Create Your Now with Kristianne Wargo

The holidays can be a spinning mess. One moment, you're sipping hot cocoa, planning festive fun, and feeling optimistic that everything will go smoothly. Next, you're in the middle of a heated argument, wondering how two people who share the same space can feel so disconnected. It's this familiar trap amidst the chaos of Christmas where it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. For couples, remembering the real meaning of the season is more than a challenge; it's a chance for renewal and falling in love all over again. Christmas often brings out the best and the worst in relationships. It's a mirror reflecting both your deepest hopes and your rawest frustrations. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com The pressure to "make it perfect" can trigger disappointments, and the pile-up of tasks leaves little room for patience. Add busy family schedules, travel stress, and well-meaning but intrusive advice from relatives, and it's no surprise couples sometimes reach their breaking point. But it doesn't have to be that way. Christmas is more than gifts and glitter; it's an opportunity to root your marriage in grace and a deeper love that withstands storms. It's a chance to reboot your connection—to fall in love all over again by focusing on what really counts: kindness, presence, and intentionality. Love isn't found in grand gestures alone. It's found in the small, daily choices to be kind, to listen, and to nurture one another. It's about making the space to truly see your partner beneath the noise of the holidays. When couples remember this, the season shifts from a source of stress to a wellspring of hope. The K.I.S.S. ~ Shift your season by connecting! Here's how you can deepen your connection during this busy season—and beyond. 1. Choose Grace Over Grievance "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." —Psalm 103:8 In the frenzy of the holidays, imperfections become magnified. Your partner forgets to pick up a gift Tension mounts over family logistics Frustration bubbles under the surface But falling in love again starts with choosing grace instead of grudges. Remember, grace isn't ignoring problems; it's opening space for healing. When tempers flare, pause and breathe. Instead of escalating conflict, say to yourself: "I'm choosing love over being right." An original truth to hold on to: Love grows when we give it the room to breathe, not the weight to suffocate. Extend forgiveness freely—because holding on to small hurts only sinks the connection. 2. Create Meaningful Moments Amid the Madness "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Connection isn't just about big displays; it's built on small actions. Whether wrapped up in holiday errands or catching the end of a Christmas movie, these little moments create "sticky" bonds that glue hearts together. Think beyond gifts: Share a quiet walk after decorating Cook a meal together Write down what you appreciate about each other. These acts signal, "You matter to me," stronger than the most expensive present. As I often say, "Life gets messy, but love is built in the moments you're both fully present—even if it's just for five minutes." Seek those pockets of genuine connection every day. 3. Speak Words That Nurture and Build "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." —Proverbs 16:24 Words carry enormous power in relationships, especially during stressful seasons. It's easy to default to criticism or complaints. But what if you flipped the script? What if your words became the bridge, not the wedge? Make a habit of sincere compliments, encouragement, and affirmations. Tell your partner what you love about them, what you notice they do, and how they make your life better. Speak life into your marriage. "Your voice can either deepen love or drain it—choose to speak as if your words water a garden." ~ Kristianne Wargo "Whether you're together in the same room or miles apart this Christmas, opportunities to love are woven into your daily actions." ~ Kristianne Wargo Those connections, small yet profound, make life sticky. And a sticky marriage is one that lasts. So this season, leave behind the holiday chaos as an excuse. Instead, let Christmas be the season you fall in love all over again—rooting your marriage not in perfection, but in grace, presence, and heartfelt words. That's the best kind of gift there is. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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.

