Dog bones and baking pans

The title does not barely do what I am about to show you any justice. I think the fact that I found those two items is more hilarious than anything but somehow I found a small piece of a life lesson to ponder.
I decided to clean my purse. I usually do this every couple months. I hate to admit it takes that long but it does. So I began to empty the contents all over the counter and this is some of what I discovered. I found among the treasures of my every day life that I also had 2 dog bones, a mini baking sheet (from my daughters easy bake oven), and a bottle of bug spray from the fourth of July fireworks that I had been carting around for a couple months and since we are the week before Thanksgiving... I would say that is pretty bad.
I did not intentionally mean to carry this stuff around for months with me, I just didn't think it was that big of deal and left it there. Days turned into weeks and weeks months...
Now that I had the time to rid my purse of extras... I can see how we also do this in our own lives.
Have you ever known a "stuffer"? A stuffer is someone who never really deals with things at hand and just stuffs it away until later living then in constant avoidance.
I think the purse illustration is a candid display of stuffing and one I wanted to share because honestly who finds dog bones in their purse with a baking sheet? This busy mom does and I am sure a lot of the moms out there can relate even with some fun stuffing stories of their own. However, there are big things...huge things...deep things that people end of "stuffing" away into their inner souls.
I think its time to clean the clutter. Clutter only makes it hard to see your way through and it's easier to stuff things away. It takes very little effort to just keeping stuff hidden...its the time and effort put into the "cleaning" that makes for a fresh start and a new way of thinking and living.
In my case with the purse, it really is a lot lighter of a weight to carry. And I know when we let go of things that we have been avoiding or confront something that makes us uncomfortable, it is then you really can be free to live without hindrance.
I knew those dog bones were in there somewhere because at some point I put them there! Same with that mini baking sheet, it fell out of  box when we moved and I knew it was important so I put it where any good mom would; in my purse!  But over time, I just left it... no big deal... I would get to it. And today I did get to it but when there are bigger issues we start to "stuff away" that is not a good thing.
Avoidance only delays the actually outcome. Don't do that to yourself! So for all of those other moms out there who are pulling diapers, underwear, and maybe even a sandwich out of that bag... I get it! I really do, just let it stop at the purse and as women let us be more real about things and stop living with an avoidance mindset. Take on today with confidence in cleaning out your "stuff!" xo- laura

Restoration- How God used an old barn door to help me tell a story!

Over the weekend I had an opportunity to spend a day with my mom and dad. I love the chance to go back home, something about being home calms and centers me. Maybe its the fresh mountain air, or the memories of a childhood full of laughter and fun, I don't know but whatever it is, I love being there and as I get older I cherish it more and more. Well, I know some of you do not know my dad, but he is a "collector" you could say of things he feels he will use one day. Some may say hoarder..but that is taking it a bit too far. I find his garage and shed to be a place of great options for projects!! I know my mom does too! I mentioned to my dad I needed some old barn wood for a project. ( I knew he would have just what I needed somewhere) That is the best thing about my dad, he has a "supply" and the nails to go with it anytime you ask. I loved that about my dad growing up, he could fix anything, and create stuff with old things. Maybe that is where I come up with these ideas? Although, I know this time he did not see my "vision" for these pieces of barn wood.
We dug out the wood and I told him I wanted to transform these banged up pieces into art for my wall. He looked at me several times and kept asking, "are you sure?"
We worked together at gathering up the wood then he helped me assemble my little masterpiece. You see, I had a plan, the entire time of what I wanted to do with that old discarded board. No one really could see it but me, even during the process, I could tell even my dad who was helping me so willingly was wondering what in the world I could do with this old stuff that had clearly seen better days! But I knew.... I knew that restoration and restoring wood takes time. I knew that the time put into it would require some work,polishing,cutting and sanding! In the end  though I knew if I could take these broken pieces of material and assemble something beautiful it would be worth it. It was even better that I was able to work on this with my dad. It has been years since I could work beside him, when I was a little girl I never wanted to leave his side...always wanted to help! I am sure I slowed him down more times than he would ever admit, but he never pushed me off or scolded me, he always let me tag along.
Anyway, back to my project...so I brought it all home, put it down in my garage and started to brush off the cobwebs, the dust, and old paint pieces. Obviously this wood has been around quite a long time!

