Before the Elevation...

Before the Elevation...

This season has taught me something deeply—before God elevates you, He will often reveal the hearts around you.

Not to hurt you. Not to discourage you. But to prepare you.

As I’ve watched Tim grow—not just as an athlete, but as a young man stepping into adulthood—I’ve seen this firsthand. From homeschooling for 12 years, to watching him graduate, to now standing on national platforms in weightlifting, it has been a journey of faith, sacrifice, and obedience. And with every new level, God has been faithful to show us who is truly for him, who is simply watching, and who needs to be loved from a distance.

Growth has a way of exposing things.

When God begins to move in your life, not everyone can go where He’s taking you. Some relationships shift. Some people celebrate you from afar, while others become uncomfortable with your growth. That can be hard—especially as a mother watching your child step into his purpose.

But I’ve realized something: God doesn’t reveal hearts to make us bitter. He reveals them to give us discernment.

As Tim steps into this next chapter—competing, working alongside us in the family business, and figuring out what adulthood looks like—I know the road ahead will be filled with opportunities, challenges, and lessons. And one of the greatest lessons is understanding that your circle matters.

Who you walk with matters.

Who speaks into your life matters.

Who prays for you matters.

God has a way of pruning before promoting.

Sometimes the separation feels lonely. Sometimes it feels unfair. But often it’s protection. He removes what would hinder the calling He placed on your life.

As a mom, I can honestly say this season has stretched me too. Watching Tim grow up, watching him chase big dreams, and knowing I can’t go into every room with him like I used to has made me trust God in a deeper way. Because ultimately, Tim belongs to God before he ever belonged to me.

And I trust that the same God who has brought him this far will guide every next step.

Before elevation comes revelation.
Before promotion comes pruning.
Before the next level comes discernment.

And for that, I’m thankful. Because God is always preparing us for where He’s taking us.

Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Jordan Staal...

Some players are known for their goals.

Some players are known for their statistics.

And then there are players like Jordan Staal—leaders whose impact can't always be measured on a score sheet.

When the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup Championship last night, there were plenty of players who could have been considered for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. But there was something fitting about seeing Captain Jordan Staal receive the honor.

For years, Staal has been the heartbeat of this team.

He isn't flashy. He doesn't seek attention. He simply shows up every night and does whatever is needed to help his team win. Whether it's shutting down the opponent's top line, winning key faceoffs, killing penalties, or providing leadership in the locker room, Jordan Staal has been doing the little things that championships are built on.

What makes this moment so special is how long he's waited for it.

Since arriving in Carolina, Staal has been part of the foundation that transformed the Hurricanes from a struggling franchise into a perennial contender. Through coaching changes, rebuilding years, playoff heartbreaks, and near misses, he never wavered. He remained committed to the organization, his teammates, and the city of Raleigh.

That's the mark of a true leader.

As captain, he has led by example. His work ethic is second to none. His teammates respect him. The fans love him. And when the biggest games of the season arrived, he elevated his play even further.

The Conn Smythe Trophy isn't just awarded for scoring goals. It's awarded to the player who has the greatest impact throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In many ways, Jordan Staal's entire career has been about making an impact that goes beyond the numbers.

He has shown that leadership matters.

Character matters.

Consistency matters.

Watching him lift the Stanley Cup as captain was emotional enough. Seeing him receive the Conn Smythe Trophy felt like recognition for years of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his team.

As a die hard Hurricanes fan, I've watched Jordan Staal give everything he has to this organization. This championship validated what we've known all along—he is one of the greatest leaders to ever wear a Hurricanes sweater.

Twenty years after Rod Brind'Amour captained the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup, another captain has etched his name into Carolina hockey history.

Congratulations, Jordan Staal.

Stanley Cup Champion.

Conn Smythe Trophy Winner.

Forever a Carolina Hurricanes legend.

🏒🏆❤️🖤

Jaccob Slavin: Christian Athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Stanley Cup Champion...

Some athletes become known for their talent. Others become known for their character. Very few are remembered for both.

That's what makes Jaccob Slavin so special.

