Women Empowerment

Tag: hope

Why Am I So Irritable After 40? 6 Simple Ways to Calm Your Mind and Feel More Like Yourself Again
Irritable?

Irritable? Many women our age find themselves grump way too much! Have you ever snapped at someone you love… and then immediately wondered, “What is wrong with me?”

Maybe you’re more impatient than you used to be. Little inconveniences suddenly feel like major problems. You’re overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and you just don’t feel like yourself anymore.

If you’ve been asking, “Why am I so irritable after 40?”, you’re certainly not alone.

While hormonal changes can contribute to mood changes, they aren’t the whole story. Chronic stress, decision fatigue, information overload, and constantly caring for everyone else can leave your nervous system feeling like it’s stuck in overdrive and so very irritable.

The encouraging news? You don’t have to completely change your life to start feeling better. Small daily habits can help bring more peace into your mind and your home.

1. Create a “Pause Before You React” Habit

When something frustrates you, resist the urge to respond immediately.

Instead, pause for just ten seconds. Take one slow breath and ask yourself: “Will this still matter next week?”

Those few seconds often give your emotions time to settle before your words take over. This helps everyone who activates it be much less irritable.

2. Feed Your Mind with Encouragement

What you listen to matters. Instead of starting your day with stressful news or endless social media scrolling, spend 10 to 15 minutes listening to something that encourages you.

Try:
- Worship music
- An uplifting podcast
- An encouraging audiobook
- A devotional
- A sermon
Your mind needs healthy input just as much as your body needs healthy food. Starve the irritation, feed joy.

3. Calm Your Nervous System with Deep Breathing to be less irritable

One simple breathing exercise can help your body shift from “fight or flight” toward a calmer state, being less irritable.

Try this:

• Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose.

• Before exhaling, take one short second inhale.

• Slowly exhale through your mouth.

Repeat three to five times. It’s simple, free, and can be surprisingly calming during stressful moments.

4. Reduce Decision Fatigue to Be Less Irritable

Many women make hundreds of decisions every day.

What should I cook?

Who needs a ride?

What should I wear?

Who needs me first?

Give tomorrow’s version of yourself a gift. Before bed, write down your three most important priorities for the next day.

Planning ahead helps reduce mental clutter and allows you to begin your morning with purpose instead of overwhelm and will help you be less irritable.

5. Create One Quiet Pocket Every Day

Your brain wasn’t designed to process constant notifications. Give yourself permission to unplug for just ten minutes.

No phone needed.

Stop the television.

Do not check email.

Just quiet.

Sit outside.

Read your Bible.

Enjoy a cup of tea.

Sometimes peace isn’t found by adding more—it’s found by slowing down. This space creates more joy and less irritable mood.

6. Celebrate More Than You Criticize

Our brains naturally notice problems. What if we intentionally looked for victories instead?

Each evening, ask yourself:
- What went well today?
- Who made me smile?
- What encouraged me?
- Who can I encourage tomorrow?
Celebrating small wins gradually changes what your mind expects to find, leading to a less irritable mood.

Wellness Products I Personally Enjoy

Healthy habits are always my first recommendation, but I also enjoy using a few Young Living products as part of my daily wellness routine.

Daily Hormone Essentials

Easy to take sachets that include Ashwagandha, and other ingredients that really target women’s needs from early cycling through to even after menopause.

These taste like Carmel. I find them a great addition to my self care routine, resulting in less hot flashes, less mood swings, and over all feeling better! You should try them too.

Stress Away®

Stress Away has a warm, relaxing aroma that I enjoy during especially busy days or while winding down in the evening.

I used this almost daily when my kids were younger, especially after stressful school days. I would drip it in my heating/cooling vents in my mini van. It brought an instant change to the atmosphere in a positive way.

Super B®

Super B contains B vitamins that help support normal energy metabolism. I enjoy taking it as part of my morning routine alongside healthy food, hydration, and other daily habits.

My joke is that I’m a “Super B,” without these. I feel more vibrant, alert, and hopeful taking this supplement. Try it, this might help you as well.

So many clients are thankful for this product. They say it is difficult to find a solid B complex vitamin.

Please note: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I simply enjoy incorporating them into my healthy lifestyle alongside nutritious food, movement, hydration, and time with God.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I so irritable after 40?”, remember this:

You aren’t failing.

