Do you ever just want things to happen Right Now, like that job or promotion, your kids to grow up, vacation, or paying off your debt? Sometimes we have a tendency to want to speed things up, to have all that we want immediately, but what we need to realize is that there is a natural ebb and flow to life, a perfect rhythm of ups and downs, and if we can learn to live in the Spirit and keep in step with God's timing, we will live at peace through each and every season of life.
Did you know that life's circumstances don't have to be good for you to be at peace? You can experience peace in the midst of loss, pain, sickness, and disappointment. You see, peace isn't based on our outward experiences, but on a calm assurance that our God is in control and that He is working things together for our good. (Romans 8:28)
When you learn to live with this surety, you will not be swayed by every frustration that comes your way, but instead you can cast your cares and live in freedom and joy. (1 Peter 5:7) You will find that when you learn to live this way, your days will be filled with more joy and peace than you could have imagined.
So how do you learn to live in this rhythm? Well, like most things in life, it's a process which takes time. It doesn't happen over night, but if you are diligent about pursuing God, you will find that little by little you will get in step with Him and learn to live in His Spirit. The Bible says that there will come a time when people will worship God in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:24) I believe this means that God's people will be deeply connected to Him through the Holy Spirit, and that they will worship God by living out their days in the power and peace of His Spirit, and that time is now.
If you aren't sure where to begin, start by spending daily time reading the Bible and praying. I suggest journaling your prayers and conversations with God. During your prayer time, take time to pause and listen for anything God lays on your heart. This is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. At first this might seem strange, but the more you practice, the more you will begin to recognize God's leading in your life, and you will begin to live within God's rhythms. Just as in any marriage, to create a deeper bond and live more closely with your spouse you must get to know one another by spending time together and talking with them and listening to them, our relationship with God must be nurtured in the same way if we expect to live in step with Him.
Secondly, begin learning from others who may be farther along in there spiritual walk. Some of my favorite authors which have helped develop my walk with God in significant ways are, Terri Savelle Foy, Joseph Prince, Joel Osteen, and Joyce Meyer. I encourage you to seek out ways to learn and grow yourself. The more spiritually mature you become, the more the workings of God's Spirit will make sense to you and help you to live as He desires.
Lastly, don't get overwhelmed or frustrated with where you are at. God loves you right now, right here in the midst of whatever struggle you are facing. You do not have to be good enough for God. He already took care of that. Your only job is to grow closer to Him each day and learn to live as His Spirit calls you. Start to walk in peace and ease today. I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
Decisions, Decisions
Are you a person who makes decisions quickly and easily, or are you a person who deliberates and agonizes for hours or even days over each choice? When it comes to making choices, I happen to be a person who likes to be in charge of making the decisions, and I usually think I do a pretty good job of it... not that anyone's asking or anything. But even for those of us who feel confident being in charge and calling the shots, sometimes there are those major life choices that make us wish someone else could just tell us what to do or how to handle it. If you're facing a big decision right now, maybe a move, job change, marriage, adoption, or any number of other life decisions, know that even though we don't have a crystal ball to tell us what to choose, there is a way of making a decision with clarity and confidence. Let me share with you my advice for tackling those once in a lifetime type choices, and hopefully you can put your mind to rest a bit.
There are always those split second decisions where you don't have time to think and you must just choose, but in cases where you need to make decision and you have a little bit of time, here's what I always tell those who come to me for help.
1. Set aside ten minutes daily for one week to pray over your decision.
Taking those ten minutes a day to pray and actively seek wisdom about what you should do will help you to really clarify in your mind what your choices are, and if you are taking the time daily to pray about it, this can be a very focused time for you to really get the ideas and answers into your mind.
2. Listen to what gives you peace.
When you set aside those ten minutes each day, take part of that time to really just listen for what the Holy Spirit places on your heart or what you feel gives you the most peace. Most of the time we know what choice we should make, but sometimes we talk ourselves out of it because of fear or other people's opinions. If you really sit down and think about the options though, which one gives you peace in your heart. Most likely, that is the one you should pursue.
3. Choose not to worry about the decision.
Aside from the ten minutes you are setting aside to focus on the decision making process, do not worry about, mull over, or deliberate your choices. You will only create confusion and stress in your mind by constantly thinking about what to do, and the Bible clearly tells us that confusion is not of God. (2 Timothy 1:7) (1 Corinthians 14:33)
4. Be firm about your choice.
At the end of the time period that you have set to pray, whether it is a week, three days, or a month if you have the time, make your decision, and then stick with it and let it all the doubts or questions go. Once you have made your decision, act as though it is your only option. Do not continue to deliberate. Move forward and do what you know needs to be done.
