Happy World Weightlifting Day!

Today is World Weightlifting Day, and as the mom of an Olympic weightlifter, this day means a little something extra to me.

When I think about weightlifting, I think about so much more than the weights being lifted on a platform. I think about the dedication, discipline, and determination it takes to become an athlete in this sport. I have watched Tim put in countless hours of hard work, push himself to reach his goals, celebrate victories, and face setbacks. I have also learned that sometimes the hardest part of being an athlete isn't the training itself, but having the patience and perseverance to work through the challenges that come with it.

Weightlifting has taught our family that success is about so much more than the number on the bar or the medals hanging on the wall. It's about the character built along the way, the lessons learned, and the person you become through the process.

I also think about the coaches who invest so much of themselves into their athletes. They do more than teach technique and help athletes get stronger. They encourage them, challenge them, believe in them, and help them see what is possible even when the road gets difficult.

Then there are the officials, volunteers, clubs, and everyone who works behind the scenes to make this sport possible. Their time and dedication help create opportunities for athletes to compete, grow, and pursue their dreams.

And, of course, there are the families. We may not be the ones standing on the platform, but we are right there alongside our athletes through the excitement of competition, the sacrifices required, the disappointments that sometimes come, and the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile. We celebrate their victories, hurt when they hurt, and pray for them through the challenges.

One of the things we, as a family, have come to appreciate most about weightlifting is the community. People from different backgrounds, different ages, and different walks of life come together because of a shared love for the sport. Athletes compete against one another, but there is also encouragement, friendship, and support that extends beyond the platform.

Watching Tim grow in this sport has allowed our family to be part of something bigger than just weightlifting. We have met wonderful people, watched athletes accomplish incredible things, and seen how much heart goes into pursuing a goal.

Today, we celebrate not only the athletes who step onto the platform, but also the coaches, families, volunteers, and everyone else who helps make this sport what it is.

Happy World Weightlifting Day to the entire weightlifting community! May you continue to lift one another up, both on and off the platform!

Tim's 1st Post-Op PT

Tim's 1st Post-Op PT  

Today was a really good day for Tim!

This morning, Tim had his first post-op physical therapy session with the baseball specialist his orthopedic doctor wanted him to see. Because of the type of injury Tim had, his doctor felt it was important for him to work with someone who specializes in the kinds of elbow injuries commonly seen in baseball players.

Going into this first session, we were hopeful that things would go well, but I don't think either of us could have anticipated just how encouraging the day would be!

Today's session went amazing! Tim was able to straighten his arm all the way for the first time in months, and the best part was that he was able to do it without any pain!

If you have followed Tim's journey with this elbow injury, you know how long he has struggled with being unable to fully extend his arm. There have been so many questions, appointments, and moments of frustration along the way. For an athlete who loves what he does and has worked so hard to get where he is, having something as simple as straightening his arm become a struggle has not been easy.

So, you can imagine the smile on his face when he realized he could finally straighten it without pain! He left PT smiling from ear to ear, and honestly, I don't blame him one bit. 😊

Of course, after months of dealing with this injury and the time he has had to take away from his normal training, Tim can already tell that he has lost a significant amount of muscle strength in his elbow and upper arm. He has some work ahead of him to rebuild that strength and get back to where he wants to be. But he is thankful to have this time to heal properly and give his body the opportunity to make a full recovery.

One thing I know about Tim is that he is determined. He has put so much time, discipline, and dedication into his sport, and I have no doubt that he will bring that same determination to his recovery. He knows that getting back to full strength will take work, patience, and consistency, and he is ready to put in the effort.

Of course, as his mom, watching today's progress makes me hopeful that he will be back to full strength before we know it! I know we still have to take things one step at a time and follow the doctor's and therapist's guidance, but seeing this kind of progress on his very first day of PT is so encouraging.

And if you could see Tim today, you would understand just how happy he is! He hasn't stopped straightening his arm since he left PT. 😂 He keeps moving it and testing it because he is just so excited to be able to do something that has been painful and difficult for so long.

