Journeys With Jani

Sippin’ Through Kentucky: A 7-Day Bourbon Trail Adventure

February 23, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To travel

There’s something about Kentucky that just calls to you—the rolling hills, charming small towns, and, of course, that sweet, amber nectar known as bourbon. I recently had the absolute pleasure of planning a 7-day Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour for some clients who are heading out at the end of March—and let me tell you, they are beyond excited. Honestly, I hope they remember to bring me back a bottle (or two) of that fine Kentucky bourbon! Three to Four distilleries a day will make for a shot lickin’ good time!

Their journey kicks off in Bardstown, often called the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Here, they’ll explore iconic distilleries like Lux Row, Heaven Hill, and of course, Maker’s Mark. Bardstown isn’t just about the bourbon (though that would be enough); the town itself oozes small-town charm with its quaint shops, historic architecture, and local eateries where the Southern hospitality flows as freely as the bourbon.

Next stop: Louisville! Beyond being home to the famous Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville boasts an impressive bourbon scene. My clients will be strolling down Whiskey Row, visiting distilleries like Old Forester and Angel’s Envy. A highlight? The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where they’ll get an immersive dive into bourbon-making history. Evenings in Louisville mean delicious meals at top-notch restaurants and maybe a nightcap at one of the city’s trendy bourbon bars.

From there, they’ll head to Lexington, where the bourbon experience continues. Visits to distilleries like Old Forrester, Four Roses and Woodford are on the agenda. And while Lexington is horse country, this trip is all about the bourbon, so no horse farms this time—just plenty of rich, caramel-colored goodness waiting to be sipped and savored.

Planning this trip was an absolute blast, and hearing how excited my clients are has been the cherry on top. Kentucky isn’t just a place; it’s an experience—and one best enjoyed with a glass of bourbon in hand. If a bourbon-fueled adventure through Kentucky sounds like your kind of getaway (or if you just want to know which distillery has the best tasting room), you know where to find me. After all, bourbon tastes better when you’ve got a great travel advisor helping you every step of the way.

Cheers to safe travels, smooth sips, and unforgettable memories! And to my clients: if you happen to see a bottle that screams “Jani needs this,” you know what to do.

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

The Take Time To Travel Team – Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

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Daddy vs Deddy: There IS a Difference Y’all

February 23, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Me, Cari and our Daddy

Let me start by saying I have nothing against Southern slang. Lord knows I was born and raised in the South, and a little twang is just part of my charm (or so I tell myself). But there is one thing that has always made me pause, roll my eyes just a bit, and maybe chuckle under my breath: the word “Deddy.”

Now, let’s be clear—”Deddy” isn’t really a word. It’s a pronunciation. Southern slang for “Daddy.” And while I love a good Southernism as much as the next Georgia girl, I have to admit, I’m just not a fan of “Deddy.” Maybe it’s because my own Daddy worked hard to keep us from sounding too redneck. I can still hear him correcting us when we’d let it slip out: “It’s Daddy, not Deddy.” Bless him, he tried. If you’ve ever heard me talk, you know he didn’t exactly succeed—but hey, effort counts, right?

“Daddy” feels like a universal term—one that carries warmth, familiarity, and maybe a little nostalgia. It’s what you cry out when you skin your knee, the name you yell at a T-ball game, or the voice you hear giving you advice you didn’t ask for but probably needed. “Deddy,” on the other hand? It just sounds… well, like you might be missing a few teeth and sipping sweet tea on a porch that’s seen better days. (And yes, I say that with love, y’all. Don’t come for me.)

There’s something about pronunciation that ties us to where we come from, though. Language is funny like that—it holds our history, our family stories, and those little quirks that make us us. And while I might poke fun at “Deddy,” I can’t deny it’s part of the Southern tapestry I come from. It’s the neighbor down the road, the cousin at the family reunion, and maybe even that part of me I pretend isn’t there when I’m trying to sound all professional.

