I was reminded today that focusing on pain is easy. While oftentimes focusing on feeling good takes more effort. Probably because pain makes noise! But isn't it ironic that 9/10's of our body might feel just fine, even good, and yet that one muscle or nerve that is...

Sometimes we are afraid of being aware. Maybe we will discover what we don't want to know about ourselves or others. {What if I don't think I can handle what I might find?} Coming into greater clarity might mean: Seeing your home as it really is; Coming to understand...

What are the important things in your life that require constant nourishment? Your children? Your pets? Houseplants and gardens? What about the intangible things? Those living things that require incredible amounts of energy and focus... Your marriage relationship....

"Crying is alright in it's way, while it lasts, but you have to stop sooner or later and then you still have to decide what to do." The Silver Chair, C.S. Lewis And you can. And you will. "I am courageous." "I take appropriate risks." "I can do all things through...

I heard this quote years ago and it still moves me to action. "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do." So I ask myself, what one little thing could I do today that will help me get closer to the version of me that I want to become?...

What's going on in your world today? I hope you are well! Do you ever get so focused in on the challenges you are trying to solve that they actually eclipse everything else that is going right? Here are a few questions to add a little perspective. Do you have water to...

This month in the 7 Steps to Family Wellness seminar, we are working on turning down the emotional noise in our environment and later we'll be working on our schedules. That means that we are going room by room through our homes and taking notes about trouble spots....

Just a reminder- Taking care of oneself is productive. Maybe even more productive than most things that we think are worthy of our time. Without our humor, our health and flexibility, we can't do the things we dream of doing or just those things we want to get done....

Don't wait until everything is in place to breathe! Or for your to-do list to be crossed-off. {Can a few baby steps toward having your long-term projects be done and doing your daily chores as you go along, count it as productive? Because any movement forward is...

In our neck-of-the-woods, it is getting cold outside. My flower beds are wet with rain (blessed rain!) and soon the annuals will die in frost. My goal is to get them pulled out before they freeze and turn black. There are leaves in wet piles. Over the course of the...

Whether we are telling our brains to think and speak well of ourselves and others, and we're rehearsing positives on purpose day in and day out {and reaping the happy benefits} or, if we are telling our brains to listen to negatives and believe negatives and speak of...

Do you ever wake up on Monday morning and hit a wall of overwhelm in your mind? Feeling like you have too much to do? Or new goals that you're not sure how to incorporate into an already full schedule? It has happened to me on too many occasions! I'd like to share...

We sometimes get confused. We might ask ourselves, "If I commend myself for a job well-done, am I proud?" or "If I berate myself, does that make me humble?" I'd say, no and no. I just finished cleaning the kitchen. It was one job in the middle of 15 others that was...

Any sacrifice you are making to teach and support and nurture and strengthen your family will pay you in the end. We're here to grow together. Even the greatest pain- childbirth, temporary separation, saying you're sorry and asking forgiveness, finding the strength to...

Every family has challenges. No, every family has multiple, on-going, at times life-threatening and or soul-threatening difficulties they are trying to work through. And, while none of us are without challenges, there is so much strength in moving through them...

I love this fall-time of the year! The skies are softening. The angle of the light is changing and the colors are looking richer every day. I love the abundance of vegetables and fruit! And it's such a wonderful feeling to put some things by for the winter. "All...

I say "wrong" because they aren't true, and I'm referring to the songs in our culture that worship people, even those we love. The music that says, "If you leave me, I won't have any reason to go on." Or, those that sing along the lines of, "If you decide to be...

Do you feel, like I have many times, that there isn't enough time to do all you want and need to do? I am reminded again today that the key to accomplishing our mission, the things that we each alone were put here to do, is to prioritize what we do with our time. The...

    Negativity creeps in. A little pessimistic thought here, a worry there. Soon the sarcasm starts coming out. Once it becomes a full blown mess and other people and negative emotions are involved, it can be quite difficult to  turn around. {Understatement...

Who are you? Beyond what you like or who you married or what school you attended or who your friends are or what you "do." Who are you deep down?               Here are a few declarations about your identity that will keep you...

In seminar, we are working on mindset. Why? Because your mindset is crucial to the health and functioning of your family! By this I mean that when you are in a place of positivity and learning, when you are defending yourself against negative thinking and deception,...

