Create Your Now with Kristianne Wargo

When you're married, communication isn't always a smooth, gentle sail. Sometimes it feels like you need to set off an avalanche just for your spouse to even glance your way. You may not like it, but those hot fights are the wake-up call, the "enough is enough" moment that shakes things loose. But here's the catch: standing your ground doesn't mean tearing your partner down, making them feel small, or turning the conversation into a demolition derby. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Think about where you are in your marriage? You want to be fierce and firm without being a jerk. So how do you make your point—and make it stick—without belittling the person you promised to stand with? The K.I.S.S. ~ Be fierce and firm! Here are three sharp, no-nonsense moves to make sure your voice hits home without blowing the whole house down. 1. Own Your Feelings Like Fire, Not a Fist Forget blaming or shaming. The second your words start pointing fingers, your partner's brain locks down. Instead, use the power of "I" statements that bring your gut feelings front and center. This isn't about tattling, it's about declaring your reality. Say it loud and clear: "I feel unheard when I try to talk about this." "When you dismiss my thoughts, it hurts because I care." Notice the difference? You're not accusing—you're owning your emotions like a mature adult who demands respect. It's hard to brush that off or argue with feelings that come straight from your heart. 2. Set a Clear Boundary—with Consequences If you want someone to listen, first you need to show them that not listening has real consequences. This doesn't mean ultimatums or drama, but firm boundaries with follow-through. Example: "I need us to have a real conversation about this tonight, or I'm taking some time alone to think." "If we can't sit down and work this through, I'm going to suggest couples counseling." You're not threatening—you're making it crystal clear that ignoring the problem isn't an option anymore. This stakes your claim with a direct, mature call for accountability and signals that your feelings aren't disposable. 3. Use The Power of Pause and Presence Sometimes the most powerful way to get through to someone who won't listen is to stop trying to fight fire with fire. When it all escalates, pull back briefly to reset the tone—but don't disappear emotionally. Try this instead: "I'm going to take a few minutes to calm down, but when I come back, I want us to really listen to each other." Or simply sit in the same room silently, making eye contact, showing you're present but not giving in. This "pause and be present" move flips the power dynamic. It puts your partner in a spot where they have to face the seriousness of the moment without you yelling over them. Silence can be louder than words if you wield it right. Bottom Line You don't have to live in a constant war zone—standing up for yourself can look like controlled fire, not an explosion. When your spouse refuses to listen, sometimes you do need that avalanche to shake things up. But you get to decide if it's an avalanche of respect or a landslide of drama. Own your feelings. Set boundaries with consequences. Use a poised, intentional pause. That's how you plant a stake in the ground without breaking the whole marriage up. Remember: Sometimes a hot fight is exactly the jolt your relationship needs—just make sure it leads to real listening, not just noise. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Parenting is a beautiful mess. It's raw, chaotic, exhausting—and at the same time, it's the most rewarding and risky thing you'll ever do. If you feel like your life as a parent isn't what it "should" be, you're not alone. Embrace the beautiful mess. Because this mess is exactly where the magic happens. The challenge is not to escape it, but to live fully inside it without losing yourself. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Have you ever thought the home itself is a mess, but so am I? Raising kids is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of work, prayers, patience, and more prayers. But when you have glimpses of the blessings in the mess, you wouldn't change a thing. Remember, rainbows come after a storm. The K.I.S.S. ~ Rainbows come after the storm! So, how do you keep your sanity when the chaos threatens to swallow you whole? Here are three hard truths every parent needs to own to hold onto their sense of self—and see the blessings through the noise. 1. Set Boundaries Without Guilt You're not a superhero. Your well-being isn't optional—it's essential. Saying "no" or carving out time for yourself is not selfish. It's strategic self-care. When you're drained, you're less patient, less present, and less effective. Nobody benefits from a burned-out parent yelling over tantrums or stacking demands. Choose what you will and won't take on. Delegate. Close the laptop at a set time. Don't say yes to every event or chore. Boundaries create breathing room. And breathing room is what keeps your head clear and your heart open to your kids, rather than snapping at them from stress. 