Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
POTENTIAL
During these winter months of chilly and often dreary days, my hope of seeing a beautiful sunrise has been my motivation to walk each morning. As I observe the quiet reverence of the early morning glow, soon followed by the glorious joy of the first bright beams, my soul is filled with peace and gratitude. For me, the sunrise signifies that a fresh and full day has come for us to enter and enjoy. We have the entire day before us to live well, to love, and to relish. Each new day holds great potential, with an ample capacity to be filled with good things.
This idea of potential has been lingering with me this week. Our potential is a gift; it is the capability to learn and grow, to deepen and expand, to discover and to share. As I think about the potential of a new day, the potential for my life, the potential within me, questions come to mind. Jesus tells us that he has come to give us abundant life (John 10:10); does he see greater potential in me than I do? Am I using each day fully, am I using my interests and abilities to their full potential? Am I noticing all that God is revealing? Am I doing all that I am meant to do?
So, in my journaling time earlier this week, I asked God about my potential…
God of my potential, what would you have me know today?
Expanding Karen,
You have carried this word (potential) in your soul for a few days now. Today I want you to know this: Do you see that your potential is only limited by your capacity for it? And then, do you see that I am always and ever expanding that capacity within you?
“Do not conform to this world…” Do not make potential a measure of success, but a gift for me to fill.
Thank you, God.
Can we live each day, not striving to achieve our fullest potential, but instead, being present and attentive to God’s expanding work within us? Can our potential expand as we actually narrow our vision, solely asking God to increase our capacity for more of God’s goodness? Can we live, not according to worldly measures of success, but out of the abundance of Christ?
Can our potential become less self-driven and more God-given?
Today, Paul’s prayer is for me. I hope it blesses you, too.
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20:16-21 NRSV)
A VALENTINE REFLECTION ON LOVE
(A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION)
Monday, February 14th
REFLECTION:
As I write this Valentine’s Day post, my treasured relationships with family and friends are especially on my mind and in my heart…
This weekend, we finally had our Christmas family gathering! We have planned and postponed several family vacations and holiday gatherings in recent years, so this was the first time most of our family had been together in almost three years. I savored the moments, feeling so very grateful to have our dear ones gathered together once again.
In this pandemic time, I have been grateful for Jim, my husband and friend, as we explored new ways of living and being together, serving as each other’s only company for much of the time.
My heart has been with our mothers as they continue to age, for our siblings who help care for them, and for our siblings who have concerns of their own.
I have worried for our daughters and their families as they have endured the difficult challenges of school and daycare closures, additional work loads, and the almost daily undoing of plans. I have worried for our sons as distance and disease kept them so very isolated from us for so long.
Our spirits have been uplifted by our grandchildren, as we proudly admire the way our older grandsons have matured into wonderful young men, and as we happily delight in the innocent joy of our younger grandsons and granddaughter.
In recent months, we have begun reconnecting with friends, now that we have been vaccinated and boosted. I have relished our times together, grateful for the conversations and laughter that we have missed, relieved by the sense of normalcy returning.
So, today as I was journaling about the different kinds of love I feel – the different ways that I love the people in my life – I ended my reflections by asking God this question:
God of deep love, what would you have me know today?
Loving Wife, Mom, Grammy, Sister, Daughter, Friend,
Love comes in all different forms, doesn’t it? You experience the adoring, intimate, and partnering love of being a wife, the proud, sacrificial, and protective love of being a mom, the joyful and affectionate love of being a Grammy, the supportive, companioning love of being a sister, the caring, patient love of being a daughter, and the sharing, companioning love of being a friend.
Do you know that I love you in ALL of these ways?
Oh my.
Isn’t this so incredible to imagine? What a gift we have in our God, who loves us in every way! On this Valentine’s Day, we all can feel beloved by the One who loves us – perfectly and completely.
Thank you, God.
BENEDICTION:
Your love is an infinite love.
