Not just the miles I’ve walked or the weights I’ve lifted, but this journey called life.

I’ve been thinking about that podcast I’ve talked about. That book God laid on my heart. The dreams and ideas that have been sitting inside of me, waiting for their time.

I’ve been thinking about my weight and my fitness journey.

I’ve been thinking about motherhood, the joy of it, the beauty of it, and how it has required more of me than I could have ever imagined all those years ago.

And I’ve been thinking about purpose.

About the things I thought I would have accomplished by now.

About the places I thought I would be.

And I realized something: I may not be exactly where I thought I would be, but I’m right where God has me at this moment.

Important to Note: My fitness journey has been teaching me something that goes far beyond exercise.

There are mornings when I don’t feel like getting up. There are days when the scale doesn’t move the way I want it to. There are moments when I wonder if all these steps, miles, workouts and weights are really making a difference.

But then I realize something. They are!

Maybe not always in the way I can immediately see, but something is changing. And perhaps most importantly, I’m learning the importance of consistency.

Maybe You’re Thinking the Same Thing

Maybe you’ve looked at your life and wondered, “How did I get here? And am I too far behind?”

Maybe there’s a dream you thought would have happened by now.

• A book you thought you would have written.

• A business you thought would be further along.

• A career you thought would look different.

• A family you thought would look different.

Maybe you’re looking at your body, your finances, your relationships, your purpose, or simply your life, and wondering if you missed your moment.

A Word Of Encouragement

• You are not a failure because your journey looks different than you expected.

• You are not disqualified because it took longer.

• And you are not too old to dream again.

Your Timeline Is Not God’s Timeline

I’ve had to remind myself of that truth!

• Sometimes what feels like a delay is preparation.

• Sometimes what feels like a detour is where we learn the lessons we need for the next chapter.

• Sometimes God is doing something in us before He does something through us.

• And sometimes, we simply have to trust Him enough to keep walking when we cannot see what’s ahead.

That’s faith!

Not knowing every detail. Not having every answer. Just trusting the One who does.

There Is Still More

My fitness journey isn’t just about losing weight.

It’s about becoming stronger, healthier and more disciplined.

It’s about proving to myself that I can start again.

That I can keep going.

That I can refuse to give up on me.

And maybe this season of my life is teaching me the same thing about my purpose.

I don’t have to have it all figured out. I just have to keep showing up.

So, Don’t Quit

If you’re somewhere in the middle of your story tonight, I want you to remember this:

• Don’t compare your chapter to someone else’s highlight reel.

• Don’t allow the years behind you to convince you that your best days are behind you.

• And please, don’t quit simply because you thought you would be further along by now.

God is still writing your story, so; Don’t quit in the middle of it!

Our team logged over 2 million steps, and the best part is that we were doing it all for a good cause. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. But now that the challenge is over, my journey continues.

I’m beginning to notice changes that have nothing to do with a number on the scale. Weight training has brought more mobility back to my knees. Stairs have become easier. Squats are getting easier. Leg lifts are getting easier. Things that once felt like a struggle are slowly becoming a little more manageable.

My trainer recently added deadlifts to my workouts, and little by little, my weight capacity is increasing. I’m not lifting heavy just to say that I can. We are building strength gradually and safely.

My trainer reminded me that this is a slow process, but it is a process where results will happen. And, I needed that reminder.

Sometimes we want the results NOW. We want to see the weight come off quickly. We want our clothes to fit differently. We want to look in the mirror and immediately see the transformation.

This journey has become about so much more than losing weight. It is about becoming healthier and stronger for the life ahead of me.

And I’m not doing it alone. My husband is on this journey right alongside me. We are learning together, moving together and encouraging one another along the way.

This adventure is really about our health and the way we want to live as we age.

The journey continues.

Not the kind of happiness that comes when everything is going your way. I’m talking about a deeper kind of joy. The kind of joy that comes from knowing God, trusting Him, and believing that He is still good even when life hurts.