          What does spirituality mean to you? Some see spirituality as a practice, maybe a time to be alone in nature or to quiet the mind. Others feel it is learning to meditate or exercise. Yet one definition I read lately, that really...

"Develop yourself out of challenge."             A few years ago, I scratched this thought at the top of a piece of note paper when I heard it. I'm sorry I didn't write who said it because it is valuable and profound and I appreciate it!...

A quick note to share that Lioness is offering another session of the 7 Steps to Family Wellness Seminar starting this Saturday, September 15th at 9:00am in Manti. (Exact location dependent on how many participants we have, so I'll have to keep you posted!) All other...

  We have to inform our brains to think about what we want them to think about. It is our tool and it is extremely obedient. Say I want to focus on learning to practice a new skill every day. How can I ask my brain to help me? I can take a picture of myself...

                    Do you have concerns or challenges or questions that you have been praying over? Do you need greater strength? More courage? Endurance? Keep asking; keep praying; keep working; keep hoping. It'll...

"Lucy went first, biting her lip and trying not to say all the things she thought of saying to Susan. But she forgot them when she fixed her eyes on Aslan." Prince Caspian, C.S. Lewis

        I had the opportunity to visit with a client as school was starting a few weeks ago. She wanted to clarify her goals and talk about a few trouble spots that were causing her some uncertainty and a little frustration. It was a great visit! I...

How amazing it is to look back over a full day and see the blessings. That even though there were set-backs, patience won out. That even though frustration could have been the shared emotion, there was generosity and helpfulness. That though hard work was required,...

When you breathe deeply while stretching, your muscles can relax and release. Doing simple stretches, wherever you are, while taking deep breaths allows your body to relax. Even very simple stretching will give you a sense of lengthening and calming your muscles and...

"Run away to a village to make it the center of the world." Jules Renard What is home if not the familiar, comfortable place where you can enjoy each other's company and at times find a corner to enjoy a good book? To cook and to eat; to learn and to play. Isn't it...

Lately, I've started a few new projects that require steep learning curves! Consequently, I am in the middle of making many, many mistakes as I learn and practice. {I am so grateful for patient, and loving teachers.} So, I've been thinking about making mistakes and...

Do you ever feel anxious about starting a difficult task? Maybe you just moved and there is a lot to be put away; maybe you just had a baby and you're feeling that you don't have enough hands for everyone; or maybe you just have a lot of laundry to do or a closet to...

I learned a lesson from a friend many years ago that I've been grateful for since. She and her husband and young children came from a long distance to visit us.  As they came in the door, my friend opened a bag she had prepared with snacks for her  kids and started to...

As friends, wives, mothers, aunts and daughters, women can be amazing! When insecurity, comparing and critical self talk are allowed to run rampant, women can be scary. One more reason to build and bolster your awareness of who you are; what is most important in your...

With the climate of "do more to have more" permeating every waking moment of our culture, here's a declaration to try out: "I am content." This little sentence is a treasure. I challenge you to try using it in your declarations night and morning for a week and see...

I was reminded again today of the affluent circumstances of many people I know. I refer to those who are able to look back over their lives and count their many valuable human connections; relationships they have cultivated and honored; support they have given;...

"Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she hath wings." Victor Hugo

Did you have a good day? Did you feel energetic or a bit tired? Were you engaged and happy or did you have a lot on your mind? Did you follow your plan or did you feel to put out a few fires? Are you learning something new and dealing with growing pains or are you in...

Recently I was asked the question, "Who do you lead?"  My response was, everyone I meet. And I'd say that that is true for you too. Aren't we all influencing one another in large and small ways, almost constantly? And doesn't influence also mean leadership? Every word...

Semi-interesting fact: It takes me seven minutes to fold and put away a moderately-sized load of laundry. Why do I know that? Well, I sometimes time myself doing jobs for several reasons.   One, because laundry {or whatever jobs you do on a regular basis} can be...

Last year this lupine in my garden was thriving. This spring it didn't come back. I don't know why, it just didn't winter well. We try hard to understand things that happen so that we can learn from the experience and try to influence outcomes in the future. And...