But at the end of the day, whether you say “Daddy,” “Deddy,” or something else entirely, what matters is the man behind the name. For me, that’s the memory of a man who tried to raise his kids with a little polish—even if we still end up sounding like we just stepped out of a country song. And if you know our family, is was not easy for him from the other side!

So, next time you hear someone say “Deddy,” you’ll know why I smirk just a little. And if you catch me slipping up and saying it myself? Well… let’s just call it Southern charm and leave it at that.

XOXO, Jani

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Small Town Gossip: Should’ve Stayed in 7th Grade

February 21, 2025

Travel Advice

There’s something about a small town. The charm, the familiar faces at the grocery store, the local diner where everyone knows your coffee order. It’s comforting—until it’s not. Because let’s face it: small-town gossip is alive and well, and I can’t help but wonder… shouldn’t we have left that nonsense back in 7th grade?

I get it—there’s not always a lot to do, and sometimes the latest “Did you hear about so-and-so?” seems more thrilling than watching paint dry. But come on, y’all. We’re grown. We have mortgages, jobs, back pain, and kids who are making us grandparents. Do we really need to be spending our energy dissecting who said what, who went where, or heaven forbid, who gained a little weight? (And while we’re at it, let me just sip my sweet tea and remind you that I didn’t ask for that update.)

Here’s the thing: words matter. Gossip spreads faster than a wildfire on a windy day, and it rarely leaves anyone better off. Remember those middle school days when someone would whisper, “Don’t tell anyone, but…” and next thing you know, the whole class is buzzing? Flash forward to adulthood, and it’s eerily the same—just swap the lockers for Facebook posts and passive-aggressive church whispers.

Let me tell you what I do have time for: real conversations, belly laughs, and celebrating the good stuff. Like when a neighbor lands a new job, a friend’s kid gets into college, or someone finally takes that dream vacation (and you know I can help with that). What I don’t have time for? Petty drama disguised as “concern.” Newsflash: “Bless her heart” isn’t a hall pass for being rude.

And can we talk about the energy it takes to keep up with all that gossip? Honestly, I’d rather spend that time planning my next trip, walking my dog, or enjoying a quiet evening with my husband—who, for the record, is entirely unbothered by small-town drama and just wants to watch the game in peace.

So here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Next time someone starts with, “Did you hear about…?” take a breath. Change the subject. Spread kindness instead of rumors. Because we’re better than this. Life’s too short, and frankly, I’d rather be talking about where you’re going on your next vacation than who Karen’s cousin’s neighbor might be dating.

Small towns are full of heart—let’s keep ours in the right place.

XOXO, Jani

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The Great Spelling Crisis: When Your Brain Betrays You

February 17, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Y’all ever have one of those moments where you’re just cruisin’ through life, spelling words like a champion, and then BAM—you hit a wall? A completely normal, everyday word suddenly looks like you typed it in hieroglyphics. You write it, rewrite it, stare at it, say it out loud, maybe even Google it, but the more you try, the more convinced you become that you’ve never seen that word in your life.

I like to call this the Great Spelling Crisis—a rare but devastating moment when your brain simply gives up and walks off the job.

The Usual Suspects

For me, it’s words like necessary (does it have one C? Two? Why does it feel like it needs another S?), embarrass (I am, in fact, embarrassed every time I try to spell it), and definitely (or is it defiantly? Or definatly? Who knows anymore?). It’s always the simple words that get you!

Then there’s the cruel irony of technology not helping one bit. Autocorrect is just sitting there, judging you, offering suggestions that somehow make the word look even worse than before. And if you type it into Google, you get that passive-aggressive “Did you mean…?” like, YES GOOGLE, I DID MEAN THAT, but now I don’t even trust myself anymore.

The Overthinking Spiral

The worst part is the more you look at the word, the less it looks right. You start second-guessing yourself, sounding it out like a first-grader in a spelling bee: Neh-sess-sah-ree? Emb-er-ass? Then, in sheer desperation, you write it in all caps as if yelling at the letters will make them behave.

And if you’re really desperate? You avoid the word altogether. That’s right—I will absolutely change an entire sentence just to avoid spelling one tricky word. Why struggle with “necessary” when I can just say “really important”? Work smarter, not harder.

