Tag: god

Choosing Intentionality: A Word to Guide 2026

I entered the new year without a word, as I often do. But the same day I mapped out my annual January plan for fasting, prayer, and how I wanted 2026 to begin, it came to me with a quiet clarity—sudden in recognition, yet steady in its conviction: Intentionality.

This isn’t about doing more, being busier, or cramming my schedule full. It’s about living with purpose, heart, and presence in every part of life—about truly inhabiting each moment instead of letting it slip by or rushing ahead before it’s fully lived.

It’s about family: being intentional with my kids, listening to them fully, teaching them gently, and loving them without distraction. It’s about my husband—encouraging him, showing up for him, and nurturing our marriage daily (Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”).

It’s about time: choosing rest over rushed routines, making space to say yes to what truly nourishes my soul, and saying no to what doesn’t align with God’s plans for my life—so that He remains the main author of my story. (Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may develop a heart of wisdom.”).

It’s about words and actions: speaking life, encouragement, and kindness into others’ worlds on a daily basis. Choosing my words with care, extending grace, and choosing patience in moments that test me. (Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”).

It’s about health and habits: caring for my body as a gift from God, making good choices with food, sleep and exercise that honor Him and respect my body even when they’re not easy. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”)

It’s about connection: intentionally reaching out to family and friends near and far, making space to nurture relationships, and allowing time for real presence, not just convenience. It’s about showing love even when life feels busy.

It’s about finances: stewarding resources thoughtfully, giving generously, and building a legacy for our children that reflects God’s faithfulness and provision (Luke 16:11, “So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?“).

It’s about spiritual life: prioritizing quiet time with God, worship, prayer, and His Word, choosing His stillness over the chaos around me (Jeremiah 29:13 ”You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”).

It’s about life balance: reading more books, learning intentionally, limiting mindless scrolling, slowing down to notice the beauty around me, and savoring ordinary moments as sacred. It’s choosing to be fully present, because life is happening in real time, not on a screen (James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…”).

It’s about community and kindness: using my gifts to bless others, serving where I can, and choosing compassion and patience in every little interaction (Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”).

This year, I want to live deliberately, not distractedly. Intentionality is about making space for the things that matter most, saying yes to presence, love, and purpose—and saying no to the noise and hurry that steal our joy. It’s about recognizing that our days are gifts, that our relationships are sacred, and that our choices shape the life we—and those around us—will remember.

2026 will be a year of Intentionality: a year to pause, reflect, and choose what matters, to create a life full of meaning and presence. May it inspire you, too, to consider: where can you be more intentional this year? What moments are worth slowing down for, savoring, and living fully?

Let this year be a call to live with heart, with purpose, and with God at the center of every decision—like a steady candle in the dark, illuminating the path forward, one intentional choice at a time.

Let Bad Advice Redirect You—Not Define You

There’s a tension every purpose-driven leader must navigate—between seeking wisdom from others and listening to the still, quiet voice of the Lord. It’s always wise to pursue counsel, but not all advice is meant to chart our course—some is meant to send us back to God for confirmation.

I’ve had two defining experiences where I reached out to business leaders I respected—people with impressive credentials, platforms, and influence. I looked up to them, believing they could speak wisdom into what I felt the Lord was calling me to do.

The first moment came when I was contemplating writing a book. I asked a leader I admired at a lunch one day, “Do you think it would actually help anyone if I wrote a book like this?” It was a vulnerable question—one that came from a sincere place of wanting to be impactful, not self-promoting. Their response was lukewarm at best. With a scrunch of their nose and a hesitant tone, they questioned whether my story was worth telling at all, subtly brushing it off as an unnecessary time waster. I left that conversation feeling deflated and doubtful—not just of the idea, but of myself. I felt like something that had once carried divine inspiration now felt… foolish.

The second scenario came during a pivotal time when I was clarifying the vision for my business. I sat down with another professional in my field, someone with more certifications and traditional credentials than me. I shared that I was serving clients all over the country and wanted to express that in my vision statement. Her response? She told me, quite bluntly, “Your business isn’t nationwide, you’re just a small firm here in Mississippi.” It caught me off guard because I was already working with clients in multiple states. The limitation she placed on my work didn’t match the reality—or the vision God had planted in me. But for a moment, I questioned if I was dreaming too big.

In both situations, the discouragement came not from strangers, but from respected voices I admired. And while I genuinely believe they didn’t intend harm, the impact was real. Their words stung. They seeded doubt in moments when I needed faith, clarity, and encouragement.

But here’s the truth: those moments didn’t stop me.
They shaped me.

