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The Pain of Migraines I can still remember one of those really tough days. The room was dark and I was all alone. I could hear my children playing outside the room with their dad. The pain I felt was so severe that tears run down the side of my face as I laid in bed. During those long and painful days, I would scream out in my mind, asking God to make the pain go away. Why did it have to hurt so badly? Why wasn't it going away? Did He hear me? Those were some of my thoughts after having a migraine for over 20 days. If you have suffered from migraines, then you understand how one day with a migraine is hard, but over 20 consecutive days can feel almost unbearable.  Since then I’ve come to realize that I had migraines every now and then as a kid. I actually just thought they were regular headaches. I watched my mom suffer from debilitating migraines, so of course I would know when I had them. I was very wrong. After my youngest son was around a year old, I started getting migraines more regularly. Although I didn’t know that is what they were at the time. One month, I kept waking up every day with a migraine that just wouldn’t go away. I’m not someone who likes to take medicine, but even medicine wasn’t helping.  When you are in pain for what seems like a really long time, you can wonder, "Where is God? Is He hearing my prayers?" At that moment it didn’t feel that way for me. I actually felt alone. I couldn't see an end to the pain I was experiencing. Maybe you have felt this way too. Later, I found out that I was suffering from migraines. I would have 20+ migraine days a month. Some were consecutive months and sometimes is would happen sporadically. This was all going on while having two toddlers running around. I was struggling to carry on with my day-to-day tasks. It was hard to be the mom and wife I wanted to be when I was constantly in pain.  My Strength  I can only credit God for how I made it through each day. I look back and can't fathom how I functioned the way that I did. The pain seemed to go on and on, but God was with me and gave me the strength I needed to get through each day. I thought He had left me, but He was right there holding my hand all along. After what seemed like a really long process, with many doctor's appointments, we were able to find a migraine medication that helped at the onset of my migraines. With my reluctance to take medication, I had to swallow my pride and realize this was something that I needed in order to be present for my family the way I wanted to be. Looking back on the last seven or so years, I can really see God’s presence and healing. I can thankfully say that I now only have 1-2 migraines a month. Some months I don’t have any. Praise the Lord! When I went to my doctor and shared how few migraines I’ve been experiencing, he asked me what I was doing differently. If I am being honest, I did make a few lifestyle changes. I started paying attention to my triggers and I try to avoid them when possible, but that doctor was so impressed with the changes I’d seen. Some could say that it's the result of a combination of many things, but I know that God led me to this place of health. He is the reason I am in this place.  Some things that helped me through this part of my life: The ice pack can really help alleviate migraine pain. This dog truly shows how I feel during a migraine. Prayer- crying out to God was my lifeline Paying attention to my triggers Quoting Bible verses over and over Connecting with friends that suffer from migraines as well Medication when needed Migraine ice packs You aren't alone If you are struggling with pain, mental or physical, know that you are not alone. Your story is likely different from mine, but I know one thing to be true: God is with you. He sees you and is giving you strength each and every day to make it through. Hang in there, friend. God has got you! Here are a few verses that help me in these moments of suffering. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Hello hello! I hope you are enjoying your tea... or coffee. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something, and you really didn’t want to do it? Well, I have—many times, if I’m being honest. It makes me think of when I ask my kids to clean their rooms. They really don’t want to do it and may drag their feet, but eventually, it gets done. Now, don’t get me wrong—this might include a lot of complaining and even some tears. Sometimes, I think we can be a little like children when God asks us to do something. Maybe we’re not outwardly complaining, but inside, we’re grumbling about what He has asked us to do. We might drag our feet or do it half-heartedly. When God called me to be a stay-at-home mom after my youngest was just a few months old, I have to admit—I didn’t want to do it. It was clear this was what God wanted for our family, but it wasn’t what I wanted or had planned. I wanted to work. I had been teaching for seven years and loved it. I worked hard for my degrees and didn’t want to give that up. People always asked if I was going to quit, and I would respond with a quick, “No!” I loved the routine I had, the kids I got to teach, and spending time with them every day. I felt like I was making a difference, just like a former teacher did for me. Once the decision was made, we agreed it would just be for a year and that we would reevaluate each year. Six months later, my husband got a job offer with a company he really wanted to work for, so we moved to a different state. After that, going back to work seemed even less attainable and less necessary. I have been a stay-at-home mom for seven years now. As my kids got older, it took me a while to see the purpose in this season. Now that both of my children are in school full-time, I’ve spent the last couple of years struggling with whether or not to go back to work. After praying over this decision, I felt God calling me to be still in this season. I didn’t really know why. It seemed completely opposite of my previous years, when my days were filled with play and adventure with my kids. I didn’t know how to be still. So, I started to dive into the Word and deepen my relationship with God. Last year, I asked God why I was still in this season of being still and why I wasn’t going back to work. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me that I would not have the same relationship with God that I do now if I were working full-time. This was my time to dive into my relationship with God. Tea and the Word By listening to God and being obedient, I was able to grow in my faith. God knows that I am an all-in person. If I were working, I would be putting so much into teaching and parenting that I wouldn’t leave room for my relationship with Him to grow. It’s sad to say, but it’s the truth. God has been hard at work in me these last few years. And I say “hard at work” because I can be a little stubborn and, well, extremely imperfect. He’s had a lot of work to do—and probably a lot more to go. I am a work in progress. I am so grateful for the opportunity God gave me to really take the time and dive deeper into my relationship with Him. The space He created for me has allowed me to heal from things that have been holding me back. It has been about fine-tuning me and bringing me closer to Him. It has truly been a wonderful blessing. At the start of this journey, I was so focused on myself that I couldn’t see the gift I was being given. I could only see what I wanted, not what I needed. I’m so thankful God gave me this time even when I didn't deserve and when I didn't appreciate it. If you find yourself in a season you didn’t expect or didn’t want, trust that God is working and moving in your life. What you actually need may be found right where you are.

I was walking outside with my dogs the other day when we came across a bird that had injured its wing. The poor little bird was just sitting there with its beady eyes, helpless. It was in need of care. Seeing that bird in this state reminded me of Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” At that moment, the bird needed help and the Lord sent someone to care for it. Thankfully, this wasn’t the first time that I’ve come across an injured bird in my yard. I have two outdoor cats, and although they are great for snake and mouse control, they are also fans of catching innocent little birds. Since this has happened before, I knew just what to do to get this animal the care it needed. We have an owl sanctuary nearby, and they help rehabilitate all different types of animals. I gently gathered the bird and took it to the sanctuary. The bird is now recovering under their precious care.  God cares so much for the birds. He feeds them, takes care of them, and sometimes He sends people to carry out these provisions. God does the same for other animals and for us. He cares so much for us that He provides everything we need. Sometimes the things that we need can come to us through someone else. God will often use others to be the hands that fulfills our needs. Remember that time that you needed the right words of encouragement and someone knew exactly what you needed to hear? Or when you felt so anxious you could barely breathe, and then peace washed over you as someone came and prayed over you. How about that time when you were grieving a loss or celebrating a new life, and someone brought you a homecooked meal. What about that time your car broke down and a stranger helped jump-start it Do you recall when someone gave you the exact amount of money you needed to cover the bill you had no idea how you were going to be able to pay? All of these moments are God at work in our lives. God is using the people around us to help care for our needs. It is so amazing to me that He orchestrates people to provide for our needs. Sometimes it can be so much easier to serve someone else, but really hard to accept that same gift ourselves. It can be easy to brush off the help of a person we don’t know, and sometimes even easier to brush off the help of someone that we do know. When we do this, we are refusing the care of our Lord, because we think the help should show up in a different way. We may actually be denying the very blessing that we've been praying for. These moments aren’t just coincidences. They are moments of divine intervention. The Holy Spirit spoke to that person and asked them to step out in obedience to give you what you needed. The Lord is answering your prayer. In the Bible, we see many instances of God's care, but in the story of Jonah and the whale we see it in an unconventional way. Jonah went in the opposite direction God told him. He ended up being tossed into the sea. Jonah 1:17 tells us that God provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah. The whale didn’t just happen to be where Jonah was so that he could swallow him and then take him to land. Nope, God sent that whale to rescue Jonah. He knew Jonah would be disobedient and go the opposite direction from what God told him. But in God's mercy, He orchestrated the rescue of Jonah. This gave Jonah another opportunity to be obedient and carry out God’s plan for his life  God sees us in our time of need even when we don't realize it. He cares so much about us. He already knows what we will face tomorrow, and in the years to come, and He is working to make sure that the right help comes along when we need it. Sometimes we have to be willing to open our eyes and hearts to see that God There are many times that I can see God's provision in my life. I see it weaved in all of it. When I look back, there really is no denying God caring for me. What about you? Think about your life. How has God provided and shown up for you and those you love?