Sometimes, it's the little things we take for granted that become the biggest blessings when we have to go without them. Something as simple as straightening your arm might not seem like a big deal to most people, but after months of pain and limited movement, it means the world to Tim.

We are so thankful for today's progress and for the people who are helping him along this journey. We know there is still work to be done, but today gave us another reason to be hopeful and reminded us that progress, even when it takes time, is worth celebrating.

We are taking this one day at a time, trusting the process, and thanking God for every bit of progress along the way. We know recovery is a journey, but today was a really good step in the right direction!

Here's to continued healing, rebuilding that strength, and getting Tim back to doing what he loves fast💨! 

The Power of Prayer

When I read this verse of Scripture, I am reminded of just how important prayer is in our lives and how blessed we are to have a God who hears us when we call upon Him.

But to truly understand the meaning behind this verse, I think it is important to look at the circumstances in which it was written.

James, who is traditionally understood to be the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian church, wrote his letter to believers who were scattered among the nations and facing various trials and difficulties. His letter offered practical instruction on how to live out their faith, not just in what they believed but in how they treated others and responded to the challenges of life.

In the fifth chapter, James speaks about patience in suffering, prayer during difficult times, and calling upon the Lord when someone is sick. He encourages believers to pray for one another and to support one another in their faith. Then he gives us this beautiful reminder in verse 16: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

James wanted believers to understand that they were not meant to walk through life alone. They were to be a community of people who encouraged one another, confessed their wrongs, offered forgiveness, and lifted one another up in prayer.

I believe that message is just as important for us today.

Sometimes, we may feel that we have to carry our burdens alone. We may be embarrassed to admit our struggles or feel that we should be strong enough to handle everything ourselves. There may even be times when we hesitate to ask someone to pray for us because we don't want to burden them with what we are going through.

But God never intended for us to live as though we have to do everything on our own. He gave us the gift of prayer, and He gave us one another.

There is something special about knowing that someone cares enough to take our needs before the Lord in prayer. There is comfort in knowing that when we are struggling to find the words ourselves, someone else is faithfully asking God to give us strength, wisdom, healing, and peace.

And just as we need others to pray for us, we have the privilege of praying for them. We may not always know what someone is going through behind closed doors, but we can offer encouragement, extend grace, and lift their needs up to the Lord.

The part of this verse that says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” is especially meaningful to me. It reminds me that prayer is not simply a routine or a collection of words we speak. It is an opportunity to bring our hearts before the One who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.

Being righteous does not mean being perfect. We all make mistakes, fall short, and have areas in our lives where we need God's correction and guidance. It means seeking to live according to His will, turning to Him when we fall short, and trusting Him with the things we cannot control.

James goes on to use Elijah as an example of the power of prayer. Elijah was a human being just like us, yet God worked through his prayers in extraordinary ways. I love that reminder because it shows us that prayer is not reserved for a select few. We do not have to be someone extraordinary to pray to an extraordinary God.

We may not always understand God's timing, and our prayers may not be answered in the way we hoped. But that does not mean our prayers are meaningless. We can continue to trust Him, even when we cannot see what He is doing.

As I think about this verse, I am reminded that one of the greatest ways we can love others is through prayer. We can pray for their struggles, their healing, their decisions, their families, and their walk with the Lord. We can also be willing to humble ourselves, admit when we are wrong, and allow others to encourage us in our own faith.

We may never know how much our prayers mean to someone else, but we can always know that bringing someone before the Lord is an act of love.

I am thankful that we serve a God who invites us to come to Him, not only with our own needs but also with the needs of those around us. What a blessing it is to know that we can turn to Him at any time, for any reason, and trust that He hears us.

May we never underestimate the power of prayer, and may we never underestimate the difference it can make when we faithfully pray for one another.

God hears our prayers, God knows our hearts, and God is always worthy of our trust.

2026 Carolinas Elite Team Recognition

2026 Carolinas Elite Team Recognition 

Tim has made the Carolina Elite Team for the second year in a row! His first time earning this recognition was as a Youth competitor, and this year he has earned his spot as a Junior competitor. It is so exciting to see him continue to grow and progress in his weightlifting journey.