For years, as a die hard Hurricanes fan, I have known what the rest of the hockey world is finally recognizing—that Slavin is one of the best defensemen in the game. Night after night, he quietly shuts down the league's top players, makes impossible defensive plays look routine, and leads by example both on and off the ice.

But 2026 elevated him into truly rare company.

In February, Slavin helped lead Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the famous "Miracle on Ice" team of 1980. Wearing the red, white, and blue, he played a critical role on the blue line as the United States captured gold in Milan, fulfilling a dream that every hockey player has when they represent their country.

Then, last night, he helped bring Lord Stanley's Cup back to Raleigh as the Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup Championship win.

With that accomplishment, Slavin joined one of the most exclusive clubs in hockey history. He became only the second American player ever to win an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup in the same year, joining 1980 Olympic gold medalist and New York Islanders defenseman Ken Morrow.

Think about that for a moment.

Generations of American hockey players have dreamed of accomplishing what Slavin achieved in a single year. Winning one of those championships is extraordinary. Winning both in the same season is almost unheard of.

Yet if you've ever listened to Slavin speak, you'd never know it.

What stands out most about him isn't the gold medal around his neck or the Stanley Cup ring he'll soon wear. It's his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Through every interview, every success, and every accomplishment, he consistently points the attention away from himself and toward God.

In a sports culture that often celebrates self-promotion, Slavin chooses humility. In a world that encourages athletes to build their own brand, he chooses to build a legacy of faith, character, and servant leadership.

As a Hurricanes fan, I couldn't be happier to see him finally lift the Stanley Cup. No one deserves it more. He has represented this organization, this community, and his faith with integrity since the day he arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Olympic Gold Medalist.

Stanley Cup Champion.

Christian husband, father, and role model.

Not a bad year for Jaccob Slavin.

And perhaps the most inspiring part of all is that if you asked him which title matters most, he'd probably tell you it's none of those. His identity isn't found in a medal, a trophy, or a championship banner.

It's found in Christ.

Congratulations, Slavo. Hurricanes fans couldn't be more proud.

🏒🥇🏆❤️🖤

Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup Champions...

Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup Champions...

Lord Stanley's Cup is coming back to Raleigh, North Carolina!

What an incredible moment it was to watch the Carolina Hurricanes complete the journey and bring the Stanley Cup home once again. Last night's shutout victory was the perfect ending to a season filled with determination, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.

Bussi stepped into a huge role in the net and did an outstanding job after taking over for Freddie Andersen, who had an incredible playoff run himself. Throughout the postseason, every player on this team contributed in some way, proving that championships are won through teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to something bigger than yourself.

As a lifelong Hurricanes fan, this win feels especially sweet. We've waited twenty years to see Lord Stanley's Cup return to Raleigh, and seeing it happen on the 20th anniversary of the Hurricanes' first championship makes it even more special. It's hard not to think back to 2006 when Coach Rod Brind'Amour, the captain of that championship team, hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.

What makes this championship even more meaningful is that Rod was at the center of both victories. Twenty years ago, he led the Hurricanes on the ice as their captain. Last night, he led them from behind the bench as their head coach. Very few people get to experience one Stanley Cup championship from either role, but Rod has now been part of bringing a championship to Carolina in both. That full-circle moment is something we Hurricanes fans will never forget.

This group of players worked tirelessly for this moment. Through the highs and lows, they never stopped believing, never stopped battling, and never stopped playing for each other. They earned every bit of this championship.

Today, as the Cup makes its way back to Raleigh, Hurricanes fans everywhere are celebrating. From the loudest fans in the arena to those cheering from their living rooms, we've all been part of this journey.

For me, it makes the moment even more special because Scot and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year. We were married in 2006—the same year the Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup. To see them bring the Cup back to Raleigh on the 20th anniversary of that championship, with Coach Rod once again leading the way, feels like the perfect full-circle moment.

Twenty years in the making, and worth every second of the wait. 

🏒❤️🖤

Remembering D-Day: June 6, 1944...

Today marks the 82nd anniversary of one of the most significant days in world history—D-Day, June 6, 1944.

