Building Better Lives Together: from surviving to Thriving
If you have ever searched “how to make money online,” you already know how overwhelming it can get. One person tells you to start a blog. Another says you should become a virtual assistant. Someone else is selling a course about dropshipping, while another video promises you can make thousands of dollars a month with…
There are days when managing diabetes feels like a full-time job you never applied for. You can eat the “right” foods, drink your water, move your body, take your medications as prescribed, watch your carbohydrates, and genuinely try to make healthy choices—and then look at your glucose numbers and wonder what in the world happened….
Affiliate Disclosure Running a business isn’t about having the fanciest office or the newest gadgets. It’s about creating systems that help you show up consistently, serve people well, and continue growing—even on the days when motivation is hard to find. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t built in one giant leap. It’s built…
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8 There are seasons when life seems to move effortlessly. The sun feels warmer, laughter comes easier, and hope seems to bloom without much effort. Then there are seasons when life reminds us that tomorrow is never…
Have you ever looked at your bank account a few days before payday and wondered where all your money went? You’re not alone. Millions of hardworking people live paycheck to paycheck. They work long hours, pay their bills, care for their families, and still find themselves counting every dollar until the next payday arrives. It…
How the S.A.V.E.R.S. Method Can Transform Your Life. There is something powerful about starting your day with intention. As entrepreneurs and those who work from home, we often have the freedom to create our own schedules. While that freedom is one of the greatest perks of being your own boss, it can also become one…
There comes a point in many women’s lives when we look in the mirror and realize we’ve spent years taking care of everyone else while putting our own health on the back burner. Between raising children, managing a home, working, and handling life’s endless responsibilities, it is easy to lose sight of our own well-being….
Most teens turn 18 with freedom on their mind, not their credit score. But the truth is, credit quietly shapes so many of their future opportunities. Where they live, what they can afford, and even the level of financial stress they carry into adulthood. And if no one teaches them, they often learn the hard…
The Honest Empty Nester Guide No One Talks About (Even If Your Kids Still Live at Home) You can feel like an empty nester long before the house is actually empty. One day you realize the questions have stopped.The rides are fewer.The laughter is still there, but it is different.Your children are growing into their…
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I believe will provide value to my readers. Keeping your car looking clean and well-maintained can make…
If you are searching for a skincare product that delivers deep hydration, visible firmness, and a radiant glow, the Lancôme Rénergie Collagen+ Lift-Xtend Cream has likely caught your attention. Luxury skincare can be an investment, so it is important to know whether a product truly lives up to the hype. After consistent use and observing…
There are seasons in life when motivation feels natural. You wake up with ideas. You feel driven. You feel hopeful about your goals and excited about your future. And then there are seasons when everything feels heavy. You struggle to get out of bed. Tasks feel overwhelming. Dreams that once felt possible now feel distant or unrealistic. If you…
I never imagined I would sit in a hospital waiting room praying that my dad would survive an operation. I never imagined pleading with God not to take him away from us as we waited to hear whether he had made it through brain surgery. It is the kind of moment you think only happens…
Sometimes you get the opportunity to be part of something before the public ever sees it. That was my experience when I was invited to participate in a one-month study testing the 15-day version of the Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. At the time, I couldn’t share anything about it. Everyone involved in the…
We talk about “the village” like it’s a beautiful destination we all magically arrive at.We say things like “It takes a village,” or “Find your people,” or “Community is everything.” We post it in captions. We nod along when we hear it preached, taught, or shared.But no one really explains what doing life with a village actually…
Thanksgiving has always been more than a date on the calendar. It’s more than turkey, pumpkin pie, and football games humming softly in the background. Thanksgiving is a gathering of moments, memories, flavors, and feelings. It’s a time when the world seems to slow down if only for a day, and invites us to return…
