Gifted enough freedom god personal growth

We had the most beautiful performance during church yesterday, from a singer whose voice seemed to escort my spirit to another realm. It was a gift.

I also enjoyed a visit from a friend I hadn't seen or really spoken with in over 5 years, but the instant she smiled and gave me a hug it felt like only...

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Slow dancing strategy choosing happiness courage enough freedom

If you're on the dance floor and you want to dance a slow song, you have options:

  1. Stand there and hope someone asks you
  2. Leave the room and prevent possible heartbreak altogether
  3. Find someone and ask them.

Strategy #1 works sometimes. 
Strategy #2 works every time, but toward a totally differe...

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Dusting doubts courage enough faith fear freedom god peace personal growth potential

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...

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Childlike determination courage enough faith freedom motivation personal growth potential

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 ...

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Ready or not --> Ready enough... courage enough faith personal growth trust

Hide and Seek is one of the favorite games at our house. The person who is "it" waits downstairs, counts to 30, and then yells at the top of their lungs, "READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!" They then hunt the corners and closets around the house, looking for the rest of the family (everyone dreads being "i...

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Just start doodling courage creativity enough family freedom motivation personal growth

Our 6-year old daughter spent hours this weekend making "coloring books" (outline drawings on copy paper, bound by a row of staples) to sell door-to-door to neighbors and friends. She was so full of enthusiasm about it, I couldn't help but smile watching her. 

She was working on some more books this ...

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"I'm a good girl, I am!" courage enough freedom personal growth relationships

One of my favorite movies of all time is My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle. I've remember watching it with my mom as a little girl, singing and dancing along to "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?". And that stunning scene of her in the dress at the top of the steps before the ball....🤩 ...

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Impossible is a "now" problem courage enough faith freedom jesus miracles religion and spirituality trust

It's impossible for a newborn to fly a plane. 

It's impossible for a kindergartener to discover a cure for disease.

It's impossible for a high school junior to run for President.

Impossible is based on the present moment and existing resources. With design, focus, time, and connections -- magnifi...

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Inputs matter creativity enough family personal growth

I'm focusing this weekend on some really powerful inputs, by tuning into our church's semi-annual conference (2 full days of beautifully uplifting talks and music focused on the Savior). So many rich lessons about Jesus Christ and how we can better follow His example. It's been a beautiful experienc...

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Of course it didn't go perfectly courage enough personal growth potential

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...

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Do cherry trees bloom because people come to see them? courage enough faith freedom personal growth

Every spring, over 1.5 million people visit Washington DC to see the 3,000 cherry trees blossoming along the tidal basin and National Mall. We're about 30 minutes outside of the city, so my girls and I met up with my niece in the city this weekend to join the fun. 

As I sat under one of the cherry tr...

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Good enough for now courage enough freedom peace personal growth

There's a principle in design thinking that my career coach, David Warren, taught me last week, which I've been thinking about ever since. It's called the "Principle of Good Enough." The premise is simple. Instead of reaching the "ta-da!" final version before sharing or moving forward, you get to th...

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