Last night as I enjoyed my nightly herbal tea, sitting in my warm bed covered with three blankets, I realized this had become a habit. This sitting, cozied up, drinking tea while reading each night. It wasn't always a habit for me. I used to struggle to make the coffee, get the kid ready for... Continue Reading →
"Maggie, your sparkly shirt looks so pretty this morning." She climbed over the chest at the end of our bed, the morning sun reflecting off the sequins on her pink t-shirt. Her face beamed slightly, disguising a little smile. "YOU look so pretty this morning, Maggie," I changed my compliment after seeing her little smile... Continue Reading →
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 →
I remember attending my first Twelve Step recovery meeting ever. It was an open meeting, and I attended with a friend. I listened. I learned a lot and felt that even though what people were sharing didn't totally apply to me, there was something warm and familiar about it all the same. I couldn't put... Continue Reading →
My daughter earned her first $1 bill today. Is that legal? Surely not. Well, it happened, nonetheless. We enjoyed lunch after church at a local diner. Our waitress, a young, cheerful woman who told me she had a five year-old son, went out of her way to express kindness to my daughter, and I was thankful.... Continue Reading →
Last night, my friend Janet and I shared our dreams with one another. I'm not talking about lofty dreams about life goals. No. I'm talking about couches. Yes. Couches. #MomGoals "I just want a deep, rich blue couch. I love blue. Royal blue, you know, and textures. Lots of textures." I think Janet might have... Continue Reading →
Today's post is written by one of my current college students, Kaleb Mendoza. I love his expression of gratitude in this essay. In everything you do and everything you accomplish, you should give grace for the opportunities you get in life. I am a very religious man, raised from two great parents who taught me... Continue Reading →
Today's post is written by my friend Kimberly Studdard, a truly beautiful soul. Thanks for sharing this, Kim! This is truly “that” time of the year. The summer begins to fade. In our area, we go from extremely hot and humid to cool then cold, sometimes in the same twenty-four hour period. The sun begins to... Continue Reading →
“Kindness is the mightiest force in the world,” according to One Day at a Time (299). In the past, I didn’t feel kind. I didn’t even feel like being kind. I felt like stabbing my ex-husband’s eyeballs with a handful of forks. If you know me now, you may be laughing and trying to imagine me... Continue Reading →
Today's post is by one of my male students who prefers to remain anonymous. Dear Nana, I know I am not the best at showing appreciation to you, but during this time of year thankfulness is a common subject that comes up. I want you to know that I am very thankful for you. You... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Cup 