Take It One Sunrise at a Time Do you struggle with the time change? Me too. I hear you. And yet, I don’t want to get pulled into the negativity that often surrounds it. I’ve been there in the past, and one thing I’ve learned is this: resisting and rehearsing how much I dislike something does nothing  to change it. Like so many things in life, there are circumstances we simply don’t have the power to control — but we can  choose the attitude we bring to them. So, this year, I’

Turning absence into a legacy of presence I’ve been thinking lately about how few photos and memories I have from my childhood. Not out of blame or disappointment—just an honest noticing. Life looked different back then. Cameras weren’t always nearby, and my parents were busy doing the best they could with the responsibilities in front of them. Still, as I get older, I find myself wishing I had more glimpses into those early years. That longing has taught me to treasure the m

Change often brings a wave of uncertainty. When routines shift or life moves into a new season, feelings of unrest, loss, and loneliness can surface. These moments challenge us deeply, stirring emotions that are hard to navigate. Yet, in these times, God calls us to rest in Him and His truth. He offers a steady presence that can calm our worries and fears, guiding us through the unknown with peace that surpasses circumstances. A peaceful forest path symbolizing guidance throu

Recently, I experienced a few minutes that felt much longer—one of those unexpected moments when emotion rises before understanding does. In the middle of celebrating my granddaughter’s birthday, waves of feeling washed over me so quickly that I’m still trying to process them. Tears welled up, and it took every ounce of strength I had to keep them from spilling over. It was a beautiful party—wonderful people, good music, and the tender unfolding of a little girl savoring each

Your role is influence — the results aren’t yours to hold. Last night, I received two true gifts — the gift of real, tender, totally unsolicited conversations with individuals who simply wanted me to listen to what was on their hearts. After they shared with me, they asked questions like, “What do you think?”  and “What’s your opinion?” In those moments, I paused and responded with words of encouragement: “That must be hard to watch, especially with someone you love,”  and “O

Saying yes with intention—and no without guilt. Today was a day I had to say no to something so I could take care of myself while feeling a bit under the weather. There’s only so much TV I can watch before boredom sets in, so writing felt like the perfect sedentary activity for where I’m at today. Saying no made me pause and remember how I became someone who felt overly responsible—someone who would have pushed through at my own expense without a second thought. That reflecti

A Testimony of God’s Quiet, Steady Transformation About five years ago, I turned toward a way of living that has completely changed my life. Some call it a “life skills management program,” which makes me smile — but honestly, that’s exactly what it has been for me. Now, approaching 60, I can finally see what true maturity looks like. I’m learning to respond to life from a calm, grounded, peace‑filled place rather than from a pace of reactionary panic, control, or quick decis

Sometimes one memory explains so much of who we became. This is mine. Long ago in my childhood, I witnessed abusive behavior toward someone much older than me. I didn’t have the language for it then, but looking back, it was a watershed moment —a moment that quietly shaped the way I lived for decades. It pushed me into an overly responsible state, always hypervigilant, always scanning the room, always bracing for what might come next. Today, I can see how that moment framed s

What is in your Locket or Pocket? Writing from the state of South Dakota — where the feels like  temperature is sitting at –21 degrees  — I’m reminded how much it matters where I place my thoughts. Rather than joining the chorus of complaints about the cold, I’m choosing to lean into warm memories from years past. It’s amazing how quickly that simple shift softens my attitude and opens my heart. My morning started the same way it usually does: a warm cup of my favorite coffee

A small slice of life with a big lesson on identity. Have you ever noticed how something as simple as the way you like your toast can become a surprisingly complex story? For years, I enjoyed my toast well done—crispy, firm, but never burnt. Then someone close to me preferred their toast lightly toasted, and over time, I found myself changing how I made mine. It might seem like a small thing, but this shift in toast preference opened my eyes to a bigger truth: how easily we l

