Breathe, Trust, and Let Go...

Breathe, Trust, and Let Go...

There are seasons in life when everything feels heavy. The unanswered prayers. The uncertainty. The endless responsibilities. The waiting. The hurt. The fear of what comes next.

And in the middle of it all, God gently reminds us:

“Some days, the best thing you can do is breathe, trust, and let go. Everything else can wait.”

What a powerful truth.

Sometimes we convince ourselves that we have to fix everything immediately. We carry burdens we were never meant to hold. We replay situations in our minds, searching for answers, trying to control outcomes that only God can handle.

But God never asked us to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. He simply asked us to trust Him.

There is something deeply comforting about slowing down long enough to breathe in the peace of God. A deep breath reminds us that we are still here, still held, still sustained by His grace. Even when life feels uncertain, God remains faithful.

Trusting God does not mean we understand every detail of the journey. It means believing that His hands are steady even when our hearts are not. It means surrendering our timelines, our fears, and our need for control to the One who sees the full picture.

And letting go? That may be the hardest part of all.

Letting go means releasing the anxiety.
Letting go means surrendering the hurt.
Letting go means placing the situation into God’s hands and believing He is able to do what we cannot.

The beautiful thing is that when we let go, we make room for peace.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 11:28:

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Not more pressure. Not more striving. Rest.

So if today feels overwhelming, give yourself permission to pause. Breathe deeply. Pray honestly. Trust fully. Release what you cannot control.

Everything else can wait.

God is already working in the waiting.

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

Preliminary Schedule for USA Weightlifting Junior Nationals...

This is the preliminary schedule for Junior Nationals. While the schedule rarely changes, we will keep everyone updated if any adjustments are made.

Tim is excited to once again represent Athletic Lab Weightlifting and Carolinas WSO at this meet. Last year, he narrowly missed earning a medal due to a judging error that unfortunately could not be reversed, even after it was acknowledged. While that was disappointing, it became part of the learning process and motivation moving forward.

This year, Tim's focus is different. Since this is his first year competing in a new division, the emphasis is less about medals and more about growth, progress, and personal records. In Olympic weightlifting, gains matter. Every extra kilo on the bar represents hours of discipline, sacrifice, and determination behind the scenes.

One of the greatest joys as parents is having a front row seat to our son’s journey in this sport. Watching him pursue something he truly loves these past almost four years now has been incredibly rewarding. The confidence, discipline, and happiness this sport has brought into his life means far more than any medal ever could, and we couldn’t be more proud of everything he has accomplished so far.

Olympic weightlifting is very different from the sport Tim previously competed in because the results are straightforward—you either make the lift or you don’t. The numbers speak for themselves. While judging is still part of the sport, controversial calls are far less common. There’s a level of clarity and fairness in weightlifting that we deeply appreciate.

What stands out most, though, is the community surrounding this sport. Olympic weightlifting is filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed. When a lifter misses an attempt, you can feel the disappointment throughout the entire venue—not just from their own family, friends, or teammates. And when someone has a rough day, the community rallies around them with encouragement and support.

Tim is truly thriving in Olympic weightlifting, and it has been amazing to watch him grow not only as an athlete, but also as a young man through this journey.

No matter what happens at Junior Nationals this year, we already consider this journey a success. Medals, records, and rankings are wonderful accomplishments, but they are not what define Tim. What matters most is the character being built through the process—the discipline to keep showing up, the perseverance to push through setbacks, and the humility to continue learning and growing.

We are beyond thankful for the coaches, teammates, friends, and family members who continue to support and encourage him along the way. Every competition is another opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger both mentally and physically.

As Tim steps onto the platform this year, our prayer is simple: that he lifts with confidence, enjoys every moment, stays healthy, and walks away proud of the work he has put in. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for him in this sport, and we are grateful to be cheering him on every step of the way.

Welcome To North Carolina...

Welcome To North Carolina...

If you just moved to North Carolina, there are a few things you need to know before you fully assimilate into the culture. This isn’t written in any official handbook, but it should be.

