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.  ...

Photo credit:  Highlight Studios My husband and I recently celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary so why not write a post about marriage? I don't claim to be an expert on the subject by any means but, I'm often asked about marriage and how we've made it together for so long. Here are 3 questions I'm asked the most: 1. How did you know he was the one ? Our dating/courtship was very short. After 5 months of dating exclusively, he asked me to marry him. We were both young and knew without any doubts that we wanted to share our lives together.  All I can say is that I knew. I know that's probably not what you expected to hear but it's the truth.  I just knew ! It was unlike any other relationship in my past.  I will often share with singles that if you have to many questions about whether it's the right person on the other end of your relationship, it might not be the right person.  One thing love is not is unsure.  2. What is the key to marriage ? Alton and I...

We all have people in our life that are unlikable. Maybe they are annoying, unpleasant, mean, rude or just overall different than us. Ok, most people won't admit it but we all know people that are unlikable. We also encounter those that live with a different set of values. This unique world, allows our paths to cross with all types of people. We interact with those we like, love, and dislike. That's our reality. This pandemic shows how we are all interdependent on one another. I came face to face (through Zoom) with someone, and we don't share the same values. I was rubbed in all the wrong ways. Now, I naturally can deal with many different personalities but this person was just...I will save that comment to myself. How do you handle interactions with the unlikable? What if the one that's unlikable is in your own family? Again, NO one wants to admit it but it is our reality. We find many reasons and ways to distance ourselves from people, not just geographically but eve...

  A few weeks ago, I shared my cancer journey. Did you get a chance to read it? If not, here's the  link . As a result of the diagnosis and the surgeries that followed, my body was thrust into menopause . It was a shock to my system. Many women I know are either in this season of life or close to it. I wanted to share some of my challenges to let the guys in our life know what the heck is going on.  Just know, this can be a sweet time in a woman's life or it can literally be hell on earth . (Most likely, it's hell on earth).  For simplicity sake, menopause is the time in a woman's life when there is a decline in reproductive hormones. A woman normally reaches menopause in her 40's and 50's.  Ok guys, here's 5 things to remember: She's probably HOT !  Meaning temperature hot. Personally, the hot flashes are the worst part of menopause. It's not just a typical hot either. It's an internal flame that comes out of nowhere and literally stops my abili...

The thoughts twirling in my head on any given day in 2020 are random. As I try to process the amount of information and news to stay informed it can lead to anxious thoughts and nervousness. Sometimes the largest battle in our life isn't happening externally (outside world) it's happening internally (inside us). Our smiles and normal demeanor can hide the true feelings rattling around in our brain. We mask (no pun intended) how we really feel thinking no one has the time to truly listen.  WHO wants to hear us complain?  I hear people say reach out to someone if you are struggling, but honestly most often that someone is too captivated with their own day to day living. How do we stop the self defeating and anxious thoughts? What do we do after we've reached out to someone and we feel the same way? With each passing day in 2020, there is more and more to frighten us. I'm learning (not there yet) to sit still. This might be the hardest part of my day, sitting still.  I si...

I recognize that many talented professionals are transitioning due to the pandemic. As I read through my social media outlets it's been endless with layoff announcements. We are now a community.  My 2 month furlough also transitioned into a separation from Fossil Group after 12.5 years of service. I am convinced that all the diverse skills and experiences, will now be a catalyst for greater. As someone told me, " you didn't lose your job, they lost you ." Each of you have incredible value that you provided to your company or organization for many years. Don't hold any bitterness against them . This layoff was due to an unprecedented turn of events. It had nothing to do with your performance or worth . I want you to know, there is life after a layoff . The time has come to springboard into your next chapter.  No experience, pain, relationship, accomplishment or trial you face is a wasted experience. It's all interconnected to make you the stronger. Don'...

Two years ago, cancer found me. I became a part of a club that I didn't want to join. It's a diagnosis I never wanted to hear. So many people I know have overcome cancer and so many others have succumb to it. It's taken me nearly two years to share my story on this blog. I'm still moving through the cancer process but I'm so thankful to still be here! After waking up in the worst pain of my life in November 2018, Alton rushed me to the emergency room. I was quickly discharged after the physicians told me that a mass on my ovary needed evaluation by my gynecologist. That visit with my doctor never came. After passing out later that evening, the following day I ended up in an ambulance going in and out of consciousness. My daughter was home when the ambulance arrived. I vaguely remember seeing her sobbing and as any mother would do, I gently whispered, "I'm going to be ok." She knew that my situation was dire yet somehow I didn't even ...

The ground underneath us is MOVING. Can you feel it? This is truly the year of TRANSITION . If you feel that you are not grounded or you are unsettled in your spirit, that is a normal. Be patient with yourself through this process. While you are being patient, STRAP on because this ride through 2020 will continue to have turbulence. We've become so accustomed to our norms and when they are shattered we feel a roller coaster of emotions. If you are experiencing self defeating thoughts, a sad heart, confusion, anger, sadness, etc. it is a part of being in a world that's constantly evolving. We must learn how to sit in the seat of uncertainty . We also have to teach our children how to sit in the seat of uncertainty. I was reminded on Sunday that GOD is my anchor when life feels like a merry go round. This is the moment to wrap your life in the arms of God's security. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into Go...

