I've got a little something special for you. If you're anything like me, you love staying organized and keeping that beautiful flow in your life.
So, I've whipped up some handy flow charts to keep you on track. We're talking daily, weekly, and monthly check-in sheets. The good news? You can snag them for free! Just hit that download button and print away.
Here's to happy planning and a life filled with beautiful flow! 🌟

Have you ever found yourself pondering the origin of dreams and whether they hold significance in the eyes of God? It's funny how this topic often takes a backseat in church discussions, and when it does surface, it's not always in the most positive light. But, my dear friends, today we're delving into the world of dreams—the kind that reside deep within our hearts, reflecting our very souls.
Now, let's talk about that precious 'soul' of yours. It's the part of you that connects with God, with yourself, and with others. And guess what? It's the part that dreams! Within your soul lie all those beautiful God-given talents, passions, and yearnings.
But here's the juicy bit: Your dreams aren't just about enriching your own life; they're about sharing a piece of your beautiful self with the world. Ever heard of the Japanese concept 'ikigai'? It translates to 'your purpose in life.' It's all about finding that sweet spot where your God-given values, passions, skills, and desires align with a need in the world.
So, here's a little tip for you: If you're not sure what those gifts are, lean into the things you already love to do. Pay attention to what the people close to you consistently praise you for. Whether it's painting, writing, gardening, or being an absolute people magnet—find where your God-given purpose merges with the world's needs.

​Does that all sound a little, well, overwhelming? I've got a little something special for you! 🌼 It's a nifty chart that's all about embracing your Ikigai and how it weaves into every beautiful aspect of your life. But before you dive in, here's the secret sauce: don't forget to sprinkle some prayer over it! We're all about building our lives on that rock-solid foundation of Christ, right? 🙏 So go ahead, grab that chart, and let's embark on this soul-enriching journey together!

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​So looking at that chart, ask yourself some soul-searching questions. What stirs your passion? What are your innate gifts? What's that one thing that always sets your heart ablaze with inspiration?
Take some time to get quiet before the Lord and ensure that your dreams align with drawing closer to God. Remember, the things we pursue should bring glory to God and deepen our relationship with Him, not pull us away from His loving embrace. This, my friends, is the key to finding success, peace, and happiness in your dreams.
And here's a little nugget of wisdom: If your dreams don't bring peace or if they steer you away from God, it might be time to reevaluate. For example, striving to be the wealthiest or most attractive person in the world might not be in line with God's purpose. True fulfillment comes from partnering with God, finding joy, and connecting with others in a meaningful way.
Typically, your God-given dream will have an element of giving back to others, in ways both big and small. Whether it's being a loving mom, a devoted wife, an artist, or an architect, your dream can inspire, tangibly help, or impact someone else's life in a profound manner. That's the beauty of it!
So, my dear friends, I hope this little chat ignites a spark of inspiration within you. Dream big, align your purpose with God's purpose for you, and let your light shine bright in this beautiful world!

Ever come across the saying, "show me your friends and I'll show you your future"? It's a real gem, right? I've made it my life filter for the inner circle of awesome people I surround myself with.
While we can't control every person we cross paths with, we sure can pick and choose who gets that VIP pass to our inner circle. These are the folks we invest our hearts in, as the wise Solomon once said, "Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). And guarding our hearts begins with safeguarding those precious inner-circle seats.
Now, I get it – there are co-workers, bosses, maybe even ex-husbands, parents, and various other influences we encounter on the daily. Here's the deal: lots of people out there are, well, not exactly poster children for emotional health. That's why we're told to "guard our hearts." Scripture even warns us about being influenced by the not-so-healthy crowd. So, how do we navigate this?
Let me drop one word on you: BOUNDARIES. According to Townsend and Cloud, the brilliant minds behind "Boundaries," keeping it simple is all about "keeping the good in and the bad out." In other words, we decide who gets to be emotionally and otherwise close to us.
When it comes to dealing with folks in your job or personal life, there's one magical word that'll be your BFF: NO. Now, listen up – despite what some traditional Christian circles might preach, saying 'no' is NOT unloving, NOT mean, and definitely NOT a sin. 

