What do you do with 11 and 8-year-old girls when Mom and Dad are out of town? We baked cake pops and cookies, played Uno, and even had a pizza party while watching the Barbie movie. Phew! The girls sure kept this grandma on her toes! I absolutely love what I do because I can take the time to do all these fun and memorable things with my two granddaughters. It is a part of my purpose.
Busy Dad and Mom wanted (and probably needed) a little time alone. And they had a holiday party to attend, so it was Grandma to the rescue! I am so blessed they called and asked if I would come up to stay with the girls. Having freedom in my business, I jumped at the opportunity to spend extra time with two of my grandchildren.
Freedom And Purpose
While we did so many fun things, there were also things I usually don’t get to do. I had the opportunity to pick up the girls from school and hear all about their day, and also the privilege of lying in bed, sharing stories and giggling. We enjoyed hot chocolate in the morning while reading books together and snuggling on the couch.
The freedom my business brings allows me to live out my purpose. As a Life Coach, I can talk with my clients on Zoom, Voxer, or even email – all while I’m busy with my family. I love being a coach and serving my clients so they can overcome the hurts, pains, or fears that hold them back so they can become the best version of themselves. Not only am I living my professional purpose, but I’m also living my personal purpose. I am living a life that gives me purpose, while leaving a legacy.
Does Your Life Feed Your Soul?
How about you?
Are you living a life that feeds your soul?
Are you excited to get up in the morning?
Do you go to bed each night thinking, “I did a great job today?”
Are you living a life of purpose?
If not, I hope you’ll join me for the Pursuing Purpose Retreat to discover your purpose!
What You’ll Learn About Your Purpose
Let’s uncover:
What brings you joy
What will give you a sense of excitement and passion each day
How you can have time and freedom to live your life as you desire
So you can live out God’s calling and purpose for your life!
You can learn all about the Pursuing Purpose Retreat by clicking this link!
We’re back from vacation, with lots of family and even more fun, and taking the month of July off. Yes, we actually took a vacation!
Vacation: a period spent away from home, work, service to rest and relax
And friends, our time away is exactly what Tim and I needed! We have been so busy this year. Tim was instrumental in the sale of the company and worked long hours, making sure all the t’s were crossed and the i’s dotted. We bought a new house and immediately did an addition and a bathroom renovation. In the midst of all this, we had several one-day intensives with clients and I had a full book of coaching clients. We also had our commitment to serve every Thursday evening at our church by leading groups. In addition to all the household, church, and business goings-on, we had numerous family events and travels planned for the month of July. Family time is always our number one priority.
With all the things taking place at once, it led us to realize that we needed to rest!
This Is How We Have Fun
So just what did we do on our fun-filled July vacation?
First, half of the month was all about family. We took a trip to DC, where we spent a week with our oldest son and his family. We enjoyed the cooler weather, sitting out front on the swing, morning coffee, long and relaxing lunches, entertaining baking sessions, and laughter-filled games with our granddaughters. And we certainly can’t forget the grand dogs!
Birthday Fun
We arrived home in time to celebrate my birthday. There was brunch with our daughter, her husband, and our granddaughter, Journy. Our grandson Jackson was out of town. Next, we took time to clean out our garage, then got ready for a nice dinner out. While I really don’t like the numbers going up, I do love celebrating my birthday. Tim always makes me feel more than special. He spoiled me with a few special gifts: a sunflower picture and pillow, celebration dinners (yes, more than one!), and flowers!
During all of this, our storage pod was delivered after 5 long years in storage. It was a good thing we cleaned out the garage! We had forgotten what was in it, it had been so long! Now it was time to consider – did we really need any of it? I don’t remember once in those 5 years asking, “Where is _____?” The time came to rearrange the things we decided to keep and say goodbye to the rest! That, my friend, is a whole other subject!
Leaving on a Jet Plane – Again
Then it was time for another round of packing!! We were leaving on a jet plane again. This time, it was off to Atlanta to see our youngest son and his family. It was a quick weekend trip, but it was jam-packed full of fun and activities! Playing with the boys (5,3, and 1) sure kept us busy and on our toes. We also attended and thoroughly enjoyed a Braves game, and Tim, Pat and the two older boys played golf. Before we knew it, the short weekend came to an end and we headed back home. I had to prepare for the upcoming women’s retreat I was facilitating the following weekend.
