Author: nicole

I used to pray, “Please God, make me into the mom these kids deserve.” I had three young, healthy, exuberant kids. They were thriving despite the fact that their mom was floundering.

That was seven years ago.

Today, those kids are (almost) 8, 12 and 14.

God’s done a work in me that only God could do. If I ever doubted His existence, ... Read More


Every time I talk to my friend, Tom, he mentions how kind the people are at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. Valet parking, a lovely receptionist, smiling staff members … Tom makes it sound a little like the Ritz Carlton, which always makes me laugh.

Tom doesn’t have cancer, but he’s in his 80s and his blood is giving him a ... Read More


How do we hold onto our childlike joy in the midst of piles of laundry and sinks full of dishes? Gabriella van Rij shares some powerful insight in this week’s kindness podcast.

She’s been seen on Dr. Phil and is frequently called to share her expertise on kindness. Gabriella van Rij is on a mission to spread kindness throughout the WORLD. ... Read More


Have you ever stopped to think about what you’re thinking about? If not, I challenge you to check in with yourself periodically today and do a spot-check. What am I thinking about at this exact moment?

My guess is that it falls into one of three categories: Hurry, Worry or Jury.

Hurry is that do-list constantly running through our heads. As soon ... Read More


Back when my now-teenage daughter was 7 or 8, we got to experience the grand tradition of Girl Scout cookie sales.

I don’t know how it works these days, but back then we had to estimate how many cookies we could sell and then order them in advance. Jordan has always been a go-getter and this experience was no exception. She ... Read More


I got a cryptic email from someone in the Women’s Center at Ohio University. It was an invitation to come to the OU Women’s basketball game on February 17th. She didn’t want to say much, only that several women would be acknowledged and she wanted me to be there by the half-time presentation.

There are several sporting events each year ... Read More


“It’s not a person, it’s just a dog.” I remember thinking those words when I had to put my beloved Robby Dog to sleep several years ago. It didn’t seem right to have such intense grief, and yet there it was.

Anyone who has lost a pet understands in an instant the immense loneliness that comes when you walk into the ... Read More


I know when the dark clouds are going to roll in… it happens at the beginning of every basketball season and it happens again at the end. I used to really fear it. I would feel the heaviness creep in on my body and I would wonder if this was the time it would get me, if this was the ... Read More