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Jan 1st brings about a blank page in our book, a new chapter if you will. It's a chance to rewrite some of our story -- or is it? Maybe it's an opportunity to make our story even better! Are you someone that sets resolutions, creates a vision board or maybe has a word you focus on for the year? Maybe you don't do any of these. Last year I had a word that I focused on and it really was something that I worked to live out throughout the year. It guided my decisions and helped me to stay focused. But this year, I'm approaching the year differently. I am giving myself permission to set some long term goals instead of trying to make them fit into a 12 month period. This year, I am trying to focus on progressing on these dreams. Like completing some projects that I've been working on, eating more protein, and limiting my phone use. You see, it isn't that I don't have a plan to achieve these goals or that I don't want to achieve them this year. I'm actually a recovering perfectionist and I used to get really down on myself for not completing my resolutions within that year. Over time I've realized that some resolutions may take more time than we plan or expect to come to fruition. Sometimes there are things beyond our control that can limit the achievement of these goals in this single year. I refuse to let circumstances get me down or make me feel like I have to give up on my goals, just because December 31st arrived. If I reach the end of 2026 knowing that I kept showing up -- even when it was hard, even when the progress wasn't noticeable or seemed impossible -- that perseverance will be worth celebrating. That's not to say that you can't have resolutions in a set time frame. I just know focusing on progress is what works better for me. That's the beauty of it, you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. You get to decide what works best for you. What about you? Are you a resolutions, words, or flexible goals person? Have you set any for this year? What are you doing differently this year? Tell me in the comments. :) Happy Tea (or coffee) Drinking, Stephanie

As Christmas quickly approaches, I am beginning to reflect on the different parts of the season.  Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of Christmas traditions. We always went to both of my grandmothers' houses on Christmas Day. We would string popcorn and wrap it around the tree as garland. One thing I really enjoyed as a kid was getting to open a Christmas gift on Christmas Eve. We didn’t have much money, but there was something exciting about opening one gift early. Even though, I loved that tradition, I’ve never actually carried it over into my own family. I'm not sure why. Maybe it is because I have this quirky unspoken rule for myself--I can only open gifts on the actual day of the event. Whether it's my birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, opening a gift early just feels wrong to me. I don’t know, maybe I am the only one who feels that way. I'm not sure you'd call this a tradition, but I did it every year. I'm sure I'm not the only one. I was the kid who loved pretending to be a Christmas present detective. I'd pick up my gifts, do a little shake, and try to guess what was inside. It was like solving a mystery, and I must say, I was pretty good at it. Either that, or my mom was just that predictable with her gifts! I'll stick with the idea that my detective skills were top-notch. Ha ha.  It is interesting to see the traditions we keep and those we let go of as we get older.  One of my favorite Christmas traditions as an adult is attending Christmas Eve service. My favorite part is when the lights are turned off and the candles are lit one by one, while voices around me begin to sing "Silent Night." There's always such a calming peace that surrounds me as I stand in awe. On this one night, people come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.  Over the years, I've learned that traditions can change. The things we did with our kids when they were little aren't always the same as what we do now that they're older. We will keep some traditions for a lifetime and others may be for a season. Sometimes, a tradition we once loved can become difficult to continue, or a new tradition we hoped would be wonderful turns out different than we expected. At the end of the day, it's important to ask ourselves what truly matters and what we want to gain from that tradition. If it no longer serves its purpose then it may be time to move on. Letting go of a tradition that isn't working can be hard, but it can also open the door to new possibilities. If you've been struggling through a tradition and just haven't let it go yet, I am giving you the gift of permission. Permission to let go of that tradition that has become more hassle than beneficial. It is okay to let go and move on. Our traditions can change and grow with us.  When everything else is changing and moving fast, one thing remains the same, JESUS. And isn’t that so beautiful? As we continue to move through the Christmas season, let's be mindful of the traditions that are truly benefiting our families. What are some of your favorite traditions? I would love to hear them.