The Carolina Elite program recognizes the highest-performing Olympic weightlifters across North and South Carolina, honoring the top-ranked athletes in the Youth, Junior, Senior, and Masters divisions. Being selected for this team is a wonderful accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work these athletes put into their sport.

Tim and his teammates have put in some serious work to earn their spots among the Carolinas' best. Behind every lift are hours of training, discipline, dedication, and a commitment to getting better. There is so much more to being an athlete than what we see on competition day. It takes determination to keep showing up, pushing through the hard days, and working toward goals that aren't always easy to reach.

As his mom, it is so incredibly awesome to see Tim's hard work, dedication, and performances recognized at this level. I know how much effort he puts into his training, and seeing him earn this recognition for a second consecutive year makes me so proud of him.

I am also proud of all the athletes who have earned a place on this team. They have worked hard for this recognition, and it is wonderful to see their efforts celebrated.

Congratulations to Tim and all of the 2026 Carolina Elite Team members! Keep working hard, keep chasing those goals, and never stop believing in what you can accomplish. I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you!

Worship Music, Our Influences, and the Heart Behind Our Worship

Worship Music, Our Influences, and the Heart Behind Our Worship

Allow me to begin by sharing that this post was inspired by an article I recently read. While I believe the article contained some truth, I also felt it presented the subject from a one-sided perspective. Its overall message seemed to be a criticism of several well-known ministries and the influence they have on today's churches.

Many people have their own opinions about these churches, their teachings, and the ways they draw people into their ministries, beginning with the worship music they produce. I understand that people have different perspectives on this subject, but I also have a unique perspective because I've experienced both sides myself.

Before I go any further, I think it's important to recognize how much our culture influences the things we listen to, the people we follow, and the ministries we trust. We live in a world where people are encouraged to follow trends, personalities, and popular opinions rather than take the time to research things for themselves and seek out what is true. We can easily adopt someone else's beliefs without ever taking the time to examine them in light of God's Word.

And when everyone has their own version of what they believe to be true, it adds another layer to the discussion about worship music and the influence it has on our congregations.

Different Church Experiences

I grew up in a church where the Bible was taught line upon line. The music we sang came from hymnals, and the teaching we received was rooted in the Scriptures. There were few outside influences encouraging us to look beyond the church doors for additional teaching or spiritual guidance.

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate the wisdom in having that kind of foundation. I learned the importance of knowing God's Word, understanding what it says, and building my faith upon it. Looking back, I recognize how much that early foundation has shaped the person I am today and the way I approach my relationship with God.

Then there are these other sides of my experience: the Pentecostal church/non-denominational church/Assemblies of God church. 

These are sides of Christianity that some people question. Some believe that certain Charismatic practices fall outside the way church was intended to function, while others question whether those practices are truly guided by the Holy Spirit.

I understand that people have different convictions about these things. But I can only speak from my own experience, and I know what God has done in my life.

There have been moments when God has touched my heart so deeply that I couldn't begin to put the experience into words. There is a depth to those personal encounters with God that can be difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced anything similar. I can share my testimony, but I cannot fully convey what those moments have meant to me.

Those experiences have been real and meaningful in my walk with the Lord, and they have strengthened my faith in ways I cannot deny.

I don't believe we have to tear down one another's churches or question every experience that differs from our own in order to stand firm in what we believe. We can hold to our convictions while still showing respect to others.

For me, the central truth remains this: Jesus is Lord, and He is the way to the Father. Beyond that foundational belief, Christians and churches may differ in their understanding of certain teachings and practices. Those differences deserve thoughtful consideration, prayer, and a willingness to search the Scriptures rather than an automatic response of condemnation.

Appreciating the Foundation While Continuing to Grow

Let me give you a personal example.

I still have a deep respect for the church I grew up in. I value what I learned there, and I am grateful for the biblical foundation that was laid in my life. That foundation became the starting point upon which I have continued to build my faith.

