Create Your Now with Kristianne Wargo

When the future feels shaky and the world seems out of control, hope is often what's missing. But here's where you check your pulse: hope is not wishful thinking or vague optimism. Real hope is a confident expectation anchored in the faithfulness of God. Jeremiah 29:11 cuts through the noise: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com This verse isn't a hollow promise—it's a wild, brave declaration from a God who never backs down on His word. Even when everything feels grim, God's plan includes hope. That's why hope is the very first step in the Advent countdown. Take Abraham's story. God told him to leave everything familiar and step into a future he couldn't see (Genesis 12:1-7). The promise? Countless descendants, a nation, a land. The reality? Decades of waiting. No instant magic—just hope that held him firm against all odds. If you wait for perfect conditions before believing in a better future, you'll never start moving. Hope isn't the absence of fear or doubt. It's the refusal to let fear have the final say. The K.I.S.S. ~ Hope - the faithfulness of God! Hope shifts your mindset from "What if I fail?" to "God's got a plan bigger than my fear." It's a weapon that cuts through paralysis, despair, and the noise telling you to give up. Hope propels action, fuels courage, and brightens the darkest waiting rooms of life. In this season—where chaos, stress, and distractions scream the loudest—don't settle for a Christmas that's just checklists and cheer. Choose hope. Choose to grab hold of the promise that God's plans for you are good, steady, unbreakable. Hold tight through the noise and the storms, because every step forward is a step closer to God's future for you. Here's a poem just of you to hold close, Carrying Hope Beyond the Season: Hope is not the empty wish, Nor quiet dreams that fade and miss, It's fire kept alive inside, A rock when raging storms collide. When fear is loud, and doubts descend, Hope is the voice that does not bend; It moves through night with steady pace, And lights the way with endless grace. So hold this hope, don't let it go, Through every high, through every low; God's promise stands, a steadfast shore, Hope opens every locked door. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #SweetSpirit #CreateYourNow #SoulfulSunday 💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com) Available now to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple, or Fandango. 🔔 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.

Marriage is no fairy tale without effort. It demands work, dedication, and a clear purpose to turn the ordinary into an extraordinary journey. When that effort wanes, couples find themselves facing the big 'D'—divorce. No one wants that outcome. Yet, many walk down the aisle with hope for forever, only to get distracted by the temptation of greener grass elsewhere. But the problem is that they're digging for gold in the wrong places. Picture this: It's Black Friday, and everyone's scouring the stores, hunting for the best deals, the quickest wins, the most immediate gratification. People elbow past one another looking for the flashiest bargain, only to realize that the shiny price tag wasn't worth it. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com This frantic search mirrors what happens too often in marriage. When you dig for gold, hoping to find what suits your wants, you're likely unearthing unmet desires—not the true needs of your spouse. Here's the hard reality: When you focus your energy on what benefits you the most, the marriage suffers. That kind of selfishness eclipses the bigger picture—the life you're building together. You might be tending to your own needs, but if your care doesn't shift to serve your spouse in their unique ways, you're missing the point of digging for gold at all. So how do you dig for the right gold—the kind that deposits value into your marriage account and lays a strong foundation for growth? The K.I.S.S. ~ Dig for the right gold! Here are three game-changing shifts to make: 1. Chase Needs, Not Wants Your spouse's true needs are the veins of gold worth mining. This might be emotional support, respect, time, or physical affection. Wants are fleeting and surface-level—they shine for a moment but don't last. When you prioritize their deeply rooted needs, you build trust and connection. Ask yourself: What do they need to feel valued, secure, and loved? 2. Focus on Giving, Not Taking Black Friday shoppers hoard deals for themselves. Marriage demands the opposite mindset. Serve your partner with intentionality, not through the lens of what you get back. This could be small daily acts—listening without interrupting, sharing the workload, or celebrating their wins. These deposits accumulate into a treasure chest of goodwill. 3. Align Your Goals for the Bigger Picture You're not two separate entities anymore. Your marriage is a shared venture, and its success depends on unified goals. Set your sights on the long-term vision: building a life that reflects both your dreams, values, and commitments. Digging together in the same direction strengthens your foundation and protects against distractions. When you commit to digging for gold with the right intention, it transforms everything. Instead of frantic digging for surface-level satisfaction, you develop a rhythm of deliberate, heartfelt effort that uncovers the true riches of marriage: connection, trust, and unwavering partnership. So when the urge strikes to envy the grass on the other side or chase what's easiest, remember the Black Friday crowd—it's chaotic, selfish, and fleeting. Instead, dig deep, dig with purpose, and strike gold where it matters most—in your marriage. "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.

Raising kids with kind hearts filled with gratitude feels like an uphill battle these days. It's no secret that screens dominate their attention—heads buried in phones and tablets, tuning out the world around them. But it doesn't have to be this way. If we let kids do what they want with technology, many will struggle to grasp what it really means to be kind, respectful, and thankful. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com And here's the tougher truth: parents aren't always present either, caught up in their own whirlwind. If both sides are disconnected, how do we break the cycle? How do parents show up fully as role models, living kindness and gratitude instead of just preaching it? The K.I.S.S. ~ Model what you want to pass on! Here are three actions every parent can make to be truly present and set a powerful example. 1. Ditch Distractions – Commit to Screen-Free Moments If kids see you glued to your phone or laptop, scrolling mindlessly, it sends the message that real connection is optional. The first step is radical honesty: identify the pockets of time where you can switch off technology—no notifications, no sneaky checks. Dinner time, bedtime stories, or even a 15-minute walk are golden opportunities. These moments show your child that they have your full attention. Presence breeds connection, and connection is the foundation of teaching kindness and gratitude. 2. Practice Open, Intentional Conversations Being present means more than physically being in the room. It means engaging with your child on a real level. Ask questions that require more than "yes" or "no." Listen actively, reflect their feelings, and share your own honestly. Show them it's okay to express gratitude, not just as a polite word but as a genuine feeling. When you talk about your day's frustrations or joys, model empathy and thankfulness. Kids learn how to communicate kindness by seeing it modeled, not just hearing it preached. 3. Choose Actions Over Words Every Day Kindness and gratitude aren't abstract concepts—they live in daily actions. You can role model these by doing small but intentional acts like saying "thank you" often, helping a neighbor, or admitting when you're wrong. Invite your children to participate in these gestures. Whether it's volunteering together or writing thank-you notes, these practical experiences stick with kids beyond any lecture. When parents prioritize kindness as a lifestyle, children catch on fast. Parenting is a full-time, no-BS job. It's tempting to justify distractions with the pressures of multiple work demands, but none of that counts if your kids don't feel you. Your time is the most powerful currency you offer. Prioritize your children with purpose, raising more than just good kids—to raise people capable of changing the world around them with kindness and a grateful heart. You alone decide what living legacy you leave with your presence. So get off autopilot. Show up. Speak up. Love intentionally. Your kids—and the world—need it more than ever. "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.