For many of us, we think that if we avoid a hard decision long enough it will eventually get made for us, and this may be the case in some instances, but God gave us the ability to choose, and I believe that we honor Him by seeking His will and actively making choices for our lives. Do not get caught in indecision and deliberation. The devil would love to keep you useless and ineffective trapped in a web of confusion and choices. Do not get weighed down by your options. Make a decision and stand by it. Whatever you need to decide about, use the steps above, and make your choice. I'm waiting to see you succeed!
~K.W.
There are always those split second decisions where you don't have time to think and you must just choose, but in cases where you need to make decision and you have a little bit of time, here's what I always tell those who come to me for help.
1. Set aside ten minutes daily for one week to pray over your decision.
Taking those ten minutes a day to pray and actively seek wisdom about what you should do will help you to really clarify in your mind what your choices are, and if you are taking the time daily to pray about it, this can be a very focused time for you to really get the ideas and answers into your mind.
2. Listen to what gives you peace.
When you set aside those ten minutes each day, take part of that time to really just listen for what the Holy Spirit places on your heart or what you feel gives you the most peace. Most of the time we know what choice we should make, but sometimes we talk ourselves out of it because of fear or other people's opinions. If you really sit down and think about the options though, which one gives you peace in your heart. Most likely, that is the one you should pursue.
3. Choose not to worry about the decision.
Aside from the ten minutes you are setting aside to focus on the decision making process, do not worry about, mull over, or deliberate your choices. You will only create confusion and stress in your mind by constantly thinking about what to do, and the Bible clearly tells us that confusion is not of God. (2 Timothy 1:7) (1 Corinthians 14:33)
4. Be firm about your choice.
At the end of the time period that you have set to pray, whether it is a week, three days, or a month if you have the time, make your decision, and then stick with it and let it all the doubts or questions go. Once you have made your decision, act as though it is your only option. Do not continue to deliberate. Move forward and do what you know needs to be done.
For many of us, we think that if we avoid a hard decision long enough it will eventually get made for us, and this may be the case in some instances, but God gave us the ability to choose, and I believe that we honor Him by seeking His will and actively making choices for our lives. Do not get caught in indecision and deliberation. The devil would love to keep you useless and ineffective trapped in a web of confusion and choices. Do not get weighed down by your options. Make a decision and stand by it. Whatever you need to decide about, use the steps above, and make your choice. I'm waiting to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
You Get What You Give
My heart is so full tonight. I am so blessed to know so many amazing givers. We are showered with love so often; it's just astounding, and I am so thankful. In fact, it is some of these people in my life who really taught me to become a giver and to make it a priority to give above and beyond as often as possible.
Quite frankly, the secret to abundance is becoming a person who always gives more than you get. And if this sounds counterproductive to you, stick with me. It would seem like, according to our earthly economy that if you are always giving more than you get that you will very quickly be out of business. But that's not how our God's economy works. You see, in God's economy, He can take a small lunch of five loaves of bread and two fishes and use it to feed 5,000 people. (Luke 9) The cool part about this story is not that God created enough food to feed 5,000 people from a meager lunch serving. After all, He's God... He could have created food out of nothing. But the neat part about this all is that God allows us to be part of the blessing, and He blesses us in return for giving of what we have. God, being that He's God and all, could theoretically just solve every problem in the world by Himself. But He has graciously allowed us to become a part of solving some of the problems so that we can share in the blessings and benefits of doing so. Pretty cool huh? And I'm not saying you should give to get stuff in return. I'm talking about genuine, deep down, from the heart giving. Giving must become a way of life for you before you can enjoy the blessings of abundance you were made to have.
The Bible instructs us to "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." (Ecclesiastes 11:1) What this is really saying is that if we are willing to throw what we have out there for those in need, we will find that what we need will always find its way to us as well. And the Bible also promises us that if we are faithful in taking care of a little bit that we have, then we will be entrusted with more. (Luke 16:10)
Maybe you're going through a tough time financially, and giving seems really impossible right now. I want to encourage you to find some way that you can. Whether that be a few dollars to buy a homeless person lunch, or just picking up a card and taking the time to send some words of encouragement. There are always ways you can give if you look for them, and if you become a giver, you will be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine.
