*Today's letter is written by my friend Samantha Herndon Hogan.* Dear Daddy: As I sit here trying to write this letter of thankfulness to you, I have so much to say, yet am at a loss for words. I don’t think I could put into words every single thing you’ve done for me that I’m... Continue Reading →
This piece was written by my former professor, who I like to consider one of my writing mentors, Dr. Teresa Burns Murphy, as a tribute to her parents. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this month. Happy anniversary to a couple who obviously understand what it takes to love others well. My parents were... Continue Reading →
Today's post is by one of my students, Derek Chandler, who wrote this essay in response to the question, "What are three gifts you have received in 2013, and why are they significant to you?" I will really miss having Derek on campus! This year has been a very hard year to just be thankful... Continue Reading →
Special thanks to my friend Betty Gail Jones for writing today's post. NO!! The lights are failing, row by row, on our 10 year-old, very favorite, pre-lit, secondary Christmas tree!! The top went first. Ah, we can fix that… it is probably a fuse. The mid section… now this is more serious. What to do,... Continue Reading →
Day 25 in the Dear Gratitude project is submitted by yours truly :). Dear Need, I first remember meeting you, Need, when my father fell from his heroic platform in my mind. Grappling with drug addiction, he stood in our living room in Augusta, Kansas, in 1984, and admitted that he had fallen for Caroline.... Continue Reading →
*Thanks to my friend Brandon Davidson for serving as the guest writer for Day 21 of the Dear Gratitude project. His post is guaranteed to make you laugh. It will probably cause you to pause and give thanks for all the people and circumstances that brought you where you are in your own life, too.*... Continue Reading →
*Big thanks to my friend and former college roommate, Sarah Donaghy, for sharing her grateful thoughts on Day 11 of the Dear Gratitude project.* The hardest part about being a guest blogger this month was deciding to whom or what I should write my letter of gratitude. I dwell in gratitude. Even in times when... Continue Reading →
*Big thanks to a friend of mine who gave me permission to post this letter he wrote to his stepdaughter recently. Thank God for step parents who do engage and don't choose apathy.* Kylie, This is long. You will find it annoying and will likely skip entire paragraphs the first time you read it. I... Continue Reading →
My poor stepdad. I know he loves my mom. Why else would you willingly marry a woman with FOUR little girls under the age of 12? After our cat Ralph died, my poor stepdad was the lone male ranger in the ongoing and increasing estrogen fest. Even our dog, Watson, was a female (and yes,... Continue Reading →
* Big thanks to my best friend, MeLissa Horseman, for today's post. She may have never wanted children, but she's become one of the best moms I know.* I never thought I wanted children. I barely thought I wanted to get married, let alone bring kids into the mix. This was a definite sore subject... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 