What a tremendous day at the "Thrive" women's event! My cup is truly full. From the wonderful fellowship and good food to the inspiring speakers and awesome music, it was such a great reminder of the power of community. I was so glad I went, and I’m already signed up for next year—how exciting is the theme: "You Glow Girl," a glow-in-the-dark theme!

These spiritual highs remind us of the great work we are called to do: Leave people better than you found them, and let’s make Heaven crowded.

The calendar reminds us that time is moving quickly. We are already in October, which means 2025 is two-thirds of the way over, and the holidays are right around the corner. Charlie is happy that hunting season started on October 1st (he loves getting out in the woods and spotting deer!).

One thing on my mind lately, there is no excuse to be too busy for people. Even if you can't meet up often, a simple message to check on friends and family is a vital act of love. Jesus will come back when we least expect it, and we must be vigilant and united in purpose.

This Friday is special: Charlie and I are celebrating our Second Anniversary! Our marriage started rough and involved too much alcohol, but we will mark two years of sobriety next month, and we are doing better and stronger than ever.

October is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, and this is a time that always hits home. I remember losing my baby sister in 1993, just days before my 16th birthday, and then losing one of my twins, my daughter, an hour after birth in 2006. My heart is with anyone navigating this profound grief.

It's clear we are living in dark and heavy times, and we constantly see tragic headlines like the memory of September 11th, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the continuous heartbreak of school shootings. We must stay united in the fight for good, or the pressures of the world will surely tear us apart.

Prayers for anyone dealing with heavy things. May we all be bold in our faith and let our light shine for God's glory, as Charlie Kirk was. 

Charlie Kirk is still seen on much of social media and in the news. So many want to holler freedom of speech, but where was Charlie Kirk's right to freedom of speech? He died for it. So many are celebrating his death because he did practice his freedom of speech. They only made us louder, they did not silence us.