Make giving a way of life and I promise you, you will not be disappointed when you develop a truly generous heart. I pray that you learn to be an extravagant giver and that you reap the blessings of doing so. I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Quite frankly, the secret to abundance is becoming a person who always gives more than you get. And if this sounds counterproductive to you, stick with me. It would seem like, according to our earthly economy that if you are always giving more than you get that you will very quickly be out of business. But that's not how our God's economy works. You see, in God's economy, He can take a small lunch of five loaves of bread and two fishes and use it to feed 5,000 people. (Luke 9) The cool part about this story is not that God created enough food to feed 5,000 people from a meager lunch serving. After all, He's God... He could have created food out of nothing. But the neat part about this all is that God allows us to be part of the blessing, and He blesses us in return for giving of what we have. God, being that He's God and all, could theoretically just solve every problem in the world by Himself. But He has graciously allowed us to become a part of solving some of the problems so that we can share in the blessings and benefits of doing so. Pretty cool huh? And I'm not saying you should give to get stuff in return. I'm talking about genuine, deep down, from the heart giving. Giving must become a way of life for you before you can enjoy the blessings of abundance you were made to have.
The Bible instructs us to "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." (Ecclesiastes 11:1) What this is really saying is that if we are willing to throw what we have out there for those in need, we will find that what we need will always find its way to us as well. And the Bible also promises us that if we are faithful in taking care of a little bit that we have, then we will be entrusted with more. (Luke 16:10)
Maybe you're going through a tough time financially, and giving seems really impossible right now. I want to encourage you to find some way that you can. Whether that be a few dollars to buy a homeless person lunch, or just picking up a card and taking the time to send some words of encouragement. There are always ways you can give if you look for them, and if you become a giver, you will be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine.
Make giving a way of life and I promise you, you will not be disappointed when you develop a truly generous heart. I pray that you learn to be an extravagant giver and that you reap the blessings of doing so. I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Creating Lifestyle
Ok, so here's the thing friends...in order to build the lifestyle you want, you have to create habits which form your lifestyle. In order to create habits you have to take consistent action. And that's what makes creating lifestyle so difficult. You see, it's not that everyone can't have the lifestyle they want... because they can. But the truth is that most of us have not gotten consistent enough with our habits to produce the results we want. And if that statement ticks you off a little bit, it's ok, because it ticks me off too. It's hard to take a look at ourselves and admit that we are the reason we aren't getting what we want in life. But if you are willing to accept the truth of where you stand, then you can also take responsibility for fixing it. And that's where things get exciting. Well, sorta.
Honestly, consistency isn't necessarily fun. The day in, day out habits which create lifestyle are usually not anything spectacular, and that's why it's easy to get distracted or quit doing what you know you should be doing. Truthfully, consistency means continuing in your habit when you don't feel like it, and when you really, really don't feel like it, and when you just plain don't want to. But it's this willingness to press on despite our feelings that separates the winners from the losers, and I know you guys are destined to be winners. You wouldn't be reading this if you weren't.
If you're feeling a bit frustrated or irritated with where you are in life right now, it's time to evaluate your habits. Do you have consistent habits? And if you don't, it's time to start forming them. Is it easy to form new habits? Not always. But will building and keeping new, positive habits begin changing your life little by little? You bet!
You were destined to have lifestyle and to live victoriously. Begin taking the steps you need to today, and then stick with them, tomorrow, and next week, and next year, and you will look back one day and your life will be completely different. I'm so excited to see where you are after taking consistent action towards your dreams and goals. Let's walk it out together! I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Honestly, consistency isn't necessarily fun. The day in, day out habits which create lifestyle are usually not anything spectacular, and that's why it's easy to get distracted or quit doing what you know you should be doing. Truthfully, consistency means continuing in your habit when you don't feel like it, and when you really, really don't feel like it, and when you just plain don't want to. But it's this willingness to press on despite our feelings that separates the winners from the losers, and I know you guys are destined to be winners. You wouldn't be reading this if you weren't.
If you're feeling a bit frustrated or irritated with where you are in life right now, it's time to evaluate your habits. Do you have consistent habits? And if you don't, it's time to start forming them. Is it easy to form new habits? Not always. But will building and keeping new, positive habits begin changing your life little by little? You bet!