Claiming Victory
Claiming Victory Women’s Retreat! Wow! I was amazed that 8 women trusted me to walk them through what was keeping them stuck, and leading them to breakthrough. Women moved from hopelessness to freedom, from needing courage to experiencing contentment, from uncertainty to knowing they are authentically loved – and much more. After three days, I was exhausted, but also energized! I just don’t have the words to completely explain the feelings I have when God has worked through me. I am blessed.
More Vacation Fun
After the retreat it was time to be on the road again. Yep, time to pack our bags one more time. This trip took us to Yosemite to meet up with some friends. It would be a strenuous and adventurous time for us. We hiked the trails in Yosemite, tested our limits with white water rafting, visited a national park with stunning sequoia trees, and finally headed to Paso Robles for some wine tasting. There were so many learnings through our explorations: on game nights, we learned everyone has their own rules they follow when playing games! I discovered I like adventure more than Tim, we both learned we do not enjoy long, treacherous curvy car rides. We also realized a perfect night for us is to sit on a rooftop and enjoy music. Although we thoroughly enjoyed our time with our friends – and it was great fun – sometimes we just needed to be alone. I could write so much more about this …
Our month off was completely full. We have so many memories to cherish and lots of fun and adventures to remember. We soaked up all the friendship and love, and treasured a different view from our everyday life. The only thing missing was rest and relaxation.
On-the-Go and Loving It
We are an on-the-go kind of family, but we wouldn’t change a thing. Now it’s time to get back to business!
Vacation: a period spent away from home, work, service to rest and relax!
And friends, that is exactly what Tim and I need! We have been so busy this year. Tim was instrumental in the sale of the company, working long hours, making sure all the T’s were crossed. We bought a new house and immediately did an addition and a bathroom renovation. We had several one-day intensives with clients of ours and I had a full book of coaching clients. Plus, many family events and travels, which is our number one priority. Finally, we have a commitment to serve every Thursday evening at our church, by leading groups.
On the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, Tim leads a group of men, Getting Back Up, and I lead a group for women, Broken and Beautiful. On the other Thursdays, Tim and I lead a group for couples who want to strengthen their marriage and take it to the next level; in other words, build a great marriage.
To be honest sometimes we just need to take a break. So that is exactly what we are planning to do in July, rest, relax and refresh.
Rest – Refresh oneself by taking a break for a period of time so that we can relax.
Relax – reduce our activities so we can be more calm and less tense or stressed.
Refresh – to restore strength and energy.
All of which will allow us to come back revived, replenished, and invigorated! Watch out second half of the year!
You might be asking yourself, what are they going to do for a whole month? Don’t worry, the month is full… visiting grandchildren, celebrating my birthday (nope still not telling my age), Diana is hosting the Claiming Victory Retreat, hiking in Yosemite, visiting one of our favorite wineries in Paso Robles, spending time with friends, just being and having fun!
Fun – amusing, entertaining or enjoyable!
Having fun has many benefits reduces stress, improved sleep, keeps you feeling young, better memory, more energy, improves your love life and more…
We hope you will take some time to rest, relax, refresh and simply have fun!
https://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Diana-Blog-Header-_-vacation.png450820Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2023-07-05 13:53:252026-03-19 14:42:54Need some time off! Maybe a vacay…
Many of us are resolution-makers and goal-setters, especially when New Year’s rolls around. So how do you and your spouse work toward a goal or keep your relationship moving forward?
For quite some time, we were resolution-setters, too. We would choose a goal, hope, pray, and put in the effort. We tried to maintain enough steam to pursue the goal and stay on track all year. However, as you know, resolutions and even the best intentions don’t always have staying power.
Choosing WOTY As A Couple
So we decided to change it up. Now, we choose a Word of the Year (WOTY). But here’s the critical part: we choose our word as a couple. Together, we decide on an area of focus for our marriage and attach a word to that goal. By selecting a word or even a phrase, we find it’s easier and more effective to maintain. It’s a constant reminder of what’s important to us and our marriage. And a bonus is we don’t have to feel guilty if we fall off the resolution bus; we can always go back to our word for the year and reset our sights on the marital goal.
