It's really easy to make decisions based on our backstory (who we were in the past). We have clear, often recent, evidence of what worked--or didn't work--for us and what we were capable of. 

The problem with that, though, is there isn't room for much growth. Maybe we try to do a little better than w...

Have you ever heard of a people-pleasing fitness trainer? I haven't.

Fitness trainers are supposed to push you to do things you're not strong enough for. They expect you to be uncomfortable because that's where you'll grow. 

They are basically getting paid to (temporarily) hurt people.

What if there wa...

I'm working on a project right now that's requiring a lot of faith. It's the heaviest lift (motherhood aside) I've done so far, which is also bringing some stunning miracles to witness. Because of the heavy lifting, sometimes my brain and my spirit get tired and I hear thoughts like, "Who do you thi...

Determination is the fuel that takes us from the unknown into possibility, and children seem to have it in concentrated form (the metaphorical equivalent of rocket fuel).

Watching our kids start with a desire then go for it with determination is absolutely inspiring. Whether it's learning to ride a ...

As children of God, every of us is called to something bigger. And not just once! Again and again, building on each development from before. We are here to build strength and make progress as we exercise our power to choose and to create.

"Something bigger" doesn't always look like more, or flashier,...

Of course it didn't go perfectly. How many times had you done it before this? 

It's easy to feel disappointed in ourselves when we fall short of the level of excellence we expect. Holding ourselves to a high standard is a great way to grow, but we also have to be reasonable.

Capacity is expandable, bu...

When something comes to an end, especially when it's special to you, it feels like a massive loss. You feel a gaping hole in your life where it was, and life as you knew it is gone. In that moment, all you can see is that loss. It's one of the hardest parts of being human. We'll often go to great le...

Each one of us is offered a role from God, and it's up to us whether we choose to accept it or not. It's a starring role that will push us both outward and inward. It is the role: Beloved Child of God.

This might sound like fancy old-fashioned language. Simplified into plain ol' American English, it ...

When we go to accept the call to "something bigger," it's important to be very intentional about which influences we allow in our decision-making process.

To bring this very important concept to life, I like to picture myself in a board room with seats all around the table. At the head of the table ...

I have mixed feelings about the saying, "It is what it is." I like it because there's power in acceptance. But it can also be used as a cop-out from confrontation or change, which isn't helpful and can keep us stuck.

To make the phrase work for our growth, we can simply add a comma and continue the s...

My twins were invited to a Holi festival with their friend this weekend. They were told to bring light-colored clothes that they didn't care about, because they'd be throwing the color powder. We decided to grab some clothes at the thrift store. Before going into the store (because I knew there woul...

God is willing to let you eat the peanut butter and jelly sandwich you brought for yourself, if that's what you want. 

Just know that there's an absolutely divine Wagyu Bolognese topped with burrata, basil, San Marzano tomato, pappardelle, and grilled fennel plated and waiting for you whenever you're...