With the complexities of the holidays, families are caught in the whirlwind of the kids bursting with excitement, the house in a constant uproar, and the clock that keeps ticking down. It's the Christmas countdown! So don't lose sight of the heart of the season. Now, if we do, the heart of the season will get shoved aside because you're too busy. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Christmas demands your attention; it deserves your family's focus. And the good news? You don't need elaborate plans or perfect Instagram- or Facebook-worthy reels. What you need are intentional, standout traditions that pause the chaos and plant the real meaning of Christmas deep in your family's heart. The K.I.S.S. ~ Plant the real meaning of Christmas! It matters! So don't hold back when you think about traditions or experiences during the holidays. Secure your indescribable moments with actions. Here are three unique, extraordinary things your family can do during this final stretch—the kind of moments no one forgets and keeps the reason for Christmas front and center: 1. The "Gift of Gratitude" Jar Most families do an Advent calendar or a countdown chain. Here's a twist: start a "Gift of Gratitude" jar. Each day, every family member writes down one thing they're deeply thankful for or one way they see God's love at work. Drop it in the jar. On Christmas Eve, gather around and read these out loud. It's raw, it's real, and it redirects everyone's hearts away from the frenzy to the blessings they already have. 2. Create a Living Nativity Family-Style Forget a generic Christmas pageant. Make your home the stage. On one evening, gather as a family, assign roles, and act out the nativity story with a creative twist—improvise, use household items as costumes or props, make it fun and memorable. Not only does this bring the story alive in a fresh way, but the laughter and teamwork make the true meaning stick firmly in your family's minds and hearts. 3. The Midnight "Light and Hope" Walk When the house finally quiets and the world outside feels still, take a simple walk together under the stars. Bring flashlights. Talk about how Jesus is the light shining in the darkness. Let each kid say one hope they have this Christmas—for themselves, the family, or the world. This moment of quiet reflection cracks open space for peace amid the chaos—and builds a memory that will shine long after the holiday rush. The Christmas countdown isn't about rushing through; it's a call to pause to make the season matter. Don't treat these like just activities. They're heart-work. Seeds of faith and focus that outlive the wrapping paper and glitter. So amid the whirlwind, don't just survive—be bold and create your now; those moments that anchor your family in the true, beautiful reason of Christmas. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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 holidays have a way of whipping us into a frenzy. Heartbeat racing, lists in hand, and Google tabs open on every store from here to the North Pole, chasing that ONE perfect gift. The one that will say, "You matter," "I love you," and "This year will be the best ever." Only to find it's backordered, out of stock, or mysteriously vanished from every website. Oh, sugar cookies—presence over presents! We scramble to fix what feels broken but miss what's already whole. The real gift this holiday season isn't wrapped and tied with a bow. It's your presence. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Yes, you showing up. Sitting down. Laughing, listening, and simply being there—with no agenda to perfect the moment or achieve Pinterest-worthy magic. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," says Matthew 6:21. It's a simple but profound reminder that what we invest our time and energy in is what truly counts. Worrying over getting the perfect present often steals us from what really matters—unwrapping moments with those who love us, messy and real. Remember the timeless holiday classic, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"? It's not about the gifts but the warm presence of loved ones. The song urges us, "Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow." It tells us presence sustains joy beyond any fleeting object. The K.I.S.S. ~ Oh, sugar cookies—presence over presents! You're not alone in the pressure cooker of perfection. From sugar cookies burning in the oven to dashed shipping promises, chaos is part of the holiday story—just like the night in Bethlehem when there was no room at the inn. Yet, in that seeming scramble, the most sacred gift was given: Emmanuel, God with us. So if you're staring down a pile of "to-buys" and feeling the anxiety rising, pause. Take a breath. Your presence—the time, attention, and heart you offer—is a gift that can't be backordered or lost in shipping glitches. It's the only gift that matters. This season, give yourself permission to let go of the perfect presents. Instead, carve out space for imperfect, unforgettable moments. Sit down for hot cocoa. Tell that "uncle joke" again. Pick your battles and pass on the madness of the perfect wrapping paper. As Charles Dickens wrote in A Christmas Carol, "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Your presence—steady, patient, engaged—is the real magic that lasts beyond wrapping paper and blinking lights. Oh, sugar cookies, this year choose presence over presents. Because no gift can compare to the gift of being truly there. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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 holidays don't just exhaust your body—they can wreck your mind if you don't fight back. Between rushed shopping, noisy family gatherings, and relentless pressure, stress hits an all-time high. Peace isn't something someone else can give you. You have to claim it on purpose. Time to create mental peace in the holiday chaos. Waiting for calm to "show up" or hoping a perfect season will magically fix your frazzle? That's wishful thinking. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Protecting your mental and emotional well-being is your job, especially when the chaos is screaming for your attention. That means knowing when to pause, when to say no, and how to carve out quiet space for your mind and soul. This isn't just feel-good fluff. Jesus said it clearly: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27). This is an invitation to tap into a calm deeper than your circumstances—a peace that exists even when everything around you feels out of control. Meet Rachel. Last Christmas, she was overwhelmed by nonstop family demands. She made one simple but powerful choice: she said no to a draining event and spent that night journaling and praying, grounding herself in gratitude. The result? She showed up the next day refreshed, less reactive, and fully present—a rare gift in the holiday madness. You don't have to accept holiday exhaustion or social burnout as your default. So, build in these mental rest points throughout your day. The K.I.S.S. ~ Build in mental rest points! Think about what you have been doing up until today. What has worked and what hasn't? Here are three mental health moves you can make now: Practice daily gratitude. Write three things you're thankful for each morning to shift focus from stress to abundance. Create a tech detox window. Even 30 minutes unplugged daily can quiet the noise and recharge your brain. Set clear boundaries. It's okay to say no. Protect your peace by limiting social events or demanding conversations. When you build these mental rest points into your holiday calendar, you don't just survive December—you claim it as a season of peace and joy. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #WellnessWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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.

