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Tag: hope

  • 5 Super Powers Revealed in Starting Over

    5 Super Powers Revealed in Starting Over

    5 Superpowers Revealed in Starting Over

    The Setup for Super Power Activation:

    https://womenencouragement.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/5-Superpowers-Revealed.mp4

    5 Superpowers I hope I reveal as I start over once again.  Yes.  I find myself jobless.  I still have streams of income, thankfully.  But my full time gig is null and void.

    I found a fabulous part time job that paid as much as my former full time job.  After giving my resignation, I took some time off to train through Quickbooks, as I prepared for my new position.  Unfortunately, the new company called, they no longer wanted to hire me.

    Thus, I am currently reinventing my life once again.  I am hopeful that you see the following superpowers manifest as I super charge a miraculous comeback.

    The first Super Power Revealed in starting over:

    1. Radical Resilience

    This isn’t just “bouncing back.” Bouncing back implies returning to the original shape. Radical Resilience is the superpower of bouncing forward. It’s the discovery that you are not made of glass; you are made of something far more elastic and durable. Devastation is the ultimate stress test. The person who makes a comeback discovers that their capacity to endure and to heal in magnitudes greater than they ever imagined. The comeback itself is the evidence of this superpower, and once known, it instills a foundational confidence that few other life events can.

     

    Two divorces, a church excommunication, and countless broken relationships later; I pray I am the legend who can reinvent myself better than ever before.

     

    For honesty sake, I am not responsible for all these resurrections.  There is absolutely no way I could do this without the power of God helping me.  Only with the power of Christ could I keep a sane mind in the midst of such destruction.  Thank You Jesus!

     

    This leads to the Second Superpower of starting over and bouncing back:

    2. Profound Clarity

    Devastation is a terrible but effective filter. It violently strips away the trivial, the petty, and the non-essential. All the things you thought mattered—social status, minor anxieties, old grudges, material possessions—are vaporized. What’s left is the absolute, undeniable core of what is important: life, love, health, and purpose. This superpower is like X-ray vision. It allows a person to see through social noise and make decisions with a powerful, focused precision that was impossible before.

    Friends are losing their minds over the government shut down and I am encased in the never ending mission to send out resumes, network, and pick up small jobs for cash.  I am eternally grateful to my family for helping me through this time.  Without them, I would most likely be living in a shelter or on friends couches for days on end.

     

    The perspective sure shifts when the bottom falls out.  It has been torture, yet possibly equally refreshing.

     

    And onto the third, Superpower I pray I am manifesting in starting over…

     

    3. Adaptive Ingenuity

    When the “Plan A” of your life is completely obliterated, there is no map. There is no path. You are forced off-road, into the wilderness. This is where Adaptive Ingenuity is born. It’s a superpower of creative problem-solving and pure innovation. You are forced to build a new life, a new career, or a new sense of self from the rubble. This power reveals your ability to pivot, to learn, and to construct a new reality from materials you didn’t even know were available to you.

    Ross yelling pivot
    Life feels like this so often!

    This, friends, is where I become so vulnerable (gulp).  For about a year now, I have brainstormed a cohort where I would gather liked aged and minded women together.  We would meet for six week sessions, creating income around our wildest dreams.  This off grid dream is almost a reality.  I am seeking sixteen women: eight ages 43 and under, and eight women 44 and over to partake of my Beta Build our Empire Cohort!

    In the Build our Empire Cohort, the homework and self discovery will be fluid.  We will come together and create brands, products, and services that will bring us the income to facilitate the life of our dreams.  After the six week cohort, we will be able to have a step by step plan to build the empire we have always dreamed of!

    This wilderness idea, became more of a necessity for me without my full time job.  If you would like to be a part of my “Donation Only,” Beta group, reach out.  I will send you the intake forms and we can see if you are a fit.

    The Fourth Super Power that I am quite certain I am manifesting as I am starting over is:

     

    4. Deep Empathy

    Before devastation, sympathy is often an intellectual exercise (“Oh, that must be so hard”). After devastation, empathy becomes a visceral, physical sense. When you have lived in the deepest darkness, you gain the ability to recognize the pain in others without fear. You are no longer afraid of their grief because you have survived your own. This superpower allows you to connect with others on a fundamental human level, offering a kind of comfort and understanding that is impossible to fake. Your scars become a language.

    My biggest people group that I empathize towards at this moment are the homeless.  They could be me.  It is getting cold in Ohio.  My heart pangs for the marginalized.  Maybe one day I can help solve such devastation as homelessness.  I pray, “God use me.”