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​'No' is your superhero cape when it comes to handling unsafe people, whether they're unsafe emotionally, physically, spiritually, or mentally. And guess what? 'No' is just as valuable when you're dealing with healthy individuals. Yep, Jesus himself said 'no,' and us religious gals can totally learn to respect ourselves and say 'no' more often too.
Now, here's the scoop on boundaries: you're the boss of them! YOU get to decide what's allowed in and what's not. No one can tell you that your limits are right or wrong. Boundaries make sure we're thriving in an environment that's uplifting, Godly, and safe. They create a cozy space where we can love ourselves and others like rockstars. 🎸
I even whipped up a Circle of Boundaries to help you sort out the peeps in your life and decide where they belong in relation to your heart. Go ahead and download it!
Quick disclaimer: If you're in an abusive relationship of any kind, please make sure to protect yourself and seek help. 💪
I hope this little wisdom drop serves you well, sis! 🌸💕

Let's get real today and talk about something so crucial: self-love. Yep, you heard me right! It's not what you might think. Self-love isn't selfish, and it's definitely not a sin. In fact, it's an attitude of the heart that God wants us to embrace.So, take a moment to ponder this: Do you truly love yourself? I'm talking about the kind of love that stems from understanding your incredible worth in God's eyes.
When we battle deep insecurities, suffer from low self-esteem, or carry self-hatred, it becomes incredibly challenging to fully embrace life, love God, and love others as Scripture urges us to do. Sometimes, self-hate can even lead us to project our shame onto those around us – a sneaky tactic the enemy often uses to keep us from experiencing the happiness and abundance that Christ has in store for us.
But here's the deal, lovely souls: Biblical self-love is not about blindly following your heart, being selfish, or relying on fleeting feelings. It's about anchoring yourself in God's truth and learning to cherish and accept the unique creation that you are – a creation so precious that God willingly laid down His life for you.

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​Now, let's clear up some misconceptions about self-love:

• It's not about accepting your sins; it's about seeking positive change through the freedom found in Christ.
• It doesn't elevate you above God or others; it's about loving others as you love yourself.
• It doesn't mean overlooking areas where you need growth; instead, it empowers you to seek change from a place of freedom and love.

True self-love is inseparable from God's love for you. It's about recognizing His deep love and allowing it to define your immeasurable value. It's about shedding the harmful beliefs and behaviors that hold you back and embracing the person God created you to be.
Self-love empowers you to embrace your God-given talents, passions, dreams, and desires. It's about co-authoring your dream life with God, relying fully on the One who holds the power to bring it to fruition.
So, remember, darling friends, self-love is a beautiful journey that aligns with God's love for you and the love you have for others. It's a vital step in living the abundant, joyful life that God intended for you.
I hope this message warms your heart today! 💖

Let's dive into some introspection today, shall we? I'm all about those exercises that make us reflect on where we are and where we want to be. Because living our best lives involves a fair bit of dreaming and a whole lot of self-discovery.
Now, let's get real for a moment. Who you are right now is the compass that guides you toward your future. So, take a good look in the mirror of self-reflection and ask yourself, "Who am I, and am I genuinely happy with who I've become?"
If your answer is a resounding "Yes," then hats off to you, my friend! It takes incredible strength to become the women we're proud of. Self-growth isn't a walk in the park. It means bravely peering into the mirror of self-reflection, sometimes seeing ourselves as others do, and confronting the changes we need to make.
But guess what? If there are aspects of yourself that you're itching to change and improve, you're in the right place. 🌟
Now, take a look at the image I've crafted above. On the left side, you'll see your current self. It's time to jot down all the things you want to overcome, the roadblocks holding you back from the life you've always dreamt of. Negative thoughts that need a makeover, habits that need to hit the road, relationships that might be dragging you down, and emotions that require a little TLC.
Writing it all down might not be the prettiest process because it forces us to see ourselves objectively. But here's the kicker: growth isn't something we can achieve solo. It's a partnership between us and the Lord. It begins with renewing our minds and inviting Him to shape us into His image. And guess what? The more we resemble Christ, the happier we become. It's all part of His grand design.​

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Now, on the right side, envision the amazing person you want to become. What changes do you want to see? Who do you admire, respect, and enjoy being around? Well, guess what? You have the power to be that person if you choose to.
Growth happens when we commit to changing our actions, behaviors, attitudes, and thoughts day by day. But remember, this exercise isn't a magic wand. It only bears fruit when you back it up with daily actions. Consistently changing your habits is what paves the way for transformation.
Here are a few tips and examples to get you started:

• Challenge those negative thought patterns: Replace "I'm not good enough" with "I have potential." Swap "I'll never get anywhere" with "I have dreams with a purpose." Turn "God hates me" into "God cares about my happiness when He's my first love."
• Ditch harmful habits and embrace positive ones: Say goodbye to things like gossip, addiction, and negativity, and say hello to daily quality time with the Lord, positive self-talk, and spreading love and encouragement wherever you go.

Remember, lovely souls, this journey is all about growth and transformation. So, grab that mirror of self-reflection, chart your course, and let's embark on this beautiful adventure together! 💖✨

Let's chat about something incredibly powerful today—the mind! You see, depression and anxiety, more often than not, boil down to a choice. It's about whether we let our thoughts boss us around or if we take the reins and steer our mental ship.
Instead of letting negative thoughts and wild emotions call the shots, we have the remarkable ability to control them. We can be the captains of our thoughts, actively shaping them rather than being overwhelmed by them. Because, truth be told, the thoughts we entertain have a monumental impact on our lives. They can either pave the way for greatness or set us on a path of destruction.
Picture it like this: Our minds are like clay, and our thoughts are the sculptors. We can choose to mold our minds into beautiful works of art or let them crumble into chaos. The choice is entirely ours, girl! 💪
When we continually focus on the negative, disappointments, and trauma, it's like filling our minds with toxic junk food. And you know what that does? It keeps us from living our best, healthiest lives.
But guess what? You hold the power to rewire your brain, just like Scripture encourages us to "renew our minds." And guess what else? Science has our backs on this one!
The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head when he says, "Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think." (ROMANS 12:2 TPT)
Our buddy Timothy joins in too, reminding us that God didn't gift us with a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline (1 Timothy 1:7). That means we don't have to be slaves to our ever-changing emotions. We can take charge of them right from the root—our thoughts.

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As daughters of the King, we've been bestowed with power, and we can break free from the shackles of our old sinful nature. Let's train our minds to dwell on the things that are "noble, pure, and lovely"! And here's the thrilling truth: We can actually rewire our brains, bid farewell to depression, and usher in a state of balanced well-being.
Dr. Caroline Leaf, a brilliant neurologist and a fellow believer, is at the forefront of this research. She's discovered that renewing our minds, just like the Bible urges, is scientifically spot-on. Our thoughts indeed wire our minds and even our bodies. The thoughts we choose are either crafting our path to breakdown or paving the way for health and vitality. Our thoughts, ladies, are immensely powerful.
So, my hope for each and every one of us is that we start capturing every thought and surrender it to Christ Jesus. Let's anchor our minds in patterns of lovely thinking and watch our lives transform in the most beautiful ways.
I'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts below. What thoughts are you learning to capture? How have you witnessed the incredible power our thoughts have over our overall health and lifestyles? 💭💖