You may simply have a nervous system that’s been carrying too much for too long.

Instead of trying to change everything at once, choose one small habit this week.

Pause before reacting.

Listen to something encouraging.

Take a few deep breaths.

Celebrate one small win.

Small steps create big change—and sometimes, the smallest habits bring the greatest peace.

Ready to Create a Healthier, Calmer Home?

Want more wellness naturally? Download my FREE Wellness Guide here for easy small steps to feeling better, moving better, and sleeping better!

Together, we’ll take one small step at a time toward a healthier, more peaceful life.

For more information about mood support, check out this article: Finding More Motivation After 40.

Talk Soon,

Jenn
July 25, 2026
Why Do I Have No Motivation? 6 Simple Ways to Get Moving Again After 40

Motivation

Motivation? Have you ever looked around your house and thought, “I know exactly what I need to do… I just can’t seem to get started?”

You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. And you’re definitely not alone. Ever wondered why middle aged women lack motivation?

Many women over 40 notice they don’t have the motivation they once had. Between work, family responsibilities, hormonal changes, stress, and simply taking care of everyone else, it’s easy to feel mentally and physically drained.

The good news? You don’t need to completely change your life overnight. Often, it’s the small daily habits that help create momentum and get us moving again. With small tweaks motivation is restored!

Here are six simple ideas that may help motivation:

1. End Your Day with a Gratitude Journal will increase motivation

Before you go to bed, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big things. Maybe it’s a beautiful sunset. A cup of coffee with a friend, hug from your child, or even an answered prayer.

Ending your day with gratitude can help shift your focus from everything that’s weighing you down to the blessings that are already around you. This brings lasting motivation as life looks brighter, and less daunting.

2. Start Your Morning with Hydration and Electrolytes – This is huge motivation for me

After sleeping for several hours, your body naturally wakes up dehydrated. Before reaching for another cup of coffee, drink a glass of water or an electrolyte drink.

Many people find they feel more refreshed and ready to start the day when they begin with proper hydration. I feel a bit of energy flood my being when I do this.

May I suggest Drip Drop? I just did an Instagram reel suggesting this. It isn’t the most clean electrolyte, but it sure helps me first thing in the morning. The other one I like is made by Just Ingredients.

3. Get Outside for Morning Sunlight

One of the simplest things you can do is step outside for 10 to 15 minutes shortly after waking up. Morning sunlight helps support your body’s natural internal clock and can help you feel more awake during the day.

Take your coffee outside. Walk around the block. Sit on your porch. It’s something about being outdoors that supports motivation. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

4. Write Down Tomorrow’s Three Priorities

One of the biggest motivation killers is decision fatigue.

Instead of waking up wondering where to begin, spend two minutes before bed writing down the three most important things you’d like to accomplish tomorrow.

When you wake up, you already have a plan. Small plans often create big momentum. Momentum equates to motivation.

5. Celebrate One Win Every Day

Most of us finish one task and immediately think about everything we still haven’t done.

Instead, pause for a moment. Celebrate one victory.

Maybe you drank more water or cleaned the kitchen, or you simply made it through a difficult day. Small victories matter because they build confidence and remind us that progress is happening; which increases motivation.

6. Stop Waiting to Feel Motivated

This may be the biggest mindset shift of all. Many people believe motivation comes first. In reality, action often comes first.

Don’t wait until you feel like organizing the house. Put away five things. Don’t wait until you feel like exercising. Walk for five minutes. Don’t wait until you feel inspired. Start anyway.

Momentum is often created by taking one small step. Which essentially is motivation.

How often have I wanted to call off an appointment or project because I felt “under the weather;” only to find that once I started going, I felt great? Sometimes we have have to kick our own ace, and get moving!

Wellness Products I Personally Enjoy

Healthy habits are always my first recommendation. Along with nutritious food, hydration, sunlight, and healthy routines, I also enjoy using a few Young Living products as part of my daily wellness routine.

Super B®

Super B contains several B vitamins that help support normal energy metabolism. Since B vitamins help the body convert food into energy, I enjoy taking it as part of my morning routine.

My big joke is that “I’m a Super B without Super B.” It sounds funny, but it’s true. I feel so much better taking this. My kids, I’m quite certain, would say I am nicer as well.

NingXia Red®

NingXia Red is an antioxidant-rich wellness drink made with wolfberries and other fruit juices. I enjoy starting my morning with a serving as part of my overall wellness routine.