Yet we are unaware
that you are here among us
and we lose our expectation –
of your presence and your promise
that you will always care
and miss your love that still abounds
in constant revelation.
Your love is an intimate love.
You know our deepest soul
and you long to partner with us
in prayerful exploration
of hidden things you will reveal
as you help to make us whole
in our journey of discovery
and mutual adoration.
Your love is a protective love.
You watch and guard and wait
for all of us, your children,
always carefully attending.
There is no place you will not go,
no sacrifice too great;
the immensity of your kindness
is beyond our comprehending.
Your love is a delighting love.
May we, your children grow
in joyful hope and peaceful love
from your genuine affection.
As you desire to be with us
we ask that you will show
us more of you; that we will keep
becoming your reflection.
Your love is a companioning love
and we have come to find
your patience and your goodness
as our trusted, faithful friend.
As you continue on with us
may we so humbly bind
ourselves as true companions
sharing love that has no end.
Photo by Karen
HERE FOR A GOOD TIME, NOT A LONG TIME
Monday, February 7th
When I was a freshman in college, I shared a dormitory room with four other young women. One of our roommates, Linda, was a bit more “carefree” than the rest of us. She smoked nonstop, never made her bed, left her clothes on the floor, enjoyed a good party, and exaggerated her stories. Linda was wild and hilarious, living life on the edge, and she definitely made our college year more exciting. When one of us questioned the wisdom or safety of her actions – or at times, our own 😉 – Linda would often assert, “You’re here for a good time, not a long time!”
Recently these words came back to my mind for reflection. We are here for a good time, not a long time.
No matter the number of our earthly days, I imagine we all feel as if life will never be long enough. Although we rejoice that we are indeed eternal beings, we can agree with Linda that we are here for “not a long time” in this present life.
But what would be our “good time”?
God has created us as unique and diverse individuals, so our answers to this question will also be unique and diverse. For some, a good time may be to live wildly and fearlessly. For others, a good time may be to live peacefully and safely. Still others may find the good time through community, while others through solitude… some by making good differences, others by sacrificing generously… some while hiking in nature, others while cleaning up city streets… some in taking new adventures, others in relishing daily routines.
How would you define a good time as a guidepost for your life? What qualities, dreams, and goals would be included? Are there any non-negotiables or must-haves? Your definition of a good time could be based on the experiences you have, the emotions you feel, the accomplishments you achieve, the places you travel, the sensations of well-being you enjoy, the spiritual insights you discover, the relationships you treasure, or the legacies you leave. At the end of this earthly life, is there anything you would really regret not doing? What would you be most thankful to have experienced or accomplished?
For your good time, what would be your next priority?
Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10); God delights in our joy! As beautifully diverse and unique individuals, there will not be one all-encompassing answer to what comprises a good time, an abundant life, a life of joy. But as we define our own good time in a variety of ways, may we increasingly allow God to help us define it, too. May we live each day so that our good time will glorify God, the Giver of good life itself.
As our own good time becomes more God-serving than self-serving, we will find that this truly abundant way of living is the best good time of all.
What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~ Eleanor Powell
God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. ~ Voltaire
Photo by Matheus Frade on Unsplash
SERENITY: THE “SOMETHING MORE”
Monday, January 31
Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side… And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:18, 23-27 NRSV)
When I revisited this Bible passage earlier this week, I found that I had lots of questions for the disciples.
And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him.
Did the disciples immediately follow Jesus, as this passage seems to convey? Did they not question why they were abandoning the crowds that had gathered? Did they not consider packing lunches or grabbing extra supplies for the journey? Did they really just follow him into the boat, no questions asked?
A windstorm arose on the sea…
Could the disciples have checked the sky and weather conditions for signs of an impending storm before leaving the shore?
And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!
Why did the disciples look to Jesus for help when they were the fishermen? Wouldn’t they be more capable of handling storms than their carpenter teacher?