    The 5th and final superpower I hope I am embodying is:

    5. Fearless Authenticity

    When you have faced your absolute worst-case scenario—and you are still standing—the “lesser” fears that used to rule your life lose their power. The fear of judgment, the fear of public speaking, the fear of failure, the fear of “what will they think?”… all of it seems almost comical in comparison. This gives rise to Fearless Authenticity. It is the freedom to be unapologetically yourself, to speak your truth, and to build a new life that is in 100% alignment with your hard-won values, not with anyone else’s expectations.

    I’ve said it all my life, if I ever try to be fake, my facial expressions give it away!  My heart is saved, my body language isn’t.  Pray for me.

     

    It is my hope my authentic self emulates gratitude in this season.  Gratitude for endless possibilities.  I am so humbly thankful for Young Living and the income I receive there.  Overly grateful am I for the money that comes in through Meta.  Amazon associates income always helps too.

     

    In the name of necessity and authenticity, I have also authored some E books that I am hopeful bring in more income in the future.  I will begin to promote them all in good time.  Authentically, I hope these books help others achieve their full potential!

    Summing up the 5 Superpowers of Starting Over:

    It is my hope that if you see me bounce back higher after hitting a real low, you see you can do it too.  I pray your come back is greater than mine.

    Let’s take a moment and revel in the fact that life is very fragile.  I hope we all soften and help others during this time.

    As some are actually losing their minds, finding themselves in massively dire circumstances with the government shut downs, threats of deportations, and more – my hope is that we consider others.  In this Holiday season, let’s concentrate on not making ourselves successful, but let’s boost others to greater things than our little selves can achieve alone.  

    For more information on this subject, check out the book by my favorite author (currently) Terri Savelle Foy, called: Make Your Dreams Bigger than Your Past.  It is gold!

    Picture of Terri Savelle Foy

    Another help for starting over is this giant year long dry erase calendar.  It helps keeps us certain in being intentional throughout the whole year.

    For more self-help gold, check out this vintage post: 5 Risk Taking Decision Makers. ♥

    Please share in the comments below what superpowers have been revealed in your life as you have started over.  Please share the circumstances around your comeback as well.  Your story will be someone else’s survival guide.  Thank you for your participation.

    Remember: Action takers are money makers.  

    PS.  If you are interested in either cohort, please let me know.  I am thinking about hosting them on Googlemeet, which is free to everyone.  #bestdaysahead

     

     

    October 30, 2025
  • Not Shocked: Shiny Happy People

    Not Shocked: Shiny Happy People

    Not Shocked: Shiny Happy People Season Two was more of what I grew up with.  Lots of emotion, lots of passion, with destruction left in the wake.  Sure, good things happened.  We experienced God’s thick presence.  Brought to our knees, we worshipped God for hours.  However, it struck a nerve with me.
    .
    It made me wonder how many of the participants that went through Ron Luce’s ministry school are still in church?  I wonder if any are still in ministry.  I think back to the kids I went to Bible School with, only a smattering of us are still in Church from what I know.  It causes me to wonder what went wrong?

     

    Not Shocked – Ego Centered Leaders

     

    A common thread to disfunction that I have noticed are many factors: Leaders getting heavy headed (inflated egos), ditches in theology, a militant toughness, and a huge emphasis on image.  All of these factors cause everyone involved to suffer.  It’s where the safety of Matthew 6:33 comes in; that when Jesus is at the Center, everything else falls into place.

     

    I’ve noticed (painfully, I’ve become aware), that like the pharisees, when we are consumed with how the “outside” perceives us, we go off course.  It’s in the hyper fixation of appearance, when hearts are overlooked, people are destroyed as if by a bull dozer, and frankly “fires,” are swept under the carpet.  In their eyes it’s better to hide the matter than to address it.

     

    The Decline in Christian Affiliation: The share of Americans who identify as Christians has dropped significantly (e.g., from 78% in 2007 to 62% in 2023-24).

     

    Not Shocked – Plastic, Hallow PeopleAction figue dolls with smiles stuck on their mouths - It reads Not Shocked, Happy, Shiny People Documentary

     

    What I was not shocked with was the amount of emphasis upon emotion.  The huge pressure for full “buy in,”  to embrace the whole concept with little to no questioning.  It reminded me of being on staff at a “Seeker Friendly,” Church and being told we as a staff were not welcome in the building for services unless we were on our “A – Game.”  (No pressure there, eye roll).

     

    As I think back on Shiny Happy People and upon the four years on staff at that “church,” I was faced with many of the same concepts.  For starters; leaders must be extreme.  Leaders must show up – loud and proud, full of energy.  However, as I ponder these pressures; I think of Jesus.