I was sick last week, which if you know me is not something that happens very often. Of course, my brother that doesn’t live near me would like to argue that I am sick all the time. What kind of brother would he be if he didn’t argue my every point? Not mine that’s for sure. He just visited while I was sick and he never fails to tell me like it is.  Anyway, there’s something about being sick that seems to completely dull your senses. It’s like you live in a world of gray. Nothing tastes or smells or even feels particularly great. Or at least that’s been my recent experience. Everything was just kind of blah. But the most amazing thing happens when you turn a corner in being sick and start to get better: your senses come back.  For me, it wasn’t a slow transition. It seemed to happen all at once. One day, I walked outside to sit while my dogs played, and it was like bam! Everything was all of a sudden brighter, louder, more alive! The grass was greener, the flowers petals were brighter, and its branches were swaying with more sway, if that is even a thing. The butterflies were bright yellow and were fluttering around all over the yard from one flowering bush to the next with what seemed to be some caffeinated energy. Even the squirrel crossing the street seemed to move with a little more pep in his step.  It was an overwhelming experience for my senses, in the best possible way; almost as if my body just realized it had been missing out on all this amazingness. Now I know these things are the same, or mostly the same, as they were a few days ago; unless we're coming out of winter and going into spring. But the experience with them is different. I am able to appreciate it a little more because I’ve been without it for a few days. Sometimes I wonder if this is another way for God to show us His love; by letting us experience these beautiful moments of recognition.  It makes me wonder what else we aren’t fully enjoying because we have been living in a way that has our senses dulled. I think sometimes we can get so consumed with life that we forget to stop and experience it. Whatever is holding us back, from experiencing life the way God intended, we need to pay attention to what it is and why it is causing us to live in a world that isn’t as bright and beautiful as the one God intended. Yes, I know we live in a broken world with sin and some really bad stuff, but it is still beautiful, and God still shows us the beauty He has created every single day. Instead of living in the dull gray area of what has become our lives at times, we can choose to see the bright and beautiful world that God made. He has made so many creative and lovely things. It is our job to stop and enjoy them. Sitting outside and just looking at what God has made isn't us being less productive, it is a way for us to worship God and to see His glory. So go ahead and step outside today and look around. What do you see, hear, and feel? Do you notice anything different? Ask God to show you the world the way He wants you to see it today. I would love to hear what God reveals to you.

Well. ....it sure has been a little bit since I've posted on the blog. I had plans to write one blog entry per week all summer, but as you can see, things didn't go according to plan. I thought my kids would have more down time this summer and that would give me more time to write. However, writing is like being on the telephone, it is a magnet for children and maybe husbands too. As I am writing, my husband has come downstairs from his office, to ask me a question. He also decided to listen to his work call on speaker. Haha. It's like they sense that you are sitting down and have a moment (at least that is what they think) and they flock to you like you are holding out candy. This summer, I had the opportunity to travel with my husband and kids. I planned to write some entries ahead of time to share with you, but it seemed my kids needed my time. And honestly, they take precedence over the blog. As much as I love writing, being a mom is my first role. Now that school has started, the writing has started again. I am so glad to be back and share what I've learned and experienced this summer. For starters, the trip we took was one we have been planning for awhile. My husband and I broke up the planning duties, which made it a lot easier. He took care of accommodations and travel and I took care of the activities and food. It ended up working out well, for the most part. This was a trip to Ireland, a place where we have wanted to go since we've been married. Before we went to Ireland, we planned to go to London and Scotland for a couple of days, but with many family adventures, not everything went as planned. Chai Tea in London The trip started out great, until about halfway into our train ride to Edinburgh, Scotland, I realized we left our passports at the hotel in London! Yes, you read that correctly, we left our passports in a different country. The hotel was different than any other we've stayed at before. The safe was hidden in the drawer out of plain sight, so when we went to check the closet for items, we didn't think about the passports in the safe. We normally check our rooms before we leave them, so this was extremely out of character for us. What do you do when you leave your passports in one country, but need them when flying to another in a couple of days? At first, we thought the hotel could overnight them to us. Unfortunately that wasn't possible. So, I got back on the train the next day, took the four-hour train ride back to London, picked up our passports, and returned to Edinburgh. This was not a planned part of our trip. It was inconvenient, expensive, and required us to change our itinerary. We were able to get our passports and ended up getting to Ireland on time so we were very grateful for that! Beauty in Ireland When things don't go to plan, we like to ask the question, "okay, what now?" Of course we could easily panic, and maybe we did for a minute, or five. Asking this question allows us to take one step in the next direction. After the fact, we can ask what can we learn from this experience. Obviously in this case, always check that you have your passports in your bag before leaving for another country. By forgetting our passports, our plans  actually changed in a good way. Instead of rushing around, taking long day trips to see all the things we planned to see, we were able to slow down and take our time to enjoy our surroundings. I think it really set the tone for the rest of the trip. Instead of rushing, we really just took our time and saw what we could. We were able to enjoy the beauty the landscape of such a gorgeous place. I feel it was such an important reminder that God gave us that we can plan and plan and plan, but sometimes things don't always end up the way we thought they would and that is okay. There's good to be found in the chaos of the unexpected. What about you? When did something not go according to plan? Did you learn anything from the experience? I look forward to sharing more with you next time!

