If you ever wanted to embark on a new adventure, you've chosen one of the best! Stepmothering is unlike any other role you play. You must deal daily with people that you would probably never choose to have in your life otherwise. You must overcome stereotypes and preconceptions and fight for rights that should be understood. Your life demands all sorts of new abilities and experiences, but the most real and valued discoveries you make are in your own heart and your own spirit.

As you make your way through the minefield that your life has become, you will discover so very much that you would not have seen otherwise. You will discover God's comforting and constant presence in your life. You will discover your heart as you've never known before. And you will discover unlimited ways to reflect God's grace to those around you.

Probably about a hundred times a day, you'll hear yourself say, "Oh, God, what do I do now?!" As your need for God's help increases -- probably beyond your wildest expectations! -- you'll discover that he stands ready to provide whatever you ask. The more you lean on him, the more he answers. The more lost you feel, the more present he becomes. The more you ache, the more he heals.

You'll discover that God can use whatever challenge you're facing to draw you nearer to him. You'll discover that he wants you to walk hand in hand with him every day, through every problem. You'll begin to feel him and hear him guiding you and teaching you. You may be surprised by the discovery of his closeness as you've never felt it before, but don't let it go. There is much to learn.

When you become a stepmom, you find yourself in a new world, one that is sometimes unfriendly and always demanding. Surviving and thriving is never easy, and you must have a strong desire to succeed and a strong stomach for the failures. As you journey through your stepmothering days, you will discover what your heart is truly made of and capable of. You will discover your true self.

Stepmothering will so often send you to your very core, searching for strength and direction, peace and understanding, that you will absolutely have to get in touch with your heart in a newfound way. As you face new challenges and problems, you'll realize that there are some basic truths that you keep returning to -- that's how you discover your heart unlike ever before. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

As you discover your true heart, you'll also discover how God wants you to reflect that to others, and how to reflect his grace to those around you. You do that by listening to your heart and trusting God to help you with the choices you have to make. It's not a trick you can learn overnight, but it's a series of wonderful revelations you can discover along the way, if you'll only look.

As you make your daily choices, look inside your heart that you know so well now, and you'll find new and exciting ways to handle your life. You'll see an argument with your husband as a way to reflect your heart and improve your marriage. You'll see a struggle with your stepchild as a way to share God's grace or mercy or forgiveness. You'll see a resentment of your stepchidren's mom as a way to grow closer to God and learn more about his plan for your life. You'll discover how to walk with God through every challenge.

Don't be afraid of this unfamiliar territory. It's full of potential and hidden experiences that will lead you to wonders unimagined. A stepmom's life is overflowing with complications, but it is just as filled with amazing opportunities for discovery. Discover all that God wants to show you.

• Just for today, examine all of your interactions with others. Discover and be aware of how God comforts and sustains you in a new and deepened way.

• Just for today, apply what you've learned about yourself in all of your communications with others. Draw upon the strength in knowing who you are to deliver your best to your family.