How many of us live in the past? We may think we don’t, but our minds often waft back there re-living moments of time. Whether it’s a moment that brought us great happiness, or a moment that caused intense hurt and grief; we sit there in our hearts and minds – often carrying those moments every day with us. We can’t go back. What’s done is done. Read that again. We can’t go back. What’s done IS DONE. It happened. Whether we liked it or not – whether we planned for it or not. So, we need to get over it. Certain things are very hard to get over. I understand. I still have certain moments in time that I’m [...]

We’ve all heard those two words – “Think positive.” Applying them is not always easy to do. Some days we just feel torn up about ourselves, life, etc. It can be hard to motivate yourself when you are so busy being down on yourself all of the time! But it can be done. I used to be the “glass is always half full” kind of girl. Life has bounced me around a little and I’ll be honest, some of that optimism rubbed off. It left me for awhile. Why? I was too busy wallowing in my own pity party. Yes, some things stink sometimes. And we just want to kick our feet in the dirt and yell about it. So, [...]

Sometimes I am prompted to do a “heart check-up” on myself. I just observe certain things in myself that need some attention. Have you been there? Those are important times for me to evaluate where I’ve placed certain priorities and values and what different allegiances my heart has put a lot of stock into. It’s amazing how easy matters can grow and bloom into unhealthy life patterns! On one of these “heart tune-ups,” God brought to my attention some attitudes and thoughts that had taken up residency in my heart. These little visitors had long out-stayed their welcome. In fact, they had taken up too much room causing some extra grumps and frumps in my life. With ease and flair, [...]

I go through seasons and phases in my life where I’m unsatisfied with where I’m at. I want “more.” I want more for my family and I want more for me. Do you ever feel that way? It’s not easy to put into words what it feels like when these moments of time come for me. Nothing may be wrong with my life. I just feel this need to move on to something “more.” Don’t get me wrong. That something “more” may not always mean a new location. It might mean a “new” anything. Yes, sometimes a new location. Sometimes a new church, a new school for my kids, a new job, a new neighborhood, new friendships – but it [...]

Life is all about feelings. That’s what I think, anyway. Feelings. Close your eyes for a moment and think about how you feel when: …you are wrapped in a really warm, heated blanket. …you lift up your face to the sunshine, close your eyes, and feel the warmth of the heat not just on your skin…but in your soul. …you are told that someone you love has passed on and your body is consumed so much that sobs start shaking within you until they pour out – loudly. …your child runs to you with open arms and jumps into your outstretched arms with a smile and a heart innocently open to yours. When you are your child’s “everything.” …you first [...]

I have a story. I’ve experienced heartache. I’ve experienced deep joy. I’ve been through things in life. I’ve learned. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. So have you. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, I’ve learned that everyone has a story. No one has gone through life unscathed. Everyone has experienced some sort of heartache. Each person has had trials in their life. Even those people who seem to have it all together. Sometimes they are just better at hiding it than others. I’ve also learned that my story isn’t finished yet. There are pages of my story that haven’t been lived yet. There might be more heartache in my story. I don’t know. But there might also be more adventures and [...]

It’s so hard for me to sit by and watch someone I love make a huge mistake in his or her life. Sometimes it’s something you’ve observed time and time again. Some people just seem to be very headstrong and bent on learning things the hard way in life because they want to forge their own way. I can understand wanting to forge your own way in life. I feel that way. I want to define my own path. What I don’t understand is not seeking advice out of those God has placed in your life. I don’t understand why a person would be so determined to ignore Godly counsel from someone God has intentionally placed there for them. I [...]