I don’t know about you, but I have been one of those people who set high expectations for how I think the Christmas season will go. I picture all the things that I plan going perfectly—kind of like a TV movie. My husband laughs at me and tells me that my expectations are set too high. And don’t tell him that I said this, but he is right.  At Christmas, I picture the smiles and laughter as we drive around seeing Christmas lights while drinking hot chocolate. Everyone is in a great mood, and it is the best time. All the Christmas cookies that we bake will turn out delicious and look like they came from a professional bakery. Our gingerbread house, of course, looks like we made it from scratch and is so well decorated that it could be in a magazine. Expectation My kids will love every activity I have planned and will not complain one bit. There will be plenty of time in our calendar for all the things. I imagine the giant smiles and the thank yous we will receive on Christmas morning. The gifts that we put so much thought, effort, and money into will be appreciated. Everyone will love Christmas dinner. Then we will go see family, where there will be big giant hugs, and everyone gets along and spends quality time connecting. We will feel fulfilled at the end of the season. I know some of you are rolling your eyes and laughing at me right now, and I am laughing at myself as I type this because I know how ridiculous it sounds. Still, every year I find myself getting a little disappointed in how everything went.  As much as I want it to, nothing goes as I expect it to. At Christmas time in Florida, it is too hot for hot chocolate. My cookies never look as gorgeous as those from a bakery. Our calendar gets so full that it is hard to relax and enjoy. Oh, that Christmas present you thought they would love, they look at it with a partial smile and toss it in the pile with the rest, and then play with the box it came in. Reality. Still fun and delicious! Don't get me started on the meal. Yeah, it's the roll and the dessert that they eat. The gingerbread house is falling apart because the icing isn't strong enough to hold up the sides and it looks like there was a candy explosion in my kitchen. The surprising, though not really, is that there is always fighting and complaining.  Maybe that is what you really pictured when I was describing my expectations, because if we are really honest, we know that it isn't going to go perfectly or even exactly like we thought it would. Somehow we can still get disappointed and upset when they turn out differently than we expected. So how do we navigate this Christmas season so that we aren’t left feeling disappointed, exhausted, and unfulfilled? Changing High Expectations into Flexible Moments If we are putting all this hope into a perfect Christmas season, then we will be majorly disappointed when things go awry because they can and will.  My husband tells me to lower my expectations, and I think that can be helpful in some circumstances. However, it doesn’t matter what I do; I always set high expectations. So I have to be intentional about making sure that my focus is on the right things. Asking myself what the purpose is of the activity helps me to keep in mind what matters most to me and my family. Are we making cookies to create a lasting memory of connection and fun, or are we doing it to make the finals in a baking competition?? If, at the end of the day, we are connecting, then it doesn't really matter how the cookies look? Something else that helps me is to remind myself to be flexible with the plans. If it is too hot for hot chocolate, then we grab milk shakes instead. My kids didn’t want to go see Christmas lights last year, but I did, so we went to a fun park with lights that they would enjoy, and I would still see the lights. I also like to try to see the good in the scenario. The box that is being played with, instead of the toy, is their creativity and imagination at work. I’m still working on the good in fighting and arguing. If you've figure that out, let me know. haha. I think it is also important to remember to laugh at yourself and the sometimes overly ridiculous situation. Like is imperfect and can be really messy. Leave the Christmas Season More Fulfilled Many times, we can leave the holiday season feeling empty. Sometimes, we put our focus on all the activities and fun surrounding Christmas and forget why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place.  Christmas isn’t about all the activities we can do and all the presents we can get. Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birth. It is about how God came down to earth in the form of a baby to become the Savior for us all. He was and is the greatest gift we have ever received!!! Hebrews 12:2 tells us that we run the race set before us, " by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." We can be intentional this year about making sure that Jesus is the center of our season. We can stay in the Word of God every day. If you can’t read it, then listen to it in your car on your way to places. You can read the Christmas story in Luke or do an Advent each day. No, I am not talking about the candy advent calendars. Although, I do love a good piece of dark chocolate. I am talking about an advent that goes through Jesus' birth. You can find these in books and online. I actually enjoy one that Hannah Brencher does. She sends it to you by email each day. It is wonderful, and I enjoy it every year. Starting my day in the Word helps me posture my heart in the right place for the Christmas season. During this crazy time of year, my heart needs it more than ever!   Let's stay in the Word this season and focus on Jesus. We will leave Christmas feeling more fulfilled rather than empty if we are actively seeking Him this season. I pray this Christmas season that you will not let disappointment ruin your season, that you will leave time to rest and read God’s word this season, and that you will leave the season feeling fulfilled.