First of all, Interstate 40 is not a highway. It is a lifelong group project that nobody finishes. No matter what time of day you drive it, there will always be orange cones, one confused worker holding a sign, and traffic backed up for absolutely no reason. North Carolinians don’t ask, “Is I-40 under construction?” We ask, “Which part today?”

Then there’s Charlotte traffic. Nobody understands Charlotte traffic. GPS doesn’t understand Charlotte traffic. Scientists don’t understand Charlotte traffic. You can leave your house at 2:17 PM on a Tuesday and somehow end up sitting still for 45 minutes wondering where all these people came from. Meanwhile, someone in a Nissan Altima with expired temporary tags is weaving through six lanes at the speed of sound.

Raleigh drivers are a completely different experience. In Raleigh, people brake because:

• a leaf moved
• sunlight hit the windshield wrong
• someone thought about merging
• there’s a curve ahead in three miles

You’ll be cruising along peacefully when suddenly every brake light in Wake County lights up like it’s the Second Coming.

And if someone invites you to Bojangles, understand this is not simply “grabbing food.” This is fellowship. This is tradition. This is spiritual. North Carolinians will fight harder over Bojangles seasoning than politics. If you say the biscuits are “just okay,” prepare to be escorted across state lines.

Now let’s discuss the Outer Banks. Tourists think the vacation begins when they arrive at the beach. Wrong. The Outer Banks traffic begins approximately six counties earlier. At some point, your GPS will estimate “Arrival Time: Eventually.” You’ll spend three hours moving one car length at a time while someone in the backseat asks if you’re “almost there” every six minutes.

And finally, perhaps the most important lesson of all:

“Bless your heart” is not kindness.

Context matters.

If someone says:
“Oh honey, bless your heart,”
you may have just been called incompetent, ridiculous, or spiritually exhausting.

Southern people can insult you, pray for you, and offer you sweet tea in the exact same sentence.

But despite all the traffic, construction, pollen thick enough to qualify as weather, and debates over eastern vs. western barbecue, North Carolina really is home to some of the best people you’ll ever meet.

Just don’t insult Bojangles while sitting in I-40 traffic on the way to the Outer Banks. That’s how fights start.

Steadfast Love...

Steadfast Love...

This passage from Lamentations 3:22–23 is one of the most comforting reminders of who God is in every season of life:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.”

There are days in life when everything feels uncertain—when circumstances shift, when emotions feel heavy, or when the weight of yesterday seems to carry into today. In those moments, it is easy to wonder if God’s care for us has lessened or if His attention has drifted elsewhere.

But this verse anchors us in a truth that does not move: God’s love does not run out.

His steadfast love is not based on our performance, our strength, or even our ability to hold everything together. It is steady. It is faithful. It is unchanging. Even when life feels inconsistent, His character remains constant.

And not only does His love never cease—His mercies never come to an end. We are not living on yesterday’s grace or borrowing strength from a past season. Each new day brings a fresh outpouring of His mercy, exactly what we need for what we are facing right now.

That is why “they are new every morning” matters so deeply. Every sunrise is a quiet reminder that we are not carrying yesterday into today alone. God meets us again, right where we are, with what we need for today—not more, not less.

And woven through it all is this declaration: “Great is Your faithfulness.” Not partial faithfulness. Not occasional faithfulness. Great faithfulness. The kind that holds steady through every high and low, every answered prayer and every unanswered one, every season of clarity and every season of waiting.

This passage invites us to rest—not in the stability of our circumstances, but in the unshakable character of God. When everything else feels uncertain, His love remains steady, His mercy remains available, and His faithfulness remains great.

And that is more than enough for today.

Love That Is Genuine...

Love That Is Genuine...

In a world where so much can feel shallow, temporary, or self-focused, these verses are a powerful reminder of what real Christian love should look like. Genuine love is more than kind words or outward appearances—it is a love that comes from the heart and reflects the character of Christ.

Paul begins with a simple but deeply challenging statement: “Let love be genuine.”

Not forced.
Not performative.
Not only shown when it is convenient.

Real love is sincere. It shows up consistently. It chooses kindness when it would be easier to walk away. It extends grace when people fall short. It encourages, supports, forgives, and cares deeply for others without expecting something in return.

