This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Not sure who needs to read this today, but… if you’re tired, rest.

You’ve been called beyond your comfort, where you can evolve into who you were created to be. To come away from your long familiar suffering. To grow. But it’s not for the faint of heart. Peter walked on the water until the winds blew. In the work ahead, there’s plenty of wind.

When we’re feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, the source of our discontent can often be traced back to the gap that exists between who we are at our core and how we feel like we have to show up to get affirmation from outside sources. It’s exhausting.

I choose to believe that everything that’s happened in my life, even the things I didn’t enjoy or wish had happened differently, have taught me the lessons I needed to learn, built the strength, deepened my faith and cultivated the courage I need for all that comes next.

Not sure who needs to hear this, but your life would change completely if you believed… You are right where You are supposed to be

Control is an illusion. The only thing you can control is how you choose to show up today. How you choose to make the most of the hand you’ve been dealt. How you decide to see the events that led you here as exactly what you needed to grow into who you’re becoming.

Fear is an invitation to take a step closer to who you’re meant to be.

The most powerful forces in the world are encouragement, celebration, and love. And you have withheld them from yourself. If you want more… you must practice giving those things to yourself. It starts with YOU. - Mel Robbins, The High Five Habit

Not sure who needs to hear this, but my therapist said something today that helped me have a breakthrough: Their problem with you isn’t a reflection of something you’re doing wrong… it’s a reflection of something they’re still struggling to get right. Be free.

It takes courage to be a good friend to yourself. - Annie F. Downs

You desire to be great, but were raised in an environment that didn’t model greatness? So how do you create it? Today’s Rise Together guest Jason Wilson was asked by his son, “How did you become a great dad when you didn’t have one?” “Son, I simply gave you what I longed for.”

Be brave enough to be bad at something new. - Jon Acuff

A good routine is unique to you and satisfies five basic conditions: Consistency: you can do it every day. Attainability: meets where you are. Relevance: serves your vision. Flexibility: adapts to life’s curves. Simplicity: isn’t over complicated.

Rest & recovery is as or more important than hustle & grind. You cannot work hard enough to make this growth process linear. Grace, rest, and self-care are not an indulgence, they are not selfish; they are, however, requirements in this journey ahead. Built Through Courage

Why do we believe what we do? Is how we “ought” to be helping us become who we’re meant to be? Consider this: “How fulfilled can you ever really be if praise comes with a condition to deny who you really are?”

True or False? The hardest time as a parent to keep a straight face is when your kids hand you the first draft of their Christmas list, and are seriously asking for $8,745 worth of gifts.

Life is a non-linear journey. Five steps forward, one step back. Progress comes with days where you’re brought to your knees. Particularly around the holidays. If a tough day picks you in this season, that makes you normal, human. Be graceful with yourself.