Double Portion Inspiration

This summer I spent time with my daughter and Goddaughter. They've both successfully made it through their freshman year of college. During our time together, I asked for their top pieces of advice for high school Juniors and Seniors. Here's what they shared: Continue to build relationships in your Junior year . They stressed the importance of building relationships with teachers, counselors, and coaches in your Junior year. They will be important in your Senior year when asking for letters of reference and recommendations.  Apply for as many scholarships as possible.  There are so many scholarships available. Provide yourself time to apply for as many as possible. Use a calendar system to help remind you of scholarship deadlines.  Apply for college early in your Senior year of high school. Most colleges will open up registration for college admissions the summer before the fall semester begins. Take time to apply early so that you're not stressed by any deadlines.  ...

There have been so many incredible posts on social media about high school reunions, proms, college and high school graduations. Even the graduations from PreK seem to tug at my heart. HOW has time moved so quickly?  I remember some of these students playing T-ball with my son and now they have mustaches, taller than me and walking across that stage happily to receive their diploma. Even my own son (Joshua) is graduating from 8th grade and heading into high school (YES high school). Life brings about swift transitions. I remember feeling so many emotions as Tyler (my oldest son graduated last year). The stress and strain of his senior year had taken it's toll on my physical and mental body. By the end of 2018, I was on medical leave for weeks taking a much needed BREAK from LIFE .  If I could only have told myself to CALM down and carry on. I wish someone would have hit me over the head and said, "stop stressing". But they couldn't because I didn't tel...

Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion ; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion ; they shall have everlasting joy.   It's Thursday and officially the last day in our 30's.  We are about to turn the page to another chapter in life.  I will look forward to Renee calling me at 12am, so she can be the very first one to wish me a happy birthday. Are we really the only ones that get this excited about a birthday?  Normally, we are a little more reserved, but since 40 is the new 20 - we wanted to go out with a bang! My younger self at 16! I've always wanted to write letters to my younger self.  If only I knew then what I know now.  If I had to put anything into words to my younger 16 year old self, I would simply say: FIND YOUR VOICE! Once you find your voice in society, you have strength and courage to articulate any nee...

I was recently in the airport on my way to Charlotte, North Carolina.  A woman and her family caught my eye as I waited for TSA officers to wave me through the security line.  This woman's son was saying goodbye as he was shuffled through a body scan and bag checks.  I instantly laughed because she pulls out her cell phone and starts snapping all these photos of him.  There wasn't much to take a picture of at 5:00am but she just kept snapping. Of course, I don't know the entire story but this was obviously her son and he was heading into a new chapter in his life.  The family was there to cheer him on, but most importantly say goodbye.  The young teenage girls with this mom kept shaking their head in embarrassment.  It really was a cute scene.  No matter how much they laughed at her, she just kept taking her pictures.  After I had time to think about this scenario playing out in front of me, I became sad. A mom saying goodbye to h...

The red velvet birthday cake was delicious! I love posting about my kids.  I reviewed some previous posts and realized that most of them were about our youngest.  With him being 4 years old, it's easy to write about his adventures.  Well today, I'm writing all about my daughter.  The past seven days have been amazing for her.  She turned 11 this week and it's hard to believe how rapidly time flew.  Even though people always tell you to enjoy each moment because they fly by quickly, time still seems to evaporate when raising kids. Not only did she turn 11, she also: Finished her track season by reaching personal goals in the long jump & 400 events Completed her 8th year of dance with a beautiful recital performance Promoted to 6th grade (middle school-YIKES!) The activities of this week allowed me to reflect on her beautiful life.  It hit me that in only seven years, she will be an official adult and leaving th...

It's that time of year again...Graduation 2013   You leave familiar places and venture into the next chapter of your life. Congratulations! For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.  Philippians 4:13

Below is a repost.  A special tribute to all the graduates in 2012: I love this time of year when so many people are graduating.  My oldest son will complete his last year in elementary school and will soon step into the hall ways of middle school-YIKES, every mother's nightmare. Graduation  time is f illed with great expectation and positive energy.  The whole world and all it has to offer is ahead of you.  The graduation ceremonies are a huge step of leaving the past behind and walking towards a new future.  This feeling of moving forward  is usually   faced with anxiety and uncertainty.  You are unsure of what the future holds but you have graduated to a new place. I believe that   graduation  should not happen only to those who are in school.  One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to think that le arning stops when we leave the educational process.  We must forever be challenged to  learn  a...

  I love this time of year when so many people are graduating.  My oldest son will complete his last year in elementary school and will soon step into the hall ways of middle school-YIKES, every mother's nightmare. Graduation time is f illed with great expectation and positive energy.  The whole world and all it has to offer is ahead of you.  The graduation ceremonies are a huge step of leaving the past behind and walking towards a new future.  This feeling of moving forward  is usually faced with anxiety and uncertainty.  You are unsure of what the future holds but you have graduated to a new place. I believe that graduation should not happen only to those who are in school.  One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to think that le arning stops when we leave the educational process.  We must forever be challenged to learn and grow .  Many of us are living " stagnant " lives because we won't utilize the creative and produ...