God's been very intentional about placing this subject on my mind and in my heart today. First, when watching my 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, walk out the door on her way to school this morning. After she left I thought, "What if I were never to see her again because she was captured by someone intending to traffic her?" Scary thought, I know. You might encourage me NOT to think about such horrific thoughts. I'm convinced though, that too many of us are REFUSING to think about things like this because we don't WANT to know they happen; and not only in other countries around the world, but in our own backyards. You see, it's EASY to ignore or tune out the cries of the world so that we FEEL better. But just because you ignore the cry doesn't mean it goes away. Watching your young daughter walk out the door and never seeing her again is a reality of millions around our world. Human Trafficking, and the sex trade in particular, is not just a problem overseas.

It's that time. Things are crazy, life is hectic.  Family life is busy, and it's time to schedule a little time-out for Mommy! You've heard of "personal days" or "mental health days". Well, today, I thought to myself, "I need one." Typically, Scott's day off is Monday and we usually do some things together as a family. I didn't feel prepared to go spend the day by myself today, thinking I would waste that precious time away without a good, solid plan. I want to soak it all in, after all! So, I'm making a list. When you're a wife and a mother, it's easy to forget who you were before becoming those things. What kinds of things you did in your free time. Hobbies you had, goals you wanted to achieve, and dreams you liked to grow.  Taking a personal day is especially important for mothers for many reasons. Not only to get away, clear your head, and get some rest from the everyday routine of family life, but also to DREAM again.