Focused Living Archives - Page 7 of 8

December 1, 2018December 1, 2018Faith, Focused Living

Is Santa Stealing Christmas? How One Family’s Decision NOT to Celebrate Santa Helped Them Focus on the Real Reason for the Season

This is an interview with Dawn and Mark, whose family decided to celebrate Christmas without Santa Claus, elves, and flying reindeer. They, along with other families from their church, chose to take the commercialism out of the holiday so they could focus on the birth of Christ. While unconventional in today’s society, they found it liberating. By removing the distraction of Santa, the pressure of […]

November 15, 2018Faith, Focused Living, Overcoming Obstacles, Simplify

Demolition Day – Decluttering Our Physical Environment

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor 5:17 In May 2016, my husband and I returned from our ten-year anniversary trip to find our home infested with bed bugs. Thousands of them. In two days, we emptied every closet and drawer, purging or packing up each item so it could be […]

November 1, 2018April 23, 2021Faith, Focused Living, Simplify

Back to My Roots – Anchoring Our Identity in Christ

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT My family loves a […]

October 25, 2018January 25, 2021Faith, Focused Living, Overcoming Obstacles, Simplify

Shifting Lanes for a More Spiritual Way of Living – I Surrender

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 Throughout high school, I spent many hours on the sidelines of wrestling tournaments. My boyfriend was an avid wrestler and, aside from his parents, I was his biggest fan. I’d cheer in excitement when he completed a “takedown,” and celebrate from the stands […]

October 18, 2018October 18, 2018Faith, Focused Living, Overcoming Obstacles, Simplify

Shifting Lanes for a Slower Pace of Life – The Struggle

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 God speaks to me through music. Combine the power of good music with the power of God’s Word and the result is mood-altering, perspective-shifting, and life-changing. Christian music is my saving grace when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. It centers me when I’m out of alignment, calms […]

October 11, 2018October 14, 2018Faith, Focused Living, Simplify

Shifting Lanes for a Slower Pace of Life – God’s Road Signs

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV For years, I watched her live a hurried lifestyle, waking up at 4:40 am and rushing to work without making time for Me. Like much of the world, she was cruising down the fast lane, so focused on her own agenda that My attempts to gain her attention and win […]

October 4, 2018March 28, 2021Faith, Focused Living, Overcoming Obstacles, Self Care, Simplify

The Backstory – Why I’m Choosing to Live Differently

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 For years I lived a hurried lifestyle. I woke up at 4:40 am, was out the door by 5:30, arrived at work by 6:30, and would go non-stop until 5 PM. After an hour commute home, I’d eat […]

December 7, 2017May 3, 2019Faith, Focused Living, Goal Setting

I Write for the One (Why Going Viral is NOT the Goal)

We are not all called to write, but each of us has a “going viral” goal in our own lives. How might God be challenging you to redefine success and start living for an audience of One? Check out today’s post to find out!

November 21, 2017December 6, 2018Faith, Focused Living

Stepping Out – Give the Gift of Hope this Holiday Season

I had just finished leading a group workout session and was frantically making my way back to my room to squeeze in a quick shower before the evening session began. I didn’t make it. By the time I got to my room, I had less than ten minutes to shower, so I did the next best thing. I borrowed my friends perfume, sprayed myself from […]

October 19, 2017October 19, 2017Faith, Fitness, Focused Living, Mental Health, Overcoming Obstacles, Self Care

Winning the War Against Anxiety – 3 Battle Plans to Transform Fear Into Faith

“Anxiety disorders in the United States are the number one mental health problem among women and are second only to drug and alcohol abuse among men. In a given year, nearly fifty million Americans will feel the effects of a panic attack, phobias, or other anxiety disorders” (1). External factors including job stress, financial burdens, difficulty in personal relationships, and traumatic events are the primary […]