Unconditional Love

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The holiday season is in full bloom. In the United States we will be celebrating Thanksgiving this week. I have intentionally taken time to make a gratitude list. With the busyness of life and all the craziness in the world, it is often easy to overlook our many blessings. Blessings come in different shapes and sizes, and comes packaged in ways we would never have imagined. Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving or not, giving thanks brings joy to the heart and honors God. Give thanks in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18). On the top of my gratitude list in UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Unconditional love is that which comes with no expectations and is not dependent upon  behavior.  This love never ceases. It gives without expecting anything in return, and it remains a constant, even in a world which is constantly changing.

In our humanness we often fall short of loving others to this degree. My relationship with God has taught me, above all else HE loves me unconditionally. And He loves you unconditionally as well. For this fact alone…I give thanks! What about you? Are you aware of how very much God loves you?

God’s love for you is not dependent upon your response to His love. There is nothing you can do that will alter the measure to which God loves you. HIS love is steadfast towards you. Continue Reading

There Is Power In The Reset

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Hit resetAs a little girl, I recall my dad telling me a story about his first job. He shared how, as a youngster, he would go to the bowling alley everyday to work. Back then the bowling pins were reset by hand, (my dad is now in his 80’s).  He would remain behind the alleys, as each bowler would strike the pins, his job was to reset them. He would run from alley to alley doing this all night long.  WOW! Can you imagine? Thankfully, by the time I discovered bowling, technology had progressed and the RESET BUTTON was invented. The button was magical. If things didn’t align just right…RESET and move on!  There is power in the RESET… in bowling, and in LIFE.

Whether you realize it or not, you have an internal RESET SYSTEM hardwired into the core of your being! It is hardwired in your mind. Everyday we have choices. Whether we are aware of it or not, the thoughts we entertain, and often meditate on, we do so by choice! If we see ourselves as a failure, unworthy, unlovable, or incapable, we do so by choice. Or we can think upon things which are uplifting and powerful (Philippians 4:8).  At any time, you have the power to hit reset. You and I can reset our thoughts whenever we decide and as often as we need to.

Negative self talk equates to thoughts which are misaligned and need to be RESET. Continue Reading

Equipped For Change

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gear.fallChange is in the air. I noticed something different as I was taking my morning walk today, the air was a bit cooler than usual which was a welcomed change. There is no greater feeling than being ensconced in a hoodie when I am out on a morning walk. A wink from heaven…I would say!  The freshness in the air reminded me of the onset of Fall, and how for the first time in almost 30 years, I will experience the changing seasons. I recently moved to the East Coast from California, where I lived for the past 7 years, and prior, I lived in Florida for 23 years.  I will need to learn how to adapt to the changing weather conditions. It is a new revelation that I will actually have to set aside my flip flops for a season (That is just wrong!) Then I got to thinking, life is a lot like nature. Seasons Change!

Nature does not argue with God, it instinctively knows God has the upper hand. Summer yields to Fall, Winter waits patiently on the sidelines, and Spring will make it’s appearance with a burst of color in due time. Why then, if nature can so easily cooperate with God’s guidance, do we struggle to flow with the change in our own lives? Am I alone, or do you also struggle with change?

Change brings uncertainty, this is true. It also brings excitement. It is a matter of perspective. Even with all the unknowns the changing seasons bring, we still travel through time and deal with what nature throws our way. Some forces of nature are more violent than others, yet we endure. What if we had the same perspective about the changing seasons of our life?

We will endure. Whatever life transitions you are facing right now, even as you read this, you may be in the midst of a storm, you will endure. If you are on the top of the mountain look out at the vast beauty… embrace the moment; getting to that mountaintop meant you had to travel through some valleys, and experience some changes. God will always be with you, in the storms, through the valleys and on the mountaintops.

