Each morning, I spend time reading, praying, and meditating. This morning I started reading the book of Joshua in the Bible. I came across a line in verse five that resonated with me. "I will not fail you or forsake you." I underlined that portion of the verse and meditated on it briefly before gathering... Continue Reading →
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” My spiritual mentor has told me this on numerous occasions. The saying proved true in my journey to finding my spiritual mentor, and it proved true when finding my career mentor, too. In 2005, I attended the Arkansas Association of Colleges and Employers conference. In addition... Continue Reading →
Lizard, Thank you for breaking me in back when I turned 22. There was nothing Taylor Swift about it. Your dad and I tied the knot three weeks after I graduated from college and three weeks after my birthday, and I frantically searched for employment while serving as your stepmom. I felt like I was... 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 my friend Amber Hood, who is one of the most generous and compassionate people I know. I'm not sure if her students know how blessed they are to know her! Most of us know “The Gift of the Magi” by O Henry. It’s about a young couple that doesn’t have very... Continue Reading →
*Day 26 in the Dear Gratitude project is by yours truly again--only four more days of this project left!* Dear writers, You have shaped who I am, and you've shaped what I do. Thank you, Beverly Cleary, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ann M. Martin, E.B. White, Francine Pascal, and the rest of you who wrote the... Continue Reading →
*It's hard to believe Day 22 of the Dear Gratitude project has arrived! Only eight more days of letters from eight more wonderful guest writers. Today's post is by LaDonna Busby, a friend and fellow church member.* This thank you is long overdue, and it is going to someone long dead. Why do we wait... Continue Reading →
*Day 17 comes to us from my friend, role model, and mentor Samantha Hartley, Founder/President of Enlightened Marketing. I'm thankful for her letter today and even more for her willingness to spend time with me and to share her insights and experience. Samantha, the answer to the question you ask in your letter is a... Continue Reading →
*It's Day 14 of the Dear Gratitude project. Today, I'm sharing a letter to my students. There is no way I could ever thank each of them individually for all they've added to my life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach today, and I look forward to teaching for years to come, hopefully!* Dear... Continue Reading →
*Thanks to my generous and zany friend Amber Hood for serving as today's contributor to my November "Dear Gratitude" letter writing project. Each day in November, a different writer will share a letter to someone or something she is thankful for.* Darling boys in my class— I have first hand knowledge of what it’s like... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 