Our clients shared how intentionally choosing a Word of the Year helped restore their marriage. They were on the brink of divorce – to the point of documents filed and a court date set. But God stepped in and spoke to the wife, telling her not to go through with the divorce. She listened, and she and her husband decided the following January to choose a word of the year and stick to it. They chose the word together the first year after the very close call. It was a regular reminder that neither of them was alone in their fight for their marriage, and in fact, they had another in the middle with them. God was walking them through.
The following year, they selected the word build. And continued to choose their marriage first, building on the foundation God had already given them.
Choosing Intentionally
That’s a convincing illustration of the power of a word, isn’t it?
We’ve found the process of discovering your word is an intentional practice. As a couple, take time and step away from your daily busyness, reflect on where your relationship is or has been, and envision how you’d each like it to move forward. Then listen. Be deliberate about your listening and reflecting. Finally and most importantly, take the time to pray and ask God for direction in choosing your word together. Seek Him.
Once you’ve settled on a word, it’s helpful to write it down and reflect again. As a couple, can you truly commit to this word for the entire year? Unlike a New Year’s Resolution, which tends to fizzle out quickly, a Word of the Year can bring intentionality to your marriage all year.
Once you’ve worked through the process together and discovered your word, write it down and post it where it can be seen frequently. In your office, on the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator. Give yourself visual reminders of your word, and repeat the word to yourself and your spouse often.
Tracking Your Word Is A Blessing
If this is your first time choosing a WOTY, we encourage you to find a place to track your words year over year. We have a running list of my words over the years, and it’s truly a blessing to see how God has brought us through and kept us moving forward to the next thing. All through the power of a word and a Word of the Year.
Have you and your spouse chosen a word for this year?
We’d love to hear the 2023 word or phrase you’ve chosen together and why!
https://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Diana-Blog-Header-_-PowerofaWord.png450820Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2023-01-23 09:11:032026-03-19 14:51:11The Power of a Word 2023
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Words aren’t something we necessarily give frequent thought to, let alone pause and intentionally decide upon.
A Resolution Or WOTY?
Many of us are resolution-makers and goal-setters, bright and early at the beginning of a new year. For quite some time, that was me, too: I would choose a goal and hope and pray to have enough steam to pursue the goal all year. However, as we all know, resolutions don’t always work long-term!
So I decided to change it up. Now, I choose a Word of the Year (WOTY!). It just made sense to me. By selecting a word (or sometimes a couple of words!), I find it’s much simpler and more effective to maintain an area of focus for myself. It’s an easy, daily reminder of what’s important to me. I don’t have to feel guilty if I fall off the resolution bus; I have my word for the year!
I like to review my previous year’s successful and not-so-successful endeavors, and my WOTY will often reveal itself through this process. In seeking a word, I dig deep and allow the Lord to work in my heart. It feels like a natural extension of where my heart is and where I should focus for the upcoming year.
Intentional Practice
I’ve found that discovering your word is an intentional practice. Take time and step away from your daily busyness, reflect on where you’ve been, and envision where you want to go. Then listen. Be deliberate about your listening and reflecting. Finally, take the time to pray and ask God for direction in choosing your word.
Once you’ve settled on a word, write it down and reflect again. Can you commit to this word for the entire year? Unlike a New Year’s Resolution, which tends to fizzle out quickly, a Word of the Year can bring intentionality all year long – and sometimes, it rolls right on through to the next!
Once you’ve worked through the process and discovered your word, write it down and post it where you can see it – in multiple places! In your office, on your bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator. Give yourself visual reminders of your word, and repeat your word often.
Tracking Your Words
If this is your first time choosing a WOTY, I encourage you to find a place to track your words for each year. I have a running list of my words over the years, and it’s a blessing to see how God has brought me through and then to the next thing; all weaved into my words of the year!
2023 is unique for me. Rather than a WOTY, God gave me a phrase of the year: peacefully scared. Isn’t that a lovely thought? Even in the midst of situations that would typically cause fear in me – I choose to stand in faith and receive His peace. Over everything. When things look out of control from the outside, I can remain peacefully scared in His presence.
Please Share Your Word
How about you? What God-inspired or insightful word have you chosen for your year?
We’d love to hear the 2023 word (or words) you chose and why!
00Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2023-01-11 16:30:312026-03-19 14:53:03Power of a Word
It’s time to celebrate Jesus and have cherished time with family and friends.