Do you have a favorite tool you use? If you were to ask my youngest, I’m pretty sure he would say tape. He uses tape for all his creations. I will buy tape for myself, and when I go to use it, it's gone. I think we can all figure out where that tape went. I really should start hiding it better. Haha.  Tools are very important to the tasks that we are trying to complete. However, having the right tool doesn’t do us any good if we don’t know how to use it.  A chef knows which flavors complement each other and when to add them. Bakers know which ingredients to use to make their goods nice and fluffy. A cake decorator knows what tips will create the design they are trying to achieve. A mechanic knows when to install a new alternator or battery. A carpenter knows whether to use a nail or a screw. An artist knows which brushes and colors will create the full picture. These people know their tools because they've been trained in their craft. I love having a rolling pin for pie crust and pizza dough. In Isaiah 28:24-29, we are told about the methods a farmer uses to care for his crops. The thing is, he didn’t just know how to take care of them, God instructed him and taught him over time the right way to care for his farm. God, the creator of ALL things, teaches how to use tools to help us in our lives. He knows his craft like the back of his hand. We are His creation! Sometimes in our faith, we might question the methods that God is using in our life and that is often because we don’t understand what He is doing. We can be left feeling that He is doing nothing or worse, doing it wrong. We think we need something different, something better. We think we know the best way. The problem is, we don’t know what the future holds. We don’t have all the information, but God does.  Sometimes my kids don’t understand that there is a certain order in doing certain chores. They question why some things have to be done before others. Kids don’t initially understand that they have to sweep the floor before it's mopped. If you’ve ever mopped a dirty floor, you know it doesn’t clean the floor but rather makes wet, clumped streaks of dirt throughout the house. The method is all wrong for this type of cleaning. Like our kids, we might think that our way is faster or easier. However, faster and easier doesn't always give us the best results. God knows what tools we need to get us to where we are going. We don’t need to question the methods God uses to shape us or advance His kingdom.. We just need to know that He knows what the right tool is, when to use it, and how to use it. Wolf said, “ God has perfect timing and wisdom. He knows how to work in our lives.” God needs us to trust, listen, and be obedient. Take a moment and think about what is going on in your life. What tools could God be giving you, right now, in this season? There are always tools we can take with us from one season to help us with another. Thankfully, God knows the exact ones we will need and provides them. Let's trust in His wisdom today. “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.” Isaiah 28:29

I hope you have your tea or coffee today! I love to have my tea first thing in the morning, during the summer, before my kids get up for the day. How about you? Do you drink your tea or coffee before your kids get up or after? Either way it is still delicious and probably needed. haha. I love a good chai tea! Being a parent comes with many challenges. I don’t think that can ever be stated too much. There are so many decisions to make and it can feel overwhelming. As parents, we want to make the right choice for our kids. We want to help them become successful and the best version of themselves. We want them to become the person God created them to be. But, what if the path they take to become that person isn’t the path you wanted, or even thought about. What if that path is a little scary to you? Our oldest is going into middle school soon and we’ve started to consider the options of where to send him to school. Do we send him to the school he's zoned for, a magnet school, a private school, or do we homeschool him? I have considered all of these options at some point during this process. I keep praying over this decision because, to be honest, I’ve heard horror stories of middle school and it terrifies me. Of course what makes the decision so challenging is that I don’t want him to hurt or struggle.  I've been praying over this decision for some time now. One day, as I was praying, I felt the Holy Spirit ask, “Would you send him to school knowing that he might struggle and face challenging moments, but in doing so he will be sent on the path that I have for him?” I honestly haven’t thought about it this way. I reflect on my own life and how different seasons got me to where I am today. We’ve all had struggles in life and faced challenges that we didn’t want to face. It is those moments that made us part of who we are today. I started thinking about some different scenarios that could affect him in a positive way. Maybe he goes to school, and a teacher influences him in a way that helps him choose his future career path. What if he is able to take courses that will interest him and lead him to the path God has for him. There could be another student that doesn’t know Jesus that he shares this gospel with and puts him on a path of sharing the gospel with more. Maybe he struggles in a specific subject area, and it helps him to see that it is okay to not be perfect. This struggle could help him learn to persevere when faced with adversity and just be the skills he needs for the life God has for him. The struggle could also help him find a different area that he is interested in that he hadn’t considered before. The possibilities really are endless.  