The Humbling Moment of Acceptance

Eventually, you either:

1. Give up and let spellcheck win.

2. Ask someone nearby and hope they don’t judge you.

3. Throw your phone/laptop/notepad across the room and accept that you will never spell “restaurant” correctly on the first try.

And if anyone ever dares to call you out on it? Just say, “I know how to spell it, I just had a moment.” Because, honey, we ALL have these moments. Some of us just have them more often than others.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go double-check if I spelled “definitely” right. Again.

XOXO, Jani

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Girl Code Forever: The Unwritten Rules of Sisterhood

February 17, 2025

The Sitcom Called “Mary Jane”

Some things in life change—fashion trends, technology, even our taste in wine (hello, red blends!). But one thing that should always remain constant? Girl Code. It’s the sacred set of unwritten rules that govern the way we treat our besties, our acquaintances, and even the women we barely know but still feel an unspoken connection to.

Girl Code isn’t about rules to hold us back—it’s about the foundation that lifts us up. It’s a commitment to having each other’s backs, to celebrating each other’s wins, and to never, under any circumstances, breaking the sacred trust of sisterhood.

So, in case you need a little refresher (or a reminder for that one friend who always seems to be teetering on the edge of a violation), here are a few golden Girl Code commandments that should be followed—forever.

1. Thou Shall Not Date a Friend’s Ex

This is the golden rule. If your girl cried over him, lost sleep over him, or even mildly debated texting him at 2 AM—he is OFF LIMITS. No exceptions, no “but they broke up years ago” loopholes. Just. No.

2. Always Hype Your Girls Up

There is no such thing as overhyping a friend. If she’s slaying in that outfit, tell her. If she’s crushing it at work, shout it from the rooftops. If she’s doubting herself, be the voice that reminds her she’s that girl. We rise by lifting each other.

3. Never Let a Friend Go to the Bathroom Alone

This is a basic safety rule, but it’s also about moral support. Whether she needs a pep talk, a zipper fix, or just a partner-in-crime for mirror selfies, you go with her. That’s non-negotiable.

4. If She’s Struggling, You Show Up

Bad breakup? Hard day at work? General existential crisis? You bring the wine, the chocolate, and the unconditional support. No “let me know if you need anything” nonsense—just show up.

5. Be Her Safe Place

If a friend tells you something in confidence, that information goes nowhere. Gossip is fun, but betraying trust isn’t. When she shares something with you, she should never have to worry about hearing it from someone else later.

6. If She’s Embarrassed, You Make It Less Awkward

Tripped in public? Spilled her drink? Sent a text she shouldn’t have? You laugh with her, not at her. If necessary, you create an even bigger distraction to shift the attention. That’s what besties do.

7. Call Her Out, But Never Tear Her Down

We all need someone who will tell us when we’re being a little too dramatic or making a bad decision. But Girl Code means doing it with love. Honesty is necessary, but kindness is key.

8. Defend Her—Even When She’s Not in the Room

Real loyalty isn’t just about what you say to her face; it’s about how you speak about her when she’s not there. If someone is dragging her name through the mud, you shut it down. Period.

9. If She’s Had Too Much, You Take Her Home

A true friend never lets another friend stumble out of a bar alone, text an ex in a moment of weakness, or wake up with regret (and possibly no phone). If she’s in no condition to make good decisions, you make them for her.

10. Celebrate Each Other—Always

Women supporting women is a beautiful thing. When one of us wins, we all win. No jealousy, no side-eye, just pure joy for each other’s successes. That’s what true Girl Code is all about.

At the end of the day, Girl Code isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a way of life. It’s about loyalty, love, and lifting each other up, no matter what. Because when we stick together, there’s nothing we can’t handle.

Girl Code Forever. Pass it on.

