But regardless of what is happening in the here and now, there is much more happening in your heart.

Emotions and feelings can distract you from what is really going on in your life. And sometimes, we think that if we just push through, everything will work itself out.

However, that sometimes can be really distorted.

We are spending time away with our entire family. It has been such a blessing for all of us to be together.

Yet, there have been some challenges. No, I better correct myself. It’s more like a challenge with the most adorable, vivacious 2-year-old you would ever know.

He melts my heart all the time.

But that doesn’t change the fact that stretching out his day without a nap is wise. Or forcing it upon him to act like an adult when even adults don’t quite understand how to act in these situations; long lines, cancellations, closings.

Life can be a whole lot of not being able to do what you want when you want, and being strapped to what must happen without any concern for your needs.

Pushing through isn’t always the answer.

If you want to learn how to thrive when all you do is strive, give up more than you hold onto.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Give up more than you hold onto!

With the look of quitting all that he knows at the age of two, Papa and Grandma simply decided that this was enough. He needed to be removed from what wasn’t serving him and put in a place where he could regroup and thrive.

Who likes screaming children anywhere (i.e., grocery stores, theme parks, church, tree lightings, fireworks, etc.)?

Imagine what my grandson was thinking. This is torture.

You and I are just like a 2-year-old. We are great when things are happening our way. But as soon as our expectations are not met, let the temper-tantrums ring strong (and very loudly).

So why do you keep pushing harder? Striving is going after what you don’t have as you try to change what you don’t like.

But we’ve been trained that pushing through just makes you stronger. Or does it?

My grandson would disagree. He was pretty weak-like as he arched his back crying thinking that the more back thrusts, the greater the result.

I get what I’m going after.

Stop striving.

Look at what you are really doing, not just in your head but in your heart.

There needs to be an understanding between the 16-18 inch drop between your brain and heart.

They work interchangeably together.

1. Disrupt the fight. You can do more when you don’t over stress or make yourself miserable.
2. Play it safe only to give yourself pause, so you can get a fresh look and then create the cause.

We are just coming off Christmas with New Year’s around the corner. Make this a different year.

Let your heart be felt, not underestimated. You are stronger than any push in your life.

Stand for what you believe is true for you in the season you are in. Let the cookie crumbles fall, and focus on the bigger pieces.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

God created the plans for His Son. He does the same for you!!

Thrive from the point of where God has your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

“One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!” ~ Kristianne Wargo

PRAYER: May your heart and head connect with God and the plans He has for you. Let go of what is not yours to carry. The burdens no longer have to be temper tantrums, but intentional decisions that move at a pace set in motion by God as you create your now.

Dream kingdom dreams, for God is on the move in your life.

Happy New Year!

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“