I’ve had many conversations with women over the past year about soul weariness, frustration, and fatigue. For some, it’s been a rough year—maybe it’s been ongoing over the past several years. And the holidays sometimes seem to add to the pain and sadness.

I get it. 

Last year was the first year without my mom. She died right before the holidays.

I’m in a current situation that challenges me daily to sustain a heart of love, compassion, and generosity.

And, in March this year, my grandson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, then his eardrum was ruptured on top of surgery for a torn ACL. Watching him and his family go through such an incredibly frightening and discouraging time was difficult. 

It isn’t easy.

Even with all that is out-of-our control, we don’t have to be. We can have peace in our spirits and know that we are being cared for and guided, He loves us, and all of His promises are yes and amen and all for His glory! (2 Cor 1:20)

There is a way.

We can walk in faith and obedience, accept what we cannot change (the Serenity Prayer), and cherish every day, no matter what.

Romans 12:2 tells me if I surrender my life to God, stay focused on Him, discern His will, and do it, the peace and the way through will come in the trial. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

This is His promise.

God Bless, and Happy Thanksgiving.

p.s. I am grateful to every woman I have had the honor and privilege of guiding on their journey through the hard things toward their God-planned destiny. For others, we may not have ever met in person (or virtual) but you being here means more than you know. I enjoy receiving your responses when something I share resonates in your spirit. I appreciate you.

Last weekend I held one of the most popular workshops of this year. The Word of the Year workshop brings women together to discover one word they will focus on for 2023. It works much like a vision board in keeping your intentions and commitment from your chosen images. But it’s only one word. 

Some women already have their special word; the workshop is an opportunity to dive deeper into its meaning and relevance. Some haven’t received their word yet. 

I confidently announce, “If you didn’t get your word before you came, you will by the time you leave.”

We got into the exercise that works to allow the Holy Spirit to begin speaking to their spirit. Then we do a little more intense effort through a meditation/visualization process. It’s amazing how it happens.

Imagine how it felt to find at the end of the meditation, one of the women still didn’t get her word. I thought, “Uh-oh, this never happens; now what?”

I said, “Well, maybe not quite yet, and maybe it will be after you go home.”

I didn’t want it to be after she left, but I’m not in charge of this part, so I silently prayed that God would bring her word.
“The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.”
Proverbs 25:11

 It’s your word for the right time, custom-created for you.

That’s what the Word of the Year Live Webinar is about—your specific word, the one unique word that can help you unlock the desires of your heart, the purpose, and plans of God, and set your intentions for the New Year to abundant life in Him.

1. An awareness— the “wake-up” call that hits when you know the jig is up. You can’t keep doing the same things over and over, expecting different results. In recovery circles, this is known as “insanity.”
2. A strategy. Again, if you’re doing the same things–buying books, programs, and degrees—and nothing changes, it may be because you need to know how to apply the knowledge and wisdom to your life. 
3. Accountability—I have always needed someone and a group of tight-lipped (confidential), wise, and experienced women to keep me on the path to fulfilling the will and purpose of God in my life. They first have to be women who are, themselves, disciples of Jesus on a mission. My part is to be transparent and open to being fully known and willing to change.

Two weeks ago, twelve wonderful women and I were hanging out together in the beautiful Shenandoah mountains for the 4th Annual Refresh Retreat. 

As always, the time passed too quickly, and here we are, November 1, 2022.
Every retreat over the past four years has brought us not only closer to the Lord but to each other as well. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re joining us for the first time or returning; the connections made, revelations discovered, and the happy and sad tears that flow convince me more and more how much God loves community—He created us for it!

And what a community it has become!

Along with the fantastic talks and laughs (and s’mores) around the campfire, the scrumptious chef-prepared meals, and walks in God’s creation, we also prepare our hearts and minds for what Holy Spirit wants us to take away.
We do this through a Saturday morning workshop and afternoon meditation.

This year we focused on “Your Two Minute Story.” It was a chance to look at the past nine months of 2022—what happened along the way and where we are today.

We often don’t pause to reflect. We started where we were at the beginning of the year, with our hopes and dreams, the challenges that arose, what God revealed to us during that time, and our gratitude for what was and is right now.

It is something that I know I need to do so that I can see where I’ve been—it’s all a part of my story of this life here on earth–where God is taking me on the journey.

It also helps us to contemplate the last season of the year. What is the most important thing for the rest of the year? Where or what do I need to change my life (in myself) to get to that? What action steps will propel me toward that?

It takes contemplative focus—introspection, and guidance from the Holy Spirit, so we don’t waste our precious time and energy or become overwhelmed, which is what happens when we allow life’s issues to dictate our actions. 

Maybe this is something you’d like to try. You may be amazed at what you find.

Psalm 18:20 says God makes our life complete when we place all the pieces before Him–the pieces of our past and the ones for our future.

At our retreat, I offered the ladies a special offer: Decide to Elevate– full 90-min coaching session to plan for the next season. Whatever you need guidance on to make the rest of the year a new beginning into 2023, this is your chance to get it for $197–not the $297 regular price. You can schedule it here. After you sign up, I’ll send you a short form for you to complete to let me know exactly where you want guidance, along with the zoom link for our meeting. This is only for the month of November. Click here, and let’s make it happen!