The church I attend today has different beliefs and practices. We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, and we sing contemporary worship songs rather than relying solely on traditional hymns.

Yet I am still being fed the Word of God. I am still learning, growing, and developing in my walk with the Lord.

The deeper beliefs I have embraced through my current church have not erased the foundation laid in me during my childhood. Rather, they have become part of my continued spiritual journey.

I can appreciate where I came from while continuing to grow in my understanding of God. One experience does not have to invalidate another, and differences in worship styles do not automatically mean that one group is sincerely seeking God while the other is not.

So why am I sharing all this background before getting to the subject I really want to discuss?

Because I believe it's important to understand where someone is coming from when they share their thoughts on a subject. My experiences have shaped my perspective, just as other people's experiences have shaped theirs.

And that brings me to worship music.

The Influence of Worship Music

I have always been a huge music lover. Music speaks to me in ways that few other things can. It can move me emotionally, reach places in my heart that words alone cannot, and bring things to the surface that I may not even realize I'm carrying.

Throughout my life, God has used music to speak to me. There have been times when a song has brought comfort, encouragement, conviction, or a reminder of His truth at precisely the moment I needed it.

That is one of the reasons the article I recently read troubled me. It criticized certain churches and worship music associated with ministries that God has used to touch my own life, despite the concerns and reputations surrounding those ministries.

I want to be clear about something: I don't believe we should ignore questionable teachings, excuse wrongdoing, or blindly follow a ministry simply because its music moves us. We are called to exercise discernment, and God's Word must remain our standard for determining what is true.

But I also believe we need to be careful not to assume that everything associated with a particular ministry is without value simply because that ministry has problems or because we disagree with some of its teachings.

I believe God can work in ways we don't always understand. When someone is genuinely seeking Him, He can use unexpected people, circumstances, and even a song from a ministry that has its own shortcomings to draw that person closer to Him.

God's ability to work through something does not mean He approves of everything associated with it. It means that His ability to reach a heart is not limited by human imperfections.

When God Uses the Unexpected

Let me share an example that has stayed with me over the years.

There was a Christian music artist whose song "In Christ Alone" touched my heart and life deeply. It affected me in ways I still find difficult to put into words. That song reached me at a time when its message made a profound difference in my life.

Later, I learned that the artist had been involved in adultery. His marriage ended, and, as I understood it, people and organizations that had once supported him distanced themselves from him.

Learning that was disappointing. Sin has consequences, and I don't believe we should minimize the hurt or damage that wrongdoing can cause.

But something about that situation stayed with me.

The song had already touched my heart. The truth it pointed me toward had already made an impact on my relationship with God. Learning about the artist's personal failures did not erase what that song had meant to me.

The artist was imperfect. I am imperfect. We all are.

And yet God can use imperfect people to communicate a truth that reaches someone else's heart.

That does not excuse the artist's actions, nor does it mean we should overlook accountability. It simply reminds me that the truth of God's Word does not become untrue because the person sharing it has failed to live up to it.

We see throughout Scripture that God has worked through people who were far from perfect. Their failures did not make God any less faithful, and their shortcomings did not place limits on His ability to accomplish His purposes.

Sometimes God uses people in ways we may never fully understand. We don't have to excuse their mistakes, nor do we have to tear down everything good that may have come through them.

We can acknowledge the shortcomings of people while still recognizing the work God has done in our own lives.

Does the Source of a Worship Song Matter?

I understand the argument that when a church sings a contemporary worship song and identifies its copyright or publishing information, people may discover the ministry or church associated with that song. From there, they may begin following that ministry, listening to its teaching, and embracing its beliefs.

That is a legitimate concern, particularly in a culture where people often follow an artist or ministry without examining what it teaches.

I believe churches should be thoughtful about the songs they introduce to their congregations. Worship leaders have a responsibility to consider not only the musical quality of a song but also its lyrics, its theology, and the message it communicates.

We should not simply assume that a song is biblically sound because it is popular or emotionally moving.

But here is where I believe we need to be careful.