December screams at us with a million demands—end-of-year wrap-ups, gift lists that stretch forever, parties, commitments, and the constant pressure to "do it all." The noise is deafening. It's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But life isn't about doing all the things—it's about doing what's worth doing; hope in the hustle. At some point, you have to step back and be okay with simply feeling the spirit of Christmas. That feeling—quiet, humble, and real—deserves the front seat in a season that so often feels chaotic. It's what holds the true meaning of the holidays: connection, presence, and hope. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Maybe you feel a little like the Grinch. Tired? Overwhelmed? Feeling "blah" or like the Grinch really did steal Christmas? You're not alone. The weight of expectations can suck the joy dry fast. But here's the thing: hope is still alive, quietly waiting in the cracks of your overwhelmed heart. That hope comes from a little baby born in a manger—an ancient, powerful reminder that even in the darkest, busiest, most complicated times, light breaks through. It doesn't come with glitter or fanfare. It comes quietly and calls you to be still, to be present, and to let go of what you can't control. The K.I.S.S. ~ Hope in the hustle! Let Go of the Past—Create Your Now Don't carry the weight of holiday disappointments, old regrets, or "should-have-beens." They're chains that keep you stuck in a season that's already happening. Instead, be present for the people who are right in front of you. Your family, your friends, even yourself. Presence is the real gift—not perfection, not overdone decorations, not a mile-long to-do list checked off. Presence means showing up with your heart and mind. It means listening without distraction. It means choosing connection over chaos. Be Encouraged This Christmas, give yourself permission to slow down. To say no to the noise. To embrace what matters most: hope, peace, and love in action. When everything else pushes for the front, choose what sustains you. Hold onto hope—not because everything is perfect, but because grace is always enough. The story of a baby in a manger is a story of new beginnings, fresh starts, and a gentle reminder that light still shines in the darkness. So don't be the one holding onto the chaos of yesterday. Be the one who brings your full presence to today. After all, presence is what matters most. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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.

When you think about the holidays, it's usually the thoughts that strangle the hope of the season. At some point, you have to figure out how to cut through the noise, silence the chaos, and turn up the volume of "I can." But you know that takes commitment. Trim your thoughts, not the tree. Here's the thing: It's not the physical decorations or the packed schedules weighing you down. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com It's the clutter in your mind—the relentless swirl of worries, doubts, and negative self-talk that steals your joy and energy. Your mind is your most powerful tool, but left unchecked, it becomes your biggest obstacle. Trimming your thoughts means renewing your mind. It's a radical choice to take control of your inner narrative, shift the story you tell yourself, and create space for hope, clarity, and action. The K.I.S.S. ~ Trim your thoughts to renew your mind! Here are three practical ways to start: 1. Identify and Cut Out Toxic Thought Patterns You can't prune what you don't see. Start by becoming a ruthless thought detective. When negativity pops up—whether it's fear, "I'm not enough," or overwhelm—call it out. Bring that truth into the light. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. Ask yourself: Does this thought align with that? If not, it's dead weight. Toss it. Replace it with truth. "Every lie you shrink from reveals the door you must boldly open." ~ Kristianne Wargo 2. Reframe with Renewed Beliefs Your mind is a garden. If you water weeds, they grow. If you plant hope, it flourishes. Romans 12:2 commands us not to conform to the chaos of the world but be transformed by renewing our minds. Reframing isn't about fake optimism—it's about anchoring your mind in what's possible, achievable, and worthy. For every "I can't," ask "How can I?" "Choosing one empowered thought rewires your brain for a hundred opportunities." ~ Kristianne Wargo 3. Practice Focused Stillness and Gratitude Amid the holiday noise, stillness feels impossible. Yet, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Intentional quiet gives you power over your own mental noise. Use journaling or prayer to list what you're grateful for—gratitude resets your mental filter from scarcity to abundance. "Gratitude is the mental reset button that recharges your heart's hope." ~ Kristianne Wargo The holidays won't perfect themselves. But trimming your thoughts—that relentless mental pruning—is the greatest gift you can give yourself. It clears the path for purpose, peace, and power that no schedule or decoration can match. You're not here to endure the season. You're here to own it. So, this year, skip the needle-stabbing tree and start inside your head. Your mind needs the light most of all. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #MindsetMonday #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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 complex—messy, complicated, and often frustrating. The waiting seasons, setbacks, and unanswered questions can drain your energy and spirit. No wonder you're exhausted. So when the Bible tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4), it sounds almost impossible. However, you can choose joy, a deep-rooted confidence. Joy isn't about your circumstances lining up perfectly. It's a deep-rooted confidence that God is at work, no matter what your calendar or bank account says. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Life is not always going to give you what you want. In fact, you'll probably end up with more failures than successes. Yet, even in the dark, there is joy. Not because of what you've done, but because of who God is. Take Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. She spent years aching for a child, feeling left out and desperate. Finally, God answered her prayers, and the joy she expressed wasn't just happy tears; it was the raw relief and overwhelming gratitude of a promise fulfilled. God desires to fill your deepest desires, especially when they come from the depths of your gifts and talents. However, you have to be willing to feel what you can't see; joy down in your heart. The K.I.S.S. ~ Joy, a deep-rooted confidence! Joy like Hannah's doesn't come from luck or good times. It's not about winning the $1 billion Powerball. Joy comes from trusting God's faithfulness through every twist and turn. It's a choice when walking by faith. There is no reason for a bold refusal to let hard seasons steal your hope. And this is what it looks like in your everyday: When frustration or disappointment knocks, push back with joy. Find the things God is doing under the surface—no matter how small. Choosing joy builds resilience, energizes your focus, and sets you up to tackle your day on your feet, not your knees. This Advent, stop waiting for joy to land like a jackpot. Claim it now as the power that fuels your faith forward. Rejoice—because joy doesn't depend on the outside world; it's born inside, from a relationship with a God who keeps His promises. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #SweetSpirit #CreateYourNow #SoulfulSunday 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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 holidays are filled with traditions, yet the usual routines can sometimes leave your marriage feeling stale and falling flat amid the seasonal frenzy. So, if you want to spark fresh romance rather than fade into the background of the hustle and bustle, it's time to upgrade your holidays and break the 'too busy' cycle in your marriage. The holiday season isn't just busy — it's a full, constant sprint, leaving you gasping for air. It's no wonder your marriage feels blah! Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com And then the overwhelm kicks in when you realize something has to be done for the two of you, like traditional routines. But they can get buried under to-do lists and phones or tablets, turning festive cheer into unattended background noise. If you want your connection to survive during the holidays, especially and thrive, you have to stop running on autopilot. The solution isn't more decorations or typical "quality time." It's creating intentional rituals that cut through the noise and demand your focus on what really matters, each other, and turn your holiday into a true romantic retreat. The K.I.S.S. ~ Turn your holiday into a romantic retreat! Here are three straightforward, heartfelt rituals to break the endless "too busy" cycle this Christmas and turn your holiday into a true romantic retreat: 1. Advent Date Nights with Heartfelt Depth Forget cookie-cutter outings. Each weekly date builds intimacy by inviting honest sharing and listening. Try these: Story Swap: Take turns sharing a meaningful Christmas memory from your childhood, then discuss why it stuck with you. Vulnerability here isn't optional—it's the point. Dreams & Wishes: Set aside distractions to talk about your biggest hopes for the year ahead, together. This isn't small talk; it's planting the seeds for real growth as a couple. Gratitude Reflection: Light candles, turn phones off, and each share one specific thing you noticed and appreciated about your spouse that week. No generalities—be concrete and sincere. 2. The 12 Letters of Christmas Replace the standard gratitude jar with a daily habit that deepens connection through words. For the next 12 days of December leading up to Christmas, write your spouse a short letter—one that could be a cherished memory, a simple "thank you," or a hope you have for your life together. These notes build an emotional archive, turning busy days into moments of presence and love. 3. Create a Purposeful Christmas "Love Playlist" Music shapes mood and memory, but this playlist has a purpose. Ask your spouse to add one song each week that reflects how they feel or a story they want to share. Play it during dinners, coffee time, or wrapping gifts, then talk about why they chose that song. This soundtrack is your couple's anthem—new tradition, new connection. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol showed us how even the coldest hearts warm through meaning and kindness. This season, don't just check off boxes: craft rituals that demand presence, draw you close, and remind you why your love deserves more than a passing glance. This is how you break the "too busy" cycle. This is how you make the holidays about the two of you again. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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.

