Friends, I have mostly been MIA since December. I can't believe it's been almost two months since I've communicated with you. 

How has the first month of 2022 been for you? I hope you are lovely!

For me, I'm surviving. I guess that's not 100% true because I'm still on track with all my 2022 goals. Check back with me in October to see if that is still the case.

I say I'm just surviving because I'm in the full throws of our entire home remodel. I shared on my podcast that I've changed my mindset through this crazy time to embrace the chaos.

How does one embrace chaos? 

Accept what you can't change. 

I'm currently living in one room with my husband. We haven't had a kitchen in months, and there are so many items stacked in our one-room the walls are closing in. If there is an earthquake, I'll be buried in kitchen tools, clothes, pictures, and who knows what else. 

Is your life in chaos? Can you change it? If not, embrace it. I mean, it doesn't have to be all chaos, but maybe just one area is chaotic.

I can't believe how much just thinking about embracing the chaos helps me ignore much of what caused me stress. 

My husband has a more direct saying that he has told me on more than one occasion. Embrace the suck. 

Yikes! He usually tells me this when I'm whining and don't want to move furniture or haul stuff out to the dumpster. 

I can't believe I'm admitting this in writing, but he is right. Whining doesn't help; it just makes us argue. I also find it's a waste of time. While I was whining, I could just do what I was supposed to do, and the job would be done.

Friends, next time you are in chaos or in a situation that seems complicated, remember to embrace the chaos and the suck!

Here's to a fabulous 2022!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Hello friends! I wanted to take a moment to say thank you! Thank you for engaging and working to Give Your Best Life in 2021. Thank you for supporting me on my mission to spread how your life can change through giving, gratitude, and goals with a foundation in faith. And finally, thank you for supporting my book projects, buying my books, and sending me encouragement. 

I have several new resources and books that will be launching in 2022 that will continue to help you Give Your Best Life. 

I hope the next couple of weeks bring you rest and rejuvenation as you head into a new year. Take time to set a couple of goals and enjoy time with friends and family. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See in you 2022!

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

P.S. Today I released a podcast from the heart to share about Scott Patrick, a friend and state trooper who was tragically killed on this day in 2003. I get a little emotional talking about Scott, but remind us that we need to remember those that grieve during the holiday. I finally wrap up with sharing the Christmas story. Thanks for listening.

Wow, another Thanksgiving approaches, and I'm in awe as I look back with so much to be grateful for, even through some trying times.

Remember back in April, when I got bit by a spider, got an infection, and spent three days in the hospital? That was no fun. But my struggles didn't end when I left the hospital; I spent months continuing to battle MRSA through antibiotic after antibiotic. The mental toll and stress of the adverse reactions played more with me mentally than I could have ever imagined.

As I type, I'm recovering from COVID. Before the spider bite, I hadn't taken prescription drugs in years, and now when I did it wreaked havoc on me. Much stress crept up when the doctor told me I'd have to go on an antibiotic and steroid. I could not go through the terrible months of the unexpected, not knowing reactions, again.

And then I remembered a book, my friend Tim Douglas (I was on his podcast, check out the episode here), mentioned to me back in June. You Are the Placebo, by Dr. Joe Dispenza. The insight, research, and reactions we have to treatment fascinated me. I decided I would change my attitude towards the drugs that would make me well, as opposed to drudging up all the old memories and reactions I had in the previous months.

I'd take the pill, talk to myself about how it was helping me heal, and then give it no other thought. Just take it and go about my day, not worrying what reaction I may or may not have. Also, it helps not to Google side effects. That is terrible for your mental health.

Okay, so where am I going with all this? I guess to give you an insight into the craziness of this year and that, in the end, I have so much to be grateful for. Throughout these trying times, I still got up every day and practiced gratitude. I released not one, but two books, and I sold and bought a home, moved and unpacked, and am getting excited about a remodel. 

Here is a conglomerate of these lessons of how you can embrace the week of Thanksgiving and use gratitude as a tool to help you through the good and bad.

1. Write down what you are thankful for. Keep a pen and journal handy for jotting down three to five things you are grateful for each day. When you have a bad day, pick up your journal to help you focus on the good. Check out Thank You Notes to God, it's a great journal I created you to start and continue this habit. 

2. Focus on the now. Stop yourself from saying; I'll be grateful when (fill in the blank). Look at your surroundings, be in the moment, and find the good right where you are. What I've discovered is, when we get to the future, we'll have something else we'll be chasing. Stay in the now. 

3. Slow down. Take time to pause throughout your day, have a stop and smell the roses moment, and be grateful for what you notice when you slow down. If this season has slowed you down, jot down what you've seen that maybe you didn't realize before. Be grateful for the new discoveries.