Just because a church sings a particular worship song does not automatically mean that it endorses everything about the church, artist, or ministry from which that song originated.

A song can communicate a biblical truth even when the person who wrote it has failed personally or the ministry associated with it holds beliefs with which we disagree.

Should we examine the words we sing? Absolutely.

Should we be discerning about the influences we allow into our lives and churches? Without question.

But should we automatically dismiss a song that speaks biblical truth simply because of where it originated? I don't believe we should.

I have never automatically assumed that singing a song means I am endorsing every belief of the person who wrote it or the ministry that produced it. I listen to the message of the song and consider what it says about God.

I realize, however, that not everyone approaches worship music that way. In a culture where music and personalities can lead people toward particular ministries, I understand why some people raise concerns. Those concerns can be discussed without turning the conversation into an attack on entire churches or groups of believers.

We can warn people to be discerning without being unnecessarily divisive.

What Should Matter Most When We Worship?

When I sing a worship song, there are questions I believe are far more important than whether the song came from a church or ministry with which I personally agree on every issue.

Does the song draw my heart toward God?

Does it communicate truth that aligns with His Word?

Does it glorify Jesus?

Does it remind me of who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised?

These are the things I consider when I worship.

Music is powerful, and that power should never replace the importance of knowing God's Word for ourselves. An emotional response alone is not proof that something is true, and a beautiful melody cannot make an unbiblical message biblical.

But when a song communicates the truth of Scripture and directs our hearts toward the Lord, I believe we should be willing to receive that truth with gratitude.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to test everything and hold on to what is good. I believe that principle is important here. We should examine what we hear, hold it up against God's Word, and exercise discernment. At the same time, we should be careful not to reject something good simply because it came from an imperfect source.

Our worship should ultimately be about God, not about the popularity of an artist, the reputation of a church, or the style of music being played.

A Final Thought

At the end of the day, I believe we can stand firm in our faith without tearing down other believers. We can recognize that some ministries have legitimate problems without assuming that everything associated with them is without value. We can appreciate the foundation of our faith while continuing to grow in our understanding of God.

And we can be discerning without becoming judgmental.

My own walk with God has been shaped by different church experiences, different styles of worship, and moments when the Lord has used music to reach me in ways that I cannot fully explain. I am grateful for the biblical foundation I received growing up, and I am grateful for the ways I continue to grow in my faith today.

I know that God has used worship music to minister to my heart, and I don't want to become so focused on where a song originated that I overlook the truth God may be using it to remind me of.

That doesn't mean I will accept every song, every teaching, or every ministry without question. It means I will continue to measure what I hear against God's Word and trust Him to give me wisdom and discernment.

God is the One we worship. His Word is the standard by which we discern truth. And the condition of our own hearts matters far more than winning an argument about someone else's church.

I believe we can have these conversations with grace, humility, and a genuine desire to honor the Lord. We don't have to agree on every practice or tradition to treat one another with respect.

And when a song brings our hearts back to the goodness of God, reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus, or helps us hold on to His promises through a difficult season, I believe we should be thankful for the reminder.

Because ultimately, it isn't about the name of the church on the copyright line or the reputation of the person who wrote the song.

It's about the God the song points us to and whether the message we are singing is true to His Word.

100 Years of Winnie the Pooh!

100 Years of Winnie the Pooh!  

Everyone who knows me knows that Winnie the Pooh is my favorite character. ❤️

And this year, Winnie the Pooh is celebrating 100 years! 🎉🐻🍯

What has always drawn me in to Winnie the Pooh is the way he deals with life stuff. He's always such a happy bear.

Not because everything around him is always perfect. Actually, if you think about it, Pooh and his friends deal with all kinds of things. They have misunderstandings. They worry. They get scared. They have bad days. They don't always see eye to eye. Sometimes they get themselves into situations that could have been avoided if they had just thought things through a little better. 😂

But somehow, Pooh always seems to find a way to enjoy the little things.

A pot of honey.

A walk through the Hundred Acre Wood.

A visit with a friend.