By the time mid-December rolls around, the holiday buzz is at full volume. You've got the lights, treats, to-do lists that never end, and kids bouncing off the wall with excitement, and sometimes overwhelm takes the helm. It's easy to get swept up in the noise and lose sight of what really matters. So why not prepare hearts and traditions for your family that count? That's why traditions matter. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind, but simple, steady rituals that become anchors in your family's heart. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com That's why traditions matter. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind, but simple, steady rituals that become anchors in your family's heart. They're the gentle reminders that Christmas is about more than presents and parties; it's about gratitude, joy, and a love that runs deeper than the wrapping paper. There have been many traditions over the years that I hold close to my heart. One tradition I hold close is our "joy jar." Each day, we write something we're thankful for and drop it in the jar. Watching those notes fill up feels like watching God's goodness build right before our eyes. Another is a family night where we read a story about Jesus' birth, pray together, and talk about what Christmas means—not just the fun stuff, but the why behind it all. And you can't have a birthday party without a cake. Yes, we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, even blowing out the candles. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. [Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8] What better time than Christmas to help our kids practice this? To invite them to thoughtfully consider what they want Christmas to feel like and be about deep down. The K.I.S.S. ~ Prepare hearts and traditions! Here are three simple ideas you can try this week to guide your family's thoughts: Start a Joy Jar or Board: Encourage everyone to add notes of thanks daily. It's a tangible way to see blessings multiply. Create a Family Night Routine: Pick a night for a short story, prayer, or even a talk about Christmas's meaning. Keep it cozy and casual. Ask Thoughtful Questions: When the kids get excited about gifts or parties, gently ask, "What does Christmas mean to you this year?" Let them surprise you with their heart. Remember, it's not about perfection. It's about presence—and pointing hearts towards what lasts longer than any holiday buzz. You're helping your kids carry a Christmas that sticks, mama. That's the gift that keeps on giving. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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 holiday hustle and bustle can speed up your reaction time, causing you to scroll past what really matters. By the time the weekend's nearly here, it feels like just another to-do list stretching in front of you. Between shopping, errands, and trying to squeeze in a moment for yourself, you must find the sacred in the simple moments. Don't let the rush of the season wear down the real reason. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God." In the stillness of your weekend, there's life waiting to settle in your bones if you let it. Presence is the bridge to those breath-catching, soul-soothing moments. It's the time you honor and see the beauty in whatever you are watching. As you begin to move into the weekend, I want to invite you to see your weekend through a different lens—one that notices the small, sacred slices of time you can claim as yours. Maybe it's the quiet sip of coffee before anyone's up, or the laughter around your kitchen table. Perhaps it's a walk beyond your front door where the cold air wakes you up or a minute to breathe deeply in your favorite chair. "Presence isn't about having more time. It's about making the moments you have fully yours." ~ Kristianne Wargo The K.I.S.S. ~ Find the sacred in the simple moments! No matter how tired you are, you have the power to choose presence. Not by doing more, but by being more—right here, where you are, even in the simple and ordinary. So, lean into presence like it's a cozy blanket on a chilly night. Let your senses tune in—the glow of light, the sound of a child's voice, the steady rhythm of your breath. These moments, small as they seem, add up to the sacred. Let the fire startle your heart so you choose to be a part of something extraordinary. Life doesn't need to be packed to feel full. It just needs you to be fully you. So, as you settle into the weekend and all your plans, I want you to consider the promise this season: presence turns ordinary time into holy time. And that's where your soul is renewed. Light your fire and find the sacred in the simple moments. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) 🔔 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.