Alright friends, I go full preacher mode for this one, so buckle up! I couldn't help myself because this verse has been changing my life for over 2 decades. 

2 Chronicles 16:9  

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

I need God's strength every day in every single area of my life, don't you? He promises to give it to those who are fully committed to him. Let's dive in to learn what it might mean to be fully committed to Jesus. 

What if I’m alone?

What if my child has special needs?

What if I get sick?

What if he/she abandons me?

What if I loose a child?

What if they falsely accuse me?

What if I mess up?

What if I can’t do it?

What if I don’t have enough?

The list goes on and on and on. I'm sure you could add 20 more "what if's" to this list. All very real fears and unknowns. 

BUT what if we didn't have to be paralyzed by the what if. Instead, change it to EVEN IF. 

Truly, these 2 words have changed my life. I hope they change yours. 

Seasons, calendars, birthdays, anniversaries, a new year… all moments we should absolutely take advantage of. I hope we can each pause and reflect on the past year, and respond by looking forward to the new one ahead.

If you’re not a fan of resolutions, fine with me! But don’t miss out on an opportunity for growth. Often real growth comes after a time of really being honest with what is, and what you hope is to come.

I know we all have areas in our lives that we want to see change. Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

I hope you're encouraged by some of the simple things I will be implementing into my life as I look forward to 2022.

One of the highlights of my year was getting to share this podcast with YOU. Every message meant so much, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. The best is yet to come. 

Honestly ask yourself, are you living in fear most days? Because practically speaking, there is a lot going on in our world right now that might cause you fear.

Pandemic.

Sexuality.

Debating the sanctity of life.

Politics.

Government power.

Social media and effects on teens.

Racial tensions.

Deconstruction of faith.

Just to name a few. 

So what do we do with the fact that the Bible says “fear not” 365 times?

The only time someone needs to say "fear not" is when there is a very real threat nearby. 

I am here to remind you, FEAR NOT. You can live in peace. True peace. Even if circumstances never change, there is peace to be found. 

Peace has a name. HIS NAME IS JESUS. 

Leadership is such a gift, and it's also very hard. Especially during such tumultuous and unexpected circumstances like a global pandemic. No one was handed a guidebook for how to lead through such a crisis. 

My very simple hope is that you know you're not alone. I truly believe you are doing your best. Stay on your knees. Seek Godly counsel. Keep showing grace and praying for kindness and compassion to flow through you. Especially towards those who have made wrong assumptions about you. Do not let the wounds cause you to stand back or be passive. Lead strong. Be bold. Be brave. We need you. 

WE'RE BACK! Last week, me and my special friend, Tiffany Thurston, shared about some of our very favorite things. We had way too fun. We decided we needed another episode just for kid ideas! This week we are give you all of our favorite things for kids. These are the perfect ideas for Christmas shopping! Don't forget to check out Tiffany's Instagram and blog-you're gonna love her! https://www.tiffanythurston.com/blog/giftguide      

All product links are below. 

EM’S FAVORITES

Shrink art jewelry https://amzn.to/3q9omew

Slime https://amzn.to/3BTpm8U

Sticker mosaic https://amzn.to/3qcr030

Taco vs burrito https://amzn.to/3qcr030 

Kids create absurdity https://amzn.to/3HrtYac

Paint sticks https://amzn.to/3CUvGOM

Air Fort  https://amzn.to/3o1f4P2

*affiliate links

TIFF’S FAVORITES

Play Kitchen https://amzn.to/3wvtFWV 

Scooter (Ages 3-5) https://amzn.to/3o2khWC 

Hooded Towel https://amzn.to/3GUIqHx 

Magformers https://amzn.to/3bHYvlv 

Post-It’s https://amzn.to/3EQcPoA