Are Both People Willing to Do the Work to Repair? In any of our relationships—and the success of them—the topic of trust is a huge deal!  It is hard to open up, be vulnerable, and share our hopes, dreams, and inner lives with others when they are not trustworthy. It is easy to become righteous about this, as if we play no part or never break trust ourselves. We are kidding ourselves if we think we can live out trust one hundred percent perfectly. Over our lifetimes, we can le

Are You Living According to Your Values? I woke recently and realized I needed to take an honest look at my life. Was I truly living according to my values, or was I easing into semi‑retirement while still filling my time to the brim out of habit? I had to ask myself whether my daily actions actually reflected the intentions I had for this next season—or if I was simply staying busy because it felt familiar. That moment of reflection became a turning point, inviting me to rea

Remembering the Legacy, Lessons and Blessings They Leave Behind I remember the first time I lost a family member. It was my paternal grandma—a lady who, through her example, taught me so much: How special mornings could be The importance of writing letters and staying in touch through snail mail The discipline of writing out checks to pay bills The art of flower and vegetable gardening—and the importance of pulling weeds How to be a good neighbor The joy of baking from scratc

Your Next Chapter Begins with One Doable Step Taking the Next Right Step: It Doesn’t Have to Be Hard As a new year approaches, many of us feel that familiar nudge: It’s time for a change.  Maybe it’s a goal you’ve been circling for months. Maybe it’s a habit you want to build. Maybe it’s a shift you can’t quite name yet, but you know something needs to move. Here’s the good news—your next step doesn’t have to be dramatic, overwhelming, or burdensome. In fact, most meaningful

Because the next page often holds what we can’t yet see. I don’t know about you, but I personally struggle with waiting for plans or circumstances to unfold. As I quickly approach a new decade of life, I’m learning that God’s plan for us often unfolds in painfully slow ways. In the quiet and stillness, I sometimes doubt whether I’m choosing the right thing. At times, I even feel guilty when He brings me into a season of rest — mostly because I feel uncomfortable in the “not d

Looking Ahead to 2026 — I’d Love Your Input! As I prepare for the new year, I’m planning to be even more intentional about the topics I write about—especially those that speak directly to the hearts of my blog subscribers. What encouragement do you need most right now? What questions or struggles would you love to see addressed in a gentle, faith-rooted way? 💬 I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment or message me with your ideas, and I’ll prayerfully consider them as I pl

Let Hope Float and Fill Your Cup In the darkness of winter, we may find our minds feeling heavy too. For many, this season is a reminder of loss, struggle, and the difficult things the year has delivered. I was reminded yesterday that it is okay to mourn, grieve, and feel sadness. The only way to move through those feelings in a healthy way is to allow yourself to feel them, talk with someone you trust, have a good cry, and eventually notice the weight of those emotions begin

A blank page gives room for God’s voice, for prayer, and for reflection. Just over a year ago, my employer reorganized, and my role was eliminated. For the first time in my life, I faced the loss of a job. I had worked since I was 18—through college and throughout my entire adult life. My first job began in 1985, and for 35 plus years I worked steadily in a variety of roles, always with longevity, tenacity, reliability, a willingness to go the extra mile, and a commitment to

Marriage is often described as a partnership built on love, respect, and understanding. Yet, anyone who has been married for a while knows that it’s not always smooth sailing. Sometimes, the most frustrating moments come not from big fights or major disagreements, but from the small, seemingly insignificant ways our spouse disrespects us. These moments may look tiny on the surface, but they can pack a powerful punch that chips away at the foundation of our relationship. If yo

Waiting can feel like a challenge, especially when life’s problems press hard and solutions seem distant. Yet, patience is more than just enduring time—it is a powerful act of trust. When we learn to wait with faith in Jesus, we open the door for problems to work themselves out in ways we might never expect. This post explores how embracing patience and letting go of control can lead to peace and transformation. A calm river symbolizing peace and patience in waiting Understan