They became turning points—moments that challenged me to search deeper into what I knew God was speaking over my life, and not just what others thought were reasonable or appropriate for me.

It’s worth noting-I wasn’t without support. I had others in my life who were encouraging me and walking with me through that season. These two voices stood out because I had chosen to run these specific ideas by only a handful of people, and their responses carried more weight than they should have. It took me three years to label my business and national and it took me 5 years to write that book.

As I think back on these moments, I’m reminded of the story of David and his older brother Eliab in 1 Samuel 17. Before David ever stepped onto the battlefield to face Goliath, he faced something just as familiar to many of us—discouragement from someone he likely looked up to.

When David began asking questions about Goliath, stirred with boldness and vision, Eliab shut him down. He questioned David’s motives, minimized his role, and essentially told him he didn’t belong there. David could’ve internalized that criticism. He could’ve let Eliab’s doubt take him out of the story right there.

But he didn’t.

David kept moving forward—not out of arrogance, but out of conviction. He knew what God had stirred in him, and he didn’t let the voice of someone in the camp silence the calling God had placed on his life.

That’s what I had to learn, too. Sometimes, the voices we admire aren’t able to see what God is doing in us. And that’s okay. Their words may sting, but they don’t get the final say. Like David, we’re called to keep going—not because everyone agrees, but because we know Who sent us.

The Leadership Lesson

If you’re in a season where you’re seeking advice, because we all need it, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Not all advice is right—even if it’s from someone you admire

Wisdom doesn’t always come from the loudest or most credentialed voices. Some advice, though well-intended, is filtered through someone else’s fears, limitations, or worldview. Learn to separate the advice from the person—and weigh both against the calling God placed on your life.

2. Filter advice through peace and prayer

Before you internalize someone’s perspective, ask: Does this advice align with the peace I had before the conversation? Does it affirm what God has already shown me? If it disrupts your spirit, it may not be for you.

3. Don’t let credentials intimidate your calling

Certifications and achievements are valuable—but they aren’t a substitute for calling or passion. Just because someone has letters behind their name doesn’t mean they understand the assignment on YOUR life.

4. Be mindful of whose voice you let speak into your vision

Some people will only speak to the version of you they understand—not the future your God is shaping. Be selective with who you allow into the inner circle of your dreams. As a personal practice, I try not to make significant decisions based on one person’s opinion alone. I typically seek input from at least three trusted voices in my circle.

5. Honor the person, release the advice

You don’t have to demonize people who give you poor or discouraging advice. Honor them, but don’t be bound by their perspective. Maturity means knowing when to respectfully let go of a word that doesn’t align with God’s truth for your life.

6. Keep going—even if others don’t see it yet

Not everyone will champion you, especially at the start. But visionaries are often misunderstood. Keep walking. Keep building. Keep trusting. The fruit will speak for itself in time.

Final Thought:

These two conversations, painful as they were, became gifts. They reminded me to seek God’s voice above all others, to weigh advice carefully, and to lead from conviction, not consensus.

So, if you’ve ever been discouraged by someone you looked up to, let this be your reminder: You don’t need everyone to understand you’re calling to walk in it boldly.
Keep going because God made you for such a time as this.

When healing became a manuscript

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 9:1 NLT

I ran. I ignored. I suppressed. I denied the calling I knew God placed in me—to share my story.
It felt like no one would care. It felt too hard. It felt like others had been through worse than I had. I didn’t want people judging my life decisions. But eventually, I realized obedience doesn’t always feel comfortable—sometimes it just looks like showing up with a willing and open heart.

I can’t say I always loved journaling about myself—but I did love writing. From a young age, I found joy in crafting letters of encouragement to friends or sharing my perspective through school essays, especially when someone’s story moved me.

Years later, when I recognized that my healing journey had truly begun, I started journaling—not for others, but for myself. I wanted to capture the moments of growth and the milestones of breakthrough. I knew I would overcome, and I wanted to remember how.

At first, those words were mine alone—tucked away in notebooks, revisited during quiet moments, or maybe shared over coffee with a young woman walking a road I had once traveled. But slowly, it became clear: God had more in mind for those pen strokes. What I thought were private reflections were seeds for something bigger. Finding Hope wasn’t planned—it was born out of obedience, healing, and the realization that my story could be someone else’s lifeline.

Recognizing pain and hurt from childhood—and choosing to face it.
Experiencing trauma as a college-aged girl who thought she had it all figured out.
Packing up a business and a family to move across the country with the military, starting over with nothing but faith and a fresh zip code.
Grieving. Searching for joy.
Falling in love with the one who would become my greatest earthly gift.
Staring down my worst fears and finding God in every valley and mountaintop.

This was my story to tell. And deep down, I knew someone out there needed to hear it—not for entertainment, but for encouragement.

My job isn’t to control the outcome. It’s simply to be obedient with the task He’s placed in front of me, and then to trust Him with the rest.

There’s nothing quite like putting your whole life on display for the world to read—and believing that God will use it in ways you couldn’t even dream of.

If I’m honest, this was a seven-year journey.
How fitting—and a little funny—that God chose the number seven. In Scripture, seven often symbolizes completeness and divine fulfillment. It marks something that has been made whole.

God led me through a six-year walk—not a sprint, not even a jog, but a slow, steady walk through healing, surrender, and growth. It wasn’t flashy or fast. It was faithful.

Then came the seventh year—a year of hiddenness, of deep revelation, and sacred stillness.

Not stillness in the world—life kept moving, as it always does. But stillness in my soul. A holy pause -Selah. A space to be quiet long enough to focus and write. Long enough to gather the memories, shape the chapters, edit with care, and pray through every page.

I remember sitting at dinner one night, holding this dream quietly between the Lord and me, when I finally looked at my husband and said,
“I think I’m supposed to write a book.”

Saying it out loud felt like a release. It was light. It was freeing. And it felt like the truest thing I had ever admitted about myself. As soon as the words left my mouth, something inside me settled.

Towards the end of 2024, I told him I had a goal: to attend a writing retreat in 2025. I didn’t know exactly what it would look like—I just knew I needed tools, space, and guidance for the journey ahead. Writing a book wasn’t going to be a quick task. It was going to take time, intention, and faith.

A little scared but even more excited, I released the goal to God and prayed for the door to open.

Two months later, on January 1, 2025, I opened my inbox and saw an email invitation to an Author Class Interest Meeting with Havilah Cunnington. I paused, prayed, and then signed up—still unsure where it would lead, but hopeful.

Never in a million years did I think that simple “yes” would lead to me completing my first full draft in just 16 weeks. I set a goal to publish by the fall and found myself surrounded by a group of incredible people from all over the country—each with the same dream I had carried in my heart for years.

Together, we learned how to outline, organize, and actually write the books God had placed in us. We encouraged each other, walked through doubt and writer’s block together, and celebrated every breakthrough—big and small.

The truth is,
📚 Only 3–5% of people who want to write a book ever begin.
📝 Of those, only 30% finish a full manuscript.
🚫 And 97% of those manuscripts never get published.

I’m now part of the small percentage who followed through—not because I had it all together, but because I finally stopped running from the calling and started trusting God with the process.

✨ Finding Hope is my story, but it’s also an invitation—for you to begin your own. I pray you’ll find hope in your story the same way I found hope in mine.

No pun intended.

The Goodness

Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16 ESV

In a world where fear and uncertainty often seem to dominate, I’ve been reflecting on the goodness of God and the dreams He plants in our hearts. I believe the Lord gives us dreams and passions that sometimes we are fearful to pursue and it’s all too easy to get caught up in insecurities, doubts, and practical barriers like time and resources. Yet, it’s through these challenges that God invites us to trust Him and step out in faith.

Music has been a central part of my life. It’s woven into the very fabric of my being. My grandfather was a jazz pianist, my father is a gifted pianist, my mom, a singer, and my sister’s voice is truly special. Growing up surrounded by this musical talent, I was immersed in a world where music calms the soul, unites people, and evokes deep emotions. It’s been a constant source of comfort and joy for me.

Even with this deep connection to music, my journey hasn’t come without challenges. About 13 years ago, I began leading worship at my church, which felt like a clear calling from God. Yet, every time I led, I wrestled with self-doubt. To build my skills and confidence, I signed up for voice lessons. My first teacher was a blessing—she taught me to rely on God and believe in the gifts He had given me. She taught me how to have confidence! My second and current teacher helped me understand the science of music and has pushed me to grow in ways I could not have imagined.

In mid-2023, my teacher asked me about my music goals. To be honest, I hadn’t thought beyond my role on the church worship team. I remember specifically telling her I knew what I did not see myself doing, that was writing music. I actually even said that writing music wasn’t something I felt capable of. About a month later I was driving and I started to sing a melody and the words of a common prayer I pray often fit with the melody. The next day it happened again but with another melody and another 30 second clip of music. It happened several more times within the next few months so I just kept voice recording them on my phone not really knowing where that would lead.