When I drink NingXia Red daily, I tend to be healthier. Feeling stronger, without battling symptoms is a great way to gain motivation.

Zyng®

When I need an afternoon boost, I enjoy Zyng. It contains naturally sourced caffeine and is a refreshing alternative to another cup of coffee for many people.

My favorite hobby currently is getting young people to switch from over the counter, popular energy drinks to Zyng. This is a much healthier, pure solution with a guaranteed no need to go to the ER after drinking one or two. This is such great peace of mind for parents.

Please note: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I simply enjoy using them as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious food, hydration, movement, sunlight, and stress management.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been wondering, “Why do I have no motivation?”, please know that you’re not alone.

Life after 40 can be busy, stressful, and overwhelming. But you don’t have to change everything today.

Choose one small habit.

Then another.

Over time, those little choices can build the momentum you’ve been looking for.

Remember…

Small steps create big change.

Ready for One Small Step?

Download my free Wellness Guide for more information on feeling better and living your best life yet!

I can’t wait to encourage you on your journey!

Talk Soon,

Jenn

PS For more along these lines, read my article about: Puffy after 40 and Ways to Help.

July 18, 2026
Calm Pets and Kids Over July 4th
How to Keep Kids and Pets Calm During Fourth of July Fireworks

Calm Simple Routines for a More Peaceful Holiday

For many families, the Fourth of July means cookouts, sparklers, and time with friends. But for young children, neurodivergent kids, and family pets, the holiday can feel overwhelming.

Loud fireworks, crowded events, changes in routine, late bedtimes, and unfamiliar noises can create anxiety, overstimulation, and stress for both children and animals.

The good news? You don’t need a complicated plan for calm. A few simple preparations can help create a calmer experience for everyone in your home.

At Women Encouragement, we believe in practical solutions that support families without adding more stress to your day.

Let’s walk through some easy ways to help your children and pets feel safe, secure, and comfortable during fireworks season.

Why Fireworks Can Feel So Uncalm

Fireworks affect children and animals differently than adults.

For Children

Kids may struggle because of:
- Unexpected loud noises
- Bright flashing lights
- Disrupted routines
- Sensory overload
- Fear of the unknown
Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety often experience these effects even more intensely.

Signs your child may be overstimulated include:
- Covering ears
- Crying or becoming clingy
- Irritability
- Increased hyperactivity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional meltdowns
For Pets

Dogs and cats hear sounds at much higher frequencies than humans.

According to veterinary experts, many pets experience significant stress during fireworks because they cannot understand where the noise is coming from or when it will stop.

Common signs include:
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Excessive barking
- Panting
- Drooling
- Attempts to escape
Understanding these reactions can help us respond with compassion instead of frustration.

1. Prepare Before the Fireworks Begin for Calm

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to start early.

A calm environment before fireworks begin often leads to a calmer evening overall.

Try:
- Closing curtains before dark
- Bringing outdoor pets inside
- Feeding pets and children at their normal time
- Finishing outdoor activities earlier in the evening
- Creating a comfortable “safe space”
Children and animals thrive when they know what to expect.

2. Create a Calm Corner

Every family benefits from having a designated quiet space.

Consider setting up:

For Kids
- Favorite blanket
- Books
- Headphones or ear protection
- Fidget toys
- Stuffed animals
- Soft lighting
For Pets
- Bed or crate
- Favorite toy
- Water bowl
- Familiar blanket
- Access to a quiet room
The goal isn’t to force anyone into the space.

The goal is to create a place where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Use Background Noise for calm

Sometimes silence makes fireworks seem even louder.

Try:
- Soft music
- White noise
- Fans
- Television
- Nature sounds
Background noise can help mask sudden booms and create a more predictable environment.

Many families find this especially helpful for bedtime.

4. Burn Off Energy Earlier in the Day

A child who has spent the day indoors may have extra energy when fireworks start.

The same is true for dogs.

Before evening arrives:
- Go for a family walk
- Visit the park
- Play fetch
- Swim
- Enjoy outdoor games
Physical activity can help support a calmer transition into the evening.

5. Maintain Familiar Routines for Calm

Holidays often disrupt schedules.

While flexibility is important, keeping some routines consistent can provide a sense of security.