Let's have a heart-to-heart, shall we? You know, I'm here, blogging away, because I'm all about keeping it real. I want us to have open, honest conversations about the stuff that often gets swept under the rug in Christian circles. You know, the struggles we sometimes feel too ashamed to admit. It's kind of ironic, isn't it? I mean, shouldn't the church be the place where we can be our authentic selves, no holds barred? After all, isn't that what Jesus is all about—shining a light into the darkest corners of our lives? Yeah, I think that's the idea.But let's face it, sometimes the church isn't the first place we feel safe to open up about our struggles. There's this fear of being judged, scolded, or shamed for the very things we should be able to discuss openly, so we can find healing and freedom—in Jesus' name.
I remember my first time walking through those heavy wooden church doors. There were these big posters with welcoming messages like "You're home!" and "You're welcome here!" People left and right greeted me with smiles plastered to their faces. It was all nice and dandy, serving its purpose of getting me through the door and back again next Sunday.
But deep inside, I was waging a war with depression. I longed for someone to step into that battle with me, to have genuine, heart-to-heart conversations that would allow me to talk about why I really walked through those grand oak doors on that first Sunday. I needed healing. I needed freedom. But before any of that, I needed a safe, judgment-free space where I could share my struggles and be held with mercy. Sadly, I never really found that in all my years dedicated to the same church. For all my "plugging in" and "showing up," I never got the hope I had longed for when I bravely entered those doors so long ago.
Now, on the other side of my healing journey, I can look back and see how God was at work, guiding me toward freedom. And guess what? It wasn't through that church building. Why? Because, for one, what I needed was authenticity.
I craved genuine connection. And I believe that every human being needs that to truly connect, unashamedly.

What I didn't need was a sermon on how to fix my problems or sin less. I needed connection for the sake of sharing heartfelt truths, without any hidden agendas or volunteer work. I didn't want or need a church that kept me so busy that I couldn't focus on the healing work that required someone to walk alongside me—before I could be truly effective as a Christian. I'm saying that church isn't confined to a building. Church—real, heartfelt connection with other believers who can pray for us, encourage us, and rally with us—happens when two or more gather with hearts full of Jesus.
I've learned the true meaning of church by giving myself permission to do it differently. I've found healing by embracing authentic spaces often found outside of a religious building.
Now, don't get me wrong—I've felt God's presence in my church building, of course. But I've also learned that He's not confined to those four walls. He's within me. He's in my sisters who've become my people. He's there when my girlfriends and I dive into Bible study or chat about the latest happenings.
My CHURCH is my girls.
My CHURCH is my husband and son.
My CHURCH is my people.
I've discovered how to truly lean into my CHURCH when life gets tough, when I'm celebrating a win, or simply relishing the everyday moments. Living alongside my non-traditional CHURCH, my depression has lost its grip. You know why? Because I firmly believe that depression is, at its core, rooted in loneliness and deep shame for who we are. And the answer Scripture gives us is simple—we need to find our church.
In other words, we need to find our people.
Those who do life with us.
Those who drop the act and are just authentic, genuine human beings.
Those who open their hearts to us.
Those who consistently show up, even when it's uncomfortable or they have other plans.
We need those people who commit.
And this, my dear friends, is the antidote to a culture of deep-rooted depression: community, togetherness, and realness.
So, who's your church? If you don't have one, send me a message, and let's lean into this journey together. We're in it together, ladies! 💪💕

Let's chat about a journey I've been on for the past five years—trust me, it's been quite the adventure! It's funny how life can suddenly serve up a massive dose of motivation, especially when you're on the verge of bringing a precious bundle of joy into the world. I'd carried the weight of deep-seated brokenness for most of my life, but it wasn't until I saw those two blue lines on that pregnancy test that a lightbulb went off: "Maybe it's time to heal. Maybe it's time to grow."
During my pregnancy, I embarked on a quest for healing, seeking the Lord to mend the wounds of my past. I knew I had a whole lot of emotional baggage that I didn't want to pass on to my little one. These were the same heavy suitcases I'd hauled with me when I said, "I do." The beautiful, yet sometimes tough truth is that our thoughts are like the engine driving our emotions, actions, and ultimately shaping the course of our lives and relationships. It all starts with our thoughts, whether we're consciously aware of them or not!
Scripture reminds us that words have the power of life and death. And guess where it all begins? You got it, in the mind. The things we tell ourselves, the thoughts we have about others, and the ideas we stew over throughout the day—these thoughts are shaping us. They can either breathe life into us or push us closer to a state of emotional struggle.
So, now that I'm a momma to a spirited five-year-old, I'm passing on this wisdom to my little one. I'm teaching him that we must renew our minds daily, just as Romans suggests, by choosing to focus on what is beautiful and lovely. We opt not to dwell on the ugly or the worst because there's always something beautiful worth holding onto.
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In a nutshell, dear friends, I'd say that we're at our absolute best when we fill our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, and gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. I'm living this out as an example, not just through my words, so my kiddo can learn to lean into the beauty. Because, trust me, there's always something beautiful worth grabbing onto.
Now, let's rewind a bit. During my first year of marriage, my depression, anxiety attacks, and fiery anger decided to throw a party and disrupt the peace in our home. I saw firsthand how it affected my husband in more ways than one, and I decided I didn't want to carry that baggage into parenthood anymore. So, I began seeking the Lord for healing and even sought counseling to become a better mom than I was at the time, a wife. And let me tell you, the Lord was faithful and showed up in incredible ways.
A significant part of my journey toward healing from my depression, intense mood swings, and those dark episodes was a crucial shift in my thoughts. I had to master the art of renewing my mind daily. I focused on weeding out all the destructive junk that was blocking me from being my best self and living my best life. As I transformed my thought patterns, I started to see a profound change in my emotions. It was like a ripple effect—the shift in my thoughts was changing how I felt, and that was changing me. My life was truly changing for the better!
So, remember, lovelies, our thoughts are powerful, and they can lead us toward a life filled with beauty, love, and grace. Keep embracing those positive, life-affirming thoughts, and let's journey together toward a brighter, more beautiful tomorrow! 💖✨