A little conversation with Christopher Robin.

A simple day that doesn't necessarily have anything extraordinary about it.

And maybe that's part of what I love about him.

Pooh reminds me that life doesn't have to be perfect to be good.

There is something about his innocent way of looking at the world that makes me slow down and appreciate things I might otherwise overlook.

We live in a world that seems to constantly tell us that we need more. More success. More money. More accomplishments. More stuff. More recognition. More followers. More everything.

Pooh seems perfectly content with a little honey and good friends.

There's something to be said for that.

One of the things I love most about the Winnie the Pooh stories is the friendships. Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robin are all so different.

They don't always understand each other.

They don't always agree.

And they certainly don't always get along.

But they keep showing up for one another.

Isn't that what friendship is supposed to look like?

Sometimes you don't need someone to fix your problems. You just need someone to sit with you while you're going through them.

Sometimes you don't need an answer.

You just need a friend.

And I think Pooh understands that.

There is also something comforting about the way Pooh approaches the hard stuff. He doesn't pretend that difficult things don't exist. He just doesn't let them steal every bit of joy from life.

That is something I think we could all use a little more of.

Especially as I've gotten older, I've realized that life is full of things we can't control.

People get sick.

Plans change.

Our children grow up.

Things we thought would happen don't.

Things we never expected happen.

Sometimes we find ourselves walking through seasons we would have never chosen for ourselves.

And yet, there can still be joy in the middle of it.

There can still be laughter.

There can still be friendship.

There can still be beautiful little moments tucked into an ordinary day.

And for me, that's one of the reasons Winnie the Pooh has remained such a favorite.

He reminds me to slow down.

To appreciate the simple things.

To love my people.

To laugh when I can.

To be there for my friends.

And to not take life quite so seriously all the time.

Of course, as a Christian, I know that my ultimate hope, peace and joy don't come from a fictional bear in the Hundred Acre Wood. They come from Jesus.

But I also believe God can use the simplest things to remind us of something important.

Sometimes a little honey-loving bear can remind us to appreciate the life God has given us.

So here's to 100 years of Winnie the Pooh! 🐻🍯

Thank you for all the smiles, the laughter, the friendships, and the little reminders that sometimes the simplest things in life are the things that matter most.

And if you ever find me choosing between a fancy night out and sitting somewhere cozy with a good book, a cup of coffee, and maybe a little Winnie the Pooh nearby...

Well...

Oh, bother. 😉

I'll probably choose Pooh. ❤️🐻🍯

Our Worship Must Come From the Heart

(Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American Christian pastor, author, preacher, and magazine 
editor associated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He became one of the most infl-uential devotional writers of the 20th century.)

Our Worship Must Come From the Heart

When I read this quote by A. W. Tozer, it made me stop and think about how important it is that our hearts line up with the words we speak to God.

It is easy to bow our heads in prayer, lift our hands in worship, and speak about the goodness of God. But are we allowing that same love we receive from Him to flow through us and into the way we treat others?

God knows our hearts. He sees beyond our words, our outward appearances, and what others may see in us. He knows what we hold inside, including the bitterness, resentment, anger, and unforgiveness that we sometimes struggle to let go of.

We cannot ask God to fill our hearts with His love while deliberately choosing to hold on to hate. Our walk with Him should make a difference in the way we see people, the way we speak to them, and the way we respond when we have been hurt.

Jesus made it clear that loving God and loving others go hand in hand. In Matthew 22:37–39, He tells us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Notice that He did not tell us to love only those who agree with us, treat us well, or make it easy to love them. Loving others can be difficult, especially when we have been hurt or disappointed. But as Christians, we are called to let God's love guide our hearts even in those difficult moments.

That does not mean we will never struggle with anger or hurt. We are human, and some wounds take time to heal. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that what happened was acceptable, and loving someone does not mean we must allow them to continue hurting us. We can establish healthy boundaries while still asking God to help us release bitterness and keep our hearts from becoming hardened.