I don't want him to struggle. I don't think any of us want our kids to struggle. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable to know this is not just a possibility, but a reality. I know this is the enemy because it comes from fear. I want my sons to become the men of God that I know God has created them to be. That journey will most definitely look different from the way I think it should, but God knows what is best for my sons. They are His children. He has just trusted me with them here on earth. If He has trusted me with them then shouldn’t I trust that he knows what is right for them even when it makes me uncomfortable? The Bible tell me I can trust him. Psalms 3:5-6 tell us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. " Sometimes I forget that He loves them even more than I do and He has greater plans for them than I could ever imagine. Jeremiah 29:11 says, " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " God has a plan for all of us and those plans look different from person to person. If he had the same plan for each of us, the gospel wouldn’t reach the ends of the earth. There has to be light in every avenue of this world. He needs us to be the hands and feet of Jesus everywhere, not just where we’re comfortable.  Have you ever faced similar decisions as a parent? How did you trust God through the process? If you haven't followed through with the decision yet, are you willing to send your kids to a place knowing that they could face some challenges, but ultimately come out being the person God created them to be? Let’s trust Him together to lead our children.

As moms, it feels like interruptions are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether we’re making dinner, folding laundry, or even sneaking a moment to ourselves, interruptions seem inevitable. I’ll admit, interruptions used to drive me crazy—and, if I’m honest, they still do sometimes. Whether it’s my kids needing something or my husband wanting to chat, I’d feel my patience slipping away. Part of my frustration stems from my ADHD. When my focus is broken, it’s like a bookmark falling out of a book; I have to flip through the pages to figure out where I left off. Dinner time was always the hardest. Just as I was juggling bubbling sauce, dirty dishes, and brother wrestling matches, my husband would decide it was the perfect moment for a deep conversation. I’d feel torn between the stove and the seriousness of his words. Honestly, my reactions during these times haven’t always been the best. When I have too many spinning plates, I get overwhelmed. It’s hard for me to cook dinner and have a meaningful conversation at the same time. Instead of lovingly asking if we could table the conversation, I’d see the interruptions as obstacles keeping me from completing the task at hand. A Wake Up Call One day, I came across a quote by Henry J.M. Nouwen, shared by the amazing author Hannah Brencher: "I have always been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted; then I realized that the interruptions are my work." That quote stopped me in my tracks. It was a wake-up call, a gentle nudge to see interruptions in a completely new light. Seeing Interruptions as God's Work The interruptions of my husband talking to me are my work as a wife. The boys interrupting my phone call or my writing are my work as a mom. My friend calling in the morning asking for a ride is my work as a friend. Interruptions can show up in many ways throughout our day. If we are honest, some may be welcome interruptions and others not so much. Maybe its the person in the store asks for our opinion or asks for help reaching an item on the top shelf. (Okay, let's be real- I'm usually the one asking for help with the top shelf items!) Or perhaps a friend of ours or our child's friend stops by unexpectedly just as we're in the middle of tackling a task. Someone may call for our help on the way to work or ask for money to help during a difficult time. These moments, though unplanned, are opportunities that will help others see Christ through our responses—if we handle them with care. A Reminder to Be Interruptible The quote from Nouwen, reminded me of a message I once heard from Pastor Steven Gibbs of Stonecreek Church in Georgia. He encouraged us to be interruptible. In those moments, God is working. We can’t always see what He’s doing, but there is always a reason. We are often so focused on our tasks that we miss the opportunity God gives us to be a light in someone else’s life. I had forgotten about that message until I saw Nouwen's quote. Apparently, this is a trend with me; I tend to forget the lessons God teaches me. I’m so thankful that He is merciful and willing to teach me over and over again. Embracing Interruptions Today, take a moment to pause and reflect: Have you ever seen interruptions in your life as opportunities for God’s work? I’d love to hear your stories!