I believe maintaining your joy is important because joy is more than a feeling. It is a choice to remain anchored in God.

Life will give us plenty of reasons to lose our joy. There will be disappointments. There will be unexpected changes, difficult seasons, unanswered questions and moments when our hearts are simply heavy.

I know what it feels like to carry that heaviness – the death of my mom and dad, for example.

Joy Doesn’t Mean Life Doesn’t Hurt

Sometimes we have this idea that being a Christian means we should always be happy. But that’s not real life.

Jesus gives us joy, but He never promised that we would never experience pain. I’ve cried, experienced loss and disappointment. I’ve had moments when I didn’t understand why certain things happened the way they did.

But through all of it, God continued to remind me that He is faithful.

My joy isn’t based on everything going right! My joy is rooted in God, I can walk through difficult seasons and still have hope – because I know, and believe that;

The joy of the Lord is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10

The gift of prayer didn’t end with her.

My mother taught me the importance of prayer. She showed me that prayer isn’t just something we do in times of trouble, it’s how we build a relationship with God, seek His wisdom, and find His peace.

Later, my spiritual mother taught me how to pray. She helped me understand that prayer is more than words; it’s a conversation with our Heavenly Father. She taught me to pray with faith, confidence, and expectation, trusting that God hears every prayer and is always at work, even when we cannot yet see the answer.

Looking back, I realize what a priceless inheritance I’ve received. The women God placed in my life gave me the gift of prayer, a legacy that continues to sustain, strengthen, and shape my walk with Christ.

My prayer is that I will pass that same gift on to my children, grandchildren, and everyone God places in my path. There is no greater legacy than teaching others to seek the heart of God through prayer.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give the people we love. Long after our words are forgotten and our accomplishments fade, our prayers can continue to bear fruit in the lives of those we leave behind.

So today, I leave you with this question:

Who prayed you into the person you are becoming, and who are you intentionally praying for today?

May we all become the kind of people whose greatest legacy isn’t what we accumulated, but the prayers we faithfully lifted before the throne of God.

We seem to move from one obligation to the next, checking boxes, meeting deadlines, and taking care of everyone around us.

Yet somewhere in the middle of all the noise, it’s easy to forget why we started.

This week, the Lord gently whispered those three words to my heart: Remember your why!

As I sat quietly with Him, I realized something. The enemy doesn’t always have to stop us to distract us. Sometimes he simply keeps us so busy that we lose sight of our purpose. We continue doing good things while slowly drifting away from the things that matter most.

That realization stopped me in my tracks.

When I look into the faces of my husband, my children, my family, and the people God has entrusted to my life, I don’t see obligations. I see my “why.”

• I see relationships worth protecting.
• I see moments worth slowing down for.
• I see people worth loving well.
• I see a life that is richer, fuller, and infinitely more meaningful because they are in it.

Every morning, I’m reminded of my “why” when I open God’s Word before my day begin. I’m reminded as I kneel in prayer, surrendering my plans to the One who already knows the path ahead. I’m reminded as I lace up my shoes and head to the gym, choosing to care for the body God has entrusted to me. I’m reminded when I intentionally make time for friends and family instead of allowing life’s busyness to steal those precious moments.

Those quiet moments aren’t wasted moments.

• They’re where God restores perspective.
• They’re where peace replaces pressure.
• They’re where purpose becomes clear again.

Maybe today you need that reminder too. Remember why you started. Remember why your marriage is worth fighting for. Remember why your children need the best version of you. Remember why taking care of your body isn’t about a number on the scale, it’s about having the strength and health to live out God’s calling on your life. Remember why your faith must come before your feelings. Remember why protecting your peace isn’t selfish—it’s wise.

The world will always compete for your attention!

But the people God has placed in your life… the moments He gives you… and the purpose He has written into your story are far too valuable to neglect. So today, pause. Take a deep breath. Open your Bible. Spend quiet moments with the Lord. Look around at the people you love.