The truth of the matter is, the days of wearing my flip flops are coming to an end, they simply can not provide what I will need in the coming months. Just as I must accept this fact, there are some habits and thought patterns that will not serve you well in the new season of life where God is leading you. Realizing what they are, and being willing to put them ‘away’ will be an asset to you. Continue Reading

Pain A New Perspective

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old pain. new perspectiveUncovering your purpose in your everyday life is a process, it takes work and it takes reflection.  It is in the reflection that we gain a new perspective on our lives and clarity of direction. Last week we talked about the silent killer known as ‘heartbreak’. The email response from this post was overwhelming. Consequently, I realized there is a need to unpack this topic a bit further. This is what I call a Deep Dive.

Deep Dives are often necessary when there is an area of pain which is simply too tender for someone to uncover alone, or buried so deep additional manpower is necessary. This is why God places us in community. In sharing our hope, experiences and expertise we help one another overcome.

In this post I am going to share with you an exercise which I use in my coaching practice. In working through this exercise you will learn how to open your heart and invite God into your pain. You will also learn the importance of ‘sitting’ with your pain, rather than stuffing your pain and ignoring it. Exploring how you feel and why you feel the way you do is a necessary part of the healing process.

I suggest you read through this exercise, then set aside time to actually work the process. Schedule some personal quiet time, perhaps go to a place which allows you to clear your mind and be still. For me, whenever I do this type of personal reflection, I almost always find a spot on by the water, away from others, where I can focus. You will also need a pen, pencil, lots of paper and a red pen. I can speak first hand, the process I am about to share with you will work if you see it through. Continue Reading

Eye Of The Storm

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eye of the stormStorms are unpredictable.Today as I write, all eyes are on Hurricane Irma! Exactly where the eye will make landfall is still uncertain. What is certain, Irma is a very destructive storm. People are being warned to stay out of its path. It is paramount for safety to take shelter when a vicious storm is headed your way. Watching the unpredictable path of a hurricane can be confusing and scary. At times, life in general, can feel that way too. Where do you take shelter when the storms of life bombard you as though it were the eye of a hurricane?

If you have experienced great loss, I am speaking to you! Death of a loved one, divorce, abuse, rape, abortion, miscarriage, or abandonment, just to mention a few. All these ‘storms’ leave an aftermath of pain in our hearts. Where have you found shelter for your battered heart?  For various reasons, such pain  is often neglected, and buried deep within the chambers of our heart. As if in doing so, we somehow can shield ourselves from the damaging winds of pain and sorrow. When the heart has suffered a direct hit, the damage is in need of restoration.

Living in Florida for 23 years, I had the opportunity to be on many hurricane relief teams. I witnessed first hand the devastating effects powerful storms leave behind. Likewise, as a Pastor and Transformational Coach, I have walked hand in hand with precious people whose hearts have been torn to pieces by the destructive winds of pain and sorrow. It doesn’t have to be this way…restoration is possible. Continue Reading

Bright.Bold.Beautiful

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bright.bold.beautifulBright, Bold, Beautiful, that’s who you were designed to be. You were created to be an individual who knows their value, understands their purpose and who is not shy about broadcasting it to the world. Being willing to stand out and be yourself in a crowd takes courage. Unfortunately, most people shy away from doing so. Consequently, we live in a world surrounded by false impressions and powerlessness . True authenticity is Bright, Bold, and Beautiful!

Being your unique self is special. Each integral part of your being, hand crafted by God, and presented to the world as an ‘original’, is something to cherish. Original paintings are far more valuable than those which are massed produced. Embrace your differences and showcase your individuality. You have something to offer the world that no one else can duplicate.  

You are most stable when you are being true to your inner self.  You are powerful when you stand on the solid foundation of who God created you to be, while listening to the inner voice deep within for guidance and direction. You can tread on territory that would frighten most anyone else, and conquer heights above the reach of others, simply by being true to yourself. Great things happen when great people, like yourself, chose to live and create in their own element. You look different, you sound different, and you think differently, for a purpose. Continue Reading

Be A First Responder

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firt responder1The 911 call has been made…the cries for help are loud and hissing like a snake in the wild. Charlottesville VA, a small community of 48,210 people spanning a total area of 10.3 square miles (27 km) will forever be known in the hearts of people around the globe. Hatred has a way of spreading its poisonous venom. Like most venomous snake bites, the poison is deadly unless treated properly. Over the past several days, conversation after conversation, news reports after news reports are all brimming with “TALK”  of what should be done next, and who is to blame. It’s time for “ACTION”. Such a vicious bite needs immediate attention.