Try maintaining:
- Regular meal times
- Normal nap schedules
- Evening bath routines
- Bedtime rituals
Consistency helps reduce anxiety for both children and pets.

6. Consider Sensory Supports

Many parents find sensory tools helpful during fireworks season.

Examples include:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Weighted blankets
- Compression clothing
- Fidget toys
- Quiet activities
Every child is different.

Pay attention to what helps your child feel safe and regulated.

7. Support a Calm Environment with Gentle Aromas

Many families enjoy incorporating essential oils into their evening routines as calming sensory cues.

Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. They simply provide an enjoyable aromatic experience that can become part of a relaxing bedtime ritual.

Popular choices for family wind-down routines include:
For pet owners, always use caution around animals.

Diffuse in a well-ventilated area, use short sessions, and make sure pets can leave the room if they choose.

When introducing any new product around pets, consult your veterinarian if you have questions.

8. Stay Calm Yourself

Children and pets often take emotional cues from the adults around them.

If you’re anxious, frustrated, or stressed, they may pick up on that energy.

A few deep breaths, a slower pace, and a calm tone of voice can make a surprising difference.

Remember:

You don’t have to create a perfect Fourth of July.

You only need to create a safe one.

A Simple Fourth of July Calm Plan

Morning
- Outdoor play
- Exercise for pets
- Hydrate well
Afternoon
- Prepare safe spaces
- Close blinds and curtains
- Gather comfort items
Evening
- Turn on calming background sounds
- Begin bedtime routines early
- Use sensory supports if needed
- Offer reassurance and comfort
Before Bed
- Keep lights dim
- Read a favorite book
- Maintain familiar routines
Small steps often create the biggest results.

Bug spray is always needed for fireworks. You can get bug repellent or bug repellent wipes that are completely pure and non toxic.

A Gentle Option for Pets During Stressful Events to Stay Calm

Many pet owners notice that fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, visitors, and changes in routine can create extra stress for their animals.

While every pet is different, creating a calm environment can help support their comfort during overwhelming situations.

Along with a quiet room, familiar blankets, exercise, and predictable routines, some families choose to incorporate products from Young Living’s Animal Scents® line as part of their pet wellness routine.

Popular Animal Scents® Favorites

Animal Scents® T-Away

This blend was specifically created with pets in mind and is often used during:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- Car rides
- Grooming appointments
- New environments
- Household changes
Many pet owners enjoy diffusing it nearby (never directly around the pet) or applying it according to Young Living’s directions.

Animal Scents® Ointment

A soothing, plant-based ointment that can be used as part of a regular grooming and wellness routine.

Pet Safety Always Comes First

When using essential oils around animals:
- Use only products specifically formulated for pets.
- Allow your pet to leave the room if they choose.
- Never force exposure.
- Avoid applying oils near eyes, nose, ears, or sensitive areas.
- Follow Young Living’s usage directions carefully.
- Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
My Fourth of July Pet Comfort Routine

For our furry family members, I like to keep things simple:
1. Exercise pets earlier in the day.
2. Bring them indoors before fireworks begin.
3. Close curtains and blinds.
4. Turn on calming background noise.
5. Create a cozy “safe space” with favorite blankets and toys.
6. Use Animal Scents® Calm as part of our evening routine.
7. Stay nearby so they know they’re safe.
Sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer our pets isn’t a product at all—it’s our calm presence and a predictable environment.

A little preparation can go a long way toward helping your furry friends feel secure during fireworks season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fireworks harmful to pets?

Fireworks can cause significant stress and anxiety in many animals. Some pets may attempt to escape if frightened, which is why keeping identification tags current and bringing pets indoors early is important.

Should I take my dog to a fireworks show?

Most veterinarians recommend leaving pets at home in a secure, familiar environment rather than exposing them to loud fireworks displays.

Why do some children react strongly to fireworks?

Children with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, autism, ADHD, or simply a strong startle response may find fireworks overwhelming because of the sudden sounds and bright flashes.

Can essential oils calm my child or pet?

Essential oils should be viewed as part of a calming environment rather than a treatment. Consistent routines, sensory supports, and a safe environment remain the foundation of helping children and pets feel secure.

Final Thoughts

The Fourth of July doesn’t have to be stressful.

With a little preparation, you can help your children and pets feel safer, calmer, and more comfortable during fireworks season.

