Thank you Simone for such a powerful example of how to say "No, Not Today"! #Mentalhealthmatters #rolemodel

I Seen a recent twitter post by @DeannaHong, in which she talked specifically about Simone Biles and elite gymnast input in the valut that caused Simone to step back. I've attached a copy of those, but you can also check it out on her twitter feed, which I've retweeted on mine.

It Definitely brings to light a great point...in something so high stakes, where lost of focus can lead to being paralyzed or even dead...she owed it to herself to say "no, not now...or not today". Haven't we ever been expected to do something, regardless of responsibility level- and because of something happening in our own life- we step back (if we haven't then some lessons about boundaries and self care is definitely needed- burnout is real). We are so focused on do, do, do and go, go, go that we can indeed push too hard, and too long- which can lead to harming not just ourselves but others. Simone knew that not only was she not in a space mentally to execute these dangerous moves... but that even if she pushed it, she could end up not just failing or falling in the event, but that her performance could cost the US a medal at all. They got silver...could they have gotten Gold is Simone competed- sure...but in the mindset Simone was in she could have also sat her landings...at the least...and if worse, she got hurt...imagine how that could have shook the whole team... they may not have even medaled at all. We suggest that people not drive or operate heavy machinery when upset or distracted and unfocused- because of the harm it could cause... to others, and even themselves. I applaud Simone in making a difficult decision- and she is indeed my role model now...not because she's an amazing athlete- but because she has enough courage to truly say "no, not today...today I need to rest" and mean it...when there was truly too much going on. As a women minister- self-care and boundaries have been a personal journey of mine as well...and it definitely helps but it into perspective for me. #simonebiles #rolemodel #mentalhealthmatters #practicethepause

NSAW 2021 Recap

#Showyourshield #NationalSalvationArmyWeek Video Recap of our National Salvation Army Week fun.

Righting Wrongs Summit

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National Salvation Army Week-

For National Salvation Army Week we challenged friend of the Army to #showyourshield today, and even share what the Salvation Army means to them. Can’t let that go by without sharing what it means to me. 1st- Family- not only has my family been Attending the Salvation Army as a Church since my great-grandma, but I’ve also found family through the friends and communities the Army has brought me to. 2nd- Freedom- I felt the call to ministry at an early age- without even fully understanding what it meant, as I was of a different faith at the time, and they didn’t believe in Women As Spiritual leaders. My family returned to the Christian faith, and started attending our local Army, as my mother did as a child. It was there God made it clear- He had not only placed a calling on my life, but brought me to a place where I could fulfill His will for me. I’ve been working on ministry with the Salvation Army for almost 20 years now, and have been an ordained minister and commissioned officer in the Salvation Army for almost 13. I am blessed to live out my calling now carrying out the Lord’s will and work at @tsacorsicana as the Officer/Minister in charge of ministry and programs. God has made a way for me to fulfill His purpose in my life of awesome responsibility of leading His people, His Flock- and sharing and preaching the Gospel. I feel free and empowered when I remember William Booth’s words- that some of his best men…are women. That’s only a part of why I love The Salvation Army. I love being able to care and love others as Christ not only commands us to, but does Himself. I am happy to be part of an Army of Love and Hope. #showyourshield #nationalsalvationarmyweek #womenpreachers #womenleaders

Take a Break

Okay- Honestly- I have been feeling low energy recently, due to allergies or whatever, and I started to joke about entering "power-saving mode". You know...that mode on our phones and other electronic devices for when the battery is getting really low...But we're not quite done with it yet??? During my latest "power-saving mode" break (LOL) I actually started thinking. You see- during this period, like a phone, I stop doing "all the things" and just take a moment to breath. I legit #practicethepause as I like to say. It can be sitting, or laying down, closing my eyes, listening to music, listening to a meditation from my Bible Meditation App (@SOULTIMEAPP), or just the sounds of my own deep breathing. Sometimes I try to quiet my mind, other times I just let it race, and even others I try to harnass it and have what I've started calling "Brainstorming Prayers" with God. I take advantage of all those thoughts and ideas that fling through my ADD mind and I grasp them, pray over them, pray for them, and surrender them to the Lord for Him to do. I was amazed at how I felt God responding to me during these times. I mean- I more often then not can think even faster then I can type, hence missing words and such- that I never even catch when I read back over it- because it is still totally there in my mind (Am I the only one?). Yet no matter how fast paced I can think, thankfully the Lord can keep up, and even knows my thoughts before they race through my mind like they're on the toll roads in Texas (Y'all- the speed limit is a Min. of 80...lol). But we are living in a world were being fast, going fast and trying to do "all the things" is encouraged. Too many times we don't even wait to rest until we hit the wall...

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So for a moment, whether you feel like you need it or not, -TAKE A BREAK! The world will be fine for a moment while you #practicethepause and take a moment to just breath.

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You may even be amazed the difference that simple act can have on your mood and your energy levels. Trust God to handle it, and Just Breathe.

In my counseling class now one thing I’ve read is that just the simple act of purposefully deep breathing can be so calming and relaxing. That is so true, and something I personally find so comforting. Life gets crazy- #justbreathe #practicethepause

At the start of the new week I’m setting a goal. For Lent I strived to not dwell on negativity. Moving forward I’m going to focus on joy. You know, that kind sudden, make your day joy- like when you find out your new favorite outfit/ dress has pockets (maybe it’s a girl thing, but am I the only one that gets sups excited to find out a dress or pair of pants I like really does have pockets- not fake teaser pockets). Here praying that you all can find those moments in the unexpected small pockets in life to fill you with joy. God bless.

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It’s been a couple days for feeling wore out. Today I was telling myself- “Hey, while you’re at it you could also...”. Anyone else get those moments, where you’re still tired, but still feel like you should keep going..doing all the things as they say. Today I made the decision to follow my own advice, #practicethepause. After a tiring few days, I trusted that the Lord would watch over and provide in those moments when we need rest. He certain did too. We may think that we have to do all the things, busy all the time, and never stopping to rest. But then we can miss those moments when God shows up and blesses us in those moments of rest- as we let go enough to Trust Him, and Let Him be our Good Good Father, our Heavenly Provider. It makes me think of the blessing we could be missing, because we don’t pause and stop enough for God to be Himself, loving and providing- and so we miss some blessings. That’s my #selfcaretip of the day. Trust God enough to rest!