Double Portion Inspiration

The inevitable happened, Tyler went off to college. I was a stay at home mother for the first 7 years of his life. Time has evaporated and I kissed my son goodbye as he headed back to his dorm just 2 weeks ago. #YIKES Although Tyler remains my son and will come home often, the thought of him being out of the house had my nerves on edge (that's MY truth) this year.  There are many of my friends that previously talked about this feeling. Well, I was  now in the position to experience it firsthand. I constantly thought: How will I adjust to 1 less child in the home? Does that actually mean buying LESS groceries? 😀 Who will NOW entertain our younger son? Will he want ME to play Fort Nite? Being a mom has defined me for the past 18 years. I remember when I left to attend the University of Florida, I did not return back to my mom's house. I got married right after college and started working upon graduation. I guess it's what a mother wants for her child, I'...

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...

The boys are wrestling, running, and screaming in the house often during Summer. Most of the screaming comes from their constant disappointment while playing Fort Nite. I find it hard to THINK when noise levels are high. Come to think of it - WHEN was the last time I had the opportunity to think? The world is moving so fast. In just a month the kids will be back in school. There are many unnecessary items that fight for our attention. If we get a moment to ourselves, we don't sit in silence and think. NO we reach for our the tv, Neflix or our phone to see the latest notification or email that came into our inbox. A red traffic light, in 2018, isn't time to think either. It's now time to scan email, buy a pair of shoes, respond to a text, turn on the music or apply makeup. WHEN was the last time YOU had the opportunity to think? Carving out space to think is important for our mental health. It is very tempting to use a silent moment to peruse through social m...

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...

I am thrilled that the holiday week is upon us. Today is Canada Day and on Wednesday (July 4th) the United States will celebrate our independence. Our freedom as a country. July 4th is such a celebratory holiday where the day is long and the grills are wafting some incredible aromas in the air. People happily stay up late for fireworks and holiday shenanigans with friends and family. BAD NEWS : I try to look at the news daily for edification on the latest events. This year I'm realizing there is so much I don't recognize about our country. The constant bickering on the news really, I mean REALLY upsets me. People no longer take the time to research the facts of a story. Water cooler discussions at work have turned UGLY. Many are just a passionate imitation of what they see on the nightly news. I don't recognize why people love a political party more than their love of GOD and country. The human spirit is alive and well if you open your eyes to see it . The news...

It all happened so quickly, one moment I was upright and presenting on a conference call for work. Then I started to feel a tickle in my throat. Within the next 3 quick hours I was achy, cold and feeling run over by a mac truck. Could it be - The FLU!! I've had the flu before, 13 years ago when I was pregnant with my youngest son (Joshua). I knew the feeling and quickly started medication to hopefully "offset a bad cold". I was celebrating my son's birthday that evening and didn't want plans to change on account of me being sick. WHO HAS TIME TO BE SICK? I repeat, WHO HAS TIME TO BE SICK? Sickness normally comes out of nowhere. It overtakes your body, emotions and feelings to bring you DOWN. I'm not talking about the easy stuff like a minor cold or slight upset stomach. I'm talking about the type of sickness that brings you flat on your back. How can you be cold and sweating all in the same hour? The doctor confirmed I did NOT have influenza, ...

  There is so much that goes into making Mother's Day a perfect day. US Census reports that there are over 85 million mothers in the United States. Mother's day ends up being one of the largest and most profitable holidays in the Spring season. I find that less people are shopping intently for fathers on their special day due to many single mother households. Our world needs strong men who love not only their families but also their communities. Men who are willing to sacrifice. We need strong men as mentors and champions when a father might be missing in the home. I've had the opportunity to be surrounded by some incredibly strong men in my life. They taught me a standard of love in my early years of dating. They also taught me how a strong man leads lovingly and with humor in his home, so that the family is protected from the darkness of this world. I've also seen men in many environments like fraternities, education, churches, performing arts and sports...