A Friend for Everything Do you have one of those friends that is your go-to for everything? I do, and she's one of my best friends. Parenting advice? I go to her. Spiritual advice? She's my first call. Health advice? You guessed it; her again. You get the point. She probably gets tired of all my questions, but I keep going back to her because she's Spirit-led. She is also going to be honest with me whether I like what she has to say or not. A Funny Start to a Meaningful Conversation A few days ago, I had a conversation with this friend. This particular day, the conversation was actually started not by a question, but by a butt dial. Yes, those still happen. What’s even funnier is that I butt-dialed her the day before. Instead of hanging up the phone this time, we took the opportunity to talk. What followed was a meaningful conversation that left me reflecting for days. Part of our conversation covered some current struggles in my life. I told her I wasn’t worried about it because I know that God will lead me through it. She reminded me that just because God has it, doesn’t mean we sit back and don't take part. She gently reminded me that there is a role that we all play in our lives. God wants us to be a part of what He is doing. In these moments, He is shaping us and fine tuning us. God's Role and Our Actions I wonder how many opportunities we’ve missed because we were waiting for God to move, but He was actually waiting on us to move with Him. Maybe we didn’t get that new job because we didn’t fill out the application, or maybe we haven’t made new friends because we haven’t actually put ourselves out there to make new friends. It’s hard to make new friends when you stay at home. Maybe we are still experiencing pain and health problems because we haven’t actually had the bloodwork done or seen the doctor that was recommended. I can't even count the number of times I've missed out on an opportunity because I was waiting on God to do the work. Honestly, I don't know the exact number, but I'm sure it's a lot. One example that comes to mind is from my time serving in a women's ministry at my church. We recently were discussing women that would be great for a particular role, but, we weren't sure if they would be interested. Then it hit me; what if they are waiting on someone to ask them. That realization struck a chord because it's been true for me so many times in ministry. Instead of stepping up and asking to serve more, many times I would just wait for someone to approach me. Looking back, I wonder how many opportunities I missed simply because I didn't take the initiative. Here's the thing; we shouldn't dwell on missed opportunities or beat ourselves up over them. God surely isn't doing that. He 's not keeping a tally of our missed chances; instead He's cheering us on every time we take a step forward. Rather than focusing on the past, we can choose to look ahead. We can pray and ask God to help us to be more aware of these moments the next time they come around and be ready to act when they do. God is in control. He's so powerful that He could drop a friend on our doorstep. I mean, He did make manna fall from the sky to feed the Israelites. God can do anything, but that doesn't mean He'll do all the work for us. A lot of what happens in our lives is us actually taking the opportunities the Lord has given us and utilizing them. He opens the doors; but we must take the first step and walk through them. Self-Reflection and Growth Even if we feel we are working with God and taking action, it's important to pause and reflect. Are we truly walking through the doors He's opened for us? Sometimes, we think, “Oh, I am doing that. I’m good.” But as I was reflecting on this conversation and began writing this entry, the Holy Spirit said, “Yes, you're taking that initiative in this area, but not in that one.” Wow! I get it, Lord. Haha. As believers, we're constantly growing. God is always working in us and through us; if we let Him. The key is to stay open to His guidance and be willing to take action. There will be times when God calls us to wait. He doesn't always ask us to take action right away, so it is important to spend time in prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom that way we understand what He wants for us in that moment. What About You? What doors has God opened for you recently? Are you ready to walk through them? Take a moment today and reflect. Write them down, pray about them, and take one small step forward. Let's trust God and move forward together.