I believe this is where we must be willing to look honestly at ourselves. Are we asking God to help us love as He loves? Are we willing to forgive as He has forgiven us? Are we allowing Him to work on the parts of our hearts that we would sometimes rather leave untouched?

1 John 4:20 reminds us that we cannot claim to love God, whom we have not seen, while hating our brother or sister whom we have seen.

Those are powerful words to consider.

Our worship is about more than what happens when we gather in church or spend time in prayer. It is also reflected in how we live when we leave those moments behind. It is reflected in our attitudes, our conversations, our compassion, and our willingness to extend grace to others.

If we truly desire to draw closer to God, we must be willing to let Him change us from the inside out.

This brings to mind Psalm 139:23–24, where David prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (KJV)

I love this prayer because it begins with our own hearts. It is easy to recognize the faults of others, to see where they have fallen short, or to remember the ways they have hurt us. But are we just as willing to ask God to examine us?

Are there things we are holding on to that He wants us to release? Is there resentment that needs to be surrendered, forgiveness that needs to be extended, or an attitude that needs to change?

When we sincerely ask God to search our hearts, we must also be willing to listen and allow Him to do His work in us. We cannot change our hearts through our own strength alone, but we can surrender them to the One who can.

I know I need His help in this, just as we all do. My prayer is that God will continue to search my heart, show me anything that does not reflect Him, and teach me to love others with the same grace and mercy He has shown me.

May our prayers be sincere, our worship be genuine, and our hearts be filled with a love that others can see through the way we live.

Because in the end, it is not enough to simply speak about God's love. We are called to live it.

Lord, search my heart. Show me anything that does not reflect You, help me release what I need to surrender, and teach me to love as You love. Let my life be a reflection of You, not just my words. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tell Them While You Can

Tell Them While You Can

A close friend's aunt passed away last Friday. Although I didn't know her personally, my heart hurts for my friend and her family as they grieve the loss of someone they love so dearly. Over time, they have become like family to us, and when people you care about are hurting, you feel that hurt right alongside them.

As I was thinking about them and what their family is going through, I came across the quote above and knew I wanted to share it here.

Too often, we wait until it's too late to say the things we should have said all along.

Life moves so fast. 💨 We get caught up in our daily routines, our responsibilities, and all the things we think need our attention. Sometimes, we forget to pause and tell the people we love just how much they mean to us.

Don't wait for a special occasion. Don't assume they already know. Take the time to tell them you appreciate them, that you love them, and that they matter to you. We aren't promised tomorrow, and we never know when an ordinary day might become a memory we wish we could relive.

As I think about what my friend and her family are experiencing right now, I am reminded that any of us could find ourselves in that same place. But God! He has carried us through our own seasons of grief, uncertainty, and fear, and He has reminded us just how precious the gift of life truly is.

In 2024, we lost Pop. In 2025, we lost Nan. Then, in June of 2026, we came frighteningly close to losing two more members of our family. But God! He showed up in a mighty way, and we are beyond thankful that those two loved ones are still here with us today. And now, in October 2026, my friend and her family are facing the heartbreak of losing her aunt.

Life has a way of reminding us that none of us is exempt from heartache. It seems there is always something challenging happening in someone's life, and perhaps part of that is the stage of life we are in.

When we're young, we haven't experienced enough of life's losses and challenges to fully understand how quickly things can change. As we move through our 30s and 40s, our perspective begins to shift. But by the time we reach our 50s, something often changes in the way we look at life.

We begin to understand more deeply that time is precious. We cherish the moments we have with our loved ones a little more. We become more intentional about making memories, staying connected, and being present. We also find ourselves reaching out to others who are walking through similar seasons because we understand, perhaps more than ever before, how much it means to have someone beside you when life gets hard.

The older I get, the more I realize that love should never be left unspoken, and time spent with the people who matter most is never time wasted.

No matter what stage of life we're in, one thing is certain: the circle of life continues to turn. Life doesn't stop for our grief, our struggles, or our wishes that we could have just a little more time. We cannot control how many days we are given, but we can choose how we spend them and how we love the people God has placed in our lives.