Yesterday I had the privilege of sitting behind a young family at a Sacrament service. There were three little people...all the same age! What I heard and saw was so inspirational to me and reminds me why I am confident in the strength and goodness of so many parents...

You are wonderful! Creative. Beautiful! Loving. Genuine. Giving. Kind. Committed. Learning. Seeking. Finding. Gracious. Industrious. Generous and much more! Which leads me to saying that I hope you are caring for your amazing self. {Yes, so that you can keep being and...

How is the summer going for you? Have you been able to some spend time outdoors or just doing some things you love to do? If you haven't, I would challenge you to find a way to schedule in, even a few short activities or self-care things that you would like to do....

When you believe and feel that you are cherished, that you belong, that you are resilient and able, while also feeling teachable and trusting-- with a heart full of good will toward others--that is the sense of being "in love" that I am writing about today. When we...

One of my favorite short Pixar films is called Boundin, did you see that one? Please click the link and watch it if you're interested, but I wanted to comment on the line, "You've got a pink kink in your think!" {One of the best lines of all time in my opinion!} A...

I remember how tired I used to get when my kids were small. So tired I could cry. And I did cry too! But now my vantage point has changed. On the other end of this ride we call parenting, you will find that those young, demanding years will have passed like a dream......

Spending time with grandkids and loving some new funnies we've found! If you haven't seen this one yet, I hope it will make you smile. I hope you are well! Love, Jacque https://youtu.be/PfyJQEIsMt0

If you have little people, I think you'll understand what I mean when I say that you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink! {When it's nap time, you can lead a little one to their bed but you cannot make her sleep can you?} In thinking about this...

Are you using essential oils? I have some new favorites I wanted to share with you. There are so many oil companies out there. And many of them produce subpar products. I have enjoyed this company a lot because their oils are high quality while being practically...

Hello friends. It's been a few days of a technical difficulty and now we're back online. Thank you for your patience! Today I'd simply like to say, wow! You ladies amaze me! You are fighting the good fight of finding time for self-care in the midst of very challenging...

It is dry as a bone at our house. Good thing lavender is hardy, because most everything else looks drab and brown and nearly dead. And it’s amazing to me what a difference that makes. Our home looks less inviting because the yard looks less alive because the...

You're learning. You're watching. You're paying attention to the experience of others. You have some of your mother's traits. You may have things you do just like your dad. But even so, there is no one else in the world who is uniquely you. A shift from imitation to...

Ladies. Please, please change the words that you think and say about yourself if they are anything less than positive. I heard reference to yet another study that was done in the 70's about the power of words. Under hypnosis, healthy subjects were told that their...

Do you ever feel torn between getting some rest and tackling a project or catching up on something that you haven't had a chance to get to yet? I feel for that dilemma, I've had it many times myself. What I am learning in my age is that there isn't much that is worth...

Coming soon to Lioness is a stunning bouquet of declarations set to music and illustrated with inspiring pictures! The intent is to fill your mind with words of truth about who you are with music that will bring those words to life and make them mentally "sticky"...

Is there a challenge in your life that has you nervous or scared? Are there gatherings to plan or lessons or exams or late nights or difficult days coming up? I have been reminded that focusing on the difficulties, the soul-stretching experiences that we aren't quite...

Life is a process. There's no such thing as leap-frogging over daily needs...at least not without unhealthy consequences. We must eat. We must sleep. We grow. We need new clothes. We get tired. We need change. Sometimes we think we can take life by storm and forego...

Derives from the Latin hospes, meaning "host", "guest", or "stranger". ... hos·pi·tal·i·ty; noun the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors,or strangers. Synonyms: friendliness, hospitableness, warm reception, welcome, helpfulness,...

A great reminder from a great woman: "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer." Corrie Ten Boom, The Hiding Place Love to you today! Jacque {Thank you for the quote Becky,...

Here is a little to-do list from The Power of Positive Thinking. On changing a mental attitude from negative to positive: or in other words, "for shifting from error patterns to truth patterns." "1. For the next twenty-four hours, deliberately speak hopefully about...

"Whatever your situation may be, you can improve it. First, quiet your mind so that inspirations may rise from its depths. Believe that God is now helping you. Visualize achievement. Organize your life on a spiritual basis so that God's principles work within you....

