Category: Be Brave

“This is your captain speaking from the flight deck. I’ve turned on the fasten seat belt sign. We’re about to experience some turbulence. Please remain in your seats.”

I think of those words as we head into this week.

Captain … turbulence … remain seated.

Even with our feet solidly on the ground or our seats firmly planted in a stable ... Read More


I got back from LA late Saturday night. The whole family was wide awake and practicing their best (loudest and highest) opera voices.

The next morning I went out to collect a week’s worth of mail. No one thought to bring it in, or maybe they knew I would get a kick out of seeing how many things our mailman, Kevin, ... Read More


Things were bananas in our home this weekend. It was Saul’s 48th birthday. The guy wants nothing — except to be able to have a real basketball season and I can’t give him that. So, the kids and I put our brains together to figure out how we could celebrate this strong kind man in a way that is meaningful ... Read More


The awesome thing about living in a small town is that we get to see celebrities on a regular basis. We’ll be at the grocery store, standing in the cereal aisle when all of a sudden, BOOM!, Celebrity Sighting!

It’s just the coolest. My kids will back away shyly, barely able to make eye contact, waiting for the celebrity speak first.

They ... Read More


I was reminded of something so very important this morning. I figured you might need reminding of this too.

You are the light that shines in the darkness of this world.

Every smile you send, every gentle response, every negative word you refuse to let out of your mouth — you are shining a much needed light.

Maybe you’re going through ... Read More


I have this thing about waving. I love to do it. I get such a kick out of smiling and waving and seeing total strangers wave back.

I think I found my soul mate (other than my husband, of course). Vinnie Rominger, of Battle Creek, Michigan likes to wave at people too. Only, he took it a step further and ... Read More


I had a conversation with someone recently that reminded me of something I had written about my dog.

This person was talking about something she really wanted to accomplish, but couldn’t quite get over the fear to truly pursue it. I innocently asked if someone had once made her feel like she wasn’t talented enough in that area. My friend’s eyes ... Read More


The window in front of me when I write is immense. My office is in a sunroom, so whichever way I turn my head, I see nature.

The sun is starting to get out of bed a little later each morning, so most days when I walk into my office, it’s dark. An interesting reflection is created in the windows ... Read More


I feel like I’m writing our annual Christmas letter either three months early or nine months late.

Jordan’s a junior now and excelling at everything…

Charlie is a freshman in high school and learning to drive. Everyone stay off the sidewalks! HaHaHa!

At age 10, Ben is still a fishing enthusiast…

I took the summer off from my blog, newsletter and ... Read More


Can you believe some people aren’t huggers? I’m going through hug withdrawal thanks to COVID, but I know other people who are grateful for the physical distancing rules.

I was speaking at a high school a few years ago when a shy girl walked up to me to share something painful that was on her heart. She talked about needing hope ... Read More