Through Bible stories like these, we realize that the disciples recognized something more in Jesus, even before they knew he was sent from God. This is the same “something more” that inspired them to drop their nets and leave their homes to follow him in the first place. In their time with Jesus, they saw him heal, they heard him teach, and (as in this story) they sensed his peaceful and trusting confidence. They soon understood that Jesus was the one to trust, the one to go to in trials, the one who would find a way to help.
They looked to Jesus because he had something more… Jesus had the serenity found in completely trusting the goodness of God. So, they learned to follow him even when the circumstances didn’t make sense.
Have you ever had a strong feeling to do something even when it didn’t make sense? The circumstances may not be perfect, the timing may not seem right, the changes needed could be difficult, the potential for loss may be intimidating. And yet, this feeling remains.
What if this is Jesus telling us to follow him into the boat? What if this is Jesus telling us to trust in the goodness of God?
Following our deepest longings or our persistent callings does not guarantee smooth travels. Our joys and triumphs in life will always be intermingled with surprises, uncertainties, troubles, and sorrows. Yet, our serenity comes when we learn to trust that there is a greater love and deeper mystery that will one day outshine every hardship and grief. We find this serenity in knowing that we are never journeying alone; we have a healer, teacher, and guide who is the goodness of God with us, every step of the way. If we pay attention, we will sense that we are always being surrounded and embraced by something more.
And we can carry that abiding trust of serenity with us, onto the boat and even into the storm.
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm.
Photo by Karen, Outer Banks, NC (sun hidden behind cloud, yet light appears on the water)
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
HOW HOPE REMAINS
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION
January 24th
REFLECTION:
I took this photo a few years ago, but this week it captures the way hope feels to me these days. My hope is believing the cloud will eventually pass. My hope is sensing a brighter day beginning to glow. My hope is noticing patches of blue sky and glimmers of golden sunlight occasionally peeking through the clouds. But oh my, this current cloud can seem so dark. And recently this cloud has lingered too long, then invited another to take its place just when I think a new day is about to dawn.
I write this today because I know I am not alone; many of you are also experiencing delays, setbacks, and hurdles as you try to move forward. Many of you are also feeling weary, discouraged, and even despairing as you wonder if life will ever return to normalcy and familiarity. Like me, you may be scheduling then rescheduling… anticipating then re-anticipating… keeping watch throughout the day and then extending that watch into the night. How do we maintain our hope in these times?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary site lists two meanings for the word, HOPE, and I found a gift when I connected these meanings. We continue to hold on to our hope, our
“desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment,”
because we have our hope in
“someone or something on which hopes are centered.”
Hope is looking at the dark cloud in the sky, knowing that the sun is still there – warming, glowing, and bringing life. Yes, the sun may be hidden but we know this is only for a time. We know that the sun continues to shine, even in our darkest days, because we catch glimpses of its radiance here and there. We know the sun will keep sustaining us and bringing us new life, for we can feel a bit of its radiant warmth even through the cloud.
Hope is also looking at our trials, knowing that God is still there, too – warming us with love, glowing on us with joy, and bringing us new life through every moment. God may seem hidden, but we know this is only from our perspective. We know that God continues to shine, even in our darkest days, because we do catch glimpses of God here and there. We know that God will keep sustaining us and bringing us new life, for we can feel a bit of God’s radiant warmth even through our fog of uncertainty or our cloud of disappointment.
But today I was invited to take this one step further…
As I was writing these thoughts, I was reminded of the story of Exodus that chronicles the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. Life was very difficult; they were hungry, weary, and whiney, as they wondered when they would finally reach their destination and better life. We are told:
Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. (Exodus 16:9-10 NRSV)
God is also in the cloud itself! The love of God is shining on the clouds of our trials, but also shining through them, and even shining from them. Our hope is looking to the cloud and knowing that God is in that, too. Our hope will remain and endure all things, because God will remain and endure, too – in all things, through all things, and from all things.