Around November, during one of my quiet moments with the Lord, He prompted me to revisit those melody clips I had recorded. It felt like He was nudging me to share them with my son, Austin and to pursue turning them into real songs. I began to see these melodies as pieces of a bigger tapestry that God was weaving together.

Despite this, I was overwhelmed with self-doubt. I thought, “Who’s going to want to listen to these songs? People might think I’m being vain. What if no one supports this? And let’s face it, recording music costs money and I don’t have the resources right now. Plus, I’m short on time…” But deep down, I felt God telling me to involve Austin in this project, to make it part of a legacy for my family, and to create something special we could work on together. Austin, who is an exceptionally talented musician and loves music as much as, if not more than, I do, has taught himself countless instruments and has an incredible knack for creating music. So, I shared the idea with him, hoping he would help me write and record these songs and he agreed we should do it!

New Year’s Day 2024, Austin and I spent the day at the piano—an incredible “dream” gift I received in 2023, another testament to God’s timing and provision. That day, we finished “My Prayer.” A few months later, we completed “Hallelujah to the One.” Throughout this journey, doubts and fears tried to take hold, but God provided peace and built my faith at every turn.

A few months later, I shared the project with my dad, and it turned out he had just started to tune pianos at our local community college. They had recently built a brand-new recording studio and were looking to rent it out! This was a perfect opportunity for this project. Another God moment.

Over the following months, we wrapped up the songs, reached out to some incredibly talented friends and musicians to play various instruments, and scheduled the recording session. While we faced some setbacks—people initially agreed to help but then couldn’t for one reason or another— I chose not to see these as failures or closed doors. Instead, I kept praying and trusting that God would guide me to the right people, and He did! The musicians who ended up being part of this project were exactly the right ones for the job, and they were truly the people God intended to bring these songs to life.

Another big challenge was understanding music copyrighting, licensing and distribution. Just as I was grappling with this, a friend I met at a worship retreat three years earlier started offering consulting on music licensing. Her help came exactly when I needed it, a clear reminder of how God orchestrates everything for His purposes in His timing. Another God moment.

Recording day in August 2023 was a beautiful experience. Seeing the project come to life with the help of talented friends was a testament to God’s goodness. We’re still finalizing the project, but I am deeply grateful for how God has guided us through every step and while I have no idea what He plans to do through these songs I am humbled that he chose to use me.

If you have dreams that seem daunting or out of reach, remember that God is with you. Dream boldly and trust that He will open the right doors at the right time. Take each step as He leads, and be patient with the process. The journey might be long, but walking with God makes it all the more meaningful. He wants to bring your dreams to fruition and, more importantly, He wants to deepen your relationship with Him along the way. So take that leap of faith, and watch how the goodness of God transforms your dreams into something even more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness. Psalm 145:5-7

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

The more I seek you the more I find you

Sharing personal stories, especially ones of joy and success, can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. There’s a delicate balance between celebrating our victories and acknowledging the struggles of others. No one wants to diminish another person’s hardships, especially when they’re going through their own trials.

As someone who’s walked through wilderness seasons, I understand the struggle all too well. I’ve faced my fair share of wilderness seasons. During those moments, hearing about others’ joy-filled seasons sometimes left me feeling even more hopeless. It’s tough to see the light when you’re surrounded by darkness. But through it all, I’ve learned that even in the darkest times, the light illuminates the darkness. It’s why the bible tells us that the word of our testimonies is so powerful. It can help others in overcoming adversity. So that’s what I share today, a testimony….

I’m currently in a season of growth and flourishing. Though I still encounter challenges, I wake up each day filled with hope and gratitude for the blessings the Lord has given me. I often find myself overwhelmed with gratitude and humility, reflecting on the journey that has brought me to where I am today.

There are moments when I’m reminded of the darkness I once faced – battles with addiction, harmful relationships, and both emotional and physical abuse. But despite the darkness from which I emerged, I am here today, a living testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. I am grateful every day that He didn’t leave me in those dark places but instead lifted me out and saved me.

In the fall of 2023, I was intrigued by a pastor’s message on the significance of bucket lists. He emphasized the importance of setting goals to work towards and having things to look forward to in life. Bucket lists, he said, not only provide hope and focus but also have the potential to strengthen our faith.

Reflecting on this, I found myself contemplating my own list. Many of my aspirations had already become reality, leaving me wondering what else to add. Then, I recalled the pastor’s advice to include seemingly impossible or even silly desires. So, I began to jot down ideas: traveling to Europe, recording music, embarking on a family mission trip… And then, almost out of nowhere, Carnegie Hall and New York City crossed my mind.