XOXO, Jani

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Money Monday: How a Travel Advisor Saves You Money

February 16, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To Travel

Let’s be honest—when it comes to planning a trip, budget is always a factor. You want to get the best experience for your money, but with so many booking sites, “exclusive” deals, and hidden fees, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a travel advisor (like me!) comes in. Contrary to what some may think, using a travel advisor isn’t just for luxury travelers—it’s actually a smart financial move for anyone looking to maximize their travel budget without sacrificing quality.

Here’s how working with a travel advisor can actually save you money:

1. Exclusive Deals & Perks

As part of a trusted travel agency, I have access to insider rates, exclusive promotions, and special perks that aren’t available to the general public. Think room upgrades, onboard cruise credits, free breakfast, resort credits, and more—all of which add real value to your trip without costing you extra.

2. No Hidden Fees or Unexpected Costs

Online booking sites may lure you in with flashy low prices, only to hit you with unexpected resort fees, baggage costs, and cancellation penalties later. I help break down the fine print so you know exactly what you’re paying for—and sometimes, I can even waive or reduce those extra charges!

3. Custom Itineraries that Match Your Budget

Ever booked a trip that seemed like a great deal, only to realize later that the flights had terrible layovers or the “affordable” hotel was far from the attractions? I tailor every itinerary to fit your budget while ensuring you’re getting the best value for your money. Whether it’s finding the best airfare, recommending cost-effective transportation, or choosing the right time to book, I make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

4. Time is Money—And I Save You Both

Researching and comparing options can take hours, even days. And if something goes wrong during your trip, you could waste even more time (and money) trying to fix it. As your travel advisor, I handle all the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of stressing over the details.

5. Travel Protection & Insider Knowledge

I know which travel insurance policies are worth it, which companies have the best customer service, and how to navigate unexpected travel hiccups. This can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in case of flight delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies abroad.

6. Price Monitoring & Rebooking Benefits

Prices fluctuate constantly, but I keep an eye on them for you. If a better deal comes up after you book, I can sometimes adjust your reservation or secure extra perks—something most online booking platforms won’t do.

7. Exclusive Group & Package Discounts

Planning a group trip? I can negotiate better rates, secure free stays, and get exclusive add-ons for larger parties—whether it’s a family reunion, destination wedding, or a group getaway. Even solo travelers benefit from my industry connections to bundle savings and maximize value.

The Bottom Line? A Travel Advisor is a Smart Investment!

While it might seem like booking online is the cheapest way to go, the reality is that a travel advisor can unlock better deals, save you from costly mistakes, and enhance your overall experience—all while staying within your budget.

So, the next time you’re planning a trip, don’t waste time and money navigating the travel maze alone. Let’s talk about your dream destination, and I’ll make sure you get the best value for your hard-earned travel dollars!

📍 Ready to start planning? Contact me today and let’s turn your travel dreams into reality—without breaking the bank!

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

#MoneyMonday #TravelSmart #SaveMoneyTravelMore #TakeTimeToTravel

The Take Time To Travel Team, Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

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Weather Delays at the Airport: What to Do After Calling Your Travel Advisor

February 16, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To Travel

You’ve made the call to your travel advisor—great first step! Now what? Weather delays are frustrating, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference. Here’s what you should do while waiting for a resolution.

1. Stay Calm and Informed

Airlines typically update their flight status in real-time, but it’s always a good idea to confirm details on their website or app. Monitor airport screens and sign up for text alerts to stay in the loop.

2. Know Your Passenger Rights

Weather delays fall under the category of “acts of nature,” meaning airlines aren’t required to compensate you. However, some airlines offer meal or hotel vouchers if delays stretch overnight—always ask!

3. Secure Essentials

If your delay turns into an overnight stay, grab necessities before airport shops close. If you checked luggage, keep essentials (medications, chargers, etc.) in your carry-on.

4. Consider Lounge Access

Stuck in a long delay? Airport lounges offer comfortable seating, free snacks, and sometimes even showers. Check your credit card benefits or ask your travel advisor if you have lounge access.

5. Keep Your Receipts

If you need to book a hotel or buy food due to a delay, keep your receipts. Your travel insurance may reimburse some expenses—another great reason to have your travel advisor on speed dial!