Focus on the basics:
- Predictable routines
- Safe spaces
- Physical activity
- Comfort items
- Calm environments
Sometimes the most powerful wellness tools aren’t complicated at all.

They’re the simple habits that help the people we love feel secure.

Free Resource

Want more family-friendly wellness tips?

Join the Women Encouragement community and download our Healthy Home Starter Checklist to discover practical ways to create a calmer, lower-toxin home for your family.
June 30, 2026
Rebounding Energy and Motivation Naturally After 40
Why Have I Lost My Motivation and Energy? And Ways to Rebound Naturally

Energy? Lacking. Motivation? Far gone. Here are Simple Ways to Support Your Body and Mind When You Feel Stuck

Energy and Motivation? Say what?!?? Have you ever looked at your to-do list and thought: “I know what I should do… I just don’t have the energy to do it.” You aren’t alone.

One of the most common struggles I hear from women over 40 is this: “I don’t feel like myself anymore.” They aren’t unmotivated, lacking discipline, and they aren’t lazy either. Typically, women our age are just exhausted. There is a huge difference!

Many women spend years carrying:
- careers
- children
- aging parents
- financial responsibilities
- household management
- emotional labor
- hormone changes
- chronic stress
- relationships
Eventually the tank starts running low. The scary part? Many women assume they simply need to try harder. But often the issue isn’t motivation. It’s depletion.

Motivation and Energy Are Not the Same Thing

This may surprise you. Most people think motivation comes first. In reality, energy often comes first.

When you’re:
- exhausted
- overwhelmed
- stressed
- under-slept
- emotionally drained
it’s difficult to feel motivated. Imagine trying to drive a car with no gas in the tank. That’s what many women are doing every day. They’re trying to create momentum from an empty tank. No wonder they feel stuck.

Common Reasons Women Lose Motivation After 40

There can be many reasons, including:
- chronic stress
- poor sleep
- hormone fluctuations
- decision fatigue
- burnout
- lack of movement
- dehydration
- blood sugar swings
- emotional exhaustion
- information overload
Sometimes what feels like laziness is actually exhaustion. And exhaustion deserves support, not shame.

5 Natural Ways to Support Motivation and Energy

1. Stop Trying to Do Everything

Many women are carrying enough responsibility for three people.

One of the quickest ways to feel defeated is trying to tackle everything at once.

Instead ask:

“What is the next right thing?”

Not:
- next 20 things
- next 50 things
Just the next thing.

Small wins build momentum.

2. Move Before You Feel Like It

This sounds backward. But waiting to feel motivated often doesn’t work. Movement creates momentum. I’ve started taking evening walks and it has increased my energy level exponentially. (Thank God!)

Try:
- a 10-minute walk
- stretching
- dancing to one song
- a quick workout
The goal is not perfection. The goal is movement. Action often creates motivation.

3. Eat for Energy

Many women accidentally fuel exhaustion.

Examples:
- coffee only
- sugary breakfasts
- skipping meals
- grabbing processed snacks
Instead focus on:
- protein
- healthy fats
- fruits
- vegetables
- hydration
Your body needs fuel.

4. Reduce Decision Fatigue

One reason I love systems is because they reduce mental clutter.

Simple systems may include:
- meal planning
- weekly schedules
- morning routines
- evening routines
- checklists
Every decision you eliminate frees up mental energy. And mental energy matters.

5. Celebrate Progress

Many women are accomplishing amazing things but only focus on what’s left undone. Try ending each day by writing:

Three things I did well today.

That’s it.

Momentum grows when we notice progress.

Wellness Tools I Personally Enjoy

As part of my wellness routine, I enjoy combining healthy lifestyle habits with supportive wellness products.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

NingXia Red

Many people enjoy NingXia Red as part of a daily wellness routine focused on nutrition and overall wellness support.

Super B

B vitamins are commonly used as part of a healthy lifestyle focused on supporting energy production and overall wellness.

Mineral Essence

Hydration and mineral support are often overlooked when discussing energy and wellness.

NingXia Nitro

Many people enjoy NingXia Nitro as part of their morning routine when they need a little extra support for busy days.

The Real Secret to Motivation

The truth is:

Most women don’t need more pressure. They need more support with extra grace and nurturing. Females like us tend to be so tough on ourselves. Self care, patience, and support go a very long way.

