As the year comes to an end and a new year begins, I take a rare and quick look back at my choices for the last 12 months and a brief glimpse into what I might choose in the coming year.  Knowing there is a path for me, realizing it is my will to follow, or not. I will be gently nudged and at times pushed so long as I am listening for the signs.  When the noise is distracting me, I move to prayer to regain my peace and center myself on Jesus.  Who has control?  If I hear…

I have come to realize that it is not only I who is concerned about misreading my intended path.  In speaking with others, I am finding that this is one of the most common things that holds us back from giving Jesus 100% control.  That, and of course, giving up our personal goals and dreams.  For those who have true faith and choose to give control to Jesus, letting go of personal goals in dreams becomes a non-issue because Jesus’s path ultimately leads us to something much better, eternal life.  Hence, the concern regarding following the correct path…

Lately, I have needed to remind myself of the importance of wearing my smile and spreading joy.  This time of year can be both exhausting and beautiful.  If I allow myself to get off focus, I feel stress taking over my inner peace.  There is something very special about all the festivities this time of year, so long as I keep my perspective on the reason for the season.  My expectation for myself is to keep the birth of Jesus as my focus.  Keeping love, compassion, and kindness with me as I navigate the beautiful chaos of the holiday.  Staying…

Prayer plays a major role in my life.  It has evolved from something I did before I went to sleep to something that I carry with me throughout my day.  Prayer moved from minutes every night to the most important element of my life. I have watched the movie Overcomer (2019) several times, and one particular scene is embedded in my mind.  The Character John Harrison visits a man he has just met, named Thomas Hill, in the hospital.  As John was leaving, he said, “Good to meet you, Thomas.  I will be praying for you.”  On John’s next…