You were destined to have lifestyle and to live victoriously. Begin taking the steps you need to today, and then stick with them, tomorrow, and next week, and next year, and you will look back one day and your life will be completely different. I'm so excited to see where you are after taking consistent action towards your dreams and goals. Let's walk it out together! I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
A Little Blue Highlighter
Good Morning! I want to talk to you about an old habit of mine which I've been using in a new way. I think I've shared with you before that whenever I read something I highlight parts of it which I want to remember, and each day when I pick up that book to read a new chapter I read through the previous highlights to keep them fresh in my mind and help the lessons to stick. What I've started doing with this habit though is applying it to my daily Scripture reading, particularly with the book of Psalms.
If you know me personally, it is no secret that my family and I have been going through some particularly painful times surrounding the loss of one of our dogs. These have been some of the most difficult days I have ever had to face, and believe me, I've been through loss, divorce, and heartache before, but nothing could have prepared me for this. Throughout these last few days I have been finding much comfort in reading the Word of God. But prior to all this happening I had begun my habit of highlighting with the book of Psalms. I was highlighting any verse that I wanted to come back to because it was uplifting or encouraging. And each day I would go back and read a few from the previous few days. Some might call this meditating or studying the Word. But when the circumstances of life really hit me, that's when it was most necessary, and when I was most thankful that God had prompted me to highlight those verses weeks earlier. You see, you never know when life may hit you, or what curve ball you may face, but if you have the right resources already in hand, you can face the challenges that much more smoothly.
If you are facing a hard time right now, or maybe just need a little bit of refreshment, let me share with you a few of the verses I've been clinging to over these last few days.
Psalm 68:19- Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 71:14- But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalm 71:20-21- Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depth of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Isn't it so good to know that we are not alone in our trouble? Thousands of years ago, King David wrestled with feelings of pain, loss, discouragement, anger, and brokenness. He chose to run to God with his hurts, and we can do the same. If you are struggling, I encourage you to cry out, let God know your hurt and pain, but also seek comfort and strength in Him, and know that even though you are in the valley now, you will again be on the mountain top.
Out of all the verses I've been claiming this week, there is one that sticks out in particular which I've been clinging to the most is this.
Psalm 65:11- You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
No matter how hard this year has been so far, we can celebrate the fact that good things are ahead. If you are facing pain, loss, hurt, heartache, doubt, fear, depression, anxiety, sickness, or any other negative life circumstance right now, cling to the promises of God in His word. Start seeking out Scriptures which remind you of where you are going, not where you are. Then highlight those words and refer back to them as often as you need to. This practice will give you strength through good days and not so good days. I'm here for you friend, and I can't wait to see you succeed.
~K.W.
If you know me personally, it is no secret that my family and I have been going through some particularly painful times surrounding the loss of one of our dogs. These have been some of the most difficult days I have ever had to face, and believe me, I've been through loss, divorce, and heartache before, but nothing could have prepared me for this. Throughout these last few days I have been finding much comfort in reading the Word of God. But prior to all this happening I had begun my habit of highlighting with the book of Psalms. I was highlighting any verse that I wanted to come back to because it was uplifting or encouraging. And each day I would go back and read a few from the previous few days. Some might call this meditating or studying the Word. But when the circumstances of life really hit me, that's when it was most necessary, and when I was most thankful that God had prompted me to highlight those verses weeks earlier. You see, you never know when life may hit you, or what curve ball you may face, but if you have the right resources already in hand, you can face the challenges that much more smoothly.
If you are facing a hard time right now, or maybe just need a little bit of refreshment, let me share with you a few of the verses I've been clinging to over these last few days.
Psalm 68:19- Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 71:14- But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalm 71:20-21- Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depth of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
Isn't it so good to know that we are not alone in our trouble? Thousands of years ago, King David wrestled with feelings of pain, loss, discouragement, anger, and brokenness. He chose to run to God with his hurts, and we can do the same. If you are struggling, I encourage you to cry out, let God know your hurt and pain, but also seek comfort and strength in Him, and know that even though you are in the valley now, you will again be on the mountain top.
Out of all the verses I've been claiming this week, there is one that sticks out in particular which I've been clinging to the most is this.
Psalm 65:11- You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
No matter how hard this year has been so far, we can celebrate the fact that good things are ahead. If you are facing pain, loss, hurt, heartache, doubt, fear, depression, anxiety, sickness, or any other negative life circumstance right now, cling to the promises of God in His word. Start seeking out Scriptures which remind you of where you are going, not where you are. Then highlight those words and refer back to them as often as you need to. This practice will give you strength through good days and not so good days. I'm here for you friend, and I can't wait to see you succeed.