This outrageous behavior demands a response… will you respond?

Many are looking to the government, the media, the president, or the police for answers. While these institutions have their place in helping to bring reform to a community/nation, what we need is TRANSFORMATION.  Heart altering, life changing, transformation.

All  responses to action are not equal. It is time for miracle working power to be released in our communities. Continue Reading

Reach For The Stars

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reach for the starsEveryday is a new day…endless possibilities awaits anyone who dares to believe beyond what they can see. Consider for a moment the stars of the sky. Research indicates there are 100 billion stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. I don’t know about you, but I surely have never counted that many. Nonetheless, that does not nullify their existence. Life is a lot like the stars in the sky, there is much to embrace that you can not see. Can you believe for greater things in your life even though you can not see them right now (Ephesians 3:20)? When you look to God and understand He is always at work on your behalf, hope begins to arise within your innermost being and you begin to reach for the stars.

To appreciate the beauty of the stars you have to position yourself properly. If you are among the bright lights of the City your experience will be much different than if you were out in the open country.  Taking hold of all the promises God has for you is much like stargazing. Sometimes they shine brightly for all to see, other days those opportunities are hidden behind self imposed clouds. Clouds of doubt, disappointment, fear, busyness, or insecurity. All these distractions can cast a blanket over the vast beauty which awaits your discovery.

Today, if you feel as though you can not see the stars of opportunity overhead, Stop… Look…Reposition if necessary, but do not give up.  There are stars designed for only you to see, waiting for you to reach up and take hold of them. They are stars filled with your dreams, hopes and desires. Continue Reading

Avoiding The Wave Of Frustration

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waves of frustrationLife can often be complicated. There always seems to be more tasks on the To-Do-List then hours in the day to accomplish them. Regardless of the best laid out plans, life happens and setbacks occur. It is in these moments when circumstance transition from ‘I got this’….To… ‘Out of control’. When this happens you have seconds to respond before you find yourself spiraling in a direction you do not care to travel. Your response will determine your ability to maintain stability and maintain your course.

There was a season in my life when I did not understand what I am about to share with you. Frustration kept me blinded from seeing the purpose God was laying out before me. All I could see was the distractions, all I could feel was the anxiety, and soon I was fighting so hard against all the resistance, I was wearing myself out. Life without the proper skill-set to deal with frustration can become an avalanche of destruction. After being” sick and tired” of “being sick and tired” of circumstances controlling my life, I learned a valuable lesson from the Holy Spirit. I learned how to BE STILL and TRUST GOD. Not an easy task for someone who is a high achiever. Being still did not come easy for me to learn. Now, it has become my life-line. I want to extend that life line to you today.

Frustration, if not mastered, can be detrimental to uncovering purpose in your everyday life. Continue Reading

Train To Be Victorious

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train for victoryDefine defeat. For most people it would be the absence of winning, attaining anything less than first place, being rejected, overlooked, or abandoned. Dictionary.com defines defeat in this manner; “to eliminate or deprive of something expected”.  Are you feeling defeated today? Has life thrown you a curve ball you were not expecting. Have your hopes been dashed?  There are many things in life which may cause you to feel defeated. Take heart, defeat is an attitude. Just as you can feel defeated…you can easily feel empowered. I urge you today to reconsider your personal definition of defeat. Hidden within each struggle is an opportunity.  Train to be victorious (1Corinthians 9:24)!

Opportunities to succeed or fail are present every day for everyone. It is your attitude which frames the outcome. A moment in time when you make a choice.  It is in this brief segment of time where you decide, much like a boxer who has been knocked to the mat, do you stay down and stop the fight? Or do you get up, with flames of passion in your eyes, and continue to battle fearlessly? Can you believe for what you do not yet see? (Ephesians 3:20)  If you accept defeat, it is your choice. Losing a battle does not mean you have lost the war.  

