Today's post comes to us by guest contributor Chris Furnell. Thank you, Chris, for giving us reason to pause and reflect not just on what gifts we've been given and blessings God has sent our way but on the entire practice of gratitude, too. When I sit down to contemplate what gifts God has given... Continue Reading →
Today's post is written by my lifelong friend Mark Egan. I'm sure you'll appreciate this thoughtful reflection on the deeper meaning of life and love as much as I do. Nothing in life progresses on some linear path. Everything--happiness, health, love, achievement, motivation, self-worth--ebbs and flows throughout life. The valleys are labeled their respective peaks’... Continue Reading →
Today's post is an essay by one of my English Composition I students, Hannah Shell. Hannah is a true ray of sunshine. After spending a semester observing her in class and getting to know her through her writing, I completely understand why her parents would want to bless her by surprising her with a car... Continue Reading →
Today's post is an essay written by one of my English Composition I students, Jessica Bacon. Jessica was a true blessing in my life this semester; she's an ideal student, a loving mom, and a caring person. She is certainly a true elevator person to all those she encounters, lifting others up and not tearing... Continue Reading →
*My English Composition I students wrote their final exam essays about three gifts they received in 2014. Some of their essays were exceptionally touching, meaningful, or humorous. I believe you'll enjoy reading a few of these--whose authors have granted permission for me to share on the blog--over the next few weeks. This essay is by... Continue Reading →
*Today's letter is written by fellow blogger and writer Mary Agrusa. Thank you, Mary, for your willingness to share your gifts with the world!* Dear Daniel, From the first time Mikael demurely admitted she was seeing someone, her tone of voice told me you were special. For the longest time she tantalized me with this... Continue Reading →
Giving back, paying it forward, passing it on. . . these are concepts I live by—partly because other people have done these kind of good deeds for me and to me. A friend and mentor of mine once gave me her family’s tax refund to help pay for a mission trip overseas. Their donation funded... 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 Marti for sharing her thoughts on Mother's Day this year!* This Mother's Day will be new for me; you see, my mother died in January of this year. Last year for Mother's Day I planned a special day – something she really enjoyed. This is a product of the program... Continue Reading →
I'm very thankful to the guest writers who participated in the "28 days of love" project this month. It's been inspiring to read about the various ways love and gratitude coincide in so many very different people's lives. I had guest writers lined up every day, but a few people weren't able to write their... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 