~K.W.
Monday, June 18, 2018
Busy, Busy, Busy
Good Morning Friends! Happy Monday! Did you miss me yesterday? I took a little break for the day, and along those lines, I want to talk to you today about busyness. We live in a culture that values busyness and assumes that if you are doing more things than you are getting more done. Sounds logical, but it's not. Because for most of us, most of the things we are doing are not fueling our purpose, nor are they even bringing us happiness. They are just things to fill our time.
I want to encourage you this week before you get too caught up in all the things you need to do that you take a good long look at what it is that you really need to be doing and learn to cut a few extra things out. Maybe you need to ask your boss for a day off so you can recharge and refocus. Maybe you need to plan more priorities into your calendar so there's less time for useless activities. Maybe you need to slow down so you can really get things done efficiently rather than running from one to the next. I don't know what level of busyness you live on, but I do know that busyness can steal your joy, distract you from your purpose, and trick you into thinking you are accomplishing something when really you are just running in circles.
Pause for a few moments today and do a busyness check on your schedule. How many things that you are doing really NEED to be done? How many things are robbing you of joy and draining your energy? How many of the things on your calendar are moving you closer to your dreams and goals? Is it time to reprioritize and get rid of a few things? If so, go ahead and let a few things go. Say, "No" to some activities. It's ok. Stop running the rat race and live at a place of peace and purpose. I pray this is a productive and prosperous week for you, but not one filled with busyness. Slow down and walk with deliberation this week. I'm walking with you, and I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
I want to encourage you this week before you get too caught up in all the things you need to do that you take a good long look at what it is that you really need to be doing and learn to cut a few extra things out. Maybe you need to ask your boss for a day off so you can recharge and refocus. Maybe you need to plan more priorities into your calendar so there's less time for useless activities. Maybe you need to slow down so you can really get things done efficiently rather than running from one to the next. I don't know what level of busyness you live on, but I do know that busyness can steal your joy, distract you from your purpose, and trick you into thinking you are accomplishing something when really you are just running in circles.
Pause for a few moments today and do a busyness check on your schedule. How many things that you are doing really NEED to be done? How many things are robbing you of joy and draining your energy? How many of the things on your calendar are moving you closer to your dreams and goals? Is it time to reprioritize and get rid of a few things? If so, go ahead and let a few things go. Say, "No" to some activities. It's ok. Stop running the rat race and live at a place of peace and purpose. I pray this is a productive and prosperous week for you, but not one filled with busyness. Slow down and walk with deliberation this week. I'm walking with you, and I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
What Lies Ahead
Good Morning, Happy Saturday! I want to talk to you today and encourage you to get excited about your future! Just because you have had falls or setbacks or a bad past or whatever else is holding you back, does not mean that you do not have an epically awesome future prepared for you if you are willing to let go of the past and step into it. Paul said he was "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." (Philippians 3:13)
I think a lot of us have this inward fear, this belief that when things start going bad that they will continue to be bad and stay that way forever. That kind of thinking is just not true. It's an attack of the devil to try to hold you down and keep you from your purpose. You have to gather up your courage and keep speaking good things for your future. Keep believing things will turn around and be better than ever. Lisa Bevere says in her book Girls With Swords, "the attacks on your life have much more to do with who you might be in the future than who you have been in the past." If you have just started to take some steps towards your dreams and goals and suddenly you feel beset by struggles all around you, take courage. There would be no reason for the devil to stop you if you weren't headed somewhere great. James 1:2 says, "My friends, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." Why? Because that means you are on the track towards success. If you know in your heart that you are following your God given purpose but still feel as if your life is under attack, then you should also know that what lies ahead, should you persist, is greater than anything you could have imagined. Sometimes we have a tendency to think that if we are really doing the right thing, than everything should go perfect and we should never face struggle, but we have to wake up and realize that to truly accomplish our dreams requires us to fight for them. We cannot just waltz into success with a nonchalant attitude.
Where ever you find yourself on your journey, whether you are on the mountain peak, or just struggling day by day to put on foot in front of the other, know that I love you; God loves you, and I cannot wait to see you succeed! Your future lies ahead! Go make it great!
~K.W.
