Traveling Well

Traveling refreshes the ordinary and changes perspective. A “well-traveled” person knows how to get around and is resourceful with adapting to new surroundings. This traveler has a curiosity to see new views and a wisdom for integrating new experiences.

Traveling well is also navigating life’s unpredictable twists and turns with courage and tenacity. It is summoning our best when our horizons are expanded, and we do not feel prepared.

When the unexpected happens, it often extracts every ounce of our abilities – physical, mental, and spiritual. We come to the end of ourselves and lean into God in deeper ways. We seek wisdom, listen carefully, and learn to observe the grace, strength, and resilience of others and weave them into the fabric of our own lives. Our patience stretches, our character develops, and our faith grows.

Traveling well is abiding in Jesus, trusting in His faithfulness, and finding the rhythm of walking closely with Him along the unexpected path… the path that leads to peace.

published December 17, 2021

What readers are saying:

“We all are traveling through life, but are we doing it well? Starting with vacation research and packing tips, and ending with so much more. Whether it's your first vacation or your 100th, you'll find something substantial. A beautiful narrative about working with others, adapting to change, and traveling with hope.” — Josh

“I would like to say that TRAVELING WELL has inspired me. Let me count the ways I have been blessed. First, it makes me want to plan my next vacation with lots of tips. Then, there’s a good dose of stories that brought tears to my eyes and the enduring blessing of stories remembered in my own life. Last, I was challenged to renew my efforts to love God and sit in His peace that passes all understanding. Great book; I am reading it again! — Twyla

“Beautifully written. Such honesty and at the same time such hope and trust clearly presented. We learn that hardship can be of great benefit to us. You communicated that so well in your writing, the paradox of both the pain and the joy. That message doesn’t get shared enough in this world where people just want everything to go their way.” — Linda

“How do you gain such an unending and deep faith? This is something I never had but something I wish for.” — Bob

“Your words were an encouragement to me on how to love others well.” — Tracy

“Your gift as a writer came through so clearly yet again! So much of what you shared became a comfort to me. Reading the details of the transitions and challenges you’ve endured, and the strength you’ve continued to find in the Lord, encouraged me too.” — Maureen

“TRAVELING WELL is a beautiful story of love… of life, family, friends and all of God’s handiwork. Of being real in all of life’s seasons… in hard times, in sadness, and of joy and hope. Marilyn paints pictures of travel, adventures, nature and human love. She brings the reader right there! Very enjoyable!! — Sandy

“‘Wow’ is my initial reaction as I finished reading TRAVELING WELL. Right away in the first chapter you begin to see the author’s heart. She loves God, His creation and people. Throughout the book I saw her dependence on God and when things didn’t turn out as she had hoped, she continued to turn to God for her strength and peace. Truths in the book challenged me, caused me to look at my own heart and see where I need to surrender in order to stay on the path to peace. I recommend the book; be prepared for it to change you.” — Carol

“TRAVELING WELL is beautifully written and insightful on many levels. Marilyn’s life stories captivate and inspire the reader to navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns with faith-based confidence and courage.” — Jan

“I love, love, love traveling well so much for the many truths and personal reflections. I was moved to tears as I finished this book.”

— Deb