The battle may  have been lost, circumstances have not gone in your favor, you have been knocked down.  Be encouraged… the war is not over. Thousands of years ago, it appeared Jesus lost the war, when in reality it was merely a battle. The war was not yet over! Sunday came, and He was crowned victorious! The resurrection happened because it was ALWAYS in God’s plan for Jesus to defeat death and the grave. God has final authority (Revelation 1:8).

What seems dead in your life? What battle have you given up on? Get up…God has empowered you to be victorious. Don’t accept anything less than God’s best for your life.

Many years ago, it appeared as though the enemy not only knocked me down, but knocked me out as well.Continue Reading

It Will Cost You

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It will cost youIf asked, most people would say they have a dream. A dream for a career, marriage, family, a personal goal, or a world wide vision.  It is easy to dream, but far more costly to see that dream through to fruition. Achieving any dream will cost you. Fulfilling your purpose in everyday life will cost you. It is imperative for you to be ready to pay the price for your dreams/desires to become reality. Rest assured… it will cost you.

We can look back in History and explore any great achievement and see that it took sacrifice. Surrender of time, and resources. On many occasions the price was ‘life‘ itself.  Anything worth pursuing will cost you! How committed are you? Will you proceed regardless of the cost?

Commitment means different things for different people, yet it need not be this way. Either you are devoted or you are not. I realize it may not be as black and white as it sounds, but let’s not sugar coat the truth. In order to fulfill your purpose you must be honest with yourself and with God. God is committed to you, He is all in, He has supplied all that is necessary for you to be all that He has created you to be, and His commitment to you came with a hefty price tag. Regardless, He stayed the course until the mission was accomplished. What about you? Do you have that same tenacity in your own life?

A Dream will remain merely an aspiration, unless action is taken, unless the cost is paid. Continue Reading

Extrovert Or Introvert?

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extrovert.introvertAs a Life Coach and Pastor, I love to ask questions. I am fascinated with people and their life stories. I have an innate desire to get to know people on a deep level. I am whole heartedly interested in getting to know the ‘who’ behind the image. Personally, I am less impacted by first impressions, and more eager to discover what actually motivates people.  What is it they are passionate about, and how do they see themselves through the bigger lens of life and purpose.

In order to tap into a more intimate discussion with people, I like to ask a rather unique question. My inquiry is this: “If you were approached by a perfect stranger and asked to describe yourself in 5 words or less, what would be your response?”  I have been surprised to find a common thread among the answers of people from various backgrounds. A thread worth exploring!

Two common descriptors which almost always fall within the top five list are: extrovert and introvert. Most people use these terms loosely to describe themselves. Actually, as I challenge people in this area, I have found their understanding of these two concepts is misguided. Continue Reading

You Are A Powerhouse

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There are many things in life which represent power. True power comes from within! God’s word is powerful and effective in bringing enlightenment to anyone who will receive it.  Just one word from God can change your life forever! The word of God can lead, guide and direct your steps (Psalms 119:105). We know this to be true of God’s word, yet have you stopped to give thought to the POWER at work within you?  Just one word from you spoken in love, or a single act of kindness can change the course of someone’s day, perhaps even their life. You are a walking POWERHOUSE!

Everyone desires to be loved, appreciated and approved of! This is part of human nature,  yet so few get to experience this on a regular basis. The opposite, is far too often the norm. People go through their day hearing complaint after complaint, they hear how they are not measuring up, or simply how they are just are not good enough. This is not the heart of God.

God is an encourager,  He is for you not against you (Romans 8:31). His words are powerful, and if you are a Christian, His power resides within YOU!

I passed a college campus on my travels this week, as I looked beyond the crowds, I realized there was a graduation ceremony taking place. The campus was inundated with people. Laughter could be heard everywhere. Cameras were snapping to capture the special moment, and smiles could be found on almost every face. All of this joy brought a smile to my face. Joy is powerful.