6. Be Ready to Pivot

Your travel advisor is already working on rebooking options, but flexibility is key. Consider alternate airports, nearby cities, or different airlines if it gets you to your destination faster.

7. Make the Most of It

While delays aren’t ideal, they can be an unexpected opportunity. Explore a new airport restaurant, catch up on a book, or even venture out if you have a long layover in a major city.

8. Stay Positive

Delays happen, but with a good travel advisor, a little patience, and a backup plan, you’ll be on your way soon!

Pro Tip: Next time, ask your travel advisor about flights with better weather reliability, travel insurance, and priority rebooking options to make future delays easier to handle.

Need help with your next trip? Take Time to Travel has your back every step of the way! Contact us today for stress-free travel planning.

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

The Take Time To Travel Team, Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

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How Using a Travel Advisor Helps You Choose the Right Destination for Your Travel Style

February 14, 2025

Travel Advice

By Jani Aylsworth-Gunter, Take Time To Travel

Where Would You Like to Find Yourself Tomorrow?

We’ve all been there—scrolling through endless Instagram posts, reading travel blogs, and researching destinations until our heads spin. The world is big, and narrowing down the perfect place for your next adventure can feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in! As a Travel Advisor with Take Time To Travel, I take the guesswork out of planning, matching you with destinations that fit your travel style, budget, and dream experiences.

Whether you’re a luxury lover, an adventure seeker, or someone who just wants to sip cocktails on a white-sand beach, here’s how working with a travel advisor makes choosing the right destination effortless.

1. We Get to Know YOU First

Before we even start looking at flights, I take time to understand what makes you tick as a traveler. Are you all about five-star hotels and fine dining, or do you prefer immersive cultural experiences? Do you love non-stop adventure, or is relaxation your top priority?

Through a quick consultation, I learn about your:

✅ Travel preferences (luxury, budget, adventure, relaxation, culture, etc.)

✅ Preferred climate & time of year to travel

✅ Interests (history, food, wildlife, beaches, nightlife, etc.)

✅ Special needs (family-friendly, accessibility, dietary restrictions, etc.)

From there, I recommend destinations that check all your boxes—no more aimless Googling!

2. We Know the Best Times to Go (and When to Avoid Crowds!)

You don’t want to book a dream trip to Greece only to arrive and realize the island is packed with tourists and cruise ship crowds. Timing is everything!

As a travel advisor, I help you navigate:

✨ The best months to visit your ideal destinations

✨ Shoulder seasons when you can enjoy fewer crowds and better pricing

✨ Major events or festivals that could enhance—or complicate—your trip

I use my insider knowledge to steer you away from tourist traps and toward the best experiences.

3. We Find the Right Fit for Your Budget

One of the biggest mistakes DIY travelers make is underestimating the cost of a destination. Some places may look affordable but come with hidden expenses (think: resort fees, expensive food, or pricey excursions). Others might seem out of reach but offer unexpected value.

I’ll help you find destinations that match your budget while maximizing your experience—whether it’s:

✅ Scoring a luxury deal in an emerging hotspot

✅ Finding all-inclusive resorts that truly deliver

✅ Recommending alternative destinations that offer the same magic for less

4. We Save You From “Pinterest vs. Reality” Disasters

We’ve all fallen in love with those perfect, dreamy travel photos—only to arrive and realize the reality isn’t quite the same. Some destinations look great online but don’t live up to the hype, while others have hidden gems most people overlook.

Because I work with trusted travel partners and have real-world experience, I can:

✨ Recommend places that truly meet your expectations

✨ Steer you away from overhyped spots that might disappoint

✨ Connect you with authentic, local experiences that you’d never find on your own

No more vacation regrets—just amazing memories!

5. We Customize Every Detail to Match Your Travel Style

Once we land on the perfect destination, I take it a step further by tailoring your entire trip to your preferences. Whether you want:

✅ A foodie tour through Italy’s best wine regions

✅ A private island escape with full VIP treatment

✅ A thrilling African safari with expert guides

✅ A stress-free family vacation with kid-friendly activities

I handle all the details—from hotels and excursions to transfers and dining recommendations—so all you have to do is pack your bags and enjoy.