And remember your why!

Because when you remember your “why,” your priorities become clearer, your decisions become easier, and your heart finds its way back to what matters most.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33

Don’t let busyness steal what God intended to be beautiful.

Remember your why… and live like it matters.

Our 2026 Annual Wellness Challenge at work is officially underway, and I have to say, it has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my fitness journey this year, so far.

I’m teamed up with four amazing coworkers, and together we’ve already logged 287,000+ steps on our Great American Adventure challenge. Even more exciting? We still have 25 days left!

What started as a simple workplace wellness challenge has turned into something much bigger for me. It’s been fun, motivating, and yes… a little competitive.

Our team is currently ranked 35th out of more than 3,559 teams participating. That’s pretty exciting!

For quite some time, I shared many of my workouts on social media. While I appreciated the encouragement, I sometimes wondered if everyone wanted to see another treadmill picture or gym update. Let’s be honest, not everyone gets excited about workouts!

This challenge has been different.

Now I’m surrounded by people who understand the goals, celebrate the victories, encourage one another, and even provide a little friendly competition. We cheer each other on, hold one another accountable, and laugh along the way. Add in the other teams from work, and things have become surprisingly entertaining!

I’ve learned something through this experience: the right community can make difficult things enjoyable.

When people are moving in the same direction, encouraging one another, and celebrating progress instead of perfection, it’s much easier to stay consistent.

As for me, I’m continuing to put in the work; walking miles, lifting weights with a trainer, making healthier food choices, and showing up day after day. The changes aren’t just showing up on the scale. I’m noticing improvements in my energy, my endurance, and my overall outlook.

This journey has reminded me that sometimes we weren’t meant to pursue our goals alone. God often places people beside us to encourage us, challenge us, and help us keep going when we might otherwise quit.

Whether your goal is fitness, growing in your faith, writing a book, or simply becoming healthier, don’t underestimate the power of community.

Sometimes, teamwork really does make the dream work.

Until next month’ fitness update…

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Have you ever stopped to think about what is shaping your thoughts?

We are surrounded by voices! 

The question is not whether our minds are being influenced. They are. The question is: What are we allowing to influence us?

I have learned that what we consistently consume eventually begins to shape how we see ourselves, how we see others, and even how we see God.

I have found when we fill our minds with God’s truth, something begins to change.

• Our perspective changes.
• Our words change.
• Our attitudes change.
• Our hearts become more aligned with Him.

This has been a lesson I have continued to learn throughout my own journey……

There have been seasons where I had to be intentional about what I allowed into my spirit. Not everything deserves my attention. Not every opinion deserves my agreement. Not every conversation deserves my energy.

Protecting my peace is not about ignoring the world around me. It is about making sure the world around me does not drown out the voice of God within me.

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Renewing our minds is not a one-time event. It is a daily practice.

• It happens when we choose prayer over worry.
• Scripture over negativity.
• Gratitude over complaining.
• Faith over fear.

It happens when we remind ourselves of who God says we are instead of accepting every label the world tries to place on us.

As I reflect on my own life, I see how important it is to be careful about what I allow to take root in my heart. Just like we are mindful about what we put into our bodies, we must also be mindful about what we put into our minds.

You cannot fill your mind with fear all day and expect to walk in peace.

You cannot spend more time listening to the world than listening to God and expect your faith to remain strong.

What we feed grows.

Today, I want to encourage you to take inventory of your thoughts. What voices have you been allowing to speak into your life? Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away from Him?

Maybe it is time to create some space.

• Turn down the noise.
• Open God’s Word.
• Spend time in prayer.
• Surround yourself with encouragement.
• Choose thoughts that bring life.

The beautiful thing is that God gives us the ability to choose what we cultivate.

But this year was different.

As we celebrated 38 years together, we didn’t feel the need to fill our calendar with activities or chase another exciting destination. Instead, we made a simple decision that turned out to be exactly what our hearts needed.

We chose to be still.