Recently I’ve been studying the book of Isaiah. I find the more I read the Bible the more I want to read and know. I want to understand the time period and what was happening so I have been digging into different commentaries. I just love to learn new things, and it seems the more I read the Bible, the more I discover. The most recent chapter I read was Isaiah 17. While reading the commentary on this chapter, verse 10 stood out to me. Isaiah 17:10 says, “ You have forgotten God, your Savior.” Now this chapter is in regards to a prophecy for Damascus. A question that entered my mind was; How did they forget God? If I ask how they forgot God then I have to be honest and ask the same question of myself? How do I forget God? The commentator shared that our enemy doesn’t need lavish plans to have us sin and turn our backs on God. He just needs to make us forget God.  How does the enemy get us to forget God? One way the enemy distracts our focus from God to the things going on around us. It can be our health, finances, children, schedules, success, prized possessions.  The enemy studies us, learns what we care about, what we desire, what tempts us, and then uses those things to take our focus off what is truly important: God.  If you know me, you know I get easily distracted. Completing one task before starting another is a challenge for me, which is probably why I can’t keep up with my phone. I would definitely lose my keys all the time if I didn’t have a system in place. That is why I always keep them in my purse. If I don't, then I will forget about them and likely lock myself out of my house and car. Being intentional with where I put my keys, helps me to know where they are at all times. How can we remember God? Just like my system with my car keys, we need a purposeful way to remember God. The Bible tells us how to do this. Psalm 16:8 says, " I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Keeping our eyes on God helps us to remember Him. Here are some ways I keep my eyes on God: Pay attention  to how I am spending my time and what I am thinking about. Are these things uplifting and godly? Read His word each day to spend time with Him, learning more about Him and the truth. This can be a verse, a chapter or more. Just be in the word. Worship . One of the pastors at my church said it is really hard for the enemy to attack you when you are worshipping. It is hard to distract you when your focus is on the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Practice reflection and gratitude. Think about all the ways God has moved in my life. When our hearts are grateful each day for where God has placed us, we are focused on Him in our lives.  Pray. I used to think that when I got distracted in worship or prayer by things surrounding me that I wasn’t focused on God. During those times, I started praying for the things that came to my mind. One of our pastors recently mentioned that these thoughts are what we need to be bringing to God because that is what's on our hearts. So if you are distracted in a moment or at a time, take it to God in prayer. It is on your heart, so why not let it go and give it to God.  Where do you find the enemy pulls your attention away from God?  One of the things that distracts me the most is probably one of the most insignificant things. It is the mundane of the day to day. I can get so caught up in my to-do list that I forget that time with God. To help with this, I set up a routine. I wake up and pray before I start my day. I read my Bible each morning, even if it is just a verse. I go for prayer/worship walks regularly. I take those quiet moments to see God’s creation and appreciate it.   Being intentional  with my time helps me focus on God. Scheduling it sounds boring, but it works for me and it also helps me to see Him more throughout the day. What are some ways that help you to remember God? I'd love to hear them!

A few weeks ago, I met a friend for breakfast. She had just had a baby, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to bless her and help her get out of the house. When I arrived, she was unloading everything from the car. We walked into the restaurant and quickly settled at our table. Her baby slept peacefully in the stroller beside us while others chatted and enjoyed their breakfast. As soon as we got our menus, my friend surprised me by saying she wanted to pay for our meal. At first, I hesitated and insisted on paying. After all, I was there for her—I wanted to help her through the challenging newborn stage. But she explained that she wanted to pay as a way of saying thank you for the food I had brought her while she was recovering from delivery. Reluctantly, I agreed, though I still felt unsure about letting her pay. She then shared something someone had told her: when we don’t allow others to bless us, we might be robbing them of the opportunity to be obedient to a calling God has placed on their hearts. That struck me, because I had told my husband the same thing just a few months earlier. I shared this story with my friend, and it led us into a deeper conversation. A few months earlier, a storm had caused a tree to fall on our roof. Thankfully, the damage was only external, but we didn’t have the resources to remove the tree ourselves. The next morning, my husband called a tree removal company we’d used before. They came out quickly and quoted us a hefty—but fair—price to get the tree off our roof. As soon as the man left, our neighbor came over and offered to help us remove the tree. My husband struggled with whether or not to accept our neighbor’s help. We had only recently gotten to know them, having been to their home for dinner a few weeks earlier. He didn’t want to inconvenience them, especially since they had their own storm damage to deal with. He was willing to pay the high cost just to avoid putting our neighbors out. I reminded him that we could be robbing our neighbors of the blessing of helping others in need. Somehow, in just a few short months, I had forgotten that conversation—clearly, God wanted to remind me and used my friend to do it. Reflecting on these experiences, my friend and I began discussing the possible negative effects of not letting someone bless us. When we say no to someone’s kindness, we take away their opportunity to be obedient and to be a blessing . It is important to consider how the giver might feel when their generosity is refused , and how that disappointment could discourage them from blessing others in the future. On the other hand, allowing someone to bless us can create a domino effect, inspiring them to help others and spreading kindness even further. When people feel seen and cared for, they’re often moved to do the same for others. When we allow people to bless us, we are allowing God to move in our lives. When we receive blessings from others, it is a way for us to see that God cares. He cares so much that he sent one of his own to help us. As our conversation shifted, my friend encouraged me to pursue one of my passions—something I’ve been afraid to chase. She reminded me that God had placed this desire on my heart and urged me to go after it. By the end of breakfast, I realized that I had received two blessings from this amazing friend. The person I came to bless was actually blessing me with the exact encouragement I needed. This made me reflect: How differently might the rest of the meal have gone if I had let my own pride keep me from receiving her blessing? Would my friend have been as encouraging? Would our conversation have felt stilted? Would she have wanted to continue spending time together? Have there been times in your life when you didn’t accept a blessing from someone, or when someone didn’t accept a blessing from you? How did it make you feel? As we go about our days—whether we’re planning to bless someone or someone is trying to bless us—let’s remember that God is always at work for our good. He may be working in us, in someone else, or in both. The only way to truly receive is to keep our hearts open to receive the gifts He has for us.

