The importance of human connection was often modeled for me when I was a kid. I recall my grandparents connecting with family and friends who they knew for decades. These were friends through the depression era, the World War II period, and into the 1950s and 60’s. These friendships had a deep history, shared struggles,…

As you stand at the entrance of a new year, do you ever reflect on a word for the year that could be yours throughout the year? I do this practice every year. For me, choosing a word for the year has never been an exercise such as coming up with a New Year’s Resolution…

The thought of raising teenagers has historically caused dread and prayers for survival. Many parents have said raising teenagers can take the joy out of parenting. But if we enter our season of raising teenagers armed with wisdom, faith, and a good attitude, it can impact our experience as parents and our teenagers’ lives. My…

Since becoming a parent, I have been looking for positive parenting tips. Every stage of a child’s life has highs and lows, but the teenage years can be especially challenging. Although the teenage years are unpredictable and hard to grasp, they are an important growth stage in every person’s life. Finding and developing positive parenting…

At my dear friend John’s funeral, I was brought to tears as people highlighted his kind, generous spirit. The word authentic was repeatedly used to describe how he lived his life. What a legacy to be known as a genuinely authentic person; someone who knows what it means to be real. Although my friend lived…

What is discouragement? A curtain of doubt that falls on you when optimism over a particular outcome is ripped away.   I can vividly remember situations where I felt discouraged. It started as a season of hope that was replaced by uncertainty and confusion. The moment my husband walked into the room after Hurricane Katrina…