Double Portion Inspiration

Mother's Day isn't always a joyous occasion. Especially if you've lost your mother. The pain is intense. It is heartbreaking and Mother's Day is just another reminder that she's gone and no longer here with you in the physical. Wouldn't you know that the Bible shares a beautiful story of loss, grief, and the steps that follow. In the first chapter of Joshua, he is also grieving. Joshua is a young man that walked side by side with Moses up until he passed away at the age of 110. He's experiencing grief and pain because Moses is now dead. During the time that Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage, Joshua was right there. Even though this story isn't about a mom and child, it's about a relationship between two people from different generations. It's believed that Joshua was about 50-60 years younger than Moses. In the midst of grieving, God shares the following with Joshua:   After the death of Moses, the Lord’s disciple,...

Is it over yet?  Has this all been a bad dream?  Will I wake up and life will return to normal?  Will I be able to go to the mall again? NOPE, not a bad dream. This is REALITY!  It's been a rolling change but we have entered a brand new way of living. 2020 has ushered in a new era. A new level of sensitivity to frailty. It has also expanded our level of understanding how connected we are as a globe. It's not us vs them. It doesn't matter if you are a parent in Spain, Bangladesh or the U.S., you are trying to figure out the best way to protect your family from COVID19. I'm adapting to this "new world" by learning breathing exercises to help cope with stress. I notice that certain conversations, social media post or news stories can start my heart beating faster. In my head I think that I'm calm. My outward demeanor is relaxed and tranquil.  My inward body tells a much different story. Lessons From A Retainer Unfortunately, I had to star...

I am sure I am not the only one that feels this way at times. You can have a picture perfect moment with your family and then life turns upside down in a matter of minutes. It's totally valid and OK to feel that life just sucks at times.  Some people have started the year having a car accident, failing a test, received a rejection letter, ended up in ER with flu symptoms, received a horrible diagnosis, or grieving the loss of a loved one at a funeral. For some of us, many things have happened that are unpleasant. Just think - we are only in the 1st month of this new year. Life will ebb and flow, time will march on even when we aren't ready for it. After you get it out, all those raw emotions, shift your thoughts to remember how much you have . Even in life's toughest moments, we can always find a reason to be thankful. God hears our prayers in tough moments. He hears our prayers in good moments. He has NOT forgot about you. He also isn't offended by your honesty....

This time last year I was at a low place. I was facing a medical challenge. I'd sent my oldest son off to college and was slowly adjusting to our new family dynamics. I lost many close family members. Unexpected deaths happened that just didn't make sense to me. My mental health was at best scattered after the highs and lows of senior year, graduation and college send off. I was trying to catch my breath but I couldn't. The mental load of life in the beginning can be easy to hide from others. You spend enough time away from self care and you will soon find yourself running on EMPTY. I was overcommitted in my dueling personal and professional schedules. I knew I needed to slow down BUT I didn't know how . I wouldn't say I'm a super detailed person, but I do try and stay as organized as possible. How do you organize your life?  How do you know what priorities to focus on (personally & professionally)?  How do you manage your time? A dear friend g...

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...

What happens if I just get in my car and drive? Where will I end up? What will I see along the way? This is how many of us are pacing through life - NO plan and NO end goal in mind. I truly believe this is the reason that so many of us are stressed. Life is just happening all around us and we are numb and overwhelmed through all of it. Remember that feeling when you said, "Happy New Year" just a FEW days ago. You said to yourself, "this is my year". It was less than a month ago that many of us committed to ourselves that this year would be different . Do NOT let that optimism die. February 1st is this week and we can't afford to waste anymore time. For you to know where you are going, you must develop a PLAN.  Not just a broad plan but a very specific plan that will yield RESULTS. During my goal setting time, I like to create plans that are S.M.A.R.T. S = Specific M = Measurable A = Applicable R = Relevant T = Time Bound When you buil...

U. S. Flag Everyday we are bombarded with images of division and evil in our country. Sometimes you walk away from the television wondering, are we really one nation under God? Why does it seem like we are moving further and further away from God? I now realize, from my own personal journey,  one important fact. To be healed from your past, you must confront the painful areas that are buried deep.  That's true in my life, your life and it's true for our country. The journey to uncover and deal with your past can be dark, often hurts and maybe full of tears. However, it's all necessary to adequately complete the healing process. Three years ago I found myself in a broken place. During a women's conference I attended, God brought me to my knees. It was sudden and unexpected. There was a broken area of my life that I never confronted. My way of coping was to bury my feelings and not deal. God had a different plan. In that moment during the conference, the ...