Thanksgiving often nudges us to list the people we appreciate—the family, friends, mentors, colleagues. But this year, let's flip the script. Before you reach out to thank another, consider turning your gratitude inward. What if today, the letter of thanksgiving you write is to yourself? Think about your year—not just the surface moments you flash back to, but the quiet stretches, the small triumphs, the unseen acts of kindness you offered without fanfare. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Where has your heart been whole? What parts of yourself have you poured out in courage, patience, and persistence? You've shown up, even when the weight of uncertainty settled heavily. You faced challenges that stretched your limits and kept moving forward anyway. You've carried others through tough days. You've made choices—sometimes hard ones—that demanded your integrity and strength. That deserves recognition. This letter isn't about empty praise. It's about honoring the real work you've done: holding space for your own growth, standing in your values, and creating pockets of joy and generosity in your world. You have a spark, a well of kindness, and a resilience that's uniquely yours. The K.I.S.S. ~ The letter of thanksgiving! Celebrate the progress you made on days when progress felt invisible. Toast the moments when you chose kindness over resentment, action over fear, and love over doubt. These ripple out in ways you don't always see and plant seeds that will flourish quietly in the future. So here's to you—the human being who gave their best, who showed grace, who learned and adapted, who kept the faith when things got foggy. Your contributions matter. Your light is real. Your life is a gift not only to others but to yourself. When you write that letter, be bold. Recognize the goodness you created. Give yourself permission to feel proud and worthy of your own thanks. Because the most powerful gratitude starts with honoring the person you've been—and the person you are becoming. "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.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denials into acceptance chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie Gratitude isn't just about saying "thank you." Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com There's a subtle but powerful difference between being thankful and being grateful. Thankfulness happens in the mind — it's the polite acknowledgment of something received. Think about the server who brings your meal: you thank them because they did their job, and now your hunger is relieved. Gratitude, by contrast, goes deeper. It's a feeling that arises from the heart, a profound recognition and appreciation that shifts your entire state of being. When you're grateful, it changes how you think, feel, and even how your body responds. Your mindset turns more positive, your emotions settle into calm and contentment, and your body relaxes into peace — the kind that heals and restores. This isn't something that happens by accident. Gratitude is a muscle you have to train. It's easy to talk about, but much harder to live out consistently. That's why it requires intention and practice. The K.I.S.S. ~ ! Here are three practical ways to cultivate more gratitude in your daily life: Start a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three specific things that you appreciate. They don't have to be big—sometimes small moments hold the most meaning when you truly notice them. Express Appreciation to Others: Take the time to tell someone what you're grateful for about them. Verbalizing gratitude deepens connections and reinforces positive emotions for both you and the other person. Make Gratitude Your Daily Ritual: Whether it's first thing in the morning or before you go to sleep, set aside a dedicated moment to reflect on what's good in your life. This practice helps train your mind to seek out positivity even when times are tough. Imagine your gratitude like a muscle in your heart and soul. The more you work it out, the stronger it gets. Having a tough day? Challenge yourself to list three things you're grateful for. Feeling grumpy in the morning? Reach out and tell someone what you appreciate about them. Before bed, make gratitude your final act—write down moments from your day you truly value. Over time, this practice rewires your brain and rebalances your emotions until gratitude becomes your default mode, your natural way of experiencing life. This shift isn't just a feel-good habit. Regularly practicing gratitude rewires your brain for optimism, reduces stress, and improves overall wellness. It grounds you in the present, turning what you have into enough—and more. So don't just say "thanks." Cultivate gratitude. It's not just kind, it's transformative. "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.

The holidays can stir our hearts, drawing us closer to our thoughts. Don't let the busyness cloud what matters. Leave nothing behind. You are created for greatness! Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com This holiday season, don't let what you think you know be disguised as what matters. Give yourself that space and time. The K.I.S.S. ~ Leave nothing behind! Be brave. Be bold. Be courageous and make a decision to forgive, to love, to share a hug. Life is too precious. So leave nothing behind. "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.