I'm Madi, and I'm over the moon that you stopped by. Can you believe it? My little one just turned FIVE! Time really does fly, doesn't it? They say, "the days are long and the years are short," and boy, they couldn't be more right. My sweet baby is now a full-fledged kid, and it's tugging at my heartstrings a bit.
Now, I find myself pondering kindergarten. What's the best path for my little guy? It's been a whirlwind of opinions and advice from everyone around, from charter schools to private schools, homeschooling to unschooling. It's been a maze to navigate, I tell you!
But you know what I've learned? I've had to put all those opinions on hold and really take it to the Lord in prayer. After all, He cares for my little Silas even more than I do. So, I started seeking His guidance and asking myself a fundamental question, "What's my ultimate goal as a mom, especially for Silas?"
Honestly, I just want him to grow up to be a loving, confident, and happy kid. In a world filled with constant voices, discerning God's voice and His will can be a challenge. It's like a symphony of voices: the world's, those around us, even our own. But amidst all this noise, God's voice is the one I want to listen to the most.
The world may call us to follow the crowd and choose the path of least resistance, like sending Silas to public school. I've heard opinions that it's the only way for him to be "socially normal." I've also had my own internal dialogue, "Wouldn't it be nice to have some me-time during the day while he's at school?" All these thoughts have their place, but my heart quietly asks, "Is this God's best?"

​You see, I truly believe that God is in the details. He's invested in every aspect of our lives and wants what's best for us. He wants to mold His best in our lives, to bless us, and draw us closer to Him in a unique relationship.
To discern His best, I've had to learn the art of tuning out the noise and embracing stillness. In today's fast-paced world, it's a lost art. But it's in those quiet moments that I hear God's voice the clearest. His ways often differ from the world's, and I only see them when I seek Him in solitude. Sometimes, I have to give myself permission to follow God's unique path.
The beauty of listening to God's voice is that His ways are always the best ways. They're tailor-made for my life, my preferences, and my situation. The world may push us to conform, settle, or aim for the status quo, but the Lord takes the time to give us His very best if we trust and wait on Him.
In so many ways, this world calls us to change who we are, to settle, or strive for mediocrity. But the Lord, in His goodness, offers something truly exceptional when we trust Him and dare to do things differently.
I don't know what next year holds, whether it's homeschooling or traditional schooling. But what I'm certain of is that whichever path we choose, God will bless it and use it for good. This season has taught me that sometimes there's no clear "right or wrong" decision. Silas has been entrusted to us, and our mission is to nurture him, guide him, love him, and bring him closer to God.
We commit to prayer and discernment in everything we do, not swayed by the world's opinions or the voices around us. We'll bring this decision before the Lord, and if we don't feel a specific calling either way, we'll trust Him to fill in the gaps as we do what we believe is best for our precious child, whom the Lord has entrusted to us. 🙏❤️