I think a lot of us have this inward fear, this belief that when things start going bad that they will continue to be bad and stay that way forever. That kind of thinking is just not true. It's an attack of the devil to try to hold you down and keep you from your purpose. You have to gather up your courage and keep speaking good things for your future. Keep believing things will turn around and be better than ever. Lisa Bevere says in her book Girls With Swords, "the attacks on your life have much more to do with who you might be in the future than who you have been in the past." If you have just started to take some steps towards your dreams and goals and suddenly you feel beset by struggles all around you, take courage. There would be no reason for the devil to stop you if you weren't headed somewhere great. James 1:2 says, "My friends, count it all joy when you fall into various trials." Why? Because that means you are on the track towards success. If you know in your heart that you are following your God given purpose but still feel as if your life is under attack, then you should also know that what lies ahead, should you persist, is greater than anything you could have imagined. Sometimes we have a tendency to think that if we are really doing the right thing, than everything should go perfect and we should never face struggle, but we have to wake up and realize that to truly accomplish our dreams requires us to fight for them. We cannot just waltz into success with a nonchalant attitude.
Where ever you find yourself on your journey, whether you are on the mountain peak, or just struggling day by day to put on foot in front of the other, know that I love you; God loves you, and I cannot wait to see you succeed! Your future lies ahead! Go make it great!
~K.W.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Fix Your Gaze
Do you have a tendency to focus on the good or bad in life? When things don’t go your way, do you allow that to hold you down, or use it to propel you forward? In every situation in life, we determine whether what happens limits us or promotes us based on what we choose to focus on. Ask yourself today, “Where is my focus?” Are you choosing to focus on the struggle, hurt, and pain, or are you choosing to see the hidden blessings, the opportunities for growth, and the strengthening of character in your circumstances?
As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I’ve always hated that statement, but it is so true. When things seem to keep piling up and getting worse, remember first and foremost that God knows everything you are going through, and nothing is out of His control. You can trust that He will not leave you alone.
Choose to fix your eyes on the truth today. Proverbs 4:25 says, “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” You have to choose to look ahead, rather than to keep looking back at the pain in your past or around you at the frustrations in your present. Push forward knowing that your future is better than your past; your successes will outweigh your failures; and you are made for greatness. Obstacles and setbacks are not meant to stop you, but rather to give you a step up to the next level. Hold tight to your faith, set your eyes on the top, and let’s climb this mountain together. I can’t wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I’ve always hated that statement, but it is so true. When things seem to keep piling up and getting worse, remember first and foremost that God knows everything you are going through, and nothing is out of His control. You can trust that He will not leave you alone.
Choose to fix your eyes on the truth today. Proverbs 4:25 says, “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.” You have to choose to look ahead, rather than to keep looking back at the pain in your past or around you at the frustrations in your present. Push forward knowing that your future is better than your past; your successes will outweigh your failures; and you are made for greatness. Obstacles and setbacks are not meant to stop you, but rather to give you a step up to the next level. Hold tight to your faith, set your eyes on the top, and let’s climb this mountain together. I can’t wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
When You're In the Dark
Hey friends, some more honesty coming at you today. I’m a pretty happy and upbeat person. I try to see life through rose colored glasses, and I try to laugh when life hurts and help others laugh with me. But just because I’m a positive person does not mean life is all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes things happen with no seeming rhyme or reason, and sometimes things happen when you’re already tired and worn out and beat up. And it’s in those moments that you really find out what’s inside you. "Battles are the proving ground of what you already have put into practice. Conflict has a way of testing the mettle of what was already tempered in your seasons of preparation." (Girls With Swords by Lisa Bevere).
It’s during those moments of deepest pain and discouragement that we have to look to the Rock that is higher than ourselves. "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." (Psalms 54:4) And as we look up and cry out for help we must choose to take another step forward into the unknown. Just because this part of the path is dark right now doesn’t mean the road doesn’t lead somewhere good in the end, but you will never find out if you sit down and stay in that dark place. Choose to hold on to hope and keep pressing forward, one day, one breath, one step at a time. I love you friend, and if you’re walking through the dark you’re not alone. Keep pressing on. I can’t wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
It’s during those moments of deepest pain and discouragement that we have to look to the Rock that is higher than ourselves. "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me." (Psalms 54:4) And as we look up and cry out for help we must choose to take another step forward into the unknown. Just because this part of the path is dark right now doesn’t mean the road doesn’t lead somewhere good in the end, but you will never find out if you sit down and stay in that dark place. Choose to hold on to hope and keep pressing forward, one day, one breath, one step at a time. I love you friend, and if you’re walking through the dark you’re not alone. Keep pressing on. I can’t wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
A Little Bit of Honesty
Ok, I'm going to get really honest with you tonight, and if you want to judge you can, but I hope that most of you will find this helpful. So, here it is. Raising a child with a behavioral disorder is not fun. Yup. I said it. I don't really enjoy parenting most days. It's not that I don't want to. I really try, but it's just not easy when every day is a battle. We have therapist appointments multiple times a week. There are meetings with doctors, meetings with insurance companies, and a seemingly never ending list of new strategies to try. Now, before you get too worked up, let me reassure you. I love my son. But most days I am ready to not see him for eight hours when he goes to bed at night.