Admittedly, the thought of singing at Carnegie Hall seemed silly and far-fetched. I laughed to myself, deeming it too unrealistic for my bucket list. However, the pastor’s words echoed in my mind: “add things to the list that seem silly and impossible.” So, with a mix of amusement and curiosity, I added it: “singing at Carnegie Hall.” With that, I tucked the idea away in my mind, not dwelling on it too much.

A few months later, my husband and I were driving home when I received a text from a close friend. It read: “I have an opportunity. Performing with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes in Carnegie. Thoughts?” Initially, It sounded like an amazing experience, and since it was in New York, and of course Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes, I replied with a simple “Um YES!”

As the weeks went by, the magnitude of the opportunity began to sink in. Shortly before all this took place, I had been wrestling with uncertainties in my music journey. Unsure if pursuing music, recording, and leading worship was what the Lord wanted for me, I had even found myself contemplating putting it on hold. Up to this point the bucket list conversation with the Lord that I had tucked away had not come back to my mind yet.

I continued to pray and seek God’s will about my music future. Then, one December day while driving and listening to worship music, God gently reminded me of our previous conversation about bucket lists. He assured me that even though it seemed like a silly request, it was a dream I had in my heart. He told me He was opening an impossible door to show me that even the seemingly trivial desires matter to Him because of His love for me. It was a gift to me packaged from Him.

The journey to Carnegie Hall wasn’t without its challenges. There were logistical hurdles, financial commitments, and my ongoing battle with fear and anxiety around flying. In a previous blog post titled “Do it afraid,” I shared about my fear of flying. This fear became evident during a trip to Israel in 2023, where I experienced nightmares and panic attacks leading up to the flight. Reflecting on this, I’ve realized it’s a spiritual attack of the enemy. Both before my Israel trip and my recent journey to Carnegie Hall, I faced anxiety, nightmares and sleepless nights anticipating the flights. However, upon returning home from each trip, I felt zero anxiety and even a sense of calm and peace.

These trips taught me that the enemy often targets our weakest areas. For me, fear of flying is one such vulnerability. Yet, I remained steadfast in my faith, refusing to succumb to fear and cancel my trips. I relied on God’s strength within me, knowing His power is greater than any obstacle. Overcoming fear and anxiety is an ongoing journey. While God freed me from anxiety needing medication years ago, I still face moments where I must confront these emotions. However, I hold onto the truth that my feelings do not dictate reality, and with God, all things are possible.

Saturday was filled with rehearsals and a meet-and-greet with Kari and Cody, who proved to be blessings to everyone they encountered. Their humble spirits and reverence for the Lord were evident in all they did. It was truly an honor to stand on stage with them and their team. Following a fun evening touring the city, enjoying a show, we returned for a restful night’s sleep.

The next morning, we had the privilege of attending the vibrant Times Square Church. Witnessing the overflow of worship in the heart of Times Square was a refreshing reminder of God’s presence amid the city’s turmoil. After church, it was off to Carnegie for our official rehearsal with Kari and Cody. As we stepped into Carnegie’s main hall, Stern Hall, the grandeur of the venue took our breath away. The room was filled with history, humbling us as we prepared for the evening’s performance.

The evening concert was filled with awe and wonder. Sweet moments of sporadic worship and just the voices carrying through the room was what I believe to be a small glimpse of what worshiping in heaven before the throne will sound like. All voices and instruments in one accord praising the one who gave us breath and life.

We closed the evening with a beautiful performance of The Blessing, ending with an acoustic, vocals only moment singing Amen, for all of heaven to hear. The congregation, the choir, Kari and Cory all singing in harmony with the sound reverberating off the acoustic walls of Carnegie Hall. What a sight it was to behold.

This trip made me realize I witnessed firsthand how God’s blessings transcend our own limitations. Despite my wavering faith at times, He remains faithful, showering me with strength and hope each day. He sees the desires of my heart, ones I’m often too timid to voice, and brings them to life in ways I never imagined possible.

Reflecting on this journey, I’m moved by the memories it holds—moments of pure joy, heartfelt gratitude, and the formation of lasting friendships. Like my time in Israel, this trip has left a profound impact on my soul, reminding me of God’s goodness and grace. So, I’ll keep adding impossible, silly things to my bucket list, confident that God has even greater plans in store.

I want to encourage you, to hold fast to hope and keep seeking Him because the more you seek Him the more, He will show up! No matter how dark your circumstances may seem right now, know that God is with you. He sees your struggles, hears your prayers, and delights in blessing you abundantly. Keep trusting, keep believing, and keep dreaming—for with God, all things are possible.