After the sanding, cutting, and pounding back together.I started to stain the wood and because of the neglect for years, the stain just sunk deep into its very core, the deepest parts of it's being was thirsty and ready for change. ( I was ready for it too!) Seeing it soak it up reminded me of myself, when I am so ready for the things of God to really fill me. to satisfy my deepest parts. I could relate!
Then I brought out the paintbrush, a detail you can not overlook in the restoring process, the brush will get the tiny cracks and heal where no one else really sees. (But those cracks they are so deep, so so deep, and need to be filled! They need to be filled with only what the master artist could fill it with!)

I worked for hours, my back was pounding and I was ready to get this baby hung up on the wall, but I knew I needed to keep going and the process would be worth it. I thought of quotes, millions of quotes, which should I pick? I spent hours trying to decide what would be best for this precious piece, that by this time I have grown to love and adore. My goodness, the whole family now was really excited and waiting too. My little girls have been wondering what is happening out in that garage, mom has been out there for hours! So I began to paint, and this is what came out!I thought how much time must God put into us, our mistakes, needs, and desires. He knows it all and yet pursues us with a passion and love that only He could give, He see's our true potential. He knows what we are capable of no matter what we come from or what we have done.

Funny thing about the phrase, "It is WELL with my SOUL...." is that the very words were penned during one of the most heartbreaking moments in another mans life , yet he knew where HIS anchor was and that no matter what happened, God would not forsake him.
So true and ironic this old barn door, what we see in the natural and what it looks like, looks alot like us, before God gets hold of us, He takes what is otherwise considered useless, discarded, and restores it to a beautiful creation. The deep and edgy cracks that no one sees or runs away from he fills with His healing power and spirit. He makes all things new, and believes in the possibilities of what could be! He believes in you! He believes in me. I mess up, I need him daily. I am hoping this old barn door which I plan on hanging today will be that reminder to me. God is an anchor for my soul and IT IS WELL!

I thought you were a friend?

Have you uttered those words under your breath or maybe even said that to someone in your life.I know I have, especially as of late. Some times in life we are faced with utter and complete betrayl, lies, and hurt by those who you have trusted and loved.  Friendship, one of the best gifts in a lifetime. I have heard that in one's life span you are blessed if you ever have 4-6 really good and deep friendships. Friendships that are healthy are the deep, unconditional kind of relationships that bring you as close to someone or closer than an actual blood relative. Those are the the kinds of people that hold you accountable, love you when you are hurting, support you when you are trying to succeed, and will laugh,cry,and celebrate all of life's ups and downs with you.
A real friend will not be a "yes" person and tickle your eyes with what you want to hear all the time. Someone that cares about you will tell you what you need to hear and listen when you need to talk. There are few people that you can be that transparent with and should be careful with whom you confide in.
Characteristics of a lifelong friend:
Loyal
Trustworthy
Honest
Integrity Driven
Responsible
Stable
Establishes Boundaries
Respectful
Value System
Moral and Ethical standards
Healthy
The best thing you can do is to be a lifelong friend. There are some who will come and go...but those who you always can depend on will shine in time! 

Creating "The Space"

This year I am adding an all new service to the coaching business. A personal love of design and creative spaces has inspired me to add this as a specialized coaching service.
Finding that perfect space in your home or office that fosters overall well being is essential to focus, regroup, and find peace. What the ideal space looks like will be up to the client and their over all goals for their personal space. If people can start to rethink and redesign small area's at a time in their lives and homes, the transformation can be limitless.
Creating a space and designing the life you want takes time..but it can only happen if you make the choice! Choose today to start living the life you were meant to live!
Design elements considered will be, but not limited to : mood, organization, storage, function, and style.Visit www.allthingshealthycoaching.com for contact information.

photo credit: hgtv.com

Questions to ask and consider before joining a church.