But what if things aren’t so merry and bright with your relationship?
We’ve developed some practical tips to help keep you focused on each other and the real reason for Christmas.
Look for the ‘little things’ – and have a heart of gratitude. Even when things are stressful, focus on the small, happy things, and be grateful.
Talk about the reason for the season, and share with friends and family.
Pray together regularly – and make prayer a priority.
Have you made your list for Santa yet? If not, get it done as soon as possible to reduce stress.
Discuss your Christmas budget, and agree with your spouse on the amounts to be spent.
Understand and accept that things (and people!) are out of your control. Remind yourself of this fact often.
Mind your busyness! Remember B.U.S.Y. = is Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Slow down. We all know how very quickly time passes – why rush it with busyness?
Prioritize your to-do list for the season. And stick to it!
Surround yourself with friends and family who will support you and your spouse during the holidays.
Try to remember that your actions and words can hurt your spouse. Don’t let a moment’s stress cause pain for those around you. Take a breath and pause before you speak.
We pray that you can slow down and enjoy each treasured moment this Christmas season. Be intentional about showing extra love to those around you – and always remember the REAL reason for this season!
Merry Christmas, and may you find reasons to celebrate every day this Christmas season.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” Luke 2:10
It’s a Wonderful Life. If you’ve seen this classic Christmas film, you no doubt walked away feeling uplifted and encouraged about life. But maybe your real life isn’t feeling so picturesque right now, and you’re wondering just how to get back to that wonderful, peaceful place.
Life can still be beautiful, even in the pain and the mess.
But how, you ask? Here are a few tips that might help you find some glimpses of the loveliness that is your life.
Cultivate a grateful heart
When we are stuck in our own stuff, it’s hard to see past the discouraging things in our lives. But – the hope and joy that will come with a shift toward a grateful heart can change things! Take the time to write down at least one thing each day for which you’re thankful. Start small each day, and watch your grateful list grow!
Do your best to avoid a negative attitude
I know it’s not easy! And it won’t mean rainbows and sunshine every day. But intentionally working toward a positive rather than negative attitude can help you refocus and move toward seeing the beauty in your life.
Pursue your calling and purpose
God has called you. You are chosen, and He has plans for you. What passions has He laid on your heart? Follow your God-given passions relentlessly and watch the pain fade as you affect those around you for the good. Your life’s purpose will become more apparent.
Help others
You can find fulfillment and happiness by helping others – especially during the holiday season. When we are the hands and feet of Jesus through our care for others, our problems become dimmer, less ‘big.’
Give yourself grace
Understand that this is a season. While doing your best as you walk through this challenging time in your life, allow yourself the same grace you would extend to others. And know you are never alone! He goes before you, and promises to be with you. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us: ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’
Remember, you have hope!
Because of the baby boy sent to us over two-thousand years ago and His great love for us – there is hope!
I pray during this Christmas season, you can find that life is still beautiful.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
00Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2022-12-07 17:03:562026-03-19 14:54:27Life Is Still Beautiful
Over the years, as I’ve gained experience and wisdom, one of my goals has been to be more intentional with my life. Deliberate daily actions, from my prayer life to my relationships and thoughts. And especially in my healing. You see, when pain and hurts are left unchecked and not processed, they can grow larger and larger, allowing bitterness and unforgiveness to take hold. So I’ve decided to intentionally take steps in my own healing.
Devastated
When Tim’s affair came to light, I was completely and utterly devastated.
I was left feeling unprotected, vulnerable, and unworthy. The decision was entirely mine: begin taking daily steps toward healing or allow the heartbreak to take over my life. I chose to be intentional about my healing so our marriage could be restored. I can’t say it was easy, this decision of moving forward and facing the pain. It was indeed a journey, full of down and discouraging days – but also full of self-discovery and drawing nearer to God.
Being Intentional In Acceptance
The process began with acceptance. Although it hurt, I had to accept the reality of Tim’s affair. This first step can be a doozy, especially when our hearts would rather deny the facts – but it’s necessary to move forward. I needed to make changes and do things differently than I had been doing.
I needed to get unstuck and find my value again outside the circumstances. When feelings of unworthiness crept in, I would hold fast to God’s love for me and continue to look to Him for my comfort, peace, and worth. I reached out for help from friends, counselors, and coaches. I leaned on them for wisdom, discernment, and support.