There comes a moment in every woman’s life when she looks at herself in the mirror and realizes she has been living her entire life trying to become someone she never truly was. Not because she’s fake. Not because she doesn’t know herself. But because somewhere along the way, she absorbed expectations, responsibilities, and silent…
There are seasons in life when God calls us not to act, but to release. To stop striving, controlling every outcome, and carrying every burden alone.Lately, I’ve found myself in one of those seasons — one where God continues to whisper, “Daughter, it’s time to surrender.” That word, surrender, has followed me everywhere — in my prayers,…
Let’s be honest — starting out broke can feel hopeless.Bills pile up, paychecks disappear before you even get them, and saving feels like something other people do. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to stay broke forever. Every wealthy person started somewhere — and many began right where you are now. Whether you’re rebuilding…
Fall is more than just a season—it’s a mood, a celebration, and a reminder to slow down and savor life’s cozy moments. As the air turns crisp and leaves paint the world in warm hues of gold, amber, and crimson, people everywhere look for ways to immerse themselves in autumn traditions. Whether you’re a fan…
For so many years, my life revolved around my children. My identity wasn’t just “Mom”—it was chauffeur, cook, counselor, cheerleader, nurse, teacher, mentor, and at times, even referee. For those of us who homeschooled, that identity was even stronger. The home wasn’t just a place to live; it was a classroom, a library, a science…
Why I Chose September 21st to Release My BookSome days live inside of us forever. They are not just dates on a calendar. They are turning points, wounds, and at the same time, markers of strength. They shape us in ways we cannot escape.For me, that day is September 21st.On September 21, 1997, my mother left…
When Grief Finds You Losing a mother is a wound that never fully closes. For me, the loss of my mom felt like someone had pulled the ground out from under me. Our relationship was a complicated one, and knowing I would never be able to fix anything that was left said between us. Left…
There are moments in life when you feel like you’re drowning—but the world just keeps spinning. The to-do lists multiply. The bills stack up. The phone keeps ringing. Your body is screaming for rest, your heart is aching for peace, and your soul? It just needs Jesus. But life doesn’t stop. It doesn’t pause when…
There’s a certain kind of grief that hits differently—the grief of losing a cousin. It’s not just losing a relative. It’s losing a piece of your childhood, a lifelong friend, a shared history that no one else quite understands. Cousins are the first best friends many of us have. They’re the ones we shared summer…
How slowing down welcomes a deeper, richer kind of fulfillment In a world that never seems to rest, where notifications ping endlessly and to-do lists stretch into tomorrow, it’s easy to feel like we’re always chasing something. We fill our days with busyness, often wearing it like a badge of honor, yet deep down, many…
Let’s be honest—nothing screams “I’ve got my life together” quite like casually mentioning you bake your own sourdough. In a world where we can barely keep our succulents alive, somehow we’ve collectively decided that nurturing a bubbling jar of flour-water goop is the ultimate adulting flex. And honestly? We’re here for it. Meet Your New…
Embarking on the journey of making sourdough bread is like stepping into a world where time, nature, and human intervention dance in perfect harmony. As a novice baker, I never imagined that flour, water, and a bit of patience could teach me so much about life and the art of breadmaking. The Beginning: Creating Life…
Our church is embarking on an exciting journey this year with True North VBS! As we prepare to bring this vision to life, one of the most fulfilling aspects has been coming together as a community of believers to make it happen. Craft Days & Nights: More Than Just Crafts To create an immersive and…
We’ve all been there—staring at a to-do list with every intention of being productive, only to find ourselves scrolling through social media or watching another episode of our favorite show. Procrastination is the silent killer of progress, but what if there was a simple way to build momentum and finally break free from it? Enter…
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the love you share with someone special, whether it’s a romantic partner, a close friend, or even yourself. While traditional gestures like flowers and chocolates are always appreciated, there are countless creative ways to make the day memorable. Whether you’re spending it solo or with others, here…
As we bid farewell to 2024, I reflect on a year that elicited a spectrum of emotions. For some, it was a challenging time, while for others, it brought joy and triumph. Personally, I found 2024 to be a mixed bag, rich with raw, feelings. I had the privilege of coming alongside many remarkable individuals,…