     

    My Jesus, it says in the Gospels that He wept when Lazarus died.  It says he turned over tables in anger.  The Bible describes Him as moved with compassion: spitting in mud to heal blind eyes, allowing holes in ceilings for miracles, even writing in the mud to free an adulterous woman.  None of these examples would be “A Game” material for Teen Mania or some Mega Church Wanna bees.  And yet, this is how Jesus came through in His time on earth.

     

    Shifts in Attendance Models: A significant number of Americans (40%) now participate in religious services online or in a hybrid way, suggesting a desire for connection without the pressure of in-person “A-Game” appearance.Pew Research Center.

     

    It makes me ponder further, has the American Church desperately missed the mark?  I believe in vulnerability we bridge more ground, conversely when we try to emulate a spirit of perfection we burn more.  It grieves my heart that some have put stipulations upon God’s Beloved that truly are not in the Bible.

     

    Watching Happy Shiny People, I was not shocked.  But my heart wept.  I saw young people, my age, who were taken advantage of by folks that originally meant well, but it morphed into some counterfeit Jesus movement.  The wreckage from this movement were hearts that need healing.  And then, the mic drop moment.  Would they experience healing in 2025-2026 most American Churches?  Would they find an open armed Jesus much like the Father in Prodigal Son or will they find plastic churches that only want Shiny, Happy People?

     

    Church Dropout Rate: A 2019 study by Lifeway Research found that 66% of American young adults (ages 18-22) who attended a Protestant church regularly as teenagers dropped out for at least a year.

     

    Not Shocked, Just Grieved

     

    In most growing, mega church wanna be places I have visited, the marginalized are few.  Sure, there are plenty of flannel wearing, beard displaying, jeans flanked individuals.  But where are the destitute, the lost, the impoverished, the desperate?  From what I know of most churches, they come to the food pantries in the church Monday through Friday, but don’t attend Sunday services.  This is the all encompassing question: Why?

    https://womenencouragement.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Not-Shocked-Pinterest-Pin.mp4

     

    Is it because when we show up broken, we stick out like a sore thumb?  My guess is people know they will weep through service.  Folks know their pungent stench from the night before will be repulsive and so they stay far away.

     

    Verses like if Matthew 18:6 (If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be downed in the depths of the sea.) and Luke 17:2 are tattooed with fear in my heart.  How dare we try to make Happy, Shiny People!

     

    Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS): The term exists in the psychological community to describe the lasting negative effects of religious abuse, indoctrination, and toxic religious environments.  Marlene Winell/Psychologists.

     

    Not Shocked: My Prayer

     

    All this to is to say.  I pray our churches are a hospital for the hurting, not a museum of perfect specimens.  My heart cry is for us to be a movement with tidal waves of action, not a stagnant country club of repugnance and murky membership, who quells to status quo, who is tolerant and not counter cultural.

     

    I pray we are a mighty inferno.  Dare I pray we Aquire the Real Fire?  I pray God shakes us awake.  Prayers for boldness for maximum sound, greater capacity, stronger allegiance fills my lips.

     

    In repentance, I fall on my knees, praying we aren’t Happy, Shiny People, but we are the real deal Holyfield.  I pray we weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.  May the full spectrum of emotion be ours and we display our humanity proudly, otherwise we are only Hollow, Happy Shiny People.

     

    My heart cries out for more depth, more intimacy, more connection.  I want to know people in their valleys, not just their mountain top moments.  Sitting with people in the dirt is much more admirable to me than crossing a finish line of victory.

     

    Shocked By Some

     

    This may come as a slap of truth… Ministry is dirty.  People come with issues and problems.  Embracing the problematic is the how I see Jesus’ flow the the Gospels.  He healed the loud who wouldn’t shut up (Blind Bartimeus).  Jesus spoke to His enemy (Samaritans), He confronted the top-notch, highly exalted by calling them Snakes and Vipers (Sadduccees and Pharisees).

     

    Most ministry happens in the crossroads of life.  All the crossroads that come to mind are not predictable, pristine, or flawless in nature.  Times like accidents, deaths, diagnosis, death, birth, and more are absolutely tear provoking situations, that happen suddenly; sometimes without warning.  Ministry colors outside the lines.  It is always needed.  Ministry calls out for help, when others are not present to give any.

     

    Not Shocked By Emotions

     

    Look at the Beatitudes in the Gospels.  They say blessed are the poor in spirit, the those who morn, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted.  None of that fits the profile of Happy, Shiny People, and yet God, calls them BLESSED!