As I drove by,  I began to think about what tomorrow will look like for these graduates. They have been the center of attention for several weeks, months or perhaps the entire school year, and soon the celebration ends as the day comes to a close. Reality check! No more attention, no more accolades, just another day. How will they respond? Often their reality becomes demanding rather than celebratory! Finding a job and providing for themselves, all these necessities can become overwhelming. I stopped to pray, asking God to provide for them a support system to help them navigate their next steps.

Life is much like graduation day. There are seasons of hard work, moments of celebration and then there is always REALITY… the place after the celebration, when the crowds leave, the attention is gone, and the path ahead looks unfamiliar. Regardless of the type of celebration,  the day is still 24 hours long. The sun will set, and the realism of tomorrow does come. Who will be there to support and encourage after the event?Continue Reading

Wisdom In The Journey

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journeyA journey can become much more than merely traveling a path from place to place. If you are an explorer to any degree, you know there are nuggets to be found on any adventure. I love adventures, I love uncovering things I would never have discovered if I did not step out onto a new path. Perhaps you are the same way, excited to seek new experiences. Or perhaps you are someone who would prefer the familiar, one less likely to be found in unknown territory. Today, I want to encourage everyone to dare to become an explorer! On every exploration God will share with you His wisdom along your journey.

“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). Sounds like God is in the adventure business!  Look deep within, and you will find the explorer waiting to be released. God created us in His image, He is forever doing a ‘new thing’.  How exciting it is to uncover what new thing God has prepared for you today.

This past month my husband and I have traveled cross country from California to Virginia. (If you have not followed along, or if you are new here, hop on over to my Instagram account www.instagram.com/lucyanncq/ where you will find a picture journal, my way of sharing our trip with you).  Throughout our road trip, God spoke to my heart in subtle ways. At times it was in the beauty set before me. Other times it was in the quietness of our surroundings, a sunset or sunrise which painted the sky with color, or something as simple as an animal in it’s natural habitat. In various ways I could see and hear God each day.

Do you hear God’s voice crying out to you in the midst of your everyday journey called life? He has much to show you, much He desires for you to explore and uncover. Be encouraged, keep you heart and mind opened to what God wants to reveal to you. Each day of our travels presented with a newness of its own to behold. Likewise, whether on a cross country road trip or traveling through everyday life, God is revealing Himself in distinct ways. He has much for you to see and uncover every day…Can you perceive it?  Continue Reading

Faith Behind The Wire

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faith.wireBehind the wire, a term used to set the boundaries between the outside world and the prison environment. For the past six years I have had the privilege to be a representative of God’s love to the men and women of the U.S. Military who are incarcerated. There exist a world behind the wire, a world most people are not exposed to. This is a community where there is no internet access, no cell phones, and limited contact with the outside world. Such is Life Behind the Wire. During my six years of service within this community I have uncovered a powerful truth… Faith lives behind the wire as well.

A common denominator between the outside world and life behind the wire is… people. The men and women who live in the prison environment carry out life each day,  just like you and I. They have families, jobs, and they too are on a faith journey with God.

I have spent countless hours behind the wire getting to know these  amazing individuals. We have talked, laughed, cried, and worshiped together. Basically, I have been invited to be a part of their life Behind the Wire. Few people have the opportunity to share in such an experience. Personally, this journey has strengthened my faith in many ways.

I want to share with you six lessons God taught me about Faith during my time Behind the Wire. I believe these truths will help increase your faith, no matter where on the road of life you may find yourself today.

These lessons will forever be etched in my heart as a reminder of God’s unfailing love, and the power of that love to change lives. Continue Reading

Honesty Strengthens Faith

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honestyHonesty is a character trait to be admired. Webster’s dictionary defines honesty as straightforwardness of conduct, upright, fair, truthful and sincere. If I were to ask, “do you consider yourself to be an honest person”, how many of you would say, Yes? I believe, the majority of you would affirm that you are honest. This appears to be a straightforward question, or is it really? Actually, there is much to consider. Think outside the box for a moment. I would like you to evaluate how honest you are with yourself and with God. Honesty Strengthens Your Faith.