BENEDICTION:
May we keep our hope in you, God,
when we struggle to be strong
for our troubles keep on coming,
and clouds are lingering too long.
Wherever we may look, dear God,
may we find the hope that you
shine on us through the darkest cloud
or from radiant skies of blue.
We continue on our journey
asking only that we sense
the comfort, love, and hope of you
and your abiding presence.
We come to you with gratitude
that your hope is not concealed,
for even through the wilderness
your bright glory is revealed.
Photo by Karen, Hurricane, WV
Bible verse taken from https://www.biblegateway.com/
A DEEPER DOWNSIZING
A REFLECTION AND A BENEDICTION FOR THE WEEK
(January 17th)
REFLECTION:
When we moved to West Virginia a few years ago, Jim and I decided to downsize by taking fewer belongings with us and finding a smaller home. We soon enjoyed the benefits of simpler living, such as having fewer household tasks for our aging bodies and more time to do other things. Going smaller in these few ways helped us to live more comfortably and simply, giving us time to enhance and enjoy other areas of our life.
This week, I have been reflecting on this idea, wondering what gifts we might find by “downsizing” other areas of our lives.
~ My inclination generally is to get past the mundane, or to get through the routine as I await a bigger and better opportunity. What if I learned to downsize this perspective by seeking the meaning in the mundane, by savoring the ritual in the routine? Each moment has the potential for significance or sacredness. When writing a grocery list, I have begun to find the spirituality in tending and nourishing our bodies as I plan healthy meals. Doing the laundry has become a tender act of care as I lovingly think of Jim while putting his shirts on hangers (although he often gets to them before I do). When we can downsize our focus to the everyday moments and minutia, we will have more opportunities to find significance and sacredness in all of life.
~ Another inclination is to overlook the smaller occasions while anticipating the bigger celebrations. What if I downsized my perspective to find the same joy of large family gatherings tucked into our smaller conversations, our daily connections? I can continue to regret that our family has not been together during the last several holidays, or I can thoroughly enjoy our group texts each morning (when we compare our daily Wordle scores, “chat”, and laugh by emojis). We may not be physically together, but oh my, we remain connected.
If we learn to look at life on a downsized scale, to seek more from each little moment, I wonder if life will actually feel larger. We will one day look back to see that our lives were filled with an infinite number of tiny gifts, each containing significance, sacredness, and joy. May we never come to the end of life and find that most of our days were spent waiting for something more.
Sometimes I wonder if we are looking “too largely” for God, too. God, the awesome mystery, has chosen to downsize so we may find God’s presence and love in our human capacity. God is revealed through Christ in Jesus, then through the Spirit within us – we have God’s presence dwelling in ourselves! God is as infinite as the universe but is as present as all of creation. We may not fully comprehend God, but we can find bits of God in everything around us and all that is deep within us.
When we begin to look at all of life with a smaller perspective, perhaps we will discover the infinite, majestic, holy, and meaningful life that God has lovingly created for us to experience with great joy.
BENEDICTION:
May our greatest expectation
be the smallest daily chore
or the simplest precious moment,
for they will bear much more
than what we might imagine
or what we’re searching for.
May we seek and always find you
through our ordinary days,
looking closely for your presence,
keeping nothing in the way.
For we are trusting in the certainty
that you have come to stay.
May we learn to change perspective
and to focus on the now,
asking only that you be revealed;
that you will show us how
to live in joyful adoration
’til every knee shall bow.
Thank you for this amazing life,
for each morning, bright and new,
and as we downsize just a bit
to bring you more in view,
help us to find among the gifts
the incredible gift of you.
