Does this sound like you: You say “please” and “thank you.” You write obligatory “thank you” notes to clients and after birthday parties (maybe). You make sure to put extra volume and emphasis on the words “thank you” when you know someone had to pick up your slack. You may even go so far as to make a self-depreciating comment about your tardiness, etc. You are grateful for your family when they… Read More

Some days are like a gift from heaven. The sun is shining on your way out the door, you catch every green light on the way to work, and even though you forgot your lunch at home, a vendor suddenly wants to take you to lunch to say “thank you” for your business. Life is basically handed to you on a chocolate platter. But other days just suck. You step in a… Read More

God has been speaking to me about my journey amidst the snow and the cold in this season. He is asking me to see my struggles through His point of view. The content of His message is actually the repetition of a talk He has given to me many times over. The amazing thing is, each time He reminds me, it has a new layer of meaning. And a new area of… Read More

I don’t know about you, but when everything seems to be happy and peaceful, I get a little uncomfortable. It almost seems too good to be true. But I don’t let it bother me. I know I have these top 5 stressors to fall back on when things get too relaxing! #5 – Never Ask for Help. Keep telling yourself the world is on your shoulders. This life is your burden and… Read More

The act of comparison can build up your confidence or completely wreck your day/month/year. It took me a long time to discover I was using my comparison tools all wrong. I spent years comparing myself to others when really I should have kept my comparisons to myself. I don’t mean you should silently make comparisons in your head. Rather it is healthier to focus on comparing your current self with your previous… Read More

From the blog of Lori Payne flyingsober.com…

“It all started at the hairdresser. You wouldn’t think anyone could get into trouble at a hairdresser, right? Well if you are an alcoholic like I was, then the idea seems quite reasonable.”.

Life is always a little out of reach. A little out of control. Whether we experience a beautiful coming-together or a minefield of delays, we are essentially powerless to command our future. God has designed our lives this way. He has literally designed this life to be out of our control.

I don’t know how much experience you’ve had with God, but take my word for it, His plans never fit neatly in a box. His plans are unconventional and counterintuitive (a.k.a. completely outside the box) because His plans for your journey are tailored specifically to you. You are unique and magnificent. The last place you belong is inside a box.

Logic tells us we must create the future because we cannot see it. But do not get caught in the trap of thinking your future lies solely on your shoulders. This is a faith journey with the Lord – He is before you, with you, and behind you. Prayer is the link between the seen and the unseen and between logic and faith.

It’s the dawning of a new year! And although the sun will rise just as it has for endless days before, this morning seems a little brighter, a little more hopeful because it is the beginning of something NEW! But do you know what that “something” is? This full month of January I’m going to dedicate to a blog series on intentional living. Everyone wants to create a better life (it can… Read More