🌊 The Watering Hole Reflections — Episode 18
1. Fate vs. Free Will
Do you believe your life is fully shaped by destiny, or do you believe your choices carve your path? How do you see God’s hand in that balance?
2. Oswald vs. Jake
Both Oswald and Jake had determination — but one toward destruction, the other toward prevention. When you think about your own determination, where is it currently directed? Toward building or tearing down?
3. The “What If” Question
If you could go back in time to change one event in history (personal or global), would you? Why or why not?
4. Relief in God’s Control
How does it feel to know that you don’t have to hold the burden of changing the past — that God already knows every step before you take it?
5. Ink & Impact Takeaway
“The actions of one person with determination can shape the world.”
What small action can you take this week that might create ripples of impact?
🌊 The Watering Hole Reflections — Episode 18
1. Fate vs. Free Will
Do you believe your life is fully shaped by destiny, or do you believe your choices carve your path? How do you see God’s hand in that balance?
2. Oswald vs. Jake
Both Oswald and Jake had determination — but one toward destruction, the other toward prevention. When you think about your own determination, where is it currently directed? Toward building or tearing down?
3. The “What If” Question
If you could go back in time to change one event in history (personal or global), would you? Why or why not?
4. Relief in God’s Control
How does it feel to know that you don’t have to hold the burden of changing the past — that God already knows every step before you take it?
5. Ink & Impact Takeaway
“The actions of one person with determination can shape the world.”
What small action can you take this week that might create ripples of impact?
Finding Strength in the Storm: Lessons from Hurricane Season
🌺 The Watering Hole – Journal Edition
Hey my Lilies,
Resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a lifestyle. Life has a way of throwing storms our way, and sometimes those storms look like hurricanes—messy, destructive, and unexpected. But even in the chaos, there’s a story of survival, of courage, and of unity.
In Episode 16 of the Ink & Impact Podcast, we talked about Hurricane Katrina and how, despite the devastation, there was still hope. One of the most powerful examples of resilience came from the true story behind the movie Hurricane Season. A high school basketball team from New Orleans came together after the storm, despite losing so much, and fought their way to a state championship. That wasn’t just a game—it was a symbol of what happens when we refuse to give up.
When you’re in your own storm, remember this: Your strength doesn’t show up in calm waters—it’s revealed in the wind and the waves.
Now, let’s take a moment for reflection. Grab your journal, a pen you love, and sit with these prompts.
Journal Prompts for The Watering Hole 🌊
What has been the biggest “storm” in your life so far? How did you survive it?
What does resilience look like for you right now?
Who or what kept you grounded during difficult times?
When you think about community, what role does it play in your ability to overcome challenges?
Write a letter to yourself as if you’ve already made it through your current storm. What would you say?
The Giants Walk the Earth: Facing Big Things with Bigger Faith
When you hear the word giant, what comes to mind? A mythical creature, a towering figure, something so big it makes you feel small? In Episode 15 of Ink & Impact, we dive into the concept of giants—both literal and metaphorical—and explore why they matter in our stories today.
Why Giants Captivate Us:
From Goliath in scripture to the Titans of Greek mythology, humans have always been fascinated by giants. But here’s the truth: giants aren’t just in ancient stories—they show up in our lives every single day. That overwhelming debt? Giant. That fear keeping you from stepping out? Giant.
The Real Question:
What do you do when the giants come walking?
3 Steps to Facing Your Giants:
Name It: You can’t fight what you won’t acknowledge. Identify your giant.
Use What’s in Your Hand: David didn’t pick up a sword—he picked up a stone. What resources do you already have?
Shift Your Perspective: Giants look big because of where you’re standing. Move closer to God’s view.
Watering Hole Prompts to Reflect On:
What giant in your life feels unshakable right now?
What small stone do you already have to face it?
How can you remind yourself that giants aren’t invincible?
Final Thoughts:
Giants will always exist. But when you recognize your own strength—and your divine backing—you realize the giant isn’t there to crush you. It’s there to call you higher.
Listen to Episode 15 now on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart. Join the Watering Hole for free at iLilyInk.com and keep blooming where you’re planted.
What are some new skills or knowledge areas that I want to develop?
🌺Professional and career-focused🌺
These skills are directly relevant to the modern workplace and can increase your value to employers.
Analytical and critical thinking: The ability to analyze facts, ask thoughtful questions, and use logic to create innovative solutions. This is an essential skill, especially with the rise of automation.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): As AI becomes more integrated into industries, understanding its fundamentals and applications can give you a major competitive edge.
Coding and digital literacy: Proficiency in coding languages (such as Python or JavaScript) and comfort with new workplace technologies are critical in almost every industry.
Data analysis and statistics: The capacity to gather, interpret, and draw meaningful conclusions from data is vital for making informed business decisions.
Project management: The ability to plan, execute, and manage projects from start to finish. This helps streamline workflows and improve efficiency in any team setting.
Digital marketing and social media:Understanding these platforms is key for any role involving audience engagement, brand promotion, or business growth.
🌺 Personal and adaptability-focused
These skills help you manage yourself and stay flexible in a changing world.
Adaptability and cognitive flexibility: The ability to adjust to new technologies, processes, and unexpected situations. This is increasingly important in a rapidly evolving professional world.
Creativity and innovation: The capacity to think of unique solutions and develop original ideas. This fosters innovation and helps companies stand out.
Time management and organization: Effectively managing your time and organizing tasks helps increase productivity, reduce stress, and meet deadlines.
Resilience and stress tolerance: The ability to stay calm and methodical while handling pressure and setbacks.
🌺How to decide what to learn🌺
To choose which skills are best for you, consider the following:
Reflect on your goals: What do you want to achieve professionally and personally? Focus on skills that align with your long-term aspirations.
Assess your current role: What are the most valuable skills in your current job or industry? Is there an area where you consistently face challenges?
Look to the future: What trends are impacting your field? For example, if you are in marketing, staying on top of AI and new digital platforms is essential.
Choose one area to focus on: Pick a single skill or knowledge area that you are most excited about and commit to learning it. Choosing a focus area can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