2. Anchor in What Matters—Daily It's easy to get lost in the endless to-dos and disappointments. The dinner burned, the missed school notification, the tantrum in aisle six—it piles up fast. But those moments don't define your entire story. Get in the habit of pausing to name one thing—big or small—you're grateful for every single day. It could be your child's laughter, a quiet hug, a shared joke, or that moment when your kid finally slept through the night. Focus trains your brain to see the good beyond the chaos. This isn't "fake positivity." It's necessary muscle-building to recognize the blessings hiding in plain sight. You find what you look for. So, what are you looking for? 3. Show Up Intentionally—You Choose the Vibe Parenting isn't some fixed role you can't influence. You get to decide how you show up—even on impossible days. Your mindset shapes your family's vibe. You can mirror frustration and exhaustion, or you can lead with calm, curiosity, and humor. That doesn't mean forcing a smile when you feel overwhelmed. It means setting an intention each day to be the parent your family needs—not the parent you think you have to be. Nobody is perfect. Everyone faces hard days. What sets thriving families apart is the choice to keep showing up with love and resolve, even when life feels like a mess. Parenting is the highest-risk, highest-reward gig you'll ever have. But here's the thing: you get to choose how to show up to shape a family that thrives, not just survives. The mess is real, but so is the love. Keep your boundaries sharp, your focus anchored, and your intention clear—and you won't just survive the beautiful mess; you'll own it. It's not about flawless days or perfect kids. It's about you claiming your space in the chaos and seeing the blessings through every cracked moment. That's the real victory—to show up fully, flawed and strong, as the parent your family deserves. Embrace the Beautiful Mess by Kristianne Wargo Embrace the beautiful mess— The scattered toys, the wild unrest, The crumbs that line the kitchen floor, The laughter echoing through the door. It's chaos spun from love's own thread, A tapestry where tears are shed, Where tantrums roar and tempers flare, Yet tender moments linger there. In spilled juice and sleepless nights, In endless battles, tiny fights— There's magic hiding in the fray, A story only you can play. The perfect life's a myth, a guess; True grace lives in the beautiful mess. So wash your hands, take a breath, And lean into the wild—embrace the mess. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

The mountains you experience may feel like they're not moving; fear has you frozen because you're stepping into something you have never walked before. So saddle up your heart and blaze a trail. Listen—blazing a trail doesn't mean waiting for a clear path or a perfect plan. It means saying, "I'll figure this out." When you blaze a trail, you take the risk that others won't. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com You make the messy first steps, because all you see is the destination on the horizon—and you're hungry enough to get there. Trailblazers who matter don't wait for permission. There is something on your heart that needs your attention. It might not be possible today, but that doesn't mean you should stop thinking about it or taking steps towards it. "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!" ~ Kristianne Wargo You don't want to allow yourself to sit paralyzed by doubts or comparisons. Get your hands dirty, make mistakes, and keep going when others stop. Because honestly, the secret is—you are created for more. Don't give up with you can blaze a trail. The K.I.S.S. ~ Blaze a trail! If you want to blaze a trail, start by owning that uncomfortable feeling. Progress isn't born from comfort. It's born when you push past the noise in your head telling you to play it safe. Remember, every "tried and true" route was once an uncharted path. And guess who made it known? Someone blunt enough and bold enough to take the first step. So stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan. Your trail starts with your next move—no matter how small. The future belongs to the ones willing to carve it out, one step at a time, which is going to lead you to miles of greatness. You were not created to follow. You're here to lead so you can go and impact the world you touch with your gifts and talents. Go blaze that trail and create your now! "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Life is not going to ever be easy or simple. But simple decisions bring greater rewards, specifically in your health. Hit me with your best shot. If you think your health will just take care of itself through the ups and downs, you're setting yourself up to fail. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com The truth is, simple, clear decisions—made every day—are what stack up into real health wins. When everything else feels out of control, your commitment to these basics becomes your shield and sword. What are you doing now to protect your health? I am on a journey, too, figuring out what works best for my body type. But the season I'm in is really challenging. In fact, I don't have control over the majority of what is happening. And that's all the more reason to stick to your guns. The K.I.S.S. ~ Stick to your guns! Cause life will throw you curveballs. However, you don't have to let those curveballs derail everything!! Here are three no-nonsense moves anyone can lean on to manage their health during difficult times: Control Your Inner Circle You can't always change what's happening around you, but you can control what you put in your body and mind. Choose food that fuels you rather than drains you. Hydrate like your energy depends on it—because it does. And guard your mental space: pull back on toxic news or people who drain your willpower. These choices aren't glamorous, but they keep your foundation solid. Create Mini Rituals That Stick When chaos sweeps in, the world demands more from you. That's when it's crucial to build mini routines that don't require hours or special equipment, but anchor your day. A 5-minute stretch, a 10 deep breaths focus break, or a walk at the same time daily adds structure and signals to your brain that you have control. Small wins like this multiply under pressure. Prioritize Rest and Recovery Stress doesn't just mess with your mood—it kills your health quietly. Sleep like your life depends on it. If you can't get a full 7-8 hours, grab power naps to reboot. Find pockets of downtime to unplug, even if it's 10 minutes away from screens. When you let your body recharge, your immune system fights better and your mindset sharpens. You can't fight all day on empty tanks. Managing your health in chaos isn't about heroic feats or perfect behaviors. It's about choosing what's simple and repeatable when the noise gets loud. Narrow down what's in your control and keep showing up for those things every day, no matter how small the action feels. Life will keep throwing punches. You've got to keep your guard up, stand your ground, and let your health account grow steadily. The fewer distractions and the clearer your plan, the easier it is to avoid getting knocked off balance. So what's your next move? What simple, bulletproof habit will you stake your health on today? Hit me with your best shot—you got this!! "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #WellnessWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Life has a way of pulling us in every direction at once. The endless responsibilities, personal passions, and career demands—whether inside or outside the home—can all collide, leaving you gasping for a moment to breathe. If you're feeling stuck, trapped by your own series of "YES" commitments, it's time for a reset. It's time to carve out the time. Because that time belongs to you! Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Pause for just a moment. Recognize that what you've been doing isn't working. That's not a failure. It's clarity. But don't mistake that clarity for defeat. Hope is still here, still waiting for you to grab it. You absolutely can manage your schedule to fit the life you want. It's about finding rhythms that respect your energy and priorities—not squeezing life into rigid boxes. But beating yourself up over what's not working? That's just wasted energy. What purpose does it serve other than to keep you stuck? Instead, lead with kindness and compassion toward yourself. Give yourself that crucial moment of reprieve. When you stop the inner criticism, you create space to truly see what's working and what's not. You start to spot the patterns that drain you and the routines that fuel you. You begin to understand how to carve time from the chaos, instead of letting the chaos carve you up. The K.I.S.S. ~ Carve out the time! "Stuckness does not define your capabilities." ~ Kristianne Wargo Being overwhelmed isn't a sign of weakness; it's a signal that something needs to change. You are capable of shifting gears, reshaping your days, and deciding where you spend your YESes. You have more control than you think. So, start small. Block 15 minutes for just you—no distractions, no to-dos that aren't yours. Protect that time like your best asset, because it is. Use it to reflect, plan, or simply breathe. And then from there, build outward. Set boundaries. Say no when you need to. And most importantly, cut yourself some slack when the system falters. This is a process, not a sprint. Time isn't lost—it's waiting for you to claim it. Carve out the time on your terms, with patience and intention. You are created for more. And today, you're not behind; you're exactly where you need to be to recalibrate and move forward stronger. When you give space to know where you are and where you need to go, it opens the door to envision the possibilities and not see all the daily crumbles that fall at your feet. You were created on purpose, for a purpose. But without time, that purpose cannot be shared, so you can impact the world you touch. Unbuckle your seatbelt that is holding you hostage, and be free to be who you are and who you are becoming. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

