Category Archives: trials

23 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Mama Self

Me holding my first child when she was a week old, 1994 I’ve been a mother for 23 years. That means in the last 23 years I’ve changed hundreds of diapers, picked up thousands of toys, held puking children and … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, Faith, Family Life, gratitude, humor, kids, life lessons, parenting, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

If Mom Were Still Here

Today is a new day. One that for me, comes with a bit of pain. Because 3 years ago today my mother died. Life has never been the same since. But here is the good news: Though the day may … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, Faith, Family Life, God, gratitude, inspiration, kids, life lessons, love, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Don’t Think about it, Just Jump

A year ago this week my husband and I were in Maui, taking a private tour on the road to Hana. If you’re not familiar, the road to Hana is a miles long stretch of highway along the east coast … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Goals, gratitude, inspiration, life lessons, travel, trials, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Standing in the Middle of the Mess

She came down the stairs, a look of defeat on her face, “It feels like I’m not making any progress,” she said, “You can’t even tell I’ve done anything.” My oldest daughter is going to grad school and is moving … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, Faith, Family Life, Goals, humor, inspiration, kids, life lessons, parenting, trials, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Like Mother, Like Daughter

  If she were here, she’d have called me on the phone a month ago, asking me about my plans for Mother’s Day. I’d have said, “I don’t know Mom, I haven’t gotten there yet.” If she were here, she’d … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, Faith, Family Life, God, gratitude, humor, inspiration, life lessons, parenting, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

All I Want for Christmas is…

Dear Santa, Hello from Indiana. I hope you and the Mrs. are well. How are the elves?  I’m hoping they aren’t too sleep-deprived during this last minute holiday rush in the workshop. I’m so excited that Christmas is just days … Continue reading

Posted in christmas, Faith, Family Life, God, gratitude, humor, inspiration, kids, life lessons, love, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Day the Homeless Fed Me

There was no audible voice, no specific directive, just a nudge on my heart. But the nudge was strong; so strong I knew immediately what my answer would be: Yes. It took a week to commit, to finally answer the … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, God, gratitude, inspiration, life lessons, love, trials, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Finding Peace Involves Risk, an interview with Teri Ditslear

An Interview with Teri Ditslear; Wife, Mother, Pastor and “Fire-Starter”         As soon as I read the article in my local newspaper, I knew I had to get in touch with her.  You see, she and I … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, God, gratitude, inspiration, life lessons, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Art of Practicing Courage

Sunset on the Grand Tetons, June 2012 *Friends-if you don’t have the time to read my entire post-I have news to share: please skip to the end! This is the photo.  The photo that popped up in my feed with … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Goals, God, gratitude, inspiration, life lessons, Risk, trials, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Getting My Instant Fix

  “You can do Yoga! It says right here that yoga reduces inflammation!” I chuckle to myself, “Okay, well I better wait a few days for that.” My daughter is not convinced, “No, you can do it right now Mom, … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, Faith, Family Life, God, gratitude, inspiration, life lessons, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments