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

The scale may not always move as quickly as we would like, but progress is happening. One of the biggest victories I’m celebrating right now is that I’m building muscle & creating healthier habits that hopefully, I can sustain for the long haul.

Another win? The constant “food noise (after stopping the GLP1, I was on)” is beginning to lessen. While I’m still finding substitutes for some of my favorite sweet treats, I’m learning that every healthy choice adds up. This journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

Most days, I’m reaching 10,000 steps, although my goal remains to walk 3 miles Monday through Friday. Some days feel easy, and other days it takes everything I have to keep moving. Life gets busy. Energy levels fluctuate. Motivation comes and goes. But consistency means showing up anyway.

What I’m discovering is that success isn’t built in one extraordinary workout. It’s built in the ordinary moments when you choose to keep going. It’s choosing the walk when you’d rather sit. It’s making the healthier choice when the easier option is calling your name. It’s believing that small, daily actions will eventually produce big results.

If you’re on a fitness journey too, I want to encourage you today: don’t underestimate the power of consistency. Celebrate the small wins. Honor the progress you’ve made. Give yourself grace on the hard days, but don’t quit.

As believers, we know that discipline and perseverance are not just physical principles, they are spiritual ones as well. God often works through the small, faithful steps we take each day. We may not see all the results immediately, but He is developing strength, endurance, and character along the way.

So this week, keep moving forward. One step at a time. One mile at a time. One healthy choice at a time.

The journey continues, and by God’s grace, so will I.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

For me, writing has always been therapeutic. It has been a place to process life’s challenges, celebrate victories, work through questions, and document God’s faithfulness. In fact, my first published piece was in the third grade. I had no idea then that decades later, writing would still be one of the ways God would allow me to connect with others.

I first accepted Christ at the age of 11 while navigating the loss of my dad (my boom, boom) and other close family members & friends. But it was in my early twenties, after rededicating my life to the Lord, that my faith became deeply personal. I began reading the Bible with fresh eyes and a hungry heart. The truths I discovered didn’t just inspire me, they transformed me.

As a young wife and mother, journaling became one of my greatest companions. Those notebooks held my prayers, struggles, dreams, questions, and lessons learned. They became a record of God’s faithfulness and a reminder that growth happens one step at a time.

Looking back, I can see how those moments shaped who I am today.

One of the coolest things about this season of life is realizing that people actually take the time to read what I write. Every week, I sit down and share a piece of my heart, and every week someone reads it, relates to it, comments on it, or shares it with someone else.

That never gets old.

In a world filled with endless content, the fact that someone would spend a few moments reading my thoughts is both humbling and encouraging. It reminds me that our stories matter. Not because we are extraordinary, but because God can use ordinary people to encourage others in extraordinary ways.

My goal has never been to have all the answers.

I simply want to share a little love, a little encouragement, a little laughter, and hopefully a reminder that God is present in the everyday moments of life.

Whether I’m writing about faith, family, fitness, marriage, personal growth, or the occasional chaos that comes with life, my prayer remains the same: that every post points people toward the love of Jesus Christ.

Because He is my everything.

He is the source of my strength, my peace, my hope, and my joy. He is the reason I continue to write. Every lesson I’ve learned, every victory I’ve experienced, and every storm I’ve survived has been possible because of His grace.

So thank you.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you.

As long as God gives me stories to tell and lessons to share, I’ll keep showing up week after week, doing what I’ve loved since third grade; writing.

And if through these words someone finds hope, encouragement, or takes one step closer to Christ, then I would consider every post, worth it……

A Word of Encouragment

Whether it’s writing a blog, starting a business, launching a ministry, recording a song, writing a book, or pursuing a dream that has been tucked away in your heart for years, putting yourself out there can feel vulnerable. There are no guarantees about how people will respond. There will always be opportunities to second-guess yourself, compare your journey to someone else’s, or wonder if what you have to offer really matters.

But I’ve learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s choosing to move forward anyway.

Many of the dreams God places in our hearts require faith before we ever see the results. They require us to take that first step, write that first page, post that first blog, launch that first project, or simply believe that God can use our willingness and obedience for His glory.

I’m grateful that I didn’t allow fear to silence my voice. Week after week, I continue to create, share, and trust God with the outcome. Not because everything I write is perfect, but because I believe the gifts He gives us are meant to be used. Somewhere along the way, I’ve discovered that obedience often opens doors that fear would have kept closed.

So if God has placed a dream in your heart, don’t ignore it. Nurture it. Pray over it. Take action toward it. Trust Him with the process. You never know whose life may be encouraged, strengthened, or impacted because you chose to step out in faith.

Add those two to our one-year-old German Shepherd, Teddy, and suddenly we had three dogs, three very different personalities, and enough chaos to keep us on our toes all week long.

To say these dogs gave us a run for our money would be an understatement.

Our daughter and son-in-law had various activities planned throughout the week, which meant we got the privilege of spending lots of quality time with the dogs. Teddy was thrilled. In his mind, visitors had arrived, and life couldn’t get any better.

The other two dogs? Not so much.

They were older, calmer, and quite honestly seemed a little annoyed by Teddy’s endless enthusiasm. While Teddy bounced around excitedly, they looked at him as if to say, “Please settle down.”

But Teddy remained completely unmoved.

No matter how much the other dogs ignored him, no matter how many times they gave him “the look,” Teddy refused to let their mood affect his own. He stayed joyful. He stayed excited. He stayed authentically and unapologetically himself.

He didn’t change who he was to gain acceptance. He didn’t tone down his enthusiasm because others weren’t matching his energy. He wasn’t concerned with fitting in or being understood. Teddy simply showed up as the joyful, positive dog God created him to be.

And honestly, there’s a lesson in that for all of us.

Somewhere along the way, many of us learn to shrink ourselves, dim our light, or adjust our attitudes based on the reactions of others. But Teddy reminded me that there is freedom in being comfortable with who God created you to be. Not arrogant. Not insensitive. Just secure enough to remain joyful, hopeful, and positive regardless of what is happening around you.

Watching him this week made me think about life.

How often do we allow circumstances, or the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of others, to determine our joy? How many times do we walk into a room feeling positive and leave carrying someone else’s frustration? How often do we surrender our peace because things aren’t unfolding the way we expected?

The truth is, life has a way of bringing both calm and chaos. Some days feel smooth and predictable. Other days feel like three dogs running through the house with completely different agendas.

Yet in the middle of it all, God invites us to maintain our peace.

One scripture that came to mind this week was Isaiah 26:3:

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Maybe that’s what Teddy unintentionally taught me this week.

Peace isn’t the absence of chaos. Peace is maintaining your composure in the middle of it.

It’s learning to enjoy the journey even when everything around you feels noisy and unpredictable. It’s trusting God through the ups and downs. It’s choosing joy when circumstances suggest otherwise.

It’s waking up each day and deciding that your attitude belongs to you and God, not to the opinions, moods, or actions of everyone around you.

So here’s my encouragement for this week:

Don’t allow the world to steal your joy. Don’t allow someone else’s bad day to become your bad day. And Most Importantly, Don’t allow temporary circumstances to rob you of lasting peace.

Like Teddy, stay excited about the blessings God has placed in front of you. Stay hopeful. Stay joyful. Stay expectant.

And above all, enjoy the journey and embrace the moments—even the chaotic ones.

After all, sometimes God uses three dogs with three different personalities to remind us what peace really looks like.