On that morning, more than 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in what became the largest amphibious military invasion in history. The operation, known as Operation Overlord, was a pivotal turning point in World War II. Soldiers from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations stormed heavily fortified beaches under relentless enemy fire, knowing many would never return home.

It's difficult to fully comprehend the courage those young men displayed. Many were barely older than teenagers. They left behind families, friends, dreams, and futures because they believed freedom was worth fighting for. They stepped off landing crafts into uncertainty and danger so that future generations could live in liberty.

As I think about D-Day today, I'm reminded that freedom has never been free. The rights and privileges we enjoy every day came at a tremendous cost. Thousands gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy, and countless others carried the physical and emotional scars of war for the rest of their lives.

History can sometimes feel distant, especially as the years pass and fewer veterans remain to tell their stories firsthand. But days like today are important because they remind us to pause and remember. Remember the sacrifice. Remember the courage. Remember the selflessness.

Scripture tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

While the soldiers who landed on Normandy's beaches came from different backgrounds and walks of life, they shared a common purpose that day. Their bravery helped change the course of history and brought hope to a world engulfed in darkness.

Today, let us honor the heroes of D-Day—not only with words, but with gratitude. May we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, and may we always remember those who paid the ultimate price to secure them.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

#DDay #June6 #NeverForget #FreedomIsNotFree

20 Years In The Making...

20 Years In The Making...

I've been a diehard Hurricanes fan from the very beginning. Through the highs and lows, the playoff runs and the disappointing seasons, I've always cheered for the Canes. That's why this run has been so special to watch.

The journey to where the Hurricanes are now has been an amazing one. In many ways, it's been 20 years in the making.

The last time the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup was in 2006. That championship team, led by Rod Brind'Amour, gave Carolina hockey fans memories that will last a lifetime. Since then, there have been plenty of ups and downs. There were years when the playoffs seemed out of reach and seasons that ended far sooner than we had hoped.

But this organization never stopped building.

One of the biggest turning points came when Rod Brind'Amour returned behind the bench as head coach. The same determination, leadership, and work ethic that made him a fan favorite as a player became the foundation of the team's culture. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes transformed into one of the NHL's most consistent teams.

Over the years, the Hurricanes have assembled an incredible roster filled with talent, character, and team-first players. They've built a reputation for relentless forechecking, strong defensive play, excellent goaltending, and a work ethic that never quits. More importantly, they genuinely seem to care about each other and play for one another.

That's one of the reasons this group stands out to me. Talent alone doesn't get a team this far. Character matters. Chemistry matters. This is one of the best groups of guys I've seen wear a Hurricanes sweater, bar none.

This playoff run has been a testament to perseverance. Every season, every playoff disappointment, every lesson learned has helped shape this team into what it is today. They have continued to grow, mature, and believe that they could compete with the very best teams in hockey.

Now they stand on one of the biggest stages in sports.

The Golden Knights will be a tough opponent. They are a talented team that knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. There will be challenges ahead, and nothing will come easy. But if there's one thing Hurricanes fans know, it's that this team never backs down from a challenge.

As a fan, I'm incredibly excited to watch this series unfold. Twenty years after that magical 2006 championship season, the Hurricanes have another opportunity to bring the Stanley Cup back to Raleigh, North Carolina.

I'm looking forward to every game, every shift, and every moment. And I'm praying that on this 20th anniversary year, the Hurricanes finish the job and bring Lord Stanley's Cup home once again.

Let's Go Canes!

C.harlie K.irk (sha.red from Tur.ning Po.int)...

Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.

More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and guide people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding. Charlie was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America's greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.

In his thirty-one years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference. With the spirit of a pioneer, Charlie launched Turning Point out of his parents' garage as an 18-year-old with no money, no name recognition, only a dream. His energy and drive were awe-inspiring, without equal and deeply infectious. Charlie refused to squander a single day of his life. He was a natural builder and problem solver, who loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray, and try again. He was fundamentally decent, always eager to make new friends and allies and to support and defend the ones he had already made. His values were timeless American ones: Honesty, forthrightness, duty, loyalty, and fair play.

Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see. When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America's youth. He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other. At his final public speech, just days before his murder, Charlie witnessed to Christ to an audience of non believers. Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end Now, he goes to his heavenly reward.

Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.

Never Forget 9/11...

On the night of September 10, 2001 ... 24 years ago:

246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights.

2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning.

343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift.

60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol.

8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift.

None of them saw past 11:00am Sept 11, 2001.

In one single moment life was never the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.

Never forget.

For The Haters...

This was shared on social media last night and I wanted to share it here.  

Here's the thing.  After seeing all that I saw last night on social media concerning this man and then watching some of his videos on his Turning Point Youtube channel I get why the haters would want him gone.  Charlie was reaching far too many Gen Zers for Christ and he was making a real impact on their politically thinking.  He had them all really questioning what they had been brain washed and fed all their lives in their schooling to believe and think.  He was opening so many of these young peoples eyes to see what my husband and I, and so many our age that are like us, already knew....Patriotism matters!  That we need to be Pro Our Countries People 1st!  Jesus is real!  He is Lord!  Family really does matter!  Getting married and having children in that order is how we preserve our future and the future of our nation!  This way we don't all die off because we aren't growing our country!  All life has value - Pro Life!  

    His message was a strong in your face message!  It had everyone thinking.  You either loved him or you hated him.  There was no room for middle road thinking/feeling when it came to his messages to everyone.  

    I pray Gen Zers rise up.  They stand tall.  They multiply his message in way that he never could.  That they open pandoras box so to speak.  Like the Japanese famously said after bombing Pearl Harbor, "I feel we have awakened a sleeping giant!"  Make the haters see that they have awakened a sleeping giant.  Make an impact that will have Charlie's legacy living on for eternity!

Death of an Awesome Man of God...

In recent years there have been so many deaths and attempted assassinations in our country that it breaks my heart.  It's like there's no moral compass anymore guiding our nation.  When I was growing up there was still some semblance of a moral compass even though it was in the beginning stages of the dwindling process.  Folks for the most part went to church on Sunday's.  Most homes still believed in God to some extent even if they didn't live it on a daily basis.  Most of our small towns pretty much closed down on Sunday's.  No business was done and it was truly a day of rest.  

  Fast forward 45-50 years and I don't even recognize the nation that I knew back then.  It's business as usually 7 days a week.  There's hustle and bustle all the time.  Sunday's aren't reserved as a day of rest to the Lord anymore.  The majority of homes in our nation don't believe in Jesus.  There are so many who hate Jesus and are turning the table on those who do saying we are like Hitler.  I don't know where in the world they are coming from with that because Hitler hated Jesus.  He hated the Jews who loved God.  He didn't want anything to do with God.  

    They called Charlie Kirk a Hitler type.  He loved Jesus therefore he loved God.  Nothing about the man screamed that he was that kind of person at all.  

    Today he was shot while speaking at a college campus in Utah.  I'm sure the doctors did everything they could to save him but he couldn't be saved.  He leaves behind a wife and two young children.  He was only 31 years old.  

    Here's what I would love to know, How could someone's opinion (Charlie Kirk's) cause someone to do something like this?  How could someone be filled with that much hate to murder someone in the prime of their life?  Now his kids will grow up without a father and their mom will have to do life raising her two kids without her husband by her side.  My heart breaks for them.  I'm deeply saddened at the state that this nation is in.  

    His family are in my thoughts and prayers as they deal with all the aftermath in the days ahead.  All of our young people are in my thoughts and prayers as well.  I pray that if this young man impacted your life at all that you make a stand for Christ in remembrance of him.  That you make an impact for Christ with your family and friends as well.  Don't let his death be in vain.  Give him a legacy that is worthy of the man of God that he was.  

Don't Go Gentle Into That Good Night!

Don't be passive!  Rage and Burn with the dying of the light!

Life Is Precious And It's Vitally Important That We Fight For It At Every Turn!

Let Us Maintain A Fierce Spirit Rather Than Succumb To A Peaceful, But Complacent, Ending!