Intentional Healing
By intentionally seeking healing, my heart and mindset were changed – and our marriage survived and began thriving again.
Are you in a season of pain and hurt? One that feels as if it will never change or improve?
You can begin walking toward healing by starting with intention.
Accept the circumstance for what it is, and then choose what needs to change in your life. Hold tight to God’s promises and His love over you. Then take action – intentionally.
Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my innermost parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Diana would welcome a chance to speak with you about your healing — no obligations, no pressure.
Communication: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. That’s Merriam-Webster’s definition. So how do you define communication? Better yet:
Communication in Marriage
How is communication in your marriage?
Most counselors and coaches (including us) agree that communication is foundational to a solid marriage relationship. It’s crucial for each spouse to be able to safely express feelings about a situation or experience – whether positive or negative. Take a moment and think about the last ‘opportunity for growth’ (aka disagreement or argument!) you experienced as a couple. Did your wife believe you would acknowledge her feelings and listen to her? Did your husband have the space to honestly air his thoughts and concerns – without judgment?
How do we go about communicating well?
When we express ‘how that makes or made me feel’, we are learning to express our own feelings in a safe way – and in a way that will also protect our spouse from feeling attacked and rushing to the defense mode. By using this communication tool early in the conversation, doors will remain open, rather than walls being built up with ‘you’ statements.
Scenario One looks a little like this: Husband approaches Wife with the statement, “You always …. (add your own storyline here).” Immediately, Wife feels she’s left with no choice but to defend herself. As a result, communication is shut down from the beginning, leaving no chance for healthy discussion and resolution.
Scenario Two plays out this way: Husband approaches wife Wife with the statement, “That situation made me feel this way.” Wife can now honestly communicate her feelings as well since Husband has opened the door for genuine discussion.
Building Trust
How we relate and communicate is essential to building trust. Most women want to know they are being heard and their feelings to be validated. Typically, men want to know they are valued and heard (as well).
This rings true on a general relational level as well. Women need love (and to feel loved), and men need respect (and to feel respected). In fact, this comes straight from the Bible. Ephesians 5:33 tells us, “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
It doesn’t get much more clear than that!
So, the next time an ‘opportunity’ arises, let’s take a moment and remember to safely express ourselves and allow our spouse that same chance. Keep those lines of communication freely moving, and build that strong foundation.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
If you find that you’re struggling with effective communication in your relationship, we would love to help.
00Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2022-09-24 11:08:132026-03-19 14:55:52Communication: How Does It Make Me Feel?
Life is sailing along quite smoothly: a great job, picture-perfect kiddos who are active in all the things, a supportive spouse, and a wonderful church you attend with your family. You’re living out everything you’d ever wanted and dreamed of as a little girl!
But what happens when things don’t go as planned?
Your job is downsized due to economic conditions, causing financial strain and, in turn – marital issues. Perhaps your spouse’s parent becomes chronically ill, and your family is now the caregiver. Even our sweet and fun little ones can become difficult and even a little rebellious as they hit the teenage years. Maybe you’re just disappointed in your marriage. You’ve both drifted, and now you’re left feeling disconnected. Or perhaps there’s been a betrayal.
These unexpected (and very unwanted) situations in our lives can leave us feeling out of control and utterly unsure of which way to turn.
So, what can we do when life takes a turn in a direction we weren’t expecting?
Gather support. For yourself and for your family.
Does your church have pastoral or counseling care? Take them up on it.
Seek out coaching or counseling.
Be wise and reach out for help!
Communicate.
Keep talking with your spouse and your family. Shutting down will build walls.
Self-care.
Prioritize your needs, too.
Prayer.
Most of all, cover your situation in prayer.
When I received the very unwelcome news of Tim’s affair, needless to say – I was devastated.
It was definitely not in my plans!
But, I took steps to take care of myself, get help and support, and work through the situation – day-by-day.
Years later, I’m so grateful that I did.
If things aren’t going quite as you expected today, what steps can you begin to take to turn things around?
00Diana Journyhttps://journey2victory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Journey-2-Victory-logo-sm.pngDiana Journy2022-06-19 02:02:002026-03-19 15:01:03When Things Don’t Go As Planned
