As we prepare for the holidays I take a deep breath and remember it is a special time to spread love, make memories, and be thankful.  I have already started to prepare myself for the normal stress of the season.  Understanding that things will come up, everything will not be perfect, and yet we can still enjoy the reason for the season.  I have come to realize that our purpose can be overshadowed by the quest to over-schedule our lives.  Looking back, I have learned to ask our family about their favorite moments.  Asking what parts are special and…

I know the plan I am to follow, it’s time to take action.  There are excuses that I can allow to block me from my purpose, but I know what is right.   It is clear what is expected of me, the question is will I take action?  Will I let go of what I want for myself and surrender to Jesus’s plan?  If I continue down my intended path, my life will be far richer than if I choose my own path.  Despite knowing that, it is difficult to let go of what I desire and continue with…

Do you feel ready for the unexpected?  Sometimes we allow stress and worry to get in the way, particularly when we allow the outside world to guide our every moment.  There are things I do to help me be prepared for the unexpected.  Although it might be nice if life were consistent daily, we need to be ready for the unknown. Living in the moment allows me to ebb and flow daily as life brings new challenges.  That doesn’t mean I have abandoned the future or don’t have dreams or goals, but it does mean I’m open…

It normally takes endurance to run with Jesus.  Sometimes, he will take us on a 50-yard dash, but often, our journey involves running a marathon.  We have to pace ourselves so that we are up to the challenge. Enduring through difficult times is important, but so is understanding when your path needs to be changed.  I endured through years of infertility.  But at the same time, I was exploring various paths and alternatives to becoming a parent.   Each alternative was investigated until the path came to a dead-end.  Quitting was not an option, but changing the path was…