The world often teaches us to love based on feelings, agreement, or personal benefit. But biblical love goes deeper than emotion. It is a daily choice rooted in God’s love for us.

These verses also remind us to “hold fast to what is good.” In a culture where right and wrong can become blurred, followers of Christ are called to cling tightly to goodness, truth, integrity, and righteousness. We are not meant to blend into the darkness around us, but to reflect God’s light through the way we live and love others.

Then comes one of the most beautiful challenges in this passage: “Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Imagine how different relationships would look if people genuinely tried to encourage, uplift, and honor one another instead of competing for attention, recognition, or praise. So much division comes from pride and self-centeredness, but honor shifts the focus away from ourselves and toward valuing others.

Showing honor can look like:

• Listening when someone needs to talk.
• Offering encouragement when someone feels discouraged.
• Celebrating another person’s success without jealousy.
• Choosing patience during difficult moments.
• Treating people with kindness and dignity, even when disagreements arise.

True Christian love stands out because it reflects Jesus. He loved selflessly, served humbly, and showed compassion even when others did not deserve it.

Every day gives us opportunities to live out these verses—not just in big moments, but in small everyday interactions. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a patient response, or a listening ear can speak volumes.

So today, ask yourself:
Is my love genuine?
Am I holding tightly to what is good?
Am I honoring others in the way Christ calls me to?

The world needs more sincere love, more kindness, more grace, and more people willing to reflect the heart of Jesus. And often, the smallest acts of genuine love leave the greatest impact.

Mom's Recovery...

Mom's Recovery...

Mom has been doing amazing in her recovery from total knee replacement surgery. PT has been focusing heavily on strength exercises to help strengthen both her surgery knee and the supporting leg. She faithfully does every exercise they give her to do at home each and every day.

Her gait is looking better than I’ve seen it in years—as long as she doesn’t fall back into the bad habits her body naturally wants to return to she'll be golden. I love that she only uses the cane now. She’s even getting in and out of the shower on her own without needing the shower chair anymore.

The scar has healed so nicely. It took right at the two-month mark for the swelling to go down enough that her surgery knee actually looks better than her other knee—which also needs to be replaced. Her surgery knee still gets hot at times, so she continues using the ice machine for pain management.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy, and there have definitely been some hiccups along the way, but she’s truly getting to the other side of this surgery now.

Once Scot finishes fixing her car—which has been a challenge to say the least—I’m going to take her to an empty parking lot so she can practice driving again on the new knee. It’s one of the last big steps we need to take to help her regain her independence—and it's so exciting to see this moment approaching.

Guided by Truth...

Guided by Truth...

There are so many moments in life when we wish we had clear direction. We want answers right away. We want certainty about the future, clarity for difficult decisions, and peace in the middle of confusion. Yet life often unfolds one step at a time, and sometimes the path ahead feels uncertain.

That is why this verse is such a comfort.

Jesus reminds us that we are not left alone to figure everything out on our own. God, in His love and faithfulness, gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. Not partial truth. Not temporary truth shaped by opinions or emotions. But God’s truth—the kind that anchors us when the world around us feels unstable.

The world constantly pulls us in different directions. Voices everywhere tell us what to believe, how to live, and where to place our hope. It can become overwhelming trying to sort through the noise. But the Holy Spirit gently leads us back to what is true. He reminds us of God’s promises, convicts our hearts, gives wisdom, and brings peace when we seek the Lord sincerely.

Sometimes that guidance comes quietly.

It may come through Scripture speaking directly to your situation.
It may come through a deep sense of peace about a decision.
It may come through prayer, wise counsel, or God opening and closing doors at just the right time.

Often, we want God to reveal the entire journey ahead, but He usually gives us enough light for the next step. Faith grows when we learn to trust His guidance daily instead of demanding every answer at once.

Following the Spirit also requires surrender. We cannot cling tightly to our own understanding while asking God to lead us. Sometimes His direction stretches us, challenges us, or takes us places we never expected. But His guidance is always rooted in love, wisdom, and purpose.