For a long time I wrestled with God. I asked "Why?" a lot. "Why me?" After losing my first child, it felt like being robbed to have a second child that I was so happy to receive and then have raising him be a nightmare. "Why would God do this to me?" I wondered. I wanted to be a good mom. I wanted to give my son the world and then some. But I felt bitter, disillusioned, let down. Every flowery mom post on Facebook about how wonderful being a mother is left me wanting to throw something.
But at the height of some of my deepest struggles and most discouraging moments, I was given a light. I was given a new perspective. And although it wasn't the answer I wanted right then, it was the answer I needed. The shift came in the form of something my pastor says quite frequently. Most weeks it was a struggle to make it out the door to church, and once we got there trying to keep my child from screaming, running around, and generally wreaking havoc in the first few minutes of worship was a nightmare in itself. By the time he got off to children's church I was spent. I would sit in my pew just begging God to help me make it through another day. I didn't know how I was going to keep on keeping on. The first time I heard my pastor say, "Children are not a burden. They are a blessing." I wanted to get up and walk out right there. "Ya, right. Funny. Ok God, that's a good one. Rub it in a little more." But despite my mental protest, I tried to let that thought sink in. I started telling myself in tough moments, "Children are a blessing, not a burden." I started thanking God instead of complaining. I started choosing to celebrate the tiniest good moments instead of crying over the other 23 hours and 38 minutes of chaos in a day. And bit by bit, things got easier. Has his behavior improved? A little, but what has really changed is my attitude and outlook. I realize that I have a very unique blessing in my child, and these challenges are preparing me for more doors of opportunity in the future.
I just want to encourage you today. Whatever challenge you are facing may not change or go away right now. Believe me, I wish I could snap my fingers and make it all better, but as of yet that hasn't happened. But I am resolved that no matter what obstacle I come up against as a mother, I will choose to see my child as a blessing, not a burden. Begin today to speak positively over whatever struggle you are going through. Know that God is working in you and through you to do something greater than you could ever imagine, and if you are willing to keep you chin up, keep going, and trust God to walk with you through it, you will come out on the other side a stronger, better, and more equipped version of yourself.
If you are hurting right now, I am praying for you friend. I know what it feels like to feel let down and jaded about life, but you are destined for greatness. Don't let your situation destroy you. Instead allow it to mold you into a gem. I'm working through this life with you, and I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
For a long time I wrestled with God. I asked "Why?" a lot. "Why me?" After losing my first child, it felt like being robbed to have a second child that I was so happy to receive and then have raising him be a nightmare. "Why would God do this to me?" I wondered. I wanted to be a good mom. I wanted to give my son the world and then some. But I felt bitter, disillusioned, let down. Every flowery mom post on Facebook about how wonderful being a mother is left me wanting to throw something.
But at the height of some of my deepest struggles and most discouraging moments, I was given a light. I was given a new perspective. And although it wasn't the answer I wanted right then, it was the answer I needed. The shift came in the form of something my pastor says quite frequently. Most weeks it was a struggle to make it out the door to church, and once we got there trying to keep my child from screaming, running around, and generally wreaking havoc in the first few minutes of worship was a nightmare in itself. By the time he got off to children's church I was spent. I would sit in my pew just begging God to help me make it through another day. I didn't know how I was going to keep on keeping on. The first time I heard my pastor say, "Children are not a burden. They are a blessing." I wanted to get up and walk out right there. "Ya, right. Funny. Ok God, that's a good one. Rub it in a little more." But despite my mental protest, I tried to let that thought sink in. I started telling myself in tough moments, "Children are a blessing, not a burden." I started thanking God instead of complaining. I started choosing to celebrate the tiniest good moments instead of crying over the other 23 hours and 38 minutes of chaos in a day. And bit by bit, things got easier. Has his behavior improved? A little, but what has really changed is my attitude and outlook. I realize that I have a very unique blessing in my child, and these challenges are preparing me for more doors of opportunity in the future.