Do you live where lilacs grow? These beauties came from my yard and my dad's yard. They only last for a short time and they are beautiful and smell heavenly! Like these flowers and so many important things in life, the beautiful moments must be seized before they are...

Who is in charge at your house? That seems like a quirky question I know, but really, who calls the shots? I've been reminded several times in the last few days that a parent's role is so critical that it can't be part of a popularity contest! Do we want our children...

Just a reminder on this summer day: Yes, you can (and should!) correct your children's behavior. Remember the validation checklist though as you prepare to make yourself and your boundaries clear. Is what you need to say and how you will say it, kind? Gentle?...

"Oh, I can feel it." {Name that movie..} What story are you writing with your words about your life today? Are you feeling hopeful and thinking and speaking about the possibilities for growth and achievement in your life? Are you thinking words of discouragement and...

It seems that at times, we don't quite understand that we are ALL in a position of leadership. Who you are leading may change as you grow and mature and make commitments, but all of us are leading and influencing someone! In parenting, we want to help our children...

Good morning! I hope this post finds you well and feeling optimistic about your life! I want to tell you about a few things that have been helpful to me, speaking of feeling optimistic. If you have experienced times when it feels like the difficulty level of...

It is time once again to launch the 7 Steps to Family Wellness Seminar! Another year has gone by and I'm hoping to have the chance to share these powerful principles with at least 10 more families! {Please see the Events page for more details about this year's seminar...

Nope, not in a tin can. The kind that comes to your inbox! A parable if you will... I've been amazed, as I've mentioned before, at the immoral sludge that lands in my spam folder. Who spends their lives writing or producing this stuff? Why? What is the point? I don't...

"I am creating a beautiful life!" "I treat myself with respect." "I love my life!" "I am constantly learning." "I love and accept myself." Be well my friend, body and soul. Love, Jacque

Do you ever feel the need to take a break, large or small, from the things that may be driving you or constantly leaving you feeling empty, sick or discouraged? Junk food? Media? Games? Negativity and sarcasm? Hey, what a wonderful idea! Sometimes we have to be on the...

In memory of my friend Sharon Stilson, who left us unexpectedly and far too soon, I say, thank heaven for positive, uplifting people who are an influence for good wherever they are! {And a reminder that life can change so suddenly...}Til' we meet again...

Have you been wearing sandals enough yet this season that your feet are starting to dry out and look scruffy? Go from reptile looking feet to baby softness by soaking your feet in a cup of Epsom salt in hot water for about 15 minutes. It is amazing! Take care of you....

Have you gotten a little burn on your neck or face or arms yet this early summer? Seems like it's easy to do when you're outside more than usual at the beginning of the season. These days I use coconut oil for that. I've heard some funny jokes {none of which I can...

The press is on! It's big and it's real! There are so many people, causes, things and machines all vying for your attention! And who will win it, today and tomorrow? In an article I read, and I think I've mentioned before, the designers of some of the most influential...

I hope this post finds you well, though I know chances are, this post will find you challenged in some way! Of course, there are challenges {trying to get everything done that needs doing, getting in better shape, finishing a class, following through on a difficult...

Are you a thrift shopper? I didn't know that I was until I needed shirts to wear when I was employed at a paint store. The first time I walked through racks of second-hand clothes, I have to admit I felt a little embarrassed and self-conscious. {Bear in mind, this was...

Do you ever find yourself waiting for the right circumstances to come along so that you can enjoy yourself and have some fun? Waiting for a break from an average day? Waiting for a birthday or graduation or relief from some daily burden? So what makes life fun anyway?...

When we're in the middle of creating something, or as in the case of several young mothers I know, someone, life can feel like an unbalanced dance. Some things are on hold while others are full-tilt, and even while you're taking the steps that need taking, you know...

To keep our internal "scale" heavy and abundant in hope and with little or no weight on despair, we must listen to or read or speak words of faith every day. Every day, every day, every day. We have to choose to have more hope and faith than fear. Every day, every...

Because of you, the world was a better place today. There was more laughter and fun! There was encouragement given and kindness shown. Because of you, life was easier for someone today. You care and you show it. You share other's burdens and help to lighten their...