In these unprecedented times most people are feeling that life is out of control. In fact, 80% of voters feel this way. One person I spoke with said, "I wake up every morning with a sad heart." I've come to realize that some of the greatest progression in history comes during times of chaos and commotion. We have certainly entered a time that has an all new normal. Simple activities like grocery shopping and getting a haircut require a new process. In our quest to make sense of what's going on, imagine the conversations in homes with children, teenagers and young adults. In the midst of adversity, humanity collectively feels unsettled with all that is happening in our world and communities. Each day we wake up, we face a new set of fears and worries. Trouble seems to be pressing in and we are fighting to find the JOY of each day. How do we keep moving forward ? How do we stop the self defeating thoughts in our minds? When grieving and sadness become as common as...

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,...

It's been 8 weeks. Eight weeks of a solitude think tank for me. Eight weeks of being at home. Eight weeks of seeing my world quickly evolve. I don't think any experiences in our life are wasted. I believe it serves a higher purpose. I've heard many people say that God is trying to tell us something. Well, He certainly has my attention. The collective breath of humanity will persevere through this moment. Some people will come out stronger, some battered, some with scars and there will be some still wondering what the heck is going on. What are you learning through this process? What life lessons will you take away from this moment in history? I truly believe in the midst of this chaos God will provide clarity .  Clarity to know who God is. Clarity to know how strong we are in Him. Clarity to know our families more intimately. Clarity to know all the "busyness" of life is actually quite distracting. Clarity to understand what matters most....

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous and will likely cause pain. For some, it’s an emotion they feel daily. Everyone feels fear and everyone gets anxious at some point. Unfortunately, our world today nurtures an atmosphere of fear. Whether it’s through social media or news outlets, we’re bombarded with fear and anxiety. Often the two emotions travel together. If you’re not careful, instead of the emotions coming and leaving quickly, they will linger and before you know it, you are dwelling in both the emotions. Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to overcome fear. Not manage it but OVERCOME it! Its been a process but if you follow these four steps, I promise that your fear will subside. 1. Read the Bible - it is full of scriptures that help combat fear. 2. Pray - share with God what you’re feeling. Be open and honest. 3. Be thankful and focus on the good in your life - what yo...

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...

During a recent family meal, we each went around the table and shared one thing we loved about each other. Typically my 16 and 10 year old are on each other's nerves, so it warmed my heart to hear them being pleasant to each other. They were also surprised to hear each other's response. Do you ever ask similar questions around your dinner table? If not, try it. My youngest during vacation  As much as it was a blessing to hear them talk about each other, their answer to me was beyond words. My 10 year old started out first. I was pretty sure he was going to compliment my cooking. I've always felt like I take "rock star" status in his mind because I enjoy cooking his favorites on a regular basis. His world revolves around sports, video games, sleep, reading books, and eating. Typical kid stuff. Instead of him listing my participation in any of those activities, he quickly let me know that he loves how I teach him God's word. ...

My Wombmate! Our MOST Special Thanksgiving ! Today is the day when many will enjoy a feast full of incredible Fall dishes. You walk into any Thanksgiving host home and the smells of Fall enter your nostrils making you even more hungry than when you arrived. There is so much activity that will happen around the Thanksgiving table - some people will rummage through retail circular ads planning their Black Friday shopping strategy. The tv, for some, is playing the coveted Thanksgiving Day football games. The kids will catch up swapping school stories as they countdown to Christmas break. Then there is the group that will debate the latest pop culture events and politics. In their opinion, they will solve the world’s greatest problems. Well for Renee and I, this week has been a test of grit, resiliency, faith and a reminder of our incredible bond. I know many of you have siblings but the bond between identical twins is something short of amazing. Renee and I can finish ...

I'm sure the title of my post offends some, however, it's the only word strong enough to share my level of disappointment and frustration over today's political environment. What happened to the days when we could sit down together and have a decent debate about our views? Sometimes we agreed and sometimes we didn't. So what! We would just agree to disagree and move on. Not today. This political environment is different. Way different. A difference of opinion today means that a person is judged for their beliefs. We're judged by how we vote, what we feel about the issues and where we choose to get our news from. If you believe in one Republican ideal you're labeled a Conservative. If you side with some of the Democratic ideals you're labeled a Socialist or Liberal. There's no middle ground or moderate voice in today's political dialogue. What happened? Whether you believe it or not, families are being torn apart. Friends are ...

Prayer is a conversation with God. It's an opportunity for us to talk to Him and for Him to talk to us. It's two-way communication and it should be continual as you move throughout each day. The God of the Universe, provides us the magnificent opportunity to have a conversation with Him! He wants to hear about our joys and victories and comfort us when life gets downright difficult. Here's the thing though, DON'T pray and then worry. It's like oil and water. They don't mix. They were never meant to exist together. If you're going through a difficult time, please pray about your situation and give it to God. He wants to take the cares of your world away but you must release it to Him. If you keeping worrying about the situation then you're doubting his ability to handle it. Philippians 4:6-7 shares the following: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to G...

Most Saturday's I wake up early and head to the trail for a 6 mile walk with my dear friend. We always seem to cry, pray and laugh together. We pray for each other, our families, and just life in general. A few Saturday's ago, my heart was heavy and I was overwhelmed by life. We were walking and talking but my mind kept drifting back to my worries. My mind was anxious and I couldn't even focus on what she was saying. Instead of holding it in, I was transparent and shared my concerns and situation. Even though she's walking through her own difficult situations, she immediately started to pray for me. Those few moments of prayer provided encouragement and a renewed strength. A weight was lifted off my shoulders. My perspective changed and I moved from anxious thoughts to grateful thoughts. I realized in a deeper way that: prayer always works prayer in partnership with others is a mighty weapon The results you're looking for aren't always i...

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 ...