I had been a student of leadership for a long time; its study is lifelong. Why? Leaders never stop learning.  You listen, you learn, you lead. I have seen many carry the title leader, but lack the understanding  and final responsibility of what it means.

The wind was swirling and howling. Much of the remaining snow from the storm was gone. The dead leaves left from autumn’s exit had filled the highway. The leaves appeared to be dancing.

What do you do when crisis strikes?  Do you panic, frantically react, withdraw, or go into strategic mode?  I go into prayer mode. Before any other thoughts or actions, I pray.

I was having lunch with a friend, during our conversation we spoke about prayer-talking with God during worship at church. Specifically, praying at the altar.  Are you comfortable kneeling at the altar before God or do the thoughts of others watching restrict your posture of prayer?

Ready or not, 2026 is here.  I admit, I am not prepared; I like to be prepared.  My review/reflection of 2025 is not complete and I have barely outlined goals for 2026. I need time for introspection and self evaluation. 

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34 NKJV\

I messaged back and forth with a friend regarding Thanksgiving meal plans, wondering if she and her new beau would be sharing part of the day together.

Turkeys are roasting (or deep frying-is that still a thing?) The honey and butter glisten on the golden brown.  My dad enjoyed deep frying turkey.  It was a family favorite. My mother still prepared the oven bird, too, my personal preference.  

The phrase “stand up for what you believe in” entered my mind when pondering some decisions.

Here are a few thoughts that helped with decision making…

Thinking and asking ahead rather than absorbing the grace of the moment.  Today, I caught myself moving rapidly in my conversation with God.  I was focused on what I needed to happen.  I was focused on managing tomorrow.  But, I needed to focus on today.

My in-flight ritual at take off is listening to music. It quiets my spirit and allows me to welcome the presence of God.  This particular morning, Terrain’s Testimony is the first song on the playlist. “I am a living, breathing, walking testimony,” penetrates my heart.

Most of  us have ‘our people’. I certainly do.  But, ‘my people’ continue to expand and grow. How about you? Are you click-minded or warm and welcoming? 

God never ceases to amaze and affirm. While sitting outside enjoying a beautiful inn honeycomb landscape, the sound of women talking and laughing was within earshot…

Preparation continues and the excitement is mounting.  The birth of a dream is being realized. There is NOTHING impossible with God.

I was talking with someone I had not seen in a while. She lost her husband a few months ago. 

Do you ever have “pinch me” moments?  Moments when you sit back and think, is this REAL? That’s where I am today…