More:
- sleep
- hydration
- nourishment
- movement
- grace
- healthy boundaries
Less:
- guilt
- perfectionism
- comparison
- overwhelm
Motivation is often a byproduct of feeling better. When your body has what it needs, showing up becomes easier.

Final Thoughts

Friend, if you’ve been feeling stuck lately, please know this:

We sure aren’t lazy. We just might need to sleep a few more minutes in the morning, or squeeze in some self care here or there.

My counselor has been telling me to say out loud to myself, “I am taking good care of you by eating this,” etc. By stating it out loud, I’ve noticed there is much more intention behind my actions.

Try it. you might like it.

Conclusion Recap:

You may simply be carrying more than anyone realizes.

Start small. Drink the water. Take the walk. Celebrate the win, no matter how small it might be. Build one simple habit at a time. Tiny steps create momentum. And momentum creates change. For more about Women’s Health, check out this post.

Download My Free Wellness Guide

If you’re an overwhelmed woman looking for simple wellness habits that fit real life, I’d love to send you my free Wellness Guide.

Inside you’ll discover:
- stress-support habits
- simple wellness routines
- hydration tips
- energy-support strategies
- sleep-support ideas
- realistic self-care for busy women
Download your free Wellness Guide today and start taking small steps toward feeling more like yourself again.
June 9, 2026
A Simple Evening Routine for Stressed Moms (When Your Brain Won’t Shut Off)
Stress Away? Stress: Let’s just call it what it is…

We finally sit down at night…
and instead of relaxing…

Our brain is like:

“Hey. Now that you’re still…
let’s replay everything you didn’t finish today.”

or

“Hey, let’s rethink every conversation from every angle.”

Cool. Love that for us.

The truth of the matter is…

We aren’t bad at relaxing,

We are just overloaded, over stimulated, over responsible.

All. Day. Long.

We are:
- answering questions
- solving problems
- breaking up fights
- remembering everything for everyone
- and somehow still trying to drink water and be a kind human
It’s a lot.

So when the house gets quiet?

Our body is tired…
but our brain is still clocked in. Sadly.

So what do we actually do about it?

Not a 27-step routine.

Not something you’ll quit in 2 days.

We’re doing a 5-minute evening routine for stressed moms
that actually fits real life.

Messy life. Loud life. Mom life.

🌙 Your 5-Minute Reset (real life version)

1. Turn the world down (1 minute)

No big speech here.

Just:
- turn off bright lights
- put your phone on silent
- stop the input
We are basically telling our brain:

“The show is over. Go home.”

2. Give your body a signal (1 minute)

Your body needs a cue that it’s safe to relax.

This is where I personally use
Young Living Stress Away

Not because it’s magic.

But because it’s consistent.
- roll it on wrists
- smell it
- take a slow breath
Done.

It becomes your brain’s little signal of:

“Oh… we’re winding down now.”

3. Fix your shoulders (because… yikes) (1–2 minutes)

Be honest…

Your shoulders are somewhere near your ears right now, aren’t they?

Try this:
- roll them back slowly
- stretch your neck side to side
- unclench your jaw (this one gets me every time)
You’re not working out.

You’re just telling your body:

“You can let go now.”

4. Get tomorrow out of your head (1 minute)

THIS is the big one.

Grab anything — notebook, receipt, random paper.

Write down:
- your top 3 priorities for tomorrow
Not 15.

Not your entire life plan.

Just 3.

Because your brain doesn’t need more pressure…
it needs closure.

5. Finally, Sit like a normal human (30 seconds)

No phone.

No scrolling.

No “just one more thing.”

Just sit.

I know… groundbreaking.

But this is where your body actually catches up.

Awe, doesn’t this feel better?

Why this works (and why most routines don’t)

Because this isn’t about becoming a different person.

This is about giving your nervous system a pattern.

Same steps. Same order. Same signal.

After a few nights, your brain starts to recognize:

“Oh… this means we’re done.”

And THAT is when you finally start to relax at night as a mom.

Let’s talk about the oil real quick

You don’t need anything fancy to do this.

You really don’t.

But…

Scent is one of the fastest ways to calm your body.

That’s why I use Young Living Stress Away

Not as a miracle.

Just as a simple, repeatable cue.

And honestly?

As moms… we need simple. I used this oil in my mini mom mobile vents when the kids were all crying waiting in the drive through line. It’s a keeper!

If you’re overwhelmed right now…

Start tonight.