4. Lessons learned. Take note of lessons you learn during the upcoming holiday season that are teaching you about yourself. Write it down in your journal and be grateful to God for revealing your strengths or weaknesses you never knew you had. 

5. Curb complaining. Complaining sucks the energy out of the people that surround us and us. We need all the positive energy in our life we can get. Learn to flip complaints to words of gratitude. When I got COVID, I was grateful I had a doctor willing to help, money to pay for prescriptions, a job that allowed me to work from home, and the ability to pause in the afternoon for a nap because I was tired and needed rest. 

6. Let out your emotions. It's perfectly normal to be sad and angry. Write about the feelings you feel, and ask yourself, in the depth of these emotions, what is there to be grateful for? How can you turn your anger into action instead of letting it fester for no good?

7. Thank people. Along this journey, we cross paths with many people. Don't forget to say thank you. Tell each person that is helping you along the way how grateful you are for them. Bonus points if you write them a thank you note. Be specific in stating the ways they helped you. 

This list isn't all-inclusive, and you don't have to do all of them every day. But as you go through your day, take time to pause and constantly ask yourself, what can I be grateful for at this moment. The more you practice gratitude, the more it will become a habit, and the longer it's a habit, you'll potentially experience a life-changing mindset shift.

May God pour out unexpected blessings during Thanksgiving week.

Blessings, 

Stephanie L. Jones

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

If you have been hanging around me for the last three years, you know my husband, and I bought a house, stripped it to its bones, and remodeled every floor, door, wall, and everything in between. It was a labor of love. 

Over the past year, my husband started a woodworking business. We both thought that by the time he retired in four years, the business would be built up enough that he'd have his retirement job. 

Well, what's the old saying? "Tell God your plans, and he'll laugh?"

Over the past year, my husband's business has grown so much he's outgrown his current woodshop. We couldn't believe it! Or maybe I could, as his work is impressive.

We wavered for weeks as to what to do. Build on? Sell our dream home? Or just work with what we have and not grow.

With a step of faith, we put our home on the market and thought, "if it sells, we'll move."

In the meantime, we found the perfect property that had a barn the size he'd need to expand and then some. Exciting! There was even enough space for me to hold retreats.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and the day we accepted an offer on our house; the following morning, we got word the house we wanted to buy got struck by lightning and burned to the ground.

I kid you not!

Well, okay then. We had a clear sight that was not the right house. But where would we go? Our house was sold, and there was nothing on the market to fit our needs. Trust me; we'd been looking for months.

We ventured out to look at a horse farm. I loved it. It didn't meet our needs, but the property was terrific. I'd have all the trails a girl could ask for. After a few tears and listening to my husband's wise advice, this was not going to be our home.

Moments later, I snuggled in bed, and I swear God told me to look at For Sale By Owner Listings. I did, and there was a house that was just listed. 

I sent it to my hubby, we called, and within 12 hours, we were looking at the house.

It needs work, but the house we are in proved that we aren't scared of work and know how to remodel a home.

It has the barn my husband needs to grow and expand his business. It doesn't have the trails I've grown to love at my current property, but it's six minutes away from a park. That will work!

Friends, if you doubt if God has a plan for your life, He does. But what I have learned over and over again is I must give him 100% control. We handed the beautiful home that we love over to him and controlled where we went next to Him. I can tell you this when he has control, all the stress and anxiety go away. 

Give your next step to God and have a little faith!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

Want to change your day? Do these four things.

1. Start the day in scripture. Read the Word of God, giving you sound wisdom on how to live out your life and tackle the day.
2. Take a moment to reflect on the previous day. What do you want to remember? Did you have lunch with a friend? Travel to a new place? Got offered a job? Your child said something funny? Jot it down.
3. Practice gratitude. Write down 3-5 things you are grateful for. According to research, gratitude has many health benefits.
4. Pray. Ask for forgiveness of your sins, thank God for the blessings in your life, and take the worries of the world to him.

I created Thank You Notes to God to give you an easy way to ensure you start each day on the right foot. Order your copy today! I can't wait to hear how your life changes by practicing these four things daily.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

Friends, so much is going on in the world I don't even know where to start. This morning I sat curled up in my cozy chair pondering if I should release a podcast or send out my newsletter this week. They both seem so trivial when Afghanistan is crumbling and so many are in danger of losing their life and Christians being persecuted. 

But the longer I sat in silence I realized I shouldn't just speak weekly when life for me is all good and I'm plugging along. I mean, life is still good for me, but my heart aches and is burdened about the travesties across the world. How can I help? How can I make a difference? Will any actions I take make a difference?

And then I realized that yes, there are actions we can take. There are prayers to be prayed, encouragement to be sent, and research that needs to be done, and education on what is happening (checking multiple sources) to be informed. 

Check out my latest podcast as I share my thoughts on who we need to help, right now, from the comforts of our home and offices.

Listen on..

