• "Life" Books,  Consider This...,  Let's be Real

    Unity! Where?

    “NaNa, let’s hold hands like a family.” One of my greatest delights is when a child feels safe enough to just grab my hand without another thought. We ask them to hold ours a lot, out of caution when cars are near or when in a crowd. When they unconsciously or consciously seek out a hand to hold, most likely they are in need of a little bit of reassurance that someone is close and they are safe. In my opinion, there is no better feeling than a tiny hand sliding into mine and wrapping there little fingers around my hand. Pure Joy! When my niece was little (little-little, like…

  • "Life" Books,  Children Come,  Family,  Friends & Neighbors,  GRANDparents,  Jesus,  Pass it On...

    Learning Alongside

    I’m Back! Today, I have some statistics and some general ideas that I have gathered in my love of history and longings for my generation and the generations to come. I’m not one to dwell on the past or look to far into the future, I tend to focus on the present or near future, simply because life has dealt me experiences to remember this is all we are guaranteed. That’s a fact and a discipline that doesn’t come naturally to my body or brain. However, I do love seeing where we have come from and the hope of where we can go and the impact we can have. Disclaimer:…

  • "Life" Books,  Children,  Children Come,  Consider This...

    When My Heart Breaks

    Let’s start today with my question of the day 😊 Are you ready? Strap down those thinking caps! What makes your heart beat fast? What can make your blood boil? What gets under your skin so much that you want to take action right away? What news sparks a fire in you that makes you want to change or influence change? There are so many causes, groups, needs, charities, ministries in the world, and the greater majority are for the good. Yet you are only one person, with one body, one mind, limited amount to give, and limited amount of energy to work with. What I am asking of myself…

  • "Life" Books,  Let's be Real

    The Definition of “Leader,” Please

    “The challenge of Leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” Jim Rohn Today I come to you with a question, what makes someone a good candidate to be a leader? I realize the word “candidate” sparks political thoughts, but I want us to think about all leaders. The breakdown of leadership in many areas of our lives, nation, and world have gone on since the beginning of time. We now just have the luxury of 24/7 media coverage and…

  • "Life" Books,  Chronic Illness,  Let's be Real,  Migraines

    Migraine.

    I am constantly torn between: “I can’t let this illness ruin my life” and “I have to listen to my body and rest.” I recently was scrolling through Pinterest and came across this quote. I love collecting quotes, they are excellent reminders that we all are in this together- past, present, and future- we all contribute something! June is Migraine Awareness Month. And the above quote hits so close to home that it brings me to tears. Two quotes that came underneath as “suggested”: “Never get a chronic illness. It’s really inconvenient for other people.” “‘But you did it yesterday.’ Yes, and today I can’t move.” All three of these…

  • "Life" Books,  Chronic Illness,  Let's be Real

    Oh my Soul, It is Well!

    It is well, it is well, with my soul.  The story of this hymn is one of heartbreak, deep grief, and great loss. Mr. Spafford wrote these words while grieving the loss of four his daughters in a shipwreck. “Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is Well!”  I’ve never known life outside of living with chronic illness, just a fact. Diagnosed at four months, but I am sure my parents would agree asthma and reflux were with me from the start! Another fact is that the words “heal” and “cure” have always been words I associate with Heaven, not earth. It is just one of the…

  • "Life" Books,  Grief,  Pass it On...

    To You with Empty Arms

    You will never look back on life and think, “I spent too much time with my kids.” Unknown Before you begin reading today, I would just ask you to study the above picture. It’s the good ole’ 80’s florals and fringe on the umbrella. Most likely a new little red wagon. I say new because we had that wagon up until last year! (a good 40 years!) My parents have an inflatable pool and shovels ready, and it also looks like they have the bag packed for the day. My brother on the other hand doesn’t seemed to convinced on this sand and sun thing. However, if you know my…

  • "Life" Books,  Pass it On...

    To YOU…

    No one fights harder or loves harder than a pair of sibs. bestoflife.com As I think about the school year coming to a close for many children, I have been reflecting on a few thoughts. First, what my “end of school” years were like. The picture and quote today pretty much sums this one up well. Summers were filled with family, the lake, the beach, very rarely much else. It was a time for a big deep breath, at least for a month or two. Second, I have been thinking about all the students, parents, teachers, and all those in between, who don’t really ever get “off.” Today, I would…

  • "Life" Books,  Let's be Real

    Come Unto Me and Rest

    I missed writing last week, but I’m back and have a story to share. If you are familiar with anxiety and/or panic attacks, then you will most likely be all too familiar with the story I am about to tell. If you are not, either personally or have witnessed someone close to you, then let this be a learning post. Let me set the scene: I am sitting at a restaurant with my family, which rarely happens these days due to getting used to take out. I am overjoyed that my mom, dad, brother, sister in law, niece and nephew are all at one table and sharing a meal. It’s…