Our kids are capable of so much more than we sometimes realize. My children constantly surprise me with what they can do and what they know. I'm sure your kids have astonished you a time or two. I am part of a moms’ ministry at my church, which is very dear to my heart. This community of women is a powerful place to watch God move. Recently, someone in our group asked how we can help our kids be more confident in who they are and who God created them to be. This question resonates with me because my oldest son lives with OCD. Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to build his confidence so he can trust himself and his body because God created them to do amazing things.. We are not experts in this area, but we are always learning new ways to help our children grow in confidence. Here are a few things we’ve learned: 1. Tell Them One way to instill confidence is to tell your children the qualities you see in them—or the qualities you hope to see. I’m not always the best at expressing things verbally, but I love writing notes for their lunchboxes. Sometimes I include Bible verses that remind them who God says they are. Other times, I write “You are” statements, like: “You are so brave! You showed courage when you played onstage for everyone.” “You are generous.” (Sharing can be a struggle in our house, so that note appears often!) I also try to notice and affirm their unique personalities. For example, my youngest loves to build things out of what I call “trash,” but he sees it as something new and amazing. For him, I might write: “You are resourceful.” “You are a builder.” If you aren't sure where to start, you can search Bible verses of who God say I am. There will be plenty. It's a wonderful to search for yourself as well. 2. Give Them Opportunities to Be Who God Says They Are Another way we build confidence is by letting our kids do things they are physically and emotionally capable of—even if they struggle at first. If they can do it, we try to let them. As moms, we love taking care of our families, and sometimes it’s hard to let go. But it’s important to let our kids complete tasks for themselves, even if it isn’t perfect. In fact, especially if it isn’t perfect! They need to know they can do it. In our family, this looks like: Making their own water bottles for school Carrying their own bags (backpacks and sports bags) Cleaning their rooms and doing chores around the house Tying their own shoes Picking out their own clothes (even when they don't match) Making their own snacks and lunches ( We have a chart with food options to help my oldest avoid feeling overwhelmed.) Order their own food at restaurants My oldest is a natural conversationalist. Sometimes I want to ask him to stop talking to strangers, but I remind myself and him that this is a gift from God—one that can help bring others to know Jesus. So, I let him carry on conversations, even when it makes this introverted mom uncomfortable. Let your kids be creative. Encourage them to try messy activities or things that make them (or you) a little nervous. My youngest loves to climb trees, which makes me anxious, but it’s part of how God created him—adventurous, curious, and brave. By letting him explore in a safe environment, he gets to be who God made him to be. He’s also a budding entrepreneur and wants to start his own little business. We’re helping him with his new venture. Could he fail? Yes. But he could also learn so much more about who God created him to be in the process. Letting our kids take risks can help them more than it might hurt them. Through therapy, we learned to ask ourselves if an action will benefit them in the long run. If the benefits are greater than the risks, we let them go ahead knowing this will help them build confidence in who God created them to be. 3. Tell Them You Trust Them We can help our kids build confidence by showing them we trust them with age-appropriate tasks. When they complete a task, I make sure to say, “I’m so glad I trusted you with that.” We do this more with our oldest, who is sometimes apprehensive and lets fear hold him back. We encourage him to try things that make him a little nervous. They may seem risky to him, but we know they’re safe. By facing these challenges, he learns that he is brave, strong, and courageous. For example, he wanted to make hot chocolate a few months ago. He was nervous about burning himself, but I gave him instructions and waited nearby in case he needed help. He did it, and I made sure he knew how proud I was and I was so glad I trusted him to complete the task. My youngest recently asked why I always ask him to turn off the water hose to the pool. I told him, “I know I can trust you to do it right away.” Honestly, I trust him more than myself in this area—I’ve been known to forget and let the pool overflow! Oops! How Does This Build Their Confidence? By telling our kids who God created them to be, giving them opportunities to live that out, and showing them we trust them, we help build their confidence. They begin to see that they possess the characteristics that have been spoken over them. As I write this, I’m thinking of even more ways to let my kids be independent and build their confidence. Maybe you are, too. Remember, it doesn’t have to be big things. Small tasks can lead to major strides in confidence. What are some ways you build confidence in your kids?