Many struggle with this question because it requires self reflection. I challenge you today, to reflect on your faith journey. For instance, have you been straightforward about the times you have been filled with doubt, gotten angry with God, or hid behind the mask of your smile, while all along you were desperately hurting? Are you honest about your feelings when your faith is under attack?

It is impossible to overcome anything you are unwilling to face. Honesty positions you for breakthrough.

This is where the faith walk becomes complicated, yet so few are willing to discuss this matter.  Most people want to share about their ‘faith victories’ without talking transparently, about their ‘faith battles’.  Let’s be honest… there is never a victory without a battle.

Recently, my world was shaken by unforeseen circumstances. Suddenly, I was surrounded by uncertainty, and unanswered questions. I struggled with disappointment, fear and anxiety. All of which had me question just how strong my faith actually was. Continue Reading

The Gift

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gift.crown

People spend a lot of time and money trying to pick out the ‘best’ gift for someone. Whether it is a loved one, friend or acquaintance, gift giving can become stressful. Questions always arise, such as, will they like it, does it present well, is it appropriate, is it too cheap or too expensive? The list of haunting questions is endless. People spend great amounts of time and resources picking out the perfect gift. What if… the perfect gift was already within your reach?

YES!  The perfect gift for any occasion is… YOU! Your value far exceeds any gift you can buy in a store. You are irreplaceable! There is no one exactly like you. You are unique,  you have not been ‘massed-produced’, therefore, you are extremely valuable.

Most often people underestimate their value. Uncovering purpose in your everyday life will require you to appreciate the true treasure you are. Treasures are meant to be held in high esteem. You would not take an item known to be worth a lot of money and not care for it, would you? Most certainly not! You would go to great lengths to make sure it was properly cared for. The same is true of yourself. You must take care of YOU! Continue Reading

The Trail Marked… F ~ A ~ I ~ T ~ H

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walking by faith

Living by faith has gotten a bad wrap even in the Christian Community. Many people believe living by faith is unattainable, or only for those who are weak. God’s word sheds light on this issue. The bible tells us, The Just Shall Live By Faith (Romans 1:17), and it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Given these truths, it is imperative to come to an understanding that Living by Faith is advantageous. Accordingly, how does anyone walk by faith in a world which promotes self sustainability?

As the signs on a hiking trail are clearly marked to ensure people reach their intended destination safely, likewise to confidently navigate the journey of life, follow the markings posted:

F~ A ~I ~ T~ H

F~ Follow Jesus even when you are unsure of the direction the path is taking you.

If today, you feel as though life is leading you down an ambiguous path, take heart…you are embarking on an adventure with God. Life often follows unknown trails. It is on these unrecognizable byways that you will discover the love, beauty, and power of God. His love, and power are painting a beautiful portrait of your life. Continue Reading

At The Cross

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At the cross

At the cross is where I need to be,

Here can I clearly see,

True love as it was destined to be.

The blood shed, now sets me free,

My sins washed away as I believe.

My blinded eyes can now see,

It was DIVINE HOPE which hung on the tree. Continue Reading

Vacation With Purpose

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spain.2Uncovering  purpose in everyday life can lead down many different pathways. This week my personal journey will lead me to San Sebastián Spain. It is here, where I will have the honor to officiate my son’s wedding, indeed a vacation with purpose!

The next several weeks will be inundated with planning, travel and celebrating. I am taking this opportunity to embrace the joy of being with family and sharing in this wonderful adventure.

I would like to challenge you, over the next two weeks, to spend some time in self reflection. Honestly evaluate your routines to be sure you are on track with your priorities. It is the subtle things, creeping in unnoticed, which can alter your course significantly over time. Listen to what God is saying to you as you spend some quiet time pondering your daily activities. Be quick to make any necessary adjustments to get back on track. If you find yourself ‘drifting’ aimlessly, it’s time to adjust course. Continue Reading