     

    Oh American Church, I pray we do not squelch those who mourn, I pray we celebrate the lost, welcoming them Home.  We are better than this.  Let’s be real.  Being real isn’t a cool tag line.  Reality is there are highs and lows.  The cold hard fact is that Our Real God is big enough to face it all with us.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

     

    Embrace the REAL, less “A Game Days.”  Life can’t be all “A Game.”  We need transparency.  Leaders: it isn’t the worst thing for your flock to see you struggle sometimes,  The most important thing is that we stay in the Game.  That we stay human with the array of emotions.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our heart with all diligence.  In guarding our hearts, let’s not let them grow cold or hardened.  Stay soft, and sweet: teachable, and raw at times.

     

    Not Shocked by Lies, Live in Truth

     

    It’s my belief that the image of perfection, is a lie.  The Only One I know who is perfect is Jesus!  The truth sets us free (John 8:32).  Since not being on staff at that “church,” it is freeing to go in public and not look like a Barbie (I tried -ha!)  at times.  It feels good to be free to cry, to sit in sadness, with no pressure of having to be on my A-Game.

     

    I hope we all find that freedom too.  Putting confines on our emotions as not showing up if we aren’t on our “A-Game,” takes our humanity away.  Live free friends.  Let’s be the Real Deal Through and Through, and in it, I believe we will Aquire a Real Fire.

     

    PS My point is that I think we are hurting more people by try to keep the persona of perfection than by being real.  Real Heals.  We can’t go wrong by being genuine and intentional.  That is all.  Thank You.

     

    Shocked By Truth:  Listen to this…

    HOUSE OF PRAYER
    Song by Mitch Wong ‧ 2025
    Overview/Lyrics
    Lyrics
    Your presence is not for sale
    Your Word is not merchandise
    We’re not here to trade our worship
    For ways You can bless our lives
    We’re not here to make a profit
    We’re not here to rob what’s Yours
    We’re turning the tables over
    There’s only room for the Lord’s
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    Your Spirit above our schedules
    Our sermons, our sets, our views
    We won’t stand between Your people
    And how You might choose to move
    We’re not here to build a brand
    Or platforms that serve ourselves
    ‘Cause only the Church You’re building
    Can withstand the gates of hell
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    In Your House there’s more than a song
    In Your House the weak are made strong
    In Your House the hearts that are broken will be restored
    Will be restored
    In Your House we share what we own
    In Your House the orphans find home
    In Your House the widows in need are provided for
    Provided for
    In Your House we pray for the sick
    In Your House we move in Your gifts
    In Your House Your Spirit pours out and there’s always more
    There’s always more
    In Your House the bound are set free
    In Your House the enemy flees
    In Your House we witness the gospel worth dying for
    Worthy dying for
    In Your House we take of the bread
    In Your House we drink of the wine
    In Your House we honour You Jesus above it all
    Above it all
    In Your House let Your Kingdom come
    In Your House let Your will be done
    In Your House we give all the glory to You alone
    To You alone
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    This is a House of Prayer
    Youtube Video
    For more realness: Follow us on Facebook.  
    For more on this subject: Read the Mighty Movement is Formed.
    August 21, 2025
  • More God in 2025: How Putting God First Will Help You Thrive in the New Year

    More God in 2025: How Putting God First Will Help You Thrive in the New Year

    Can you believe it’s 2025 already? Seriously, it feels like just yesterday we were debating whether the world was going to implode at the turn of the millennium. But here we are, stepping into a brand new year, full of possibilities—and let’s be honest, also a little bit of chaos. Whether you’ve already made your resolutions or you’re still figuring out how to work the whole “goal-setting” thing, I’ve got an invitation for you. It’s time to add more God to 2025.

     

    Yes, you read that right. More God. In your prayers. In your giving. In your service. In your family. In your friendships. In your job. In every single thing you do. Because, friend, when you put God first, everything else falls into place.

     

    Let’s take a quick detour to Matthew 6:33, one of the most life-changing scriptures (in my humble opinion). Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” That’s right. If you focus on putting God first, He’ll handle the rest. The stress about your career, your family, your friendships, your finances—it all becomes manageable when we remember to prioritize Him. And trust me, this isn’t a pie-in-the-sky, “just pray about it” kind of philosophy. This is the secret sauce to thriving in 2025.

     

    So, grab a cup of coffee, your comfy socks, and let’s talk about how we can live out Matthew 6:33 this year.

