This past month I was at a crossroads. A time when I had to make a choice, a choice to continue to be a coward or take a stand. I discussed this crossroad with very few people, most of whom asked me, “Why not just quit?” When I think about the issues I have encountered in my life they often fall into two categories, those that affect only me and those that have the potential to have a ripple effect on others. For those that affect me, removing myself from the situation is a valid alternative. If the issue is…
The tools to succeed will be available to you if you surrender and allow yourself to be guided by Jesus. Each time God has tested me to walk outside my comfort zone I have successfully completed the task I was meant to accomplish. That does not mean I achieved what I wanted to achieve, but in hindsight, I know that I have achieved what I was intended to accomplish or learn. Graduate school, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the blog are my best examples of being equipped with the necessary tools despite my lack of knowledge or expertise in those areas…
I can’t imagine what life would be like if I didn’t put my faith first. Although I have lived my life relying on Jesus, I didn’t always know that my faith was my first priority. I went through my first 40 years of life thinking that my family came first but living my life based on faith. If anyone asked me my priority in life I would have said, “My family.” Although my family is very important to me, it never has been my first priority. I have always put my faith first, I just didn’t…
Everything was out on the table; I spent 5 days with my husband while he was in a coma, all the time knowing that there was nothing to say to him that he didn’t already know, priceless. I can’t think of anyone in my circle of influence who doesn’t know how I feel about them, it’s all out on the table. People that don’t know me could have the wrong first impression. They likely would not know that I have love in my heart for all. I don’t always agree with or like…
Although God hears all our prayers, that doesn’t mean our prayers are answered in the manner we desire or on our timeline. I am careful what I ask for in prayer because prayers are answered. I remember one prayer in particular that was answered exactly how I asked. One would think I would be happy, but it worked out terribly. It was a lesson to remember. I have learned to pray for God’s will. God has a plan for us, a path, and if we choose to walk the path and stay the course in good times and…
Imagine what the world would be like if we all prioritized love and kindness. How amazing would it be to rid the world of anger and hate? No more bullying or isolation leading to a world with less anxious people living in a state of peace. Kindness has been on my mind this week, even before the Oscars. Don’t get me wrong, my heart was full to see the clips of Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli at the Oscars. Kindness and grace were shining brightly. I know there is goodness in the world, but Jesus has been showing me…
Prioritizing Jesus is something I work on daily. My faith is my number one priority, but I struggle with tuning out all the noise and focusing on Jesus. I am a single mom trying to work through each day with a smile, often that alone is a challenge. All the stress and confusion around me often pull me off track. How do I refocus on filling my mind with Jesus? The first thing I do when I face stress and noise is switch my mind to focus on love. When I make that switch, I am better able to see…
People can help make your day better and they can also make your day more difficult. When I am looking for employment, people are what make the difference in my desire to become a part of the company. For years I remember frequenting a local business that made my kids and me uncomfortable, therefore we only went when necessary. My kids had no idea that I shared their disapproval of how the employees treated their customers. Most of the employees were simply unkind and unhappy. Recently we had reason to revisit the location. I called ahead to get some information…
I know when I am stressed about something that I have not done a good job of giving my worries to Jesus. Let’s face it, it is hard not to let stress fester. The more I let the stress bother me and take me off track the more I worry. It is great to have friends who are good listeners, but nobody wants to hear all my worries. It is exhausting and unproductive to one’s relationship when it is ongoing. Jesus is my go-to for all my stress and worries. When I feel that unsettling nag…
As I spend time with one of my favorite people in this world I see the depth and importance security plays in our lives. I see someone who no longer knows anyone or anything around, yet when facing high levels of fear know to cry out to Jesus. I somehow find comfort in knowing that when everything is out of control within the mind of this person they instinctively rely on and remember their faith. At the height of frustration comes prayer. The unknown can make us feel insecure. Our minds can trick us into thinking various negative thoughts. We…