Alarming that even in churches today there can be a lack of integrity and accountability. When flesh gets in the way and people are then overtaken with jealousy, slander, and insecurities there is no end to what can happen. Never underestimate the power of insecurity in people and organizations. Insecurity is a bad friend that makes people believe things about others that aren't even true.
A strong leader will not be affected by positive change. A fearful leader will always self sabotage growth even on a small scale.
Establish healthy boundaries and know that no one is above failing you- God is your source and strength.
If you are getting involved with a church look for healthy signs: Ask questions and get involved- know that you need answers before you get involved with an unhealthy place.

-Are they open to including and reaching out community?
-Are the finances being accounted for accurately?
- Is there protocol and systems in place for organization and safety?
-Is the pastor getting accountability or does he have friends on his board? Yes people are not accountability.
-Is there an openness to getting involved and working with other churches for the greater good of God's kingdom?
-Is there a clear vision for where the church is going?
-Are leadership tasks delegated and not much being done by the leader himself? Delegation only works when the leader is working too.
-Are children and youth valued and seen as the future of church and nation?
-Is personal growth and progress encouraged?
-Is progress welcomed when it is positive change or is it sabotaged and seen as threatening?
-Is the pastor disrespectful?
-Have you seen others gossiping about members?
-Does the leadership staff have a small mindset and inward way of thinking?
-Has the church been thriving or surviving?
-Ask around, see if the church has a positive history before you came on the scene?
-Is the church just existing by a handful of people who adore their long term friends?
-Is there a lack of caring for the overall building and God's house?
-Is a sense of stewardship and ownership encouraged as a standard?

Churches are part of our lives and should be a positive place encouraging growth. However, there are many teachers standing in the place of pastors. Many people have been hurt by "hirelings" with their own agenda's and complacent ways. It is sad, heartbreaking, and nothing can make the enemy more happy then to see churches failing and families hurt.
If you are in this situation- get out! If you feel you are not being appreciated, valued, or growing spiritually it is not the place God wants you in. If you have seen your leadership handle things improperly, ask questions! The integrity of a man or woman always will trump the image you have of them. 

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INSPIRE- Releasing Summer of 2014

Over 20 inspirational stories of influence and accomplishment. This is one book that you will want to check out!  Coming to stores this summer!!

Stepping up. Take ownership!

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. I have been praying about it too. In the church or in Christian circles, when we talk about stewardship our thoughts tend to lean more towards the financial aspect of Christian stewardship. When the very word is mentioned, right away tithing, offerings, maybe even donations come to mind. Finances is a very important part, but there really is so much more to what this word stewardship actually means when you are a child of God. As a child of God…you are then given responsibility over things in your life and are called to live a life that honors Him.
Lets look at the actual definition of stewardship.

Stewardship:

1: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something ; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care: steward ship of our natural resources
I love the part that describes it as a “careful and responsible management of something that is “entrusted” to our care! ” Entrusted….is what everything we own is, as a Christian… All that we have; our homes, jobs, money, resources,family,bodies, and even our church is entrusted to us to take care of . This world is not our eternal home, but while we are here we need to take ownership in the area’s of our lives that are given to us to really take care of the way that God would want us to do. I really believe that God honors people who honor Him by caring for the things that we are responsible for daily. While God being our heavenly father,”owns” it all….we as his children are to take ownership.

 I know only good things does God have in mind for us. That is a promise from his word. I believe it….I really do. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord…plans to prosper and not harm…to give you hope and a future!! ” Jeremiah 29:11

I believe there are times and seasons for everything. There are times to step up and time to relax. There always needs to be ownership though. We are entrusted to care for our bodies, our families, our work, our homes and even our churches. What we do is a reflection to others on the value we put on these things in our life. 

Vision drives when we don't feel like it!