Let’s Find Your Perfect Destination!

Choosing the right destination isn’t just about picking a place on the map—it’s about finding a destination that matches who you are as a traveler. With my expertise, connections, and personalized approach, I take the stress out of decision-making and create a seamless, unforgettable journey tailored just for you.

So, where are we going next? Let’s chat and start planning your dream trip today!

Jani, your go-to-gal at Take Time To Travel

The Take Time To Travel Team, Cindy, Jani, Tammy, Trisha, Krystal

Life is one big journey—and I’m sharing mine, one mile and one moment at a time. Subscribe to follow along.

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Learning to Ride: A Lesson in Faith

February 13, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

Another oldie I wrote back in 2009! Still on point! Just a little update with a cute pic!

I’ll never forget the day we taught our oldest son, Jake, how to ride his bike without training wheels. It was one for the books.

Teddy—his daddy—started out right next to him, gripping the handlebars and the back of the seat, making sure Jake could balance and brake without toppling over. At first, Teddy held on tight, guiding him every step of the way. Then, as Jake started to steady himself, Teddy let go of the handlebars and only held onto the seat. Wobbly, but determined, Jake kept going.

And then, the moment of truth—Teddy let go completely. For a brief second, Jake was doing it! He was riding all on his own! And then… crash. Down he went. It wasn’t terrible, just a little scrape, but the tears came fast. I scooped him up and asked, “What happened, Jaker?” With big, teary eyes, he looked at me and said, “Daddy let me go, and I got scared.”

Teddy felt awful, but of course, he was just trying to teach Jake how to ride on his own. After a few comforting words (and maybe a few more sniffles), Jake bravely got back on the bike, and we started the whole process again.

As the afternoon went on, frustration set in. Eventually, Jake—his little ego flaring—decided he didn’t need Daddy’s help anymore. He insisted Teddy let go. Teddy wasn’t so sure, but Jake was determined. And then, in one bold move, he decided to take on our very steep driveway.

For a split second, he felt the thrill of freedom. And then… CRASH. This time, it was bad. Blood everywhere. And in true Jake fashion, instead of showing how hurt he was, he got mad. He turned to Teddy and shouted, “Why didn’t you catch me, Daddy?!”

A Lesson in Faith

Our walk with God is a lot like Jake’s bicycle lesson. There are times in life when we want God holding onto us tightly, guiding us, protecting us, keeping us from falling. We don’t want to move forward without the security of His presence. We’re afraid we’ll lose our balance or forget how to brake.

Then, there are the times we don’t feel God as strongly. We get into a funk, maybe even drift away, thinking He’s not guiding us—when in reality, we’re the ones not seeking Him. God gives us room to grow, to make choices, to strengthen our faith.

And then, of course, there are times when we get a little too confident. We start making decisions without seeking God’s guidance. We think we’ve got it all figured out. “I’ve got this, God! Your rules don’t apply here, dude.” And then… CRASH.

We fall. Hard. And what do we do? We turn to God, bruised and broken, and cry, “Where were You? Why didn’t You catch me, Father?”

I imagine sometimes God shakes His head and lovingly says, “Really? You’re blaming Me for this?”

Free Will & Faith

The truth is, just like Jake had to learn to ride his bike, we have to learn how to walk in faith. God gives us free will—He lets us make our own choices. And sometimes, we choose to ignore everything He’s taught us. When we tell Him we don’t need His help, He steps back and lets us try it on our own.

But here’s the beautiful part—He never leaves.

Jake eventually learned to ride that bike with confidence. Over time, he mastered balance and braking. Teddy didn’t have to hold on anymore.

And that’s how faith works. As we grow, our relationship with God deepens, and we learn to navigate life with wisdom and trust. It becomes less scary when we remember the lessons our Father has taught us. We know He’s always there, His guidance steady, His presence constant. It’s up to us to remember and apply what He’s taught us—to keep our balance and know when to brake.