    Mom dancing - More God

     

    1. More God in Prayer: It’s Not Just for Sunday Mornings

    Woman praying - more prayer 

     

    We all know prayer is powerful, but sometimes it feels like a forgotten practice during our busy weeks. It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I’ll pray when I get around to it,” but let’s face it, sometimes “getting around to it” means forgetting all about it. But if 2025 is the year we want to thrive, we need to get intentional about prayer. Not just the “Help, God!” kind of prayers (though those are important, too), but the deep, uninterrupted moments where we sit with Him, share our hearts, and listen.

     

    I’ll be honest—my prayer life used to look a lot like my grocery list: “Lord, bless this day, help me with the kids, and oh, don’t forget to show up at the dentist’s office.” But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that prayer isn’t just about checking off a list of requests. It’s about communion. It’s about aligning my heart with His. And trust me, when you do that—when you set aside the noise and tune into God—everything changes.

     

    One of my favorite stories about prayer comes from a friend of mine, Sarah. Sarah is a busy mom of three, and she would often joke that the only time she got peace and quiet was in the bathroom. One day, Sarah decided to try something a little different. Instead of using her bathroom time to scroll through social media, she turned it into a mini prayer retreat. She called it her “5-Minute Prayer Closet.”

     

    You know what happened? Sarah began noticing a shift in her life. She was less stressed, more patient with her kids, and her relationships felt more grounded. All because she took five minutes each day to bring her needs before God—and more importantly, to listen for His still, small voice.

     

    In 2025, let’s make prayer a daily habit. It doesn’t have to be long and elaborate. It just needs to be intentional.  To put this into practice, please complete the Prayer Request Form.  Let us stand with you in prayer.

     

    2. More God in Giving: It’s More Than Just Money

    Mom giving hugs

     

    You might be thinking, “Uh oh, here comes the money talk.” But hang on—when I say giving, I don’t just mean tithing or writing a check. Yes, those things are important, but giving is about so much more than that. In fact, it’s about generosity in all areas of life. It’s about giving your time, your energy, your encouragement, and yes, even your resources.
    I recently heard about a woman in my church who had a simple rule when it came to generosity: “If I have it, it’s not mine.” She saw everything she had as a gift from God and made it a point to share. If someone needed a meal, she would cook it. If someone needed a ride, she was there. If there was a prayer need, she would drop everything to pray with them. She didn’t wait for some grand occasion to give; she just lived in a constant state of generosity.

     

    This year, let’s take a page from her book. More God in giving means cultivating a generous heart. It doesn’t always have to be huge. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can be the most meaningful. And when we give with a heart full of gratitude, God multiplies it in ways we could never imagine.

     

    3. More God in Service: It’s Not About You—It’s About Others

    Mom cleaning - giving service

     

    Let’s face it: we are all busy. Between work, family, friends, and trying to maintain a semblance of self-care (hello, Netflix and a good bubble bath), it’s easy to overlook the needs of others. But when we choose to serve others, we put the spotlight on God. And I’m not talking about just volunteering at church or at a food bank (although those are great!). I’m talking about looking for opportunities every day to serve.

     

    Whether it’s a neighbor who needs help with groceries or a colleague who’s struggling with a project, serving others is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect God’s love. When we choose to serve, we’re modeling Jesus, who didn’t come to be served but to serve. It’s humbling, but it’s also a game-changer.

     

    I served at an inner-city mission every Friday night. But instead of feeling drained, it filled me up with energy and joy. Each person I served was a reminder of God’s love, and each interaction helped me grow in compassion. Plus, I started seeing some of the same faces each week, which led to real relationships and opportunities to share the gospel, along with some wild stories (like the woman who peed during Bible Study) – ha!

     

    In 2025, let’s make service a regular part of our lives. It’s a way to show up for others and, in turn, show up for God.  In our Facebook Group, I am starting a Bible Study on Service.  Please watch the videos.  They encourage my heart so much!  It is my hope that they spur you on to love and good works too!

     

    4. More God in Our Jobs: He Cares About Your Work

    Mom working while holding a baby.

     

    Okay, I know that some days your job feels like a never-ending grind. Maybe you’re stuck in a job you don’t love, or maybe you’re feeling burnout creeping in. Here’s the good news: God cares about your work. Whether you’re working from home or in a corporate office, He’s got a purpose for you in the workplace.

     

    In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded to work “as if we are working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This means every project, every email, and every phone call can be an opportunity to honor God.

     

    Take my friend Emily, for example. Emily was a lawyer who had been in the corporate world for years. She didn’t love her job, but she was committed to doing it well, knowing that her work had a larger purpose. One day, a new client came into her office, and she quickly realized this person needed more than legal advice—they needed compassion. Emily took the time to listen, offer advice that went beyond the legal realm, and pray with her client. That moment of service not only changed her client’s life, but it also transformed Emily’s heart toward her work.