I have a vision board...i stare it at probably at least 5 times during the day and when I pass by it I see where I want to be someday. On this vision board I have pictures of all the things I want to pursue or goals and what I think they will look like. I looked for pictures of those ideas and cut them out and pasted them all over a cork board. Why did I do it? Creating vision is so important because it helps you keep focused on the days when you lose your way, or on days when you feel like your up against mountains. Today was one of those days for me, by the time my feet hit the floor I already had ten things in my head I needed to figure out and get moving with quickly! I have two small kids, I am training for a 3 day fitness walk, between my husband and I we both have three business's and I am the lead women's minister in my church, so grass has no time to grow under this ladies feet. It was not even eleven a.m. and I had already brushed boogers off my shirt and changed...twice...from my 21 month old, dried the tears of my five year old who was crying because her sister licked her arm for the 100th time, listened to a conference call, walked three miles, tripped up the stairs on a flood light that my husband left on the stairs, and somehow managed to clean the kitchen floor while shoving down a protein muffin to feed myself and screaming to the kids for the tenth time to please pick up the socks and shoes because the baby is sucking on them...again!! It was a day when I really cant believe I walked out the door with all of my clothes in tact and essentials. I have busy days... I also have goals and dreams for all that I want for my life and my future. I know what God has called me to do with my life, I know there are things that He has planted so deep within me and they are bigger than the mountains I feel sometimes stand in my way! I look at this vision board because it drives me, inspires and motivates me to look past the present moments. Vision is key when you want to pursue goals and dreams and be successful. So get out your glue sticks, crayons, and old magazines and get creative...make your own! It may be the stress relief you need.

Who Are You?

'"There are three types of people in this world. Firstly, there are people who make things happen. Then there are people who watch things happen. Lastly, there are people who ask, what happened? Which do you want to be?” Steve Backley I talk with people often who want results, they want to see things change. The biggest difference is that there are those who are willing to work at it and others who want it to just happen on it's own. The only way to ensure positive change is taking place is to make it a point to take determined action on it daily. Start believing that what you want to change is possible. You have to take the reigns in your life. Own your life. God has given you a beautiful gift in the opportunity to have life....live it on purpose.

Taking It To The Next Level

There will always be levels in our life that we will reach throughout our lives. When reaching a goal or striving to better our lives their are "ceilings" so to speak in which we will come to a place where we feel we cant go any further. This is where you need a breakthrough. With each and every moment that you feel you have gone so far and this is it, it is time! Time to take it to the next level. There are so many wonderful things that you have been created for and in some cases people give up on their dreams or give up too soon. The talents and abilities you have been given can sometimes take you to one of these "ceiling" points. But keep in mind you need a breakthrough, you have been given much but also much is required. It is up to you to constantly be working on you. Developing your skill sets and improving who you are is and always should be a constant through out life. No one ever arrives at a point where they are done. That is a lie you can believe but it just is not true. As long as you are living, you are growing and should be growing. I encourage you to break through the "ceiling points" in your life. There are new levels, new things that God wants to do in your life through you. Fear hinders....courage releases!!

Making sense of the nonsense

It is a topic of conversation in the coaching industry I am currently working as well as in every day life. The questions asked about why things happen the way they do. The W's, as I would like to say:WHY did this happen, WHERE does this make my life go from here, WHAT will I do or WHAT went wrong? We will never fully understand the answer to so many unfair or unjust things this side of heaven. Just today, there was a horrible thing that happened here in our country and it is all over the news. It just seems like it surrounds us, and we are trying to make sense of nonsense. Things that happen in our lives or to others we know and see are just beyond our human comprehension. Then we go through the emotions that come with situations we never understand; the guilt, blame, sadness, anger, and hurt. There is always hope, even in the darkest of times. God will never let you down or leave you.

Revolutionary thinker

One of the motto's I have blasted across all my life coaching materials, is the phrase: Thriving not just surviving! While I look at that every day , I also have it posted in various places around my home, I am reminded constantly of the mindset. A healthy mindset is not something that really can be optional in choosing how to live a better life. When you are in survival mode, you are just getting through each day. But thriving gives you hope and passion to drive through your circumstances and come out and above it. NO one can control what happens to them, life is so messy, hard, and painful. We can control our thought life though and turn our thoughts on positive things and surround our minds with the good thoughts. Becoming healthier starts on the inside. In almost every aspect health is something that starts inside. Just like diseases: cancer, diabetes...no one just GETS those types of things, they develop over time from the inside and surface later. What you feed yourself physically will help or harm you. It is the same with our emotions, and our spiritual lives. Anything that is living needs to grow or it is dying. Don't be just a survivor. THRIVE where you are, use the abilities and strengths you have been given, make lasting change in your life and those around you. Be a revolutionary thinker and have a mighty mindset!!