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• More options, here.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart. 

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"

Last week was a difficult week for America. I found myself waking and walking around with a heavy heart. 

As I scroll through social media, I read so many vile, hateful, and condescending posts. I pondered the darkness that has infiltrated our society.

Each morning I turn to the word of God for His insight, guidance, and a reminder of how, as a follower of Christ, I am to conduct myself.

The verse of the day was Proverbs 11:24, on generosity. But another verse caught my attention, Proverbs 10:31-32.

"The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words."

Are my words helpful? A simple question to ask before posting or commenting. The advice seems like useful guidance.

I then flipped back to the beginning of chapter 10, and as I read through it, a theme arose.

"The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions." (v.11)

Are my words life-giving? 

"Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses." (v.12)

Am I loving?

"Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." (v.19)

Should I keep my mouth shut?

"The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense."

Are my words encouraging?

As I continued into chapter 11, several other verses captured my attention.

"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." (v.2)

Am I humble or prideful?

"With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous." (v.9)

Are my words hurting my friends?

"Upright citizens are good for the city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart."

Are making actions making my community better? Are my words tearing my community apart?

"It is foolish to belittle one's neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet." (v. 12)

Are my words belittling my neighbor? Aren't we taught to love our neighbors and our enemies?

"Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you." (v.17)

Am I kind?

Today I am grateful for the words and guidance God has provided me. When I want to respond or post on emotion, I am reminded of the effects my words have on my heart and mind, my friends, neighbors, and community.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

Hello friends! I wanted to take a moment to say thank you! Thank you for sticking by me through 2020. Even though this year did not look like what I thought it would, God gave me some incredible projects to work on that I will be rolling out in 2021. You will not want to miss what we have in store for you!

I hope the next couple of weeks bring you rest and rejuvenation as you head into a new year. Take time to set a couple of goals and enjoy time with friends and family. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

See in you 2021!

With gratitude,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of "The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life" and “The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life”

We are all on a journey that I think in a million years we would not have chosen or expected. Was a pandemic on your radar or penciled in on your calendar? I know it wasn't on mine. I feel like I'm living in a bad movie that I can't pause. What about you? But one thing I know is we are on this journey together.  

If you are living with COVID-19, I'm so sorry for your diagnosis. I am not going to pretend for one second, I understand what you are going through or experiencing at this moment, or in the future.

If you have a loved one sick, or tragically lost a loved one, please know those affected by COVID are at the top of my prayer journal. 

As I travel the country speaking, engaging with people on social media, and hear from listeners, there is a consistent pattern I've observed. Those who choose to focus on gratitude seem to have a different attitude and perspective on where they are in life. 

What I'm sharing is a conglomerate of these lessons I've taken in over the years. Some are mine, and some are from friends and strangers. I challenge you, as you learn to navigate this pandemic and challenging holiday season, you use gratitude as a tool, to help you along the way. 

1. Write down what you are thankful for. Keep a pen and journal handy for jotting down three to five things, each day, you are grateful for. When you are having a bad day, pick up your journal, to help you focus on the good. 

2. Focus on the now. Stop yourself from saying, I'll be grateful when (fill in the blank). Look at your surroundings, be in the moment, and find the good right where you are. What I've discovered is, when we get to the future, we'll have something else we'll be chasing. Stay in the now. 

3. Slow down. Take time to pause throughout your day, have a stop and smell the roses moment, and be grateful for what you notice when you slow down. If this season has slowed you down, jot down, what you've noticed that maybe you didn't realize before. Be grateful for the new discoveries.

4. Lessons learned. Take note of lessons the pandemic and upcoming holiday season is teaching you about yourself. Write it down in your journal and be grateful to God for revealing to you your strengths, or weaknesses, you never knew you had. 

5. Curb complaining. Complaining sucks the energy out of us and the people that surround us. We need all the positive energy in our life we can get. Learn to flip complaints to words of gratitude.

6. Let out your emotions. It's perfectly normal to be sad and angry. Write about the emotions you feel, and ask yourself, in the depth of these emotions, what is there to be grateful for?

7. Thank people. Along this journey we cross paths with many people. Don't forget to say thank you. Tell each person that is helping you along the way how grateful you are for them. Bonus points if you write them a thank you note. Be specific in noting the ways they helped you. 

This list isn't all inclusive, and you don't have to do all of them, each day, every day. But as you go through your day, take time to pause, and constantly ask yourself, what can I be grateful for in this moment. The more you practice gratitude, the more it will become a habit, and the longer it's a habit, you'll potentially experience a life-changing mindset shift.

May God pour out unexpected blessings during the thanksgiving week and provide healing to those in need.

Blessings,

Stephanie

Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author of “The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life” and "The Gratitude Challenge: 41 Days to a Happier, Healthier, & More Content Life"