Santini Serenity

I came up with this topic while reading the devotional by Sadie Robertson Huff titled The Next Step  and she talked about going with her Mom as well as Bob Goff to Somalia for mission work despite the US State Department warning that one should not travel to the country. Huff detailed in the devotion "Peace in the Midst of Fear," some scary moments they encountered which were outweighed the beautiful moments experienced during the journey. Fear is something everyone faces. It sneaks in when we face tough situations or the chance to try something new. But as believers, we don’t have to let fear stop us. When we trust in God's promises, we find the courage to move forward, even when we feel unsure. God's Word reminds us that He will never leave us alone.  The Biblical Foundation of Courage in the Face of Fear Recognizing God’s Promises of Never Forsaking You Throughout the Bible, God promises to be with His people. When fear tries to hold you back, remember these tru...

Another weekend, another scout event.  My husband is gone and I'm at home doing chores that went undone during the work week. After breakfast and getting laundry into the dryer, I walked my son's absentee ballot to the post office. I observe a couple on the other side of the street; possibly a husband & wife, walking together, talking and drinking coffee. I feel a pang of jealousy but then I remember "God's Will not Mine" and decide to mind my own business. Many couples find themselves in relationships where their hobbies and passions don’t quite match. For us, we started out with similar interests but have grown apart. These differences can cause frustration but can also make a relationship richer. Understanding and respecting these diverging interests are key to a healthy marriage.  The Dynamics of Different Interests in Marriage Understanding the Roots of Diverging Interests People develop hobbies based on their personalities, upbringing, and life experi...

Thinking about big goals but feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many believe success needs perfect conditions or a lot of money. That’s not true. Small steps, taken often, matter more than giant leaps from the start. When you begin from where you are, use what’s already in your hands, and do what’s possible today, obstacles seem less impossible. This post was inspired by the Arthur Ashe quote (see image)  and shows how you can reach your dreams without waiting for ideal circumstances. Understanding the concept of starting point Everyone has a starting point. It’s where you’re at right now, with all your skills, resources, and limits. Accepting your current situation isn’t giving up. It’s being real. Some of the biggest success stories started with very little. Think of Oprah Winfrey, who grew from humble beginnings, or Steve Jobs, who started Apple with just a garage. They began exactly where they were and expanded step by step. Psychological benefits of beginning from your ...

Ever feel like you're walking into a dark room? Maybe you lost your job, got scary news from the doctor, or had to move suddenly. That uneasy feeling? It's the unknown. But guess what? You've got a superpower inside: inner strength. This article will give you simple ways to find that strength and face anything. The Fear of Uncertainty: Evolutionary Roots Fear of the unknown is old like cavemen! Back then, knowing what was up meant staying alive. A rustle in the bushes? Friend or foe? Our brains still look for patterns and get jumpy when they're missing. Think of it as your brain's way of trying to keep you safe, even if the "threat" is just a new job. People show this "uncertainty avoidance" in different ways. Some get super planned, while others freeze. Negative Biases That Amplify Fear Our brains play tricks on us. "Negativity bias" means we focus more on bad stuff than good. If you're starting a new project, you might obsess o...

Easter! It's a holiday filled with bright colors, yummy treats, and fun traditions. But it's way more than just bunnies and eggs. Let's explore the cool history behind Easter. We'll find out where these customs came from. Get ready to see how Easter brings people together all over the world. What is the true meaning behind the Easter holiday? Ever wonder where the word "Easter" comes from? Some say it's linked to old spring festivals. These festivals celebrated new life. Easter also has a big Christian meaning. It's all about celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The Resurrection of Jesus: The Cornerstone of Easter For Christians, Easter is super important. It celebrates Jesus coming back to life. This event is called the resurrection. It's a key belief in Christianity. The Bible tells the story of Jesus' resurrection. It shows why Easter is such a special day for Christians.  My husband serves the Easter Vigil Mass (the 2-3 hour service) wi...