We all want more time. More hours to get more done. Faster moves mean faster results, right? Wrong! The problem isn't a shortage of time—it's how rhythm beats speed every time. We could all use more time to accomplish more. However, unfortunately, all we get is being backlogged with thoughts of "I wish I had more time" and "Why can't I move faster?" Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com "Distractions hijack your actions." ~ Kristianne Wargo Interruptions speed up time, making it slip through your fingers even faster. Rushing only fragments your focus and steals your momentum. Complaining about not having enough time or daydreaming about "more" won't move the needle. Instead, there's one way to conquer the chaos and find steady progress: go with the F.L.O.W. The K.I.S.S. ~ Go with the F.L.O.W.! As we know, distractions, interruptions, and disturbances only speed up time, leaving less time. If you let things get in the way, it takes MORE time to get things done. So get into a rhythm and go with the F.L.O.W.! Face what matters. Get brutally honest with what's truly important right now. This isn't about to-do lists cluttered with busywork; it's about aligning your heart and mind on what demands your energy in this moment. List it. Write down your priority tasks. If your to-do list doesn't line up with your real priorities, you're off rhythm. Cut the noise and reset until what you do matches what matters. Organize your schedule. Stop giving time away to endless distractions. Block your schedule like you mean it. Guard that time as if your results depend on it—because they do. Wholehearted commitment. When it's go-time, dive in with everything you've got. No backtracking. No second-guessing. Drop the excuses that slow you down. Going with the F.L.O.W isn't about hustle—it's about rhythm. The steady beat that keeps your days from spinning out of control and turns effort into consistent action. Remember: moving faster isn't the answer. Getting into rhythm and syncing your time with what really matters—that's how you own your day, your work, and your life. So stop wishing for more time and stop dreaming "if only," and start mastering the rhythms that make the time you have unstoppable. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #MindsetMonday #CreateYourNow #PersonalDevelopment 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

"Oh Lord, You're beautiful, Your face is all I seek. And when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me." This heartfelt song, written by Chris Tomlin and Steffany Gretzinger (2022), captures a truth that unwaveringly stands through joy and hardship alike: God is beautiful. Not in the way the world measures beauty—with fleeting success, perfection, or ease—but in His eternal character, mercy, and unfailing love. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Beauty in the Midst of Hardship Life rarely unfolds according to our plans. Dreams don't always come true the way we imagine. Circumstances can be ruthless, and the weight of the world can crush our spirit. Yet, amid these trials, the Bible reminds us of a beauty that transcends all earthly struggles. Psalm 27:4 says, "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple." The psalmist's longing isn't for comfort or ease, but to behold God Himself. His beauty shines brightest when everything else falls away. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God's purpose to replace our ashes with beauty: "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." No matter the pain or loss, God's presence brings a beauty this world cannot touch. The K.I.S.S. ~ Oh Lord, You're beautiful! Beauty Revealed Through Pain—The Story of MercyMe The film I Can Only Imagine tells the story behind the song of the same name by the band MercyMe. It's not about what Bart Millard did to find success but about what God did in the brokenness of his life. Bart's painful relationship with his father could have defined him—and many would expect that pain to harden or destroy. Instead, God's beauty poured into that brokenness, restoring, redeeming, and inspiring millions. This story reminds us that God's beauty isn't reserved for the perfect or the successful—it shines brightest where there is hurt, where hope seems lost. Romans 8:28 assures us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even our pain has a purpose in God's grand design. A New Direction: Coming as You Are Maybe you've been headed one way, chasing your dream or seeking your own plan, only to find closed doors or unexpected detours. God isn't surprised. He has already set the table for you—inviting you to come as you are, no edits required. Psalm 23:5 paints this picture beautifully: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." God's invitation to us is immediate and full of grace, even when our circumstances are messy and our hearts are hesitant. But here's the question: Is your heart willing? Are you ready to look up from your struggles and see God's face—beautiful, steady, unchanging? Your Next Move In the toughest moments, when the world feels heavy and your dreams seem out of reach, stop and seek His face. God's beauty doesn't depend on your success, your happiness, or your understanding. It depends on who He is—loving, gracious, and faithful. Come as you are. Look to Him. Find grace for the journey. Because when God's eyes are on you, His beauty surrounds you and abounds in you. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #SweetSpirit #CreateYourNow #SoulfulSunday 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