We stepped away from our 9-to-5 routines and set aside many of our everyday responsibilities. There were no agendas to keep, no schedules to rush through, and no pressure to be productive. We simply slowed down.

We sat in the quiet. We loved on each other. And, enjoyed one another’s company.

We reflected on how far God has brought us, not because of our own strength, but because of His faithfulness. Thirty-eight years of marriage have taught us that every season has shaped us, every challenge has strengthened us, and every blessing has reminded us that God has been writing our story all along.

As we looked back with gratitude, we also looked ahead with hope!

We have so much to look forward to.

The truth is, we are not the same people we were 38 years ago. We’re not even the same people we were two years ago. Life has a way of refining us, and if we’re willing, God uses every season to grow us into who He created us to be.

We are still evolving! Still learning! And, Still growing (discovering who God is calling us to be today).

This is us!

Imperfect, grateful, and deeply aware that our greatest desire is to continue seeking God’s face and prayerfully following His lead, one step at a time.

That week of stillness reminded me of something our hurried world often forgets.

There is something special about slowing down!

In a culture that celebrates busyness, stillness can almost feel uncomfortable. We wear full calendars like badges of honor and often measure our worth by how much we accomplish. Yet God offers us a different invitation.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

For Me: These words are more than a comforting verse. They are an invitation to trust. To stop striving. To release control and remember that God is still God, even when we stop moving.

During our staycation, I experienced what my soul had been longing for: rest. Time to breathe. Time to reflect. Time to regenerate. Time to reconnect with the One who gives lasting peace.

Without the constant noise and distractions, I found myself lingering longer in God’s presence. I wasn’t simply checking off my daily Bible reading or rushing through prayer. I was sitting with Him, listening, reflecting, and allowing Him to refresh my heart.

Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend quiet time with His Father. If the Son of God intentionally stepped away to rest and pray, how much more do we need those sacred moments to renew our own hearts?

Stillness gives us perspective.

It reminds us that our identity isn’t found in our productivity but in our relationship with Christ. It creates space to hear His voice, recognize His blessings, and remember what matters most.

As our anniversary week came to an end, I realized we had received one of the greatest gifts we could have given ourselves; The gift of being fully present, with God, with each other, and with those we love.

Important to Note: Sometimes the most beautiful moments in life aren’t the ones we plan, they’re the ones we make room for.

May we never become so busy building a life that we forget to pause and enjoy the Giver of life! Selah

Discovering Purpose One Step at a Time

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105

There are certain verses that seem to meet us exactly where we are. For me, Psalm 119:105 has been one of those verses lately. I’m in a new season of life right now, for sure, and this Scripture continues to settle deep within my heart.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Not a spotlight that reveals the next ten years. Not a floodlight that shows every detail of the journey ahead. But for me; right now: Just enough light for the next step/steps.

The older I become, the more I realize that purpose isn’t about having every answer. It’s about trusting the One who does.

There was a time when I thought purpose was something I had to go out and find. I believed that if I worked hard enough, planned carefully enough, and positioned myself just right, I could make the right opportunities happen.

Today, I see it differently;

Purpose isn’t something we create. It’s something we discover while faithfully walking with God. And that simple truth has changed my outlook.

My prayer;

“Lord, lead me where You would have me today! Open my eyes to the people You want me to encourage, the opportunities You’ve prepared for me, and the purpose You’ve already placed before me. Help me be faithful with this moment.”

That’s the kind of life I want to live.

I want to add value wherever God plants me!

I want my life to make a difference; not because of a title, a platform, or recognition, but because I faithfully loved the people God intentionally placed within my sphere of influence; My husband, My children, My family, My friends, My church, My coworkers, My neighbors, And even you, the person reading these words today…..

I’ve discovered that purpose isn’t always found in the extraordinary. More often, it’s hidden in ordinary moments lived with extraordinary faith.

One of the greatest lessons God has been teaching me is the difference between making things happen and walking in His purpose.