I just want to encourage you today. Whatever challenge you are facing may not change or go away right now. Believe me, I wish I could snap my fingers and make it all better, but as of yet that hasn't happened. But I am resolved that no matter what obstacle I come up against as a mother, I will choose to see my child as a blessing, not a burden. Begin today to speak positively over whatever struggle you are going through. Know that God is working in you and through you to do something greater than you could ever imagine, and if you are willing to keep you chin up, keep going, and trust God to walk with you through it, you will come out on the other side a stronger, better, and more equipped version of yourself.
If you are hurting right now, I am praying for you friend. I know what it feels like to feel let down and jaded about life, but you are destined for greatness. Don't let your situation destroy you. Instead allow it to mold you into a gem. I'm working through this life with you, and I can't wait to see you succeed!
~K.W.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Beach Life
Where do you go when you need to recharge? Maybe it’s the beach or camping in the woods. For me, if I am near the ocean, I find myself relaxed, contemplative, and running on a slower time clock. There is something about just sitting and listening to the sound of the waves or walking the shore in the quiet of my thoughts. I quite literally need my vacations for the sake of my sanity. Spending time at the beach recharges my soul and helps me hash out my inner questions. But what do you do the other times of the year, when you’re not at the beach, when you can’t slow down and you feel like you can’t quiet your mind to think? I believe it’s vital for our mental, spiritual, and emotional well being for us not only to find a few times a year to get away but also for us to find ways to bring little bits of the peace and joy we feel there into our everyday lives.
The second beach vacation trip I ever went on, my in-laws were gracious enough to let me pick out the coffee flavor for us all for the week. I picked out a rich caramel coffee with a smell that was overpoweringly delicious. It has been more than ten years since that trip, but every time I get a whiff of a bag of caramel coffee I feel like I’m back on that trip. Opening up a bag of caramel coffee and sitting on the couch drinking a cup in the morning gives me a sense of calm and happiness because I associate that smell with that trip. Try to find something like this for yourself. It may be a comfy sweatshirt that you bought on your trip that makes you feel relaxed. Maybe it’s a certain lotion, perfume, or shampoo that you used on that trip. Find little things to take you back mentally to your quiet space, and when you need a little bit of calm on a busy day, get them out and use them. This is a little trick that doesn’t have to take up a lot of time but can help you power through when you need it.
And if you don’t take time to get away at least once a year, I want to highly encourage you to do it. You don’t have to make it a super pricy trip; just find somewhere where you can get away and gain some peace and quiet and let go of responsibilities for a few days. Take a notebook, write, read, walk, think, and rest, and you will reap a healthier mind, body, and soul which will lead to far more productivity than if you just continue to push through week after week, year after year.
You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be, and sometimes that requires a little mental rest and relaxation. Whether you’re getting away for the week, or just tricking your brain into a mini vacation, make recharging a priority in your life, and you will not regret it.
~K.W.
The second beach vacation trip I ever went on, my in-laws were gracious enough to let me pick out the coffee flavor for us all for the week. I picked out a rich caramel coffee with a smell that was overpoweringly delicious. It has been more than ten years since that trip, but every time I get a whiff of a bag of caramel coffee I feel like I’m back on that trip. Opening up a bag of caramel coffee and sitting on the couch drinking a cup in the morning gives me a sense of calm and happiness because I associate that smell with that trip. Try to find something like this for yourself. It may be a comfy sweatshirt that you bought on your trip that makes you feel relaxed. Maybe it’s a certain lotion, perfume, or shampoo that you used on that trip. Find little things to take you back mentally to your quiet space, and when you need a little bit of calm on a busy day, get them out and use them. This is a little trick that doesn’t have to take up a lot of time but can help you power through when you need it.
And if you don’t take time to get away at least once a year, I want to highly encourage you to do it. You don’t have to make it a super pricy trip; just find somewhere where you can get away and gain some peace and quiet and let go of responsibilities for a few days. Take a notebook, write, read, walk, think, and rest, and you will reap a healthier mind, body, and soul which will lead to far more productivity than if you just continue to push through week after week, year after year.
You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be, and sometimes that requires a little mental rest and relaxation. Whether you’re getting away for the week, or just tricking your brain into a mini vacation, make recharging a priority in your life, and you will not regret it.
~K.W.
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