Photo by Georg Eiermann on Unsplash
MAPPING 2022
The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. (Exodus 13:21-22 NRSV)
This year – because I like to think of life as a journey – I am having fun with the idea of mapping out my plans rather than making resolutions. The basic difference is only the wording, but mapping feels like the perfect tool for planning and dreaming. Mapping fosters a spirit of progression as I move toward destinations throughout the year, and feels more spacious, doable, and creative. Here are some of the ideas I have:
My first discernment was to choose a word that will serve as a Guidepost for the year. My word will be DEEPEN. I hope to deepen in awareness, wisdom, and love – with God, myself, and others. This guiding word will serve as my main path and will help with decisions and plans throughout the year.
From there, I chose a few Special Destinations. I have already noted a few dates on our calendar to give us something to prepare for and anticipate with joy: a trip with Jim this spring, a family vacation this summer, and a few weekend getaways throughout the year. These are a gift for my spirit when dreary winter days linger.
Along with these destinations, I named a few Must-Sees; some “life dream” highlights I hope to do. One dream on my list is to stand under the stars in a deep night sky, away from artificial light; Jim has already found a Dark Sky Park in West Virginia! Another dream is to hike the 17-mile trail at Oak Openings this next autumn season.
Any worthwhile journey includes growth and improvement, so I added Stretches to my journey. I hope to improve as a writer by reading and studying more of my craft, by submitting my works to potential publishers, and to not let self-doubt keep me from trying new forms and venues. My physical stretch will be to walk longer distances each day, and to hike with Jim on the weekends when possible.
Every long journey needs a few Rest Stops along the way. These help us to persevere, because we know we can pause a little further down the road. This month, I have a mini-retreat scheduled for a weekend when Jim will be away. I also plan to pause for tea and a good book after I return home from work when time allows.
I decided to keep any specific planning on a monthly basis, to allow for Detours. At the beginning of each month, I will assess where I am on my journey, then regroup or reroute as needed. I will revisit my guidepost to discern where I am lagging or keeping pace. My actual Itinerary will be created one week at a time, scheduling days and times for the needs and goals of that week.
One of my favorite ideas is to be more mindful of inviting Companions to come along. I am trying to prioritize time with family and friends, arranging dates on the calendar as early as possible (as long as safety precautions are in place). I also want the companionship of Christ, so I will prioritize time for meditation and reflection, too.
My journey is enriched when I allow for the natural rhythm of Seasons. This winter, I will savor the dark and quiet evenings with warm foods, hot beverages, glowing candles, good books, and special movies. I consider January as my month to decide what I need for this year’s journey – so I will go through Christmas decorations, clothes, books, and craft supplies, and toss or donate the ones I no longer need.
Finally, and most importantly, I want God to be my pillar of cloud by day, my pillar of fire by night for this journey. I want to go wherever God leads me, even if I am rerouted completely. Where does God want me to be at the end of the year? When I look back on the year, what will I be most glad and grateful to have done? Will it be important to follow my map, or to simply follow God? If I am led by the Spirit, my prayer is that they will be one and the same…
May you find many blessings as you journey through 2022!
Photo by GeoJango Maps on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
A NEW BEGINNING – A REFLECTION ON RESOLUTIONS
(Tuesday, January 4th)
I had such good intentions, God,
as we entered ’22.
I planned to set all sorts of goals
for things I’d try to do;
each resolution I would make
would help me to honor you.
But I became distracted –
and then it was day two.
I truly was excited, God,
for this opportunity
and I knew I would get started
(once my schedule was more free)
to implement the changes
that would make a better me.
But I must have lost my focus
for then it was day three.
I’m feeling quite embarrassed, God,
for now it is day four.
Not only have I made no change,
I feel worse and even more.
Is it selfishness or apathy?
Am I rotten to the core?
The resolutions I did make
were soon broken like before.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am so very grateful, God,
because when the day is done
it matters not what goals I set,
what battles I have won.
Your love is unconditional –
you showed that through your Son.
Each day I have a fresh new start…
any day can be Day One.
