Tag: gratitude

I didn’t win.

Remember that Guideposts Writer’s Workshop I told you about a few weeks ago? I was eagerly anticipating the call that said, “Congratulations! You’ve been selected…”

Yeah. That call never came. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday all came and all day long I stuck to my phone like glue, but the call never came.

Have you ever been in that place? Waiting for ... Read More


There is something to be said about being in the right place at the right time. It feels fortuitous, almost like someone is watching out for us or that our interactions are predetermined.

But instead of hoping to be in the right place at the right time, I long to be more aware of my surroundings. I want to be attentive ... Read More


It just occurred to me I haven’t written in weeks. Well, I have written, I just haven’t written this blog.

Wanna hear all my awesome excuses?

School got out and I forgot what day of the week it was.
And I went on long bike rides with my kids.
And I built a second home at the baseball fields.

Isn’t it funny how ... Read More


Twenty-one years ago, I met a woman with a beautiful face and an even more beautiful spirit.