The Father’s Love

That first day, Jake crashed. And even though he yelled at his daddy, you know what happened? Teddy scooped him up and comforted him. He couldn’t take the pain away completely—cuts and bruises take time to heal—but just being held made Jake feel better.

God is our Father—our Daddy.

When we crash—when life knocks us down—He is there to scoop us up. The damage may be done. The healing may take time. Bruised egos, broken hearts, wounds to the soul—they don’t mend overnight. But they do heal.

And just like physical scars remind us of lessons learned, so do the scars of our past mistakes. They remind us of where we’ve been and, more importantly, what not to repeat.

So if you’ve fallen—if you’ve crashed—know this: You’re not alone. We all have.

Let your Father comfort you. Give yourself the grace to heal. And remember, keep your balance. Know when to move forward and when to apply the brakes.

He’s got you. Always.

XOXO, Jani

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Cowboy Up: Faith, Resilince and the Ride of Your Life

February 13, 2025

Eat, Pray, Love

I wrote this forever ago …like 2009 I think. Sometimes, I need to read it again … and again … and again. Maybe some of y’all do too. XOXO

Have you ever been to a rodeo? Cowboys and cowgirls amaze me. They can take the hardest falls, get trampled, bruised, and battered—but they always get back up, dust themselves off, and jump right back in the saddle. Sure, sometimes the injuries are so bad that they need a little medical attention, but eventually, they return to the circuit, good as new.

Now, I’ve never taken a hard fall from a horse. I ride, but I don’t barrel race or bronco bust—no, thank you! I’ve never truly been in the thick of it. And yet, watching those fearless cowboys and cowgirls, I sometimes wonder if I’d have the guts to do what they do.

Our Christian walk? It’s not so different.

Some people prefer to sit safely in the stands or stay on a slow, steady trot—comfortable, content, and secure in their salvation. And that’s fine. But those who never step out of their comfort zone will never experience the thrill of true faith in action.

Every time a cowboy or cowgirl gets thrown, they learn something new. They walk away stronger, better prepared for the next ride. But those sitting in the stands? They may know the mechanics of riding, but they haven’t studied, practiced, or put in the work to prepare for the rodeo.

It’s the same with faith.

Sitting on the sidelines, you might feel a little thrill watching others do God’s work. But oh man! If you’re the one out there, taking the hits, facing the challenges, pushing through in faith—that’s when you truly experience the ride of a lifetime. That’s when you reap the greatest reward.

Salvation isn’t the end of the road—it’s just the beginning. It’s our ticket to Heaven, but what if we lived every day fighting for God, working for His glory, and truly stepping into our calling?

Prepare for the Fight

Here’s the reality: The moment you jump into the ring—as a prayer warrior, a teacher, a youth leader, a fisher of men—Satan takes notice. And he’s going to do everything he can to knock you off course.

Some Christians? They rarely stumble. They have an unwavering strength, an unshakable trust in God, a fortitude that keeps them steady no matter what comes their way.

Me? I’m not one of those Christians.

I burst out of the gate full of fire, and Satan takes me down—hard. But here’s what I’ve learned: You have to get back up. If you stay down, Satan will stomp the living daylights out of you. That’s what he does. That’s what he wants.

So dust yourself off. Climb back in the saddle. And keep riding.

You’re Not Alone

Ever notice those rodeo clowns? They’re always nearby, ready to step in when a cowboy is in trouble. They distract the bull, give the rider a chance to escape, and help them get back on their feet.

In life, we have those people too. Our church elders, family, and friends—they’re our rodeo clowns. When we take a fall, they’re there to help us, to pull us to safety, to pray for us and encourage us when we feel like we can’t get back up.

And the next time you face the fight, you’ll be better prepared. Oh, Satan will still throw new twists and turns your way—but you’ll be ready.

So COWBOY UP! Get ready for the ride of your life. And remember—at the end of this ride, the reward is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before Me no other god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” – Isaiah 43:10

XOXO, Jani

#FaithInAction #CowboyUp #SpiritualResilience #TrustGod

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