One of the most beautiful things about God’s truth is that it brings freedom. The truth of God quiets fear, exposes lies, and reminds us who we are in Christ. It steadies us when emotions try to overwhelm us and keeps us grounded when circumstances shift around us.

So today, if you are searching for direction, take heart. You do not have to navigate life alone. The Holy Spirit is still guiding, still speaking, and still leading God’s people into truth.

Slow down enough to listen.
Spend time in God’s Word.
Pray with an open heart.
Trust His leading even when you cannot see the whole picture.

God is faithful to guide every step surrendered to Him.

God Is My Strength and My Salvation...

 

God Is My Strength and My Salvation...

Life has a way of bringing moments that leave us feeling weak, uncertain, and overwhelmed. There are seasons when fear tries to creep in, when the weight of circumstances feels heavier than what we can carry, and when the future seems unclear. Yet in the middle of all of it, this verse reminds us where our true strength comes from.

Not from ourselves.
Not from the approval of others.
Not from having every answer or every detail figured out.

Our strength comes from God.

Isaiah 12:2 is such a powerful declaration of trust. It doesn’t say life will always be easy or free from hardship, but it does remind us that we do not walk through those hardships alone. God is our strength when we feel weak. He is our peace when anxiety tries to take over. He is our defense when life feels overwhelming. And because of Him, we can choose faith over fear.

“I will trust and not be afraid.”

What a powerful statement.

Fear has become such a common part of the world we live in today. Fear of the unknown. Fear of failure. Fear of loss. Fear of what tomorrow may bring. But trust in God changes the way we face those fears. Trust reminds us that even when we cannot see the full picture, God already does.

Sometimes trusting God means continuing forward even when the path is uncertain. Sometimes it means resting in His promises when emotions feel unstable. Sometimes it means surrendering the burdens we were never meant to carry alone.

And through every season, God remains faithful.

The beautiful thing about salvation is that it is not based on our strength—it is based on His. We do not have to strive endlessly to hold everything together. God is already holding us.

So today, if your heart feels weary, let this verse be a reminder:
You are not alone.
You do not have to live consumed by fear.
God is still your strength.
God is still your defender.
God is still your salvation.

Take a deep breath, place your trust in Him, and remember that the same God who has carried you before will continue to carry you through whatever lies ahead.

Living with a Hope That Speaks for Itself...

Living With a Hope That Speaks for Itself...

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, disappointment, and division, hope stands out. Real hope—the kind that remains steady even in difficult seasons—is something people notice. They may not always understand it, but they can see it in the way you carry yourself, the peace you hold onto in hard moments, and the faith that keeps you moving forward when life feels heavy.

This verse is such a beautiful reminder that our lives should reflect the hope we have in Christ. Not just inside the walls of a church, but in our everyday conversations, reactions, attitudes, and actions. People are watching how we respond when life gets hard. They notice whether we choose bitterness or grace, fear or faith, anger or kindness.

Sometimes sharing our faith doesn’t begin with preaching a sermon. Sometimes it begins with simply living differently.

It’s choosing peace when chaos surrounds you.
It’s showing kindness when the world feels harsh.
It’s holding onto faith when circumstances try to shake you.
It’s loving others even when it isn’t easy.

And when someone asks, “How are you still standing?” or “How do you still have peace after everything you’ve been through?”—that becomes an opportunity to point them back to Jesus.

But this verse also reminds us how we should respond: with gentleness and respect.

In today’s world, it can be easy for conversations about faith to become harsh, defensive, or prideful. But Christ never called us to force hope onto people. He called us to reflect Him. Gentleness speaks louder than arguments. Respect opens doors that judgment never will.

Your story matters.
Your testimony matters.
Your faithfulness matters.

You may never realize how many people are encouraged simply because they watched you trust God through a difficult season.

So today, continue to live with hope. Continue to walk in faith. Continue to let your life reflect the goodness of God. And when the opportunity comes to share the reason for your hope, do it with love, humility, and grace.

Because sometimes the greatest witness is not just what we say—but how we live.

Graduation Pictures with Family & Friends...

We had fun getting pictures with family and friends after the graduation ceremony.