(KLW 1-4-2022)
Photo by Karen, Hurricane, WV on January 4th, 2022
EXPECT MORE OF THE SAME
December 31, 2021
(New Year’s Eve)
As I stand on this threshold between the old year and new, I look ahead with the hopeful optimism that comes from fresh starts and new beginnings. I look ahead with the peaceful gratitude that comes from the past year’s unexpected blessings and treasured moments. And yet, I look ahead with the resignation that comes from ongoing trials and continuing struggles. I look behind and wonder how many troubles and disappointments will cross this threshold with me, clinging to my weary soul as if to say, “Oh, you’re not finished with us yet!” I become hesitant to set goals or make resolutions, to reschedule vacations and plans, to believe this year will be better.
I imagine that many of you are asking the same question I have on my heart: Can I expect this year to be a better one, or should I expect more of the same?
Today I found a gift in the words, expect more of the same. In all of life, I can expect more of the same God…
I can expect more of the same God who has guided, comforted, calmed, helped, healed, forgiven, provided, encouraged, and loved me through every moment of every year.
I can expect more of the same God who helps me glean the blessings from the baggage, find the beauty in the burdens.
I can expect more of the same God who continues to invite, reveal, and beckon me to be a conduit of God’s peace, hope, joy, and love in this world.
I can expect more of the same God who provides courage for every calling, insight for every decision, wisdom for every question.
I can expect more of the same God who will never leave me alone, who will go with me on every new path, who will light my way through every darkness.
I can expect more of the same God who calls and equips me to do all I can to work for the good of all, yet who relieves and reassures me that I can entrust the rest to God.
And yes…
I can expect more of the same life, a life that is filled with joy, hope, peace, beauty, love, purpose, delight, and meaning; a life that is also filled with surprise, hindrance, disappointment, and heartache. But I can expect more of the same God who will remain, uphold, and sustain; who will be a steadfast source of all that I will need for this wild journey of life.
Thank you, God, that in every moment, through all of life, I can expect more of the same infinite goodness of YOU.
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 118:1 (NRSV)
Photo by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
GRIEF AND GRATITUDE – A CHRISTMAS DAY REFLECTION
Christmas Day, December 25th
I stood on my favorite hilltop during my walk yesterday as tears flowed. We had so hoped to finally have our family reunited for Christmas after six years, to see our sons after more than two years. As we anticipated the joy, we were almost afraid to hope it could happen, as we had weathered several cancelations and disappointments in recent years. Our concerns proved true when we learned earlier this week that our reunion was not to be. Our hearts are broken, disappointed, and especially concerned for the ones who cannot be with us. My afternoon walk was a melancholy one.
This hilltop has become a sacred space for me, as it is the place where I pause to thank God for each new bonus day of life. Yesterday it proved to be the same, as I was surprised to find that my deep grief was accompanied by my deep gratitude. My tears opened the floodgates of emotion, as I cried for the ones we are missing for this time and cried for the ones I will continue to miss in this earthly life. But then I cried with such overwhelming thankfulness for two dear friends who came to stay, for all the people I have loved, and then for Love itself. I cried with sadness for the moments we are missing but also with appreciation for the precious ones we have enjoyed. I cried out of heartache and then cried that I am alive to experience the heartache.
Suddenly I was reminded of the most precious gift we have from God through Jesus. In this roller-coaster ride of life, with all of its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, anticipations and disappointments, love and loss, Jesus has come to live among and within us. He comes to bring us so much more to life, he makes life a rich and glorious journey, and he goes with us to bless every step of the way.
Yes, there is grief. But oh my, there is gratitude.
Christmas brings the sacred to the sadness,
the holy to the heartache.
Christmas is the meaning in the mess
and the mystery in the mourning.
Christmas is the inner peace amid the pain,
the eternal hope against the hurt,
the surprising joy along the journey.
Christmas is the vulnerable infant
born in humble surroundings,
God with us,
bringing grace, goodness, and gratitude
for every grief we bear.
Thank you, Jesus.
(KLW, 12-25-2021)
(Photo by Karen, Hurricane, WV)
Simply Soul Searching 