So, please, don't wait.

Tell someone you appreciate them. Tell them you love them. Check on the friend who may be struggling. Make that phone call. Send that text. Give that hug. Forgive when you can, encourage when you see a need, and never underestimate the difference your words can make in someone's life.

We may never know just how much those little moments mean to someone else, but we don't want to look back one day and wish we had said more, loved more, or simply been there.

Life is precious. Time is a gift. And the people God has placed in our lives are not to be taken for granted.

Don't leave what you think about someone to their eulogy. Tell them while they are still here to hear it. ❤️

Carolina WSO Championships 2026

Tim wanted to go support his team as they lifted today, even though he wasn't able to compete himself this year.

What a day it was! We had so much fun watching the team lift. It is always so impressive to watch these athletes lift those heavy weights over their heads. One of the competitors, Eva Young, on the ALWC team made lifts that were Carolina Records across the board. We were so proud of her.

It was so thoughtful of them to give Tim an event t-shirt even though he couldn't compete this year. They also presented him with an award recognizing him as an Elite Carolinas Athlete! We didn't realize he would be receiving this award, and since we had somewhere else we needed to be, his coach graciously accepted it on his behalf.

But as wonderful as it was to watch the team compete and see Tim recognized for his accomplishments, one of the things that blessed my heart the most was watching my son encourage his teammates.

As a mom, it blesses my heart to see the man Tim is becoming. Being there to support his team, even when he couldn't be out there lifting alongside them, speaks volumes about his character and commitment. His love for the sport is about more than just lifting weights and winning competitions. It's also about showing up, encouraging others, and being part of something bigger than himself.

This year may not have gone as Tim had hoped, with his elbow injury keeping him off the platform, but that doesn't take away from the athlete he is or the accomplishments he has already achieved. Sometimes, the moments when we can't do what we love give us the opportunity to grow in ways we might not have expected.

His dad and I couldn't be prouder of him. We are proud of his accomplishments, but even more than that, we are proud of his heart, his dedication, and the man he is becoming.

The weights he lifts may show his strength, but the way he shows up for others shows his character. And that is something his dad and I will always be proud of. ❤️

(picture just before going into surgery)

Tim’s Elbow Surgery Update

We wanted to share an update on Tim and how things went with his elbow surgery.

First and foremost, the surgery went well, and we are thankful! 🙏

The doctor was able to get the fluid off Tim’s elbow and also took a sample of the inflamed tissue. Both the fluid and the tissue samples are being sent off to be cultured, and we should have those results in about two weeks. We are hopeful that this will give us some answers as to what has been going on with his elbow and help determine the best course of action moving forward.

While the doctor was in there, he also removed a bone spur along with some scar tissue and smoothed out the area. We are thankful that these things could be addressed during the procedure and are hopeful that this will help Tim as he continues to heal.

Tim’s first day of recovery has gone pretty well overall. Knowing Tim, sitting still and taking it easy isn't necessarily his favorite thing to do! 😂 He may have pushed himself a little too much today because he started experiencing some swelling earlier tonight. Hopefully, this is just a reminder that his body needs time to rest and heal. We will continue to keep an eye on things and follow the doctor’s instructions as he recovers.

As a parent, it’s hard watching your child go through something like this, especially when you know how much they love what they do. Tim has worked incredibly hard in his sport, and I know how much he wants to get back to training and competing. But sometimes, the hardest part of the journey is learning to slow down, be patient, and trust the process.

We are thankful for a successful surgery, for the doctor’s care, and for the opportunity to take another step toward finding answers. Now we wait for the culture results and focus on healing one day at a time.

Please continue to keep Tim in your prayers as he recovers, that the swelling will settle down, that the culture results will provide answers, and that his elbow will heal properly. Most of all, we pray for wisdom for his medical team and patience and encouragement for Tim during this recovery.

We know that God's timing doesn't always line up with our own plans, but we continue to trust Him through every step of this journey. We are praying for complete healing and looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for Tim.

One day at a time, one step at a time, and always trusting God!