     

    In 2025, let’s work with a heart of service, knowing that every task, big or small, is an opportunity to glorify God.

     

    5. More God in Our Families: The Foundation of Everything

    More Family

     

    Your family might be your biggest challenge or your biggest joy—or maybe it’s both. Regardless, God has placed you in your family for a reason, and when you bring Him into the center of your home, everything changes.

     

    My friend Jessica shared how, after a particularly rough year with her kids, she realized she needed to start praying over her home daily. So, she and her husband began gathering their children each morning for a 5-minute prayer time before school. They’d pray for their day, their hearts, and each other. Jessica said the shift was almost immediate. Arguments decreased. Patience increased. And the overall atmosphere of their home was more peaceful.

     

    In 2025, let’s make our families a place where God is honored, not just in our words but in our actions. Whether it’s a family prayer time or simply choosing grace over frustration, putting God first in our homes will make a lasting impact.

     

    Speaking of making a lasting impact; I made a small purchase for my youngest daughter that has really stirred the flame of faith in her life.  She loves to pull Bible Verses from a jar that I bought on Amazon.  Bible Verses are sorted into colors that reflect different emotional states.  She reads the verses to me and I try to guess the emotion it represents.  My heart soars as this fosters great Godly communication between us.

     

    6. More God in Our Friendships: Real Connection

    More Friends.  2 moms with baby in stroller

     

    Lastly, let’s talk about friendships. You know, the kind of friendships where you can be your real, unfiltered self (which may or may not include a few choice words when things go awry). God created us for community, and He’s called us to be iron sharpening iron. This means your friendships should be a place where you’re building each other up, praying for each other, and keeping each other accountable.

     

    A few years ago, I had a friend who always seemed to have a prophetic word or scripture ready when I was struggling. She wasn’t pushy about it, but she gently pointed me back to Jesus. Those moments meant the world to me because I knew I wasn’t walking this faith journey alone.

     

    In 2025, let’s choose to be intentional about our friendships. Let’s invest in people who are pointing us back to Christ and lifting us up.

     

    Conclusion:

     

    So, are you ready to add more God to 2025? Whether it’s in your prayers, your giving, your service, your work, your family, or your friendships, putting God first is the key to thriving this year. I believe, as Matthew 6:33 says, that when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just need to keep God at the center, and watch Him work miracles in your life.

     

    Let’s make 2025 the year of More God. Because, with Him, we can thrive!
    PS. For another post that will help you, check out: Bible Verses that Will Help You Sleep.  
    January 12, 2025
  • Sucking Up the Fun: A Humorous Review of the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum

    Sucking Up the Fun: A Humorous Review of the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum

    Vacuum Cleaner that sucks great!Introduction

    In case you have been saving for a great vacuum, mine has been sucking amazingly for almost eight years – lol!  Thus, I decided it was time to share my treasure of a vacuum with you.

    You must know: we have a seven pound toy Pomeranian and she can shed like no one’s business.  This vacuum keeps up with her piles of dog fur.  Please read the following review.  I tried to make it laughable.  Vacuum reviews normally are boring, so let me know what you think.

     

    For more Amazon shopping deals see the post 5 Products to Ease Anxiety and “My Favorite Sleep Routine.”  I love helping folks spend their money.  Yay me!

     

    Ah, vacuum cleaners – the unsung heroes of our homes, the mighty warriors in the battle against dust bunnies and pet hair tumbleweeds. If you’re like me, you’ve probably gone through a few vacuums in your time, hoping each one would be “the one” to finally conquer the debris kingdom lurking under your couch. Well, hold onto your socks (or should I say, hold onto the dust bunnies stuck to your socks), because today, we’re diving into the whirlwind world of the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum.

    Unboxing: An Exciting Date with Cardboard and Plastic

    So, picture this: you’ve just dropped some hard-earned cash on the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum. The box arrives at your doorstep like a gift from the cleaning gods. You tear it open with the excitement of a kid on Christmas morning, only to be greeted by layers of cardboard and more plastic than a 90s action figure.

    After a bit of a wrestle (why do they tape everything so securely?), you finally free your new cleaning companion from its packaging purgatory. There it stands, sleek and shiny, like a robotic sentinel ready to take on the messiest corners of your home. You almost expect it to salute you. Almost.