When I was still teaching, I remember praying constantly for the Lord to provide me with a teaching job at a different school than the one I was at. This was during a time when teaching was a highly regarded profession, and there were few job opportunities available. The available ones, you basically had to know someone. It was a very tough work environment. I would cry regularly, and many times I didn’t want to go to work. I was at that same school for seven years. I interviewed for positions at other schools but didn’t get another offer.  It was so hard because I wanted to be at another school so badly. I remember how frustrated I felt because I kept praying and God wasn’t answering. Much like my friend that I mentioned in the last blog, God didn’t seem to be coming through. I felt that this job was breaking me. It was hard to get up and go to work every day. I couldn’t understand why God would keep me in a place that was doing so much harm to me emotionally. Sometimes we can get wrapped up in wondering why our desires haven’t been fulfilled. We get stuck on why God isn’t giving us what we want. Doesn't He know how much we need this? I’m reminded just how often we think that God isn’t giving us what we want because he doesn’t love us. In reality, he cares so much that he isn’t giving us what we want, because ultimately it isn't what is best for us at that time, or maybe not at all. After seven years at the same school, a better position finally became available. The job I had been praying and praying for had finally come. Only the job wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a full-time teaching position, but that isn’t the role God gave me. Instead, he gave me the job of stay-at-home mom. I honestly didn’t want to stay home. It was my dream to teach. At that moment, I didn’t realize that God had answered my prayer with the role I truly needed. It wasn't until many years later that I realized that God answered my prayer. It just looked different than I thought it would. I believe there are times that God doesn’t give us our desires because they aren’t best for us. I think there are also times that we aren't ready, no matter how ready we think we are, and God is working to prepare us for what is coming There are also times, I believe, when our prayers haven’t been answered yet because God wants to partner with us, and He is waiting for us to move in obedience. We can’t get a new job if we aren’t filling out the applications. Sometimes we have to take a step with God in the direction He is calling us to. There might be times when God is waiting for us to surrender something to Him. Our desires that we are praying for might not line up with God’s plan for our lives. What we want may seem like it is good and right for us, but God sees  all.  He sees the big picture, and if it isn’t happening, there is a reason. I encourage you to tell God how you are feeling. He can handle your emotions. I also encourage your to pray! 1.  Pray and ask God to reveal if it isn’t His plan.  2.  Pray and ask Him to help you surrender it if it isn’t part of His plan. 3.  Pray and ask God to show you what He wants us to learn through this time. 4. Pray and ask if there is something you need to surrender or another act of obedience. Last thing and this is probably the hardest, Praise Him! Even when you don't feel like it. We praise Him because of who He is, not what He can do for us. Praise helps put our mind set on God. I know it can be frustrating and so hard, but keep waiting, keep trusting, and keep praying.  God's plan is always better than ours because He knows the path we are on and He can see where we are going.

I was talking to one of my friends a while back. She’s had a deep desire that God hasn’t fulfilled, and it's left her feeling like He isn’t coming through for her. At first, I didn’t know exactly what to say to her. So I thought about what she would say to me. The truth is, she would tell me that God would come through for me, and she would believe it wholeheartedly. However, she doesn’t seem to believe it for herself. Our conversation made me realize that I have felt the same way. If I'm honest, I've often found it easier to believe that God will show up more for others than He will for me. Why do we believe that God will come through for others, but not for us? Sometimes, it may feel like God cares more about others, or that He wants to help them, but not us. Why is it so tough to trust God for ourselves in the same way we do for those we love and care about? I wonder if you've ever felt this way, too. Maybe you need a new job, but it hasn't happened yet. You’ve watched countless friends get new jobs or succeed in their careers, but it hasn’t happened for you. Or perhaps you've been diagnosed with a life-changing illness. We sometimes believe He can heal our friends, but not us. I wonder if we feel He won’t heal us because we don't believe we are worthy? 1 Peter 1:19-20 says, 19  but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. This means that before the world was created, Jesus knew he would have to die for our sins. Before we were created, he knew he would die for you and for me. Let that sink in....... Jesus Christ laid down his life for all of us. Let's stop believing the enemy's lies that God doesn’t love us enough to come through for us. What Jesus did on the cross proves how much He loves us, not just those around us. He has already come through for us in the biggest way. So, what can we do when we are stuck believing that God isn’t going to come through for us? I think back to the Bible story in Mark, chapter 9, where the man's son was possessed. The man asked Jesus to heal his son, if he could.  When he asked Jesus to heal his son, Jesus didn’t reply, "No because you are sinful and you aren’t good enough.” Not at all. Instead, Jesus replied, “If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” The father replied, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” This man wanted to help his son and had seen some terrible things. Jesus told him that everything is possible for the one who believes. Remember that God can do in us and through us what we believe He can do for others.  When things don't work out the way we want, it can be hard to remember that God's timing is always right, even if it doesn't match our expectations. When I feel that God isn't showing up and I am lacking in my belief, which is often, I try to do a few things to strengthen my faith. I reflect on the times God has shown up in my life. I read Bible stories where God has shown up for His people. There are stories throughout the Bible! I pray and ask God to help me with my unbelief, just as the man in Mark. Tell God how you are feeling. He will listen. Whatever you do, don't give up on God. I have Galatians 6:9 written in my office. It says, " Don't give up! God will see you through it." He will see you through whatever you are facing! So if things aren’t happening when or how you would like them to, remember who has your back: God is faithful. Remember the One who knows the future and knows what is best for you.  Try repeating this verse to yourself whenever you need to be reminded that God is working for your good. Jeremiah 29:11, “ 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.” These words aren’t just for those around us; they apply to us as well.

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.