Our culture tells us to hustle, chase opportunities, force doors open, and create our own destiny. But God invites us to something better. He invites us to follow Him. To follow His lead….

Throughout Scripture, God consistently positioned ordinary people exactly where they needed to be at exactly the right time.

• Esther didn’t campaign to become queen.
• David wasn’t searching for a throne while tending sheep.
• Ruth wasn’t chasing significance when she faithfully gleaned in a field.

None of them could have imagined what God was preparing. Yet every ordinary step became part of an extraordinary purpose because they trusted God more than their own plans. And, that encourages me.

It reminds me that I don’t have to force what God has already ordained. #smile

Looking back over my own life, I can see His (God)’s hands on moments I once questioned. Opportunities I thought I needed eventually gave way to something far greater than I could have planned myself.

That’s the beauty of trusting God’s timing.

He sees the whole path while I’m simply taking the next faithful step.

I believe that purpose isn’t just about arriving somewhere someday. It’s also about walking faithfully today.

After all, a lamp doesn’t illuminate twenty miles down the road. It simply gives enough light for the next steps.

Maybe that’s why this verse has become so precious to me.

God isn’t asking me to figure out everything in this season, but to trust Him and to continue to walk this thing out daily.

• To love well today.

• To serve faithfully today.

• And, to leave tomorrow in His hands.

And truthfully, there is so much freedom in that.

My prayer in this season is simple:

Lord, help me discover my purpose every single day. Keep my heart sensitive to Your voice. Lead my steps. Place me where I can bring You glory and add value to the lives You’ve entrusted to me. I simply want to walk the path You’ve already prepared for me.

Note: if you’re waiting for clarity about your future, don’t overlook today’s assignment.

Purpose isn’t always found in the destination.

Often, it’s found in the next faithful step.

Trust the God who holds the path.

Follow the light He’s already given you.

You’ll discover that when God is leading, every step has purpose (even the ones you don’t yet understand).

Reflection

Are you allowing God to reveal the purpose He has already prepared for you?

Maybe today isn’t about finding your purpose.

Maybe it’s about faithfully taking the next step.

The rest of the path will unfold in God’s perfect time. #TrustHim

This week’s blog is simply dedicated to us and this beautiful journey called life! #gratefulheart

We were young, very young, and both incredibly determined. Before meeting my husband, I had only dated two other guys. Once I met him, I knew I was not interested in dating anyone else. For me, it was love at first sight. It was his eyes, his smile and broad shoulders, that immediately caught my attention! #myveryownDenzelWashington (smile)

To be honest, even through the rough patches we faced early on, I have never regretted my decision to marry him. He was and continues to be one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Thirty-eight years later, we are still here. We have walked through some challenges, celebrated some great victories, and experienced some unimaginable losses, all while navigated this life as parents, grandparents, siblings and friends,

We are both dreamers, who love the Lord and enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle. I am grateful that my husband is always willing to join me on some of my crazy adventures, like trips to Disney (as adults) and private boat rides in Jamaica. Even more, I love that he shares my heart for reaching out and helping others. #mylover #mybestfriend

As I work on book number two, he graciously gives me the space to write… and write I do! This month alone, the blog reached more than 5,000 unique visitors (so far). Apparently, that last post really resonated with some people, so I guess I’ll keep writing. 

And, I make space for him to do what he loves, as well, like sports (i.e. basketball), and tackling different projects around the house, and thankfully, there are plenty available for him to tackle.

My encouragement to couples, especially younger ones is this: communicate often, dream big dreams together, and courageously embrace the new adventures as they come. The years will pass quickly, so cherish each season!

We have something very special happening soon, and I cannot wait to share it with you (so stay tuned).

Until then, be encouraged and remember to run the race that the Lord has set before you. Don’t live your life comparing yourself or your marriage to others.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Thirty-eight years later, and by God’s grace, we are still in this together.

Terence, I love you very much! Happy Anniversary my love… #38YearsAndCounting