Far too often, we're caught in a relentless cycle of "putting out fires" — responding to demands, answering endless messages, attending meetings that don't move the needle. Our days are dictated by everyone else's priorities. But what if that didn't have to be your reality? What if you could break free and create margin to do what matters? Imagine this moment as a fork in the road. The old season is burning out, and you're stepping into a new one—one where you call the shots on your calendar and your energy. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Not slacking off on responsibility, but choosing where you invest your time and heart. What if creating margin now was the spark that reignited your capacity to dream big again and see what's truly possible? This is your invitation to pause. To push back on overwhelm. To pause the chaos and make space for something different in your life. Margin isn't just empty space—it's the launchpad for growth, rest, creativity, and impact. The K.I.S.S. ~ Create margin! Here are three powerful moves you can make today to create margin and reclaim the ability to do what matters: Get Ruthless with Your To-Do List Stop letting your to-dos dictate your worth. Review your list and cut out or postpone anything that isn't tied to your core goals or values. Learning to say "no" or "not now" isn't passive; it's a strategic act of self-respect. This purge creates room to focus on your highest priorities instead of juggling every demand tossed your way. Set Non-Negotiable Boundaries on Your Time Block chunks in your calendar that are sacred—no meetings, no calls, no notifications. Treat these blocks like appointments with yourself. Use this time to work on projects that excite you, plan for your future, or simply recharge. When you control your schedule, you control your life. Disconnect to Reconnect Turn off the constant ping of emails, DMs, and social media distractions for set periods every day. This creates mental space to think deeply and innovate. When you're not constantly reacting, you can move from surviving to thriving, from firefighting to forging your own path. This season, give yourself permission to create margin—to clear the clutter holding back your vision. It's not about neglecting responsibilities; it's about choosing which battles deserve your energy. The good news? The more margin you create, the more you'll realize that your goals, your dreams—they're not out of reach. They're waiting on the other side of all that busyness. You owe it to yourself to start now. After all, what's the point of running so hard if you don't make time to do what really counts? "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #MindsetMonday #CreateYourNow #PersonalDevelopment 💍 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.

As the holiday season unfolds around us, the pull of distractions and pressures can easily divert our mind, body, and spirit from the path God desires. It's a time when expectations run high, and focusing on what truly matters often feels like an uphill battle. But there is one simple yet powerful weapon we can wield to stay grounded: a heart of gratitude. Psalm 118:24 sets the tone perfectly: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Each day is a gift from God, purposefully crafted by His hand. When we choose to recognize this truth, even in the hardest moments, we center ourselves in rejoicing rather than resentment. This doesn't mean ignoring challenges or pretending life is perfect. It means acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness regardless of circumstances. Being grateful isn't a passive feeling that happens by chance. Colossians 4:2 instructs us to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Gratitude demands intentionality—setting our hearts and minds to seek God in prayer, staying alert to His presence and provision, and cultivating thankfulness as a spiritual habit. When we dedicate ourselves to this practice, we sharpen our perspective and root ourselves firmly in God's promises. The K.I.S.S. ~ A heart of gratitude! Psalm 89:15–16 reminds us why this matters: "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness." Walking joyfully in God's light and righteousness flows directly from a heart that knows how to praise and give thanks continually. It's a blessing, not by virtue of perfect circumstances, but through closeness with God and confidence in His goodness. This holiday season, no matter where you find yourself—whether celebrating joyfully or facing struggles—embrace a heart of gratitude. Be grateful for where you are without denying your desire for better. Expect great things because God is greater still. When your thankfulness comes from a place deeply rooted in faith and prayer, your spirit aligns with what God desires: trust, hope, and joy. Remember: gratitude isn't just for good times; it is the key to standing strong through all seasons. Let each day be a new chance to rejoice, to pray, and to walk in the light of the Lord's presence. That is true thanksgiving—a heart that opens wide to receive God's grace and reflect His goodness to the world around you. You don't need to wait for perfect moments to be thankful. Start today. This is the day the Lord has made—let's rejoice and be glad in it. Your heart of gratitude will carry you forward, lighting the way for the holiday season and beyond. "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 holiday season — a time when most expect joy and togetherness — often arrives wrapped in stress, tension, and expectations that feel impossible to meet. It's no surprise that fights flare more frequently during this time, as couples get caught in a tug-of-war between family demands, unmet hopes, and sheer exhaustion. The mountain looks too huge to climb. But it doesn't have to break you or your marriage. Because whatever happens, choose us. What have your holidays looked like before? Are you someone who wants to control everything to minimize the possible chaos? Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Choosing each other in the midst of holiday chaos is the secret that keeps couples sticky when everything else seems to pull them apart. How do you do that? The K.I.S.S. ~ Choose each other! Here are three ways couples can hold tight, even when the holidays feel like a battlefield. 1. Communicate Honestly and Early Waiting until frustration boils over is a fast track to conflict. Instead, talk openly about expectations before the holidays begin. What feels doable? What's a hard no? When you set the stage with honesty, you reduce surprises and resentments. It's not about scripting a perfect plan but about being realistic and considerate—this way, you face the season as a team, not opponents. 2. Create Your Own Traditions Too often, couples get stuck in a loop of doing what "has to be done" to appease others, which drains joy and fuels resentment. Instead, carve out moments that belong only to you two. Maybe it's a quiet morning coffee before the chaos, a walk after a big meal, or a small gift exchange just between you. Those rituals build connection anchors amid the noise—and remind you why you're in this together. 3. Choose Compassion Over Perfection Nothing will go exactly as planned. Someone will snap, the turkey might burn, or the living room won't be "perfect enough." When that happens, pause and give each other grace instead of blame. Remember the bigger picture: you're not just managing a holiday but building a lifelong partnership. Choosing kindness breaks down walls; rigidity only builds them higher. When you learn how to stick together through pressure, you discover how much better you are as a couple. Life will never be flawless — that burnt turkey or the messy house won't define your marriage. What will define it is the decision you make every day—to face challenges side by side, to choose each other over frustration, and to build memories worth more than any perfect holiday postcard. So this season, whatever happens—choose us. Choose your love, your team, your forever. Because you are better together. "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.

When life takes over, it has a way of swallowing your heart and demanding your head show up instead. We're wired to want control—to have everything in order, to anticipate and prevent the unexpected. It feels safer that way. But as a parent, the more you chase perfection, the more you miss the raw, imperfect, priceless moments that really define your relationship with your child. Capture the moment, not perfection. Let's be honest: no family runs on a flawless schedule. Kids don't come with a manual or a "perfect moment" alert. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com And messing up or missing a beat isn't a sign of failure—it's an invitation to something deeper. So instead of trying to capture every perfect snapshot, how about capturing the moment itself—the unfiltered laughter, the messy hugs, the chaos that, years later, you'll realize was the real picture of love. Parents, here's the truth: you don't have to be overwhelmed by trying to raise a "perfect" child perfectly. You can step out of that prison of expectation by choosing unconditional love and presence instead. The K.I.S.S. ~ Capture the moments: be present! Here are three actionable ways to be present so you can truly capture the moments that matter. 1. Put the Phone Down—Fully When your mind or your thumbs are scrolling, your heart is elsewhere. Being present means actually showing up—no distractions, no multitasking. It's about looking your child in the eyes during dinner, listening to their stories without planning your next response, and just being there. Yes, the world demands attention, but your child's moment deserves more. 2. Accept Imperfection as the New Normal Stop fighting the inevitable chaos, noise, and mess. When you relax your grip on "perfect," you make room for what's real. That spilled juice, the missed bedtime, the unplanned tantrum? They're not failures; they're the flavor of life you'll one day miss. Remember, presence doesn't require perfection—it requires acceptance. 3. Create Small Rituals That Anchor You Together Rituals don't have to be big or Instagram-worthy. It can be a bedtime story, a five-minute hug before school, or a silly dance in the kitchen. Rituals signal "I'm here, you're not alone," and root both of you in the now instead of the "what if." These simple acts invite connection and make moments unforgettable. Capturing the moment is about choosing love and presence over pressure and plans. It's about being messy, human, and fully engaged—even when life feels anything but perfect. Parents who make this choice don't just survive the chaos—they create the memories that last a lifetime. You've got a choice today: chase an impossible ideal or lean into the beautifully imperfect life you're living. I know which one will fill you up. "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.