There's a kind of magic in falling in love. It hits hard, sparking joy, passion, and an overwhelming sense of connection. When you say "I do," it feels like the beginning of forever—a forever fueled by those electrifying feelings. But what happens when the feeling fades? For most married couples, the intense emotional need—the attraction, the butterflies, the all-consuming desire to be near one another—lasts about two years. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com After that, reality creeps in. The daily grind, the frustrations, the quirks that were once charming now feel annoying. The relationship stops feeling like effortless joy and more like hard work. And who wants a relationship that feels like work? No one. So what then? How do you keep the spark alive when the feeling fades? When love feels more like a duty than a delight? You don't just throw in the towel because the honeymoon stage ended. That's not marriage. It's just the start of something deeper that needs conscious attention and effort. Here's why you fell in love in the first place When those waves of irritation and disappointment surge, if you stop and reflect, you can still recall the reasons you said "yes." Your partner's laughter, their kindness, how they made you feel seen. These memories remind you that your love had substance beyond just fleeting feelings. It's natural to want to hold on to that. But clinging too tightly to nostalgia won't fix your present. The Feeling Is Fading — Now What? Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned marriage counselor and author of The 5 Love Languages, offers a clear path forward: marriage is not about feelings alone; it's about commitment. Your head has to talk to your heart and say, "I'm choosing to love you today, even if I don't feel the way I did before." The K.I.S.S. ~ Choose to love today! To not only keep the feeling alive but deepen the connection, here are three crucial steps couples can take: 1. Speak Your Partner's Love Language Chapman's groundbreaking insight is that everyone receives love differently—some through words, others through deeds, touch, gifts, or quality time. When you stop getting that intense rush of attraction, what can keep you connected is meeting your spouse's emotional needs in the way they understand best. If your partner's love language is "Acts of Service," those small thoughtful actions speak louder than a tired "I love you." If it's "Words of Affirmation," never underestimate the power of sincere compliments and appreciation. Find their language and speak it fluently. 2. Prioritize Connection Over Convenience Love means choosing connection, even when it's easier to check out. Make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, not as a chore but as a commitment. Rotate "date nights" or mini check-ins that remind you both why you chose each other. Chapman once said, "We don't feel loved when we don't feel heard." So listen—actively and without judgment. Listen to what your partner needs, fears, dreams, and frustrations. When you feel heard, love grows. 3. Commit to Growth, Not Perfection Nobody said marriage is easy. Chapman emphasizes, "Love is a choice you make every day." It requires patience, forgiveness, and a willingness to evolve—both individually and as a couple. When the feeling fades, it's an invitation to grow closer by overcoming challenges together. Share your vulnerabilities. Take responsibility for your part in conflicts. Focus on solutions rather than blame. In the end, choice trumps feeling. The best marriages aren't built on feelings alone because feelings are fleeting. They are built on a daily decision to love, communicate, and show up. When your head commits, your heart often follows. And over time, that commitment can even spark new feelings—ones that are steadier, richer, and more aligned with the real, imperfect human in front of you. If you want your marriage to last past the fade, don't wait for feelings to come back on their own. Choose to love anyway. Your relationship isn't just about how you feel—it's about who you decide to be together. You've got clarity on what happens when the feeling fades—and what to do next. Your move? Start speaking your partner's love language in action, schedule that meaningful conversation, and commit to growing together. Let your head lead your heart, and watch the love deepen beyond the surface. No fluff. No magic potions. Just hard, real-hearted work that turns fading feelings into lasting love. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Let's be real—teaching your child appreciation in today's world is like trying to hold back a tidal wave. Everywhere they look, the message blares loud and clear: "You deserve it." Stop the entitlement and encourage the appreciation. Because if we are real and raw, no one wants to wait for anything. If you are older and wiser, you probably understand the importance of hard work and saving. We didn't get to have something just because it was newly released. We had to save and plan. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com From flashy ads to social feeds flooded with luxury, entitlement breeds quietly but powerfully. If we don't intervene, we aren't doing our kids any favors—we're setting them up to believe the world owes them without effort. That spoiled mindset sabotages their future, leaving them unprepared for real life. The only way they will get ahead is if you help instill genuine gratitude while dismantling entitlement. The K.I.S.S. ~ Instill genuine gratitude! So how do you get ahead and instill genuine gratitude while dismantling entitlement? Here are three no-nonsense moves every parent must make: 1. Teach Ownership of Effort, Not Outcome Kids need to understand early that rewards come from action, not just desire. Help them experience working toward something and earning it. For example, let them save part of their allowance to buy a coveted toy or tie screen time privileges to completed chores or homework. The focus isn't just on getting the prize—it's owning the path that leads there. When they struggle or fail, lean in with real talk. Point out that life doesn't hand out trophies for trying alone, but recognizing effort is the first step toward earning success. This builds grit, patience, and perspective. 2. Model Explicit Gratitude—Not Just "Thank You" Saying "thank you" is table stakes. Show your child what appreciation actually looks like. Vocalize your own gratitude for small things, like a warm meal or a friend's kindness, and why it matters. Invite your child to notice and express what they genuinely feel thankful for daily—not because they have to, but because it's real. This habit trains their emotional radar to catch blessings instead of entitlement triggers. Additionally, when appreciation is part of the family's rhythm, your child views gratitude as a strength, not a weakness. 3. Create "Want vs. Need" Awareness Kids rarely pause to ask, "Do I really need this, or do I just want it?" It's on you to create moments for reflection on this critical distinction. When they make demands or expect instant gratification, challenge them gently but firmly to explain why. Guide them through thinking about how what they want fits into their bigger goals or values—does it bring them closer to the person they want to be, or is it impulse and habit? This builds clarity, grounding them in reality and reducing the fuzzy sense of entitlement that says "I deserve it just because." Here's the bottom line: if you don't teach appreciation, entitlement sneaks in through the cracks. You want a kid who can navigate life with grit, gratitude, and grounded expectations—not a spoiled consumer waiting for things to fall in their lap. These three steps aren't easy, but they are urgent. And the alternative is raising a child unarmed against the entitlement trap—and that's a lose-lose for everyone. Your move now is to shape their mindset today—before the world shapes it for them. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Life doesn't hand out easy cards. Sometimes the lemons coming your way aren't the kind you can just squeeze for lemonade. They're heavy, sour, and downright stubborn. Yet, excuses won't get you anywhere. When the chaos of life has you tangled, this is exactly when you need to stand up and challenge yourself. Sure, motivation feels like an elusive friend. Some days, the right words—the spark to keep moving—slip right through your mind. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com It's easier to sink into that quicksand of defeat, letting the weight of setbacks hold you down. But that's not where your story ends. You are made for more. Not just a vague promise or feel-good mantra. You. Are. Made. For. More. But here's the catch? You have to be your own fiercest believer. No one else is going to shove those boots back on and push you forward—it's on you. So stop hanging up your boots just because the path got rocky. The K.I.S.S. ~ Challenge yourself! Challenge yourself to push beyond the limits you think you have. You can do more than you currently believe. However, none of this happens by simply wishing for it. It takes action. Real, gritty, unglamorous action to change your direction. If today feels like the day you want to give in, don't. Choose challenge—choose growth. When life tries to drown you in excuses and chaos, rise up and be who you are becoming. It won't be easy. It never is. But then, nothing worth doing ever is. Today, challenge yourself! "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.