Valentine’s Day 2024 is my first Valentine’s Day in 44 years without my husband. Please do not feel sorry for me. I’ve received unexpected cards, chocolates, and other expressions of love. And I have a dinner date with the cutest, sweetest 6-year-old little man, who looks a lot like his Bop. Our first date was…
Category: Transitions
The Role of Self Discovery in a Thriving Marriage
Sometimes in life we can get stuck in a place of scarcity and fear. We start playing the game of life to not lose instead of looking at this incredible life that is a gift and create an offense. I believe that’s how God has designed us. I believe he wants us to be optimistic, grateful, and confident. He wants us to use the gifts and talents that make us unique. When you look at your children, don’t you want the best for them. I believe that’s what God wants for us.
In a Fog
What is the “elevator speech” to your life? Who is in your sphere of influence? Do you offer a message that builds up those who are near, whether friend or stranger? Do you thank those who offer words of encouragement and let them know how they have blessed you? When faced with overwhelming challenges, do you scan your surroundings for messages that embolden you to use your gifts or do you throw in the towel and let others deal with it?
Stepfamily Grandmas
Does this story sound like something you’ve experienced? “I’ve always wanted to be a mom, but I couldn’t have children. Five years ago, I married a man who has adult kids. The relationship between my husband and his kids hasn’t always been close but he is trying. His oldest son is about to become a…
Life Beyond the Pall
Molding the difficult into something new and beautiful is part of the grieving, healing process. Everything has a season. Along with the seasons of joy and celebration come seasons of mourning and loss. These rolling highs and lows are how life works. For each fading flower comes the remembrance of former beauty, love, comfort, and the hope of forward motion.
What is Your Role in Your Marriage?
Are you feeling sad? Feeling lonely? Have you built a facade in your marriage? You need the truth here, the real down deep feelings about how you are really feeling about your marriage. I was truthful with you. I felt dead inside. I couldn’t see the future. I didn’t know how it was going to happen. But I wanted more from my marriage.
The Sudden Exit Club
You, too, will find moments of celebration in your hard journey, if you look for and recognize them. Your momentum may be slow, but you will recover and resume forward motion, even when it is very difficult. The devastation you experience now will give way to lighter moments, like the dawning of a new, sun-filled day. Expect brighter days ahead and hold on to hope.
You Can Still Fulfill Your Dreams
Have you held dreams close to your heart, thinking you are too old to try? This just may be the Godwink you need to take them out, now that you have more time, and give them serious consideration.
When Happy isn’t in Your Holidays
You won’t have the energy of previous holidays because loss depletes us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Stop and ask yourself what is most important? What can you do this year? Maybe instead of baking dozens of cookies for friends and relatives, you focus on meeting the basic needs of your family.
Illuminate Your Christmas with Faith and Joy
At the juncture of the Christmas season and family celebrations lies a potential treasure of tradition. Old handwritten recipes carefully written by a long-gone grandmother are resurrected as you prepare her memorable dish. The holidays are a season of fondly recalling prior Christmas memories while building new ones to cherish. Nothing remains static or stays the same. Life moves forward like a living mural, transporting memories and traditions and creating something new. Traditions are fluid—they only seem static from a distance.