These past few weeks have been a flood of love, emotions, and frustration. It feels like the devil is on the prowl, while prayer warriors rally together, lifting up those in need. My heart aches to witness so many good people grappling with intense spiritual battles. In light of this, I want to extend a…
Dear Friend, I want to take a moment to reach out to you, to express something that’s been weighing on my heart. I see you, and I understand that you’re in a place where it feels like everyone around you has let you down. You’re not alone in feeling this way; many people struggle with…
As I reflect on my journey, I find myself navigating a complex and transformative era. Having raised my children, I now watch as they carve out their own paths in the world. This transition leaves me with a whirlwind of emotions, but above all, it prompts a deep need to rediscover who God intended me…
My church is getting ready for Vacation Bible School this year and we are learning that there is not a lot of instruction out there on how to create some of these crafts. So ,as we go along I’m going to share what we did and what worked or didn’t work for us. One of…
A Journey Towards Wellness In the fast-paced world we live in, prioritizing health often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life. However, the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. It’s not just about fitting into a certain size of jeans or reaching a specific number on the scale; it’s about…
As the calendar turns and a new year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the year gone by and setting intentions for the year ahead. One popular practice that has gained momentum in recent years is the selection of a “Word of the Year.” This concept involves choosing a single word to serve…
As the calendar turns another page, we find ourselves at the threshold of a new year, filled with the promise of fresh beginnings and new opportunities. It’s a time when many of us reflect on the year gone by and set our sights on the future, armed with a renewed sense of purpose and determination….
Embracing the Journey of Self-Rediscovery: Unveiling the Next Chapter Life is a remarkable journey filled with twists and turns, and at times, we find ourselves wearing multiple hats, juggling various responsibilities and roles. As a mid-aged woman, I have experienced the joys and challenges of being a homeschool mother, a devoted wife, a child of…
This year we lost my mother-in-law kind of quickly with really no warring. So, we have been navigating life with a heavy heart and trying to figure out what is next for us. When you lose a big connection to your family it puts things in perspective but also brings you to new life choices….
Creating a nurturing community of positivity! In the journey of life, we all yearn for a supportive community to walk alongside us, yet it can be daunting to find one that truly feels like home. Throughout my own life, I’ve sought to connect with something greater than myself, but like many, I’ve encountered individuals who…
An open letter to ex Jehovah Witness’s or to the Shun A letter I wish someone wrote me in that time, Dear ex Member, Hello, my friend I know you are very lost right now and very hurt. I’m so sorry for the way they treated you. Please know you are very special, and you…
Whether you experienced the loss of your mother during your formative years or later in life, the impact is profound, leaving a conspicuous gap in your family tree where your mother once stood. In the wake of this loss, life takes on a new shape, and a part of you will always feel incomplete, forever…
Hello, I’m Rachel Norman and this is my story. I grew up in southwest Detroit and I started my life has a Jehovah Witness till I was six-year-old. So, my critical part of my life I learned how to be obedient in the JW religion and when I was six my mother encouraged my older…
Feb 27, 2023 After spending a year of rest I’m in the transitional year. The year where I turned forty but also the year where both my children will be adults. First let me say I wasn’t sure I would even make it to this age because, I’m officially older than my mother ever was…
I just released my prayer journal on Amazon and I’m excited to tell you guys all about it. God has been working in my life about surrendering to him and being consistent is key. I have started prayer journals and in fact have always had one, but I will go for a long period writing…
So, lately God has been working on me in my life and pushing me to change somethings. As I go through old emotions and leave somethings behind me. I’m faced we the realization that it’s time to work out somethings and to start getting healthy. Tomorrow I turn 38 I’m official the age my mother…
Dear Friend, It’s me the person you use to call best friend! We were inseparable for so many years of our child hood. Our parents were like parents to the other, and people always thought we were related as much as we were always together. We believed we wouldn’t grow a part. We believed we…