jesus is Lord and has the power to save you. Only Jesus is perfect.

Moving Forward

I went back & talked to that minster one day & she apologized. At the end of the day, no one is perfect. For me to ask of her to have been perfect in that situation just because she is a minster is not fair.

If I had let those situations and people deter me from going to church, deter me from Jesus, I would not know the Love Jesus has for me.

Yes, church is supposed to be the place where people are like Jesus. But that is not always going to happen. We live in a broken world with broken people. But why not go to church and be the person you expected to be there?

Another thing to remember is that the “church” is simply believers. It is not a building. It is the gathering of believers. My sister is my church. My best friend(s) are my church. My co workers who know Christ are my church. My in-laws are my church. My mother is my church. Those people you come across that love the Lord, those people are your church.

If your church is hurting you, obviously go to a different church. But remember, nobody’s perfect.

You are not alone.
The church cannot be Jesus for you.
Jesus is perfect & no one els
e.

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Horseshoe Bend: All You Need to Know

Here is a quick ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about visiting Horseshoe Bend!

When I took my trip to Sedona, AZ I thought “I HAVE to see the famous Horseshoe Bend” AND I am so glad I did !

Horseshoe Bend only took an hour to do itself, but it truly took an entire day out of the trip because of where it is located: Page, Arizona. Literally so close to UTAH – like a 15 minute drive!

It is about an 1 hr. 40 mins. from the Grand Canyon & a 3 hour drive from Sedona. And it is 100% worth it. The view was even more amazing than the pictures & it was just so unique.

I went for sunset & it was perfect. I would recommend to go during sunrise or sunset or it simply will not be as beautiful. Obviously, there will be more people there at those times, but just walk off to either side of the viewing bridge (you can see the ppl on it it the background of my photo below haha) & there will be room for you to enjoy the sight on your own.

When we went, it was the 4th of July, so we did end up staying in Page for one night. We saw Horseshoe Bend & then watched the amazing firework show Page puts on every summer. Honestly, was not the biggest firework show in AZ, but still very good. I adore big firework shows & was not disappointed !

All this to say- There is not much else to do in Page, AZ ! So although HorseShoe Bend is worth it. . . don’t plan on staying in Page for long.

The only other activity would be seeing Antelope Canyon. It is a beautiful, warmed colored canyon. Extremely picturesque like Horseshoe Bend. It is a 25 minute drive from Page / the hotel I mention below. If you plan this correctly, you can do an Antelope Canyon tour & see Horseshoe Bend in the same day. & Yes, Antelope Canyon requires you to sign up for a tour to go –so sign up in advance!

We stayed at The Courtyard Page at Lake Powell for one night & it was a very nice hotel for such a small town + it has a pool!

Horseshoe Bend is actually only a 15 minute walk. It is not a hike in the least & I would bring anyone along (in-shape or not) because it was so easy to reach. The terrain was a sandy/dusty path filled with rocks & small hills. No need for hiking boots, but don’t wear your white shoes either or they will get orange!

Entry fee was $10 cash for each passenger vehicle. Good rule of thumb to just bring cash when you go to any outdoor recreation center or National Park because often they only accept cash. There is a Walmart near by if you forget your cash $$$ money!

If you have any questions, leave a comment or DM me on instagram tori_churchill !

I hope your trip to Horseshoe Bend is as delightful & refreshing as mine was!

X O X O

– D O L L