    Assembly: Adult LEGO for the OCD in You

    Now, some assembly required – those dreaded words that can strike fear into the hearts of the least handy among us. But fear not, dear reader! The Shark Pet Upright Vacuum isn’t here to test your engineering prowess. It’s more like adult LEGO with an OCD twist. Each piece clicks into place with satisfying precision, and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a bona fide cleaning machine.

    Pro tip: Don’t skip the instructions. Sure, you could try to wing it, but then you might end up with a vacuum that looks like it’s doing the robot instead of sucking up dust bunnies.

    The back of my sexy eight year old vacuum.

    Design: Sleek, Mean, and Pet Hair Clean

    Let’s talk design. The Shark Pet Upright Vacuum is a bit like the James Bond of the vacuum world – sleek, sophisticated, and equipped with gadgets that make you feel like you’re living in the future. It’s got LED lights that illuminate the dust particles like they’re on a catwalk, and the swivel steering? Don’t even get me started. It maneuvers around furniture like a ninja in a china shop – graceful yet deadly to dirt.

    And can we talk about the lift-away feature? It’s like the vacuum has a secret identity. One minute, it’s an upright hero tackling carpets with gusto, and the next, it’s a handheld crusader sucking up crumbs from every nook and cranny. Talk about versatility!

    Performance: Sucking Up to Expectations

    Now, let’s cut to the chase – how does this bad boy perform? Well, let me put it this way: if dirt and pet hair were supervillains, the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum would be their arch-nemesis. It tackles carpets with the ferocity of a lion hunting its prey and hardwood floors with the finesse of a figure skater doing a triple axel.

    Pet owners, rejoice! This vacuum eats pet hair for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s like having a furry friend without the shedding (or the guilt trip when you forget to feed it).

    And the suction power? Let’s just say it could probably suck the chrome off a bumper. Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea. Whether you’re dealing with fine dust or stubborn crumbs, this vacuum doesn’t mess around. It’s like having your own personal tornado in a can – minus the flying cows.

    Noise Level: Shhh, the Vacuum is Meditating

    Now, I know what you’re thinking – vacuums are about as quiet as a rock concert in a tin can. But fear not, my noise-sensitive friends! The Shark Pet Upright Vacuum is surprisingly zen. Sure, it’s not exactly whisper-quiet (what vacuum is?), but it won’t wake the neighbors or send your pets into a panic-induced hiding spree. Consider it your cleaning companion who prefers to meditate rather than shout.

    Maintenance: Like a Spa Day for Your Vacuum

    Ah, maintenance – the less glamorous side of vacuum ownership. But fear not! The Shark Pet Upright Vacuum makes maintenance as painless as possible. The dust cup empties with the grace of a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, and the filters? Easy peasy. Just give them a rinse now and then, and your vacuum will purr like a contented kitten.

    Sexy vacuum picture that says, "Sexy shark vacuum cleaner review."

    Pinterest Pin Sexy Shark Vacuum Review
    Pin this to Pinterest. Share with friends.

    User Experience: Intuitive Controls for the Not-So-Tech-Savvy

    Let’s face it – not all of us are tech wizards. But fear not, my fellow technophobes! The Shark Pet Upright Vacuum is about as user-friendly as a vacuum can get. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, with no need for a PhD in engineering to figure them out. Even your technologically challenged aunt could operate this thing with minimal instruction.

    Final Verdict: Is the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum Worth It?

    So, after all is said and done, is the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum worth the hype (and your hard-earned dollars)? In a word: absolutely. It’s sleek, powerful, and versatile enough to tackle everything from pet hair to popcorn kernels with ease. Sure, it might not make cleaning the highlight of your week, but it sure makes it a heck of a lot easier (and maybe even a little bit fun).

    If you’re in the market for a vacuum that’s more than just a dust-buster – a vacuum that’s a cleaning companion, a confidant in the battle against mess – then look no further than the Shark Pet Upright Vacuum. Your floors will thank you, your pets will thank you, and hey, you might even thank yourself.

    So go ahead, embrace the cleaning revolution. Your home deserves it. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself looking forward to vacuuming – just a little bit.

    Happy cleaning, my friends. And may your floors be forever fur-free.

    July 15, 2024
  • Mighty Movement is Formed

    Mighty Movement is Formed

    A MIGHTY MOVEMENT

    We each want to be seen and known here! From the happily married woman, to the immigrant using translate to read these words, to the sex trafficed, the addicted, the overlooked, the widowed, the single-mom, the divorcee, the influencer, the broke, the worn out, the thriving, the rich, the poor, the over-achiever, or the just barely getting by, and everyone in between, we are here for YOU! Please, give us your wisdom, share your experience, cultivate community here.