Feeling stressed about money? Tax day is approaching as I write this and my husband is just finishing up our taxes. We're blessed that the amount we must pay is small.  We were fortunate to save the right amount to cover our son's college without any student loans.  I have been working to put more money into one of my retirement funds. There are actionable money-saving hacks that can change your financial life. These strategies can radically reduce expenses. They also boost wealth-building and improve your financial well-being. Ready to take control? Let's dive in! Budgeting doesn't have to be a drag Smart budgeting and spending habits help you identify areas where you can save cash. Knowing where your money goes is the first step to financial freedom. Tracking every penny might seem annoying, but it's enlightening. Thankfully, I can review expenses through my banking app and my credit card statements.  Knowing where your money goes each month is important. You...

Is it really possible? Can the same power that brought Jesus back to life live inside you? Many believers think this is a big deal, changing how they see their faith and everyday life. Imagine having the confidence and peace that comes from knowing you are never really alone. The very essence of God is working within you. This was the subject of a recent daily reflection from YouVersion and I wanted to explore this idea further. The idea of God living in us isn't just a nice thought. It's a strong truth with deep effects. It changes how we see ourselves, our purpose, and what we can do as God's children. Let's explore what this really means and how you can find, grow, and use God's Spirit inside you. Understanding the Indwelling Spirit What does it mean for God's Spirit to live inside a person? There are different ideas about this. For some, it means God is always guiding and helping us. For others, it means we become more like God in our actions and thoughts...

Hi Friends, It's been a while since I did a little life update.  Life has been incredibly busy with good things. My son's dead SUV that I wrote about back in How to Turn Tough Times into Moments of Gratitude  was finally hauled away this week.  I was at my Columbus office so I watched it through the Ring app on my phone and took a screenshot.  It was bittersweet - that's the vehicle my son learned to drive in but it is nice to have full use of the driveway again. Powerlifting training has been my focus at the gym.  As I wrote in The Story of a Struggling Powerlifter  ,  I sought coaching help for bench press and there has been improvement with no failed reps as of late.  I do one Crossfit class a week to see friends & keep up my skills. I'm trying to increase my step count as we're going to be starting a habit challenge at the gym soon and I expect step count will be part of it. I am getting more steps through outdoor walking, treadmill walkin...

Ah, spring! The birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and… you're feeling totally drained? You're not alone! That weird mix of excitement and exhaustion is often called "spring fever." It's that sluggish, restless feeling when winter finally fades. Spring fever is more than just a feeling; it's a real thing! It has roots in our bodies and minds. Getting a grip on these things can assist you in handling it and enjoy the season. Understanding Spring Fever: More Than Just a Feeling Spring fever isn't a medical diagnosis. It's more of a general term. It describes the changes in energy, mood, and drive that people have when spring rolls around.  While researching this topic, I came across an interesting sermon transcript about Spring Fever by Jerry Depoy .  The sermon related to Genesis 8 Verses 1-18 about Noah, the Ark, the animals, and the floods.   What Exactly is Spring Fever? Think of spring fever as your body waking up from a long nap. The days...

Liz is getting into powerlifting. You might remember her from The Story of a Struggling Powerlifter . She's working hard to learn the basics. Powerlifting has three main moves. They are the squat, bench press, and deadlift. These lifts test total body strength. Right now, Liz is focused on form. She wants to do each lift just right. Good form keeps her safe. It also helps her lift more weight later. Each lift has key points to learn. The squat involves bending at the knees and hips. The bench press is pushing weight up while lying down. The deadlift means lifting weight off the floor. Liz is also learning how to breathe right. Proper breathing and bracing make her core strong. This gives her a solid base for lifting. Strong bracing helps prevent injuries. It allows her to move bigger weight safely. She is excited to see how strong she can get. The Benefits of Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning can help you grow, both personally and in your career. Staying curious and always wan...