Not Monday.
Not when life slows down (lol… right).

Tonight.

Even if you only do 2 steps.

Even if your kids interrupt you 3 times.

Even if it’s messy.

Progress over perfect. Always.

My tid bit: I don’t do this wind down routine anymore. Nope. I just put oils on my feet and in my diffuser, and that’s all she wrote: I am out – for the count.

Even with menopause, now post menopause – I sleep hard, and good!

Want this in a super simple cheat sheet?

Because I know you don’t want to remember all this at 9:47pm 🙂

I made a quick “Evening Reset” you can follow step-by-step.

Grab it here:

Or comment RESET and I’ll send it to you.

Final thought

You don’t need a new life to feel better, your sweet life here and now is better than you know.

You need small systems that work inside your current life.

This is one of them.

And the best part?

It takes less time than scrolling your phone.
May 6, 2026
Glp1 Yes or No?

Glp1 is a controversial phrase these days. I hear “Glp1” almost daily. It’s almost a buzzword that fills American life.

If you’ve followed me for anytime at all, you know I like to live a low chemical, plant based lifestyle. So I had to search, does Glp1 fit me or not.

GLP1 Yes:

I found myself morbidly obese. Never in my life had weight, eating, and exercise ruled my life. However after a full hysterectomy, here I am. Plumpy, feeling like a can of biscuits trying to get all the excess into my pants each day.

Upon my yearly physical the doctor wanted to put me on just about every medication offered at my age: Statin, metformin, high blood pressure meds, and then she thought. The idea rang out, let’s try you on Zepbound and see if all this other ruckus is eliminated. Voila! So, I tried the injections.

The doctor reiterated that at my age a heart attack was almost inevitable at my weight. This was certainly news I did not want to hear. So I was glad to get Zepbound.

GLP1 Yes:

At first the prescription cost $100 with my insurance which I could barely afford. But then, one day, while searching Reddit, I found this savings card. It brought the cost down to a wonderful $25.00.

I administered the injections like a champ. Suddenly, I was not hungry. No longer did I feel faint when I didn’t eat frequently. In the first month, I lost six whole pounds.

Bending over was easy again. I could see my private parts when I looked down. All was well with the world. Until the second injection.

GLP1 No:

The second injection went in just fine, but I woke up the next morning feeling like a Mac Truck had hit me in the night (visions of drinking too much filled my head), but oddly I hadn’t drank. I just felt very similar: body aches, dehydrated, nausea, and headache.

Next, extreme joint pain stabbed my body. This was only at the 2.5 ml dosing. Hold me, I was scared of the future on Zepbound.

GLP1 No:

My doctor was thrilled with my progress. She called me a super responder, though I saw myself as a slow responder. In my Reddit groups, much younger people were dropping weight much faster than me.

Since my doctor was happy with the weight loss, each month she increased my dose until at 7.5, I vehimenantly refused to move to the 10ml dosing. At 7.5 I thought I might die from Zepbound.

Dying from Zepbound entered my head daily. I gagged as if I had morning sickness during pregnancy every morning. Calling off work often the day after my injection became all too customary.

Thankfully, I remembered Young Living DiGize, this helped me not miss as much work. I would rub it on my belly after every “meal.” Meals were more precisely just a few bites of food.

It was my belief that the Ningxia Red I drank each day helped me keep going too. I tried taking other supplements and because of my injections, they did not settle well. Thankfully, I never threw up.

To help off set my nutrition because I was barely eating even a fifth of what I used to before injections, I started chewing kid’s multi vitamins. They were the only ones that I didn’t belch throughout the day.

GLP1 No:

Crazy symptoms became worse with each dosage increase. I could not have a bowel movement to save my life. Thankfully, a reddit sub suggested Mag 07 for constipation. This helped so much, often too much (keeping it real). I had to play with the dosage daily.

A different crazy symptom was wonderful, I didn’t have eye floaters anymore while on the injections. I also experienced great joint health, there was no pain anymore! It is my hunch that the shots do a lot more than just help us lose weight.

Lastly, the other strange “side effect,” was the whole year I was on Zepbound, I never craved alcohol at all. At 14, I had a hefty habit. To this day, if things get stressful, I can almost taste strong booze in my mouth. It has been a daily fight to not indulge. On Zepbound, there was no pull towards alcohol whatsoever, even though stress abounded.