It's hard to believe that it's almost time for Thanksgiving.  I love this time of the year.  Food, fun, family and Christmas shopping.  (Need some Black Friday shopping tips?  Here you go! )  What could be better? We traditionally gather together with a large sampling of our family members.  Everyone under one roof is loud from the football games playing on the tv, kids playing games, and the rest of us reminiscing and catching up with each other.  Seeing cousins, uncles, and aunts, that you haven't seen in awhile is such a joy.  The agenda for the event is simple. Bring a dish. Say a prayer of thanks. Eat like tomorrow may not come. We have a traditional southern Thanksgiving meal.  However, the other day I realized, there's some traditional items I've never enjoyed .  Some would say it's a tragedy but I would say, why add something new to the menu?  If you think I'm missing out, leave a comment...

Roslyn and I post each week based on inspiration.  Whatever inspires us, we share it with each of you.  I was ready to share some great news from last week but God directed me differently.  Today is Labor Day.  Twenty-four hours that most Americans have off from work to celebrate, rest and share with family and friends.  Nearly five years ago I found myself laboring on Labor Day.  It turned out to be false labor pains but I was nearing the point of giving birth to my son.  Each day grew more challenging.  I became impatient and tried to take matters into my own hands.  I tried every "old wives tale" known to man to try and induce labor.  None of it worked.  At the end of the day, I had to wait patiently on God . I am so blessed to be able to reflect on my birthing story because not every woman has one to share.  Some women find themselves having to wait patiently just to conceive.  With all their best efforts,...

TYLER RETURNS TO THE PITCHING MOUND My weekends are usually normal:  yoga, baseball, church, and grocery shopping are the mundane routine.  But, this weekend my family celebrated two huge milestones:  Birthday party for my youngest son (he's now 8 yrs old) My oldest son returned to pitching  (after being away for 7 months) My oldest son, Tyler,  suffered an elbow injury in baseball back in Sept 2012.  He was not able to pitch, throw or bat for several months.  Although I selfishly enjoyed time away from the ball field, it was gut wrenching to see my son crave for the sport he is so passionate about. Family vacation  - Tyler in cast We spent numerous amounts of time in the doctor's office trying to understand why he was in so much pain.  His x-rays initially showed inflammation but thankfully, no injury was sustained that needed surgery.  The doctor suggested he rest and take time off for about six weeks.   Unfort...

3 weeks since surgery Thanks to each of you for your prayers! There are times in my life when the peace of God overtakes me and I feel like I can conquer the world.   I stand confident in the fact that nothing will hinder God’s purpose in my life.   Those are the moments when I truly live out the promise that God will give me peace that passes human understanding.   Then there are times when I feel like God is nowhere near.   I pray and I wonder if He hears.   I try and find peace in the middle of my doubts and fears but the worry of the situation can take over.   Even though I’ve grown up in church, study His word, and share it with others, I still have times when I have to search for peace like so many others. I’m not sure why those moments of uncertainty creep in because God’s word is clear.   Early in scripture Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) tells us, “ You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” ...

Do you spend a huge amount of time worrying?  Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us.  Then we are left to figure out how to "dodge" another bullet.  Will I lose my house?  How will I recover from this financial ruin?  How will I survive during my parent's illness?  Who can I trust in this new city?  What will I do when the entire family comes over for dinner?  Is my husband making the right decision for our family?  Will my manager approve my promotion?  Who is next to be downsized at work?  My teenager is pregnant, how will this go away? First off, we are not alone in this life.  We don't have to figure out life's problems.  Worry can overtake our thoughts and emotions.  It finds a way to paralyze us.  We spend more time worrying over the situation than we do discovering or praying for a solution.  We can't move forward because we are brought to our knees with fear.   The difference bet...

How can I pay this bill when my checking account is overdrawn?  How long should I stay in this broken marriage?  When will the baby sleep through the night?  When should I leave home and live on my own?  What age should I retire?  Should I take the risk and start this new business?  What will be the effect of my father Alzheimer's?  How many children should we have?  What classes do I register for Fall season? When will this child get completely potty trained? Life is full of questions.  We ask them often.  We live in a world where we need to find answers.  Time seems to evaporate more quickly with each passing year.   How do we get answers ?  Even after we make a decision we wonder if we made the right choice. Be careful when you choose to ask other people for advice.  Realize that their advice is only filtered wisdom .  They will give you answers based on their own life experiences, hurt, pain...

I must admit that I loathe taking time in the evenings to prepare lunch for the next day.  What if my kids don't go to school for one reason or another?  Not sure what the scenario might be, but what if?  That would mean that the time I spent on fixing lunches could've been used in another way. I just might be the only one who feels this way.  I'm sure that moms and dads all over the world pack lunches in the evenings to ensure a hassle free morning the next day.  I'm just not one of them.  It's all I can do to get through one day.  The thought of trying to figure it all out for the next one is sometimes more than I care to think about.  My husband on the other hand is completely different.  On the days that he takes the kids to school, he prepares the lunches the night before and even finds time to iron their clothes. The other night I started thinking about the lunches I would prepare in the morning when I thought about the ch...