Come Awake

I am in the middle of preparing for a conference this week. I am so excited and overwhelmed all at once. Today is Good Friday, I am sitting here preparing for a women's conference called, Awaken. I heard this song and it is so incredible. I do not know where you are at today but I know where He was at on that day. Check out this video and be encouraged. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn2a73B0uB0

Distractions

Distractions come in all forms: crisis, family pain, past hurts, jobs, lost hopes and dreams…..it can ravish your being if you let it.There are millions of things we will never understand this side of heaven. Heart aches we will never be able to make sense of, but God has already given you so much…just the fact that he has arranged for you to be here today…living…breathing…you have an opportunity. Start with that and start thanking God for what he has given you, what he already has provided. Don’t let what you don’t understand; keep you from what God has already given you!! This is my challenge for you today. Something I too am living and trying to do myself. Be well.

Coaching

Many people are still learning what a life coach does and how they can help others. Coaches come along side an individual and help them in areas of career, wellness, and personal growth. Life coaches are becoming increasingly in demand as people strive to better themselves and improve in certain areas but lack the skills needed to give them resources to think about their dreams and goals. It is important to get fresh perspective and meet a coach that is an expert in the area you want to develop. Many coaches offer packages, seminars, and coaching one on one via skype. Online coaching gives you the opportunity to meet with a coach in the privacy of your own home and on a time schedule that meets your needs.

New website address

Taking on a new website address this week. Be sure to check it out. www.allthingshealthycoaching.com If you are looking for healthy recipes and healthy options there is a great page with ideas and links for you to check out. Be sure to check out the new services offered as I am constantly trying to expand my consulting and coaching business.

Make the steps count

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. One step is all it takes to make progress and literally can change your life. Make your steps count towards something positive.

3 Days and 60 miles....I CAN DO THAT!

This week my cousin and I decided to create a team and do the 3 day, 60 mile walk to support the Susan G Komen Foundation and thousands of others battling cancer. I personally have lost family members, I currently have family members who have this awful disease and I have had friends who went through this treatment. I am compelled to do this in their memory and to create a massive and physical challenge for myself this year. I know I can do this, I am committed to raising the funds, and training so I can be in the best shape of my life when it is time to walk this 60 mile journey. I am thrilled to be able to team up and create a team with my long time best friend who has really been like a sister to me, my entire life. If you choose to support me, I would be honored. There is a tab to the right with an option for donations. However, your prayers and encouragement are just as important.

Photo credit: the3day.org

Mighty Mindset

The past few months I have been reigning in my thoughts. Capturing the negativity that could easily set in and poison every day life. It is easy to get discouraged, to look at your situation and believe that this will never change. Those are lies that if you dwell on will dictate your very life. You see, having a mindset that will push you into thriving mode versus survival is the very thing that will get you through the dark valley you sometimes have to walk through. You have to make a decision. To not make one is a decision in itself, but to make one to be positive is one of the most single powerful choices you can make. Your life is made up of all kinds of ups and downs, it is part of life. Yes many may seem unfair, some cruel, but the most important thing to remember is the only constant is change. This part of your life will and can change. You have to get to a point that irregardless of circumstances you will have a good attitude. You will choose to be a victor not a victim. Life does not have to ruin you. You can determine your choices, attitude, and destiny. Constant daily choices determine where you will end up. Make them wisely! Make them on purpose and make them positive.

Life is the real thing.

Life is the real thing, and you get one chance at it. Do not live your life as if you can ask for a do-over. We all have one chance to make our mark. Leave the legacy you believe in. Find out what it is that makes you tick. The passions in your heart are there for a reason! Find your abilities, talents, and gifts that make your life unique and special and use them to better yourself and the world around you!