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

    22 David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.

    3 From there David went to Mizpah in Moab and said to the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” 4 So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him as long as David was in the stronghold.

    5 But the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.

    1 Samuel 22:1-5

    Isolated.  Lonely.  Alone.  Distressed.  In debt.  Discontented.  I identify with these verses, but instead of finding us in a cave we were in the isolation of quarantine in 2020 during Covid19.

    Four friends messaged me often in distress.  Time was lingering like a bad rash.  There was distress over where we would buy toilet paper, what would become of our jobs, and our futures.

    Thus, I put all five of us in a Facebook Group.  What was meant to facilitate complaints and chains, has become a catalyst for prayer, camaraderie, and revival. This Group has brought thousands added friends, focus, support, help, assistance, encouragement, community, light-heartedness, smiles, fun, and more.

    Connection Needed

    We want you to be a part of this connection, this movement.  Feeling heard and seen is our specialty.

    We want to wrap arms of faith around each other and gird each other up with strength and grace.  Celebrating each other, and supporting each other through crisis is what we do. We want to be the voice of faith crying out to circumstances that seem impossible.

    Today, we may find ourselves in the categories of in debt, distressed, and discontent.  Please don’t drown in those conditions alone!  Reach out.  Acknowledge the state we may be in, but get help.  Share prayer requests, dive into the resources in this website (more will be posted gradually).  Comment, share, shine bright.

    Belonging

    We each want to be seen and known here!  From the happily married woman, to the immigrant using translate to read these words, to the sex trafficed, the addicted, the overlooked, the widowed, the single-mom, the divorcee, the influencer, the broke, the worn out, the thriving, the rich, the poor, the over-achiever, or the just barely getting by, and everyone in between; we are here for YOU!

    Please, give us your wisdom, share your experience, cultivate community here.  Life can be so, so challenging; let’s never do it alone.  Share the funny, share the difficult.  Most importantly, if you feel lonely, if you find yourself alone.  Please don’t stay there.  Make this a garden where you are planted, blossom, and grow.

    My Story

    I too, have found myself needing a tribe.  Negative experiences have filled my life including: the church banning me, been fired from jobs, been rejected by my former husband, been forced to find work, while caring for medically fragile children.  I find myself like David, overlooked.

     

    David wasn’t even on his dad’s radar as a possibility to be chosen king.  His brothers made fun of him for being a shepherd.  His wife thought he was crazy for his freeing worship style, and yet…

     

    God chose David to be King!  God didn’t just determine him to be king, no, God called David a man after His own heart.

    Labels

    Today, please know: we may have been labeled trash, well I see treasure and so does the King of Kings.  We may have been reduced, used, maybe even abused… but God sees us vitally important, even for His frontlines.

     

    Please, dear Friend: remember what the Bible says, God chooses what is foolish to the world to shame the wise.  We may not be someone’s first pick, but sure enough… WE MATTER!

    Revival Is Here

    I pray we find pure, fire here!  My prayer is that we come together, stand together in prayer and experience REVIVAL.  I pray we rally around one another: no fake, no pretense, no masks; only a desire to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”  We can’t do it alone.  Alone, we will have the devil eating our lunch, and destroying us.  But together, as a movement, as a team… we triumph, we grow, we fulfill our full potential; our destiny, the reason we are alive.

     

    So sister, let’s throw off the grave clothes.  Let’s cast off the garment of sadness.  And, let’s speak up, shining brightly.  Cheering on, not only each other, but our Maker, our Master, our Savior, Jesus, who deserves all admiration forever more.

     

    Time is short.  Tomorrow is not promised.  Let’s seize the day, and gather as many in with us; going out in glory… a glorious bride, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish.  The past is behind us.  Let us make the future bright, helping each other right now in the present.  

     

    Truly, what we do today, determines our tomorrows.  Let us experience the gift of now… the gift we call the present.  I believe it will be so much sweeter, if we live not as an island alone, but tethered to one another a united team… determined to help each other thrive, and soar like never before.

     

    I am so glad you are here!  You aren’t staying in the state you are today.  We are growing, transforming, into all that God has called us to be… together.  The best is yet to be, together: you and me with Jesus!  Thank you, and let’s see what is next.  I know it is going to be so so so very good!  Thank you.

     

    I see you.  You are known here, but more importantly: Jesus sees and knows you too.  He cares so very much about you!  Stick around.  You are going to be so very, very blessed.  

     

    Go share this article on Facebook.  Follow Women Encouragement on social media.  Let’s shine bright until Kingdom come.

     Learn more about us HERE.

    February 21, 2024
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