An Encouraging Anchor for Your Week

The Planning Pause I Didn't Know I Needed...

Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is stop focusing on tomorrow and fully embrace today.

I know we've been on this intentional planning thing for a few weeks, but we're taking a break this week.

Why?

So, me, the hubs, and Sofie took an amazing vacay with our family for a week, and logging in to any device was limited. And I'm not kidding when I say every email to you, my awesome subscribers, takes me about two weeks to write before I can confidently hit the "schedule" button... including two or three drafts, two test emails, and then one more test email the day before to myself (or the hubs) as a sanity check.

But while on vacation that week with about 12 of my most awesome family members? That routine wasn't happening. Actually, NO routine or planning was happening, and it was glorious (insert visual of Julie Andrews spinning on a mountaintop and singing "The Sound of Music" - and if you're not familiar with this visual, no judgement, you have the link).

Every note I've been sending out in this series about mission statements, our roles, and those values that are at the core of our being became REAL REAL.

As in, I can check out of the chaos. I can check out of thinking about my to-do list and the tasks waiting for me. And I can choose to check in to what matters most to me... the people around me. Those incredible souls God put before me whom I value and who are still in my life and beside me today.

In the middle of all the laughter, beach days, Mahjong, and conversations, I couldn't help but think about how often I'm not present because I'm consumed with the responsibilities of tomorrow.

I mean seriously, how many times do we find ourselves physically present but mentally somewhere else?

Thinking about the next meeting, the next obligation, the next item on the list, or the next problem to solve.

The next. The next. The next.

Yet there I was, surrounded by family, reminded that some of God's greatest gifts aren't found in accomplishing more or planning for whatever comes next, but in being fully present for the moments He has already given us.

Because while tomorrow isn't promised, those divine moments—those opportunities to laugh, hug, connect, and inhale peace and joy—are what our Lord genuinely wants us to experience in this life here on earth.

With that, if I were to challenge you with anything this week, it would be to shift your mindset toward intentional connection.

Intentionally look for the God-breathed nuggets of joy, peace, and love in those who still surround you. Inhale their presence, God's presence, and the life you have with them today.

Let this week be a catalyst for the mission statement you're creating—one full of love, fulfillment, and hope for all that you have, all that you are, and all that God is calling you to become.

Rooting for you always, my friend. 👊🥰

Let's Pray 💞

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of today. Thank You for the people You have lovingly placed in our lives and for the moments that often go unnoticed when we become distracted by tomorrow's worries.

Lord, help us slow down. Help us be fully present where our feet are planted. Remind us that while planning has value, it should never come at the expense of the relationships and blessings You've entrusted to us.

Open our eyes to the joy surrounding us. Help us recognize the sacred beauty in ordinary conversations, shared laughter, warm hugs, and the precious gift of time spent with those we love.

As we continue creating mission statements and pursuing the purposes You've placed on our hearts, help us remember that our greatest mission is to love You and love others well.

May we rejoice in this day, trust You with tomorrow, and walk confidently in the grace You've provided for today.

Rooting for you.

In Jesus’ Name, let’s pray.

In Love and Christ,

Dorene Elizabeth

If you’re ready to go deeper and stop chasing unrealistic expectations and start pursuing intentional, Christ-centered goals with clarity and purpose, I’d love for you to check out my Christian Vision Board Workbook 🤍

Thoughtfully created to help you prayerfully reflect, align your goals with your values, and seek God’s direction as you plan for the season ahead.

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