GLP1 No:

Strange side effects I hadn’t heard of terrorized my body. I had Charlie horses that woke me every night, pretty much all night long. But I found an antidote. The fix is pricey, but effective.

A daily glass of electrolytes tended to ease the cramps. I was so thankful for the electrolytes. This daily glass also gave me a good amount of energy.

Towards the end of my Zepbound journey, I reluctantly went to 10ML. Then, I felt I was dying from not eating enough, not all the side effects anymore. I began eating candy because it sounded good, but I was still losing weight. (Not healthy at all. Don’t look at me in that tone of voice). 🤣

GLP1 No:

This friends is the end of my GLP1 story. In all I lost 48 pounds in almost a year. Yay me! My clothes fit great. The tummy area was flat again.

But then sadness. There was a job change that brought different insurance. The bitter truth was clear: Zepbound nor Wegovy were covered.

As a single mom paying out of pocket even with declining prices was a major no go. What is someone to do in this situation? I sadly decided I would blow up like the Pillsbury Dough Boy again. Oh agony and depression. Without this job change, I actually thought I would micro dose the injections for the rest of my life to stay thin (I wonder long term what that idea does to the body?) – yikes.

GLP1 Hope:

I’ve been with Young Living for 13 years. Their Slique line aimed at weight management never really positively impacted me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the tea. The scale just didn’t move down while using it.

I have the BEST upline in Young Living. One day while feeling sad about my circumstances, my friend and mentor in YL sent me the picture below:

Hark, Young Living is coming out with a new product called Balance and Burn! I thought it would cost a few hundred dollars. My joy level increased as I realized, I was wrong! The cost is $135. If you’re new to Young Living, anyone can use “ShareYL” in the promo code and receive 10% off.

Thus, today, I am very excitedly awaiting my order of Balance and Burn. Friends were qualified to use it early. Their results are nothing but amazing. Please see the testimonies I have so far below.

This supplement isn’t exactly a GLP1. It is a metabolic support. It is my belief this may help me even more than the Zepbound. While on Zepbound, sadly, my general doctor still urged me to take both a Statin and Metformin as my numbers were not quite what she wanted.

My prayer in closing, is that I can get off all this medication while on Balance and Burn. I’ve heard Balance and Burn is so successful because it is a three tier system: it helps balance blood sugar, it has a post biotic, and it has a natural plant fat burner.

This is all right up my alley. I believe my best days are ahead, not just in health, but in wealth. Join my team, help me spread this natural solution to others. You can find more about my business plan in this post.

Thanks for reading today. Let me know if you have tried a GLP1 and what your experience is. Also, let me know if you want to start a 60 day challenge with Balance and Burn that begins February 2, 2026.

Cheers!

PS In a few months, I’ll be sure to post my progress. I gotta a feeling it will be great! If you want more info about Balance and Burn, please ask questions in the comments or send me an email. TIA.

January 15, 2026
5 Super Powers Revealed in Starting Over

5 Superpowers Revealed in Starting Over

The Setup for Super Power Activation:

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.

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!

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 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 People

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?

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 merchandiseWe’re not here to trade our worshipFor ways You can bless our livesWe’re not here to make a profitWe’re not here to rob what’s YoursWe’re turning the tables overThere’s only room for the Lord’sThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerYour Spirit above our schedulesOur sermons, our sets, our viewsWe won’t stand between Your peopleAnd how You might choose to moveWe’re not here to build a brandOr platforms that serve ourselves‘Cause only the Church You’re buildingCan withstand the gates of hellThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerIn Your House there’s more than a songIn Your House the weak are made strongIn Your House the hearts that are broken will be restoredWill be restoredIn Your House we share what we ownIn Your House the orphans find homeIn Your House the widows in need are provided forProvided forIn Your House we pray for the sickIn Your House we move in Your giftsIn Your House Your Spirit pours out and there’s always moreThere’s always moreIn Your House the bound are set freeIn Your House the enemy fleesIn Your House we witness the gospel worth dying forWorthy dying forIn Your House we take of the breadIn Your House we drink of the wineIn Your House we honour You Jesus above it allAbove it allIn Your House let Your Kingdom comeIn Your House let Your will be doneIn Your House we give all the glory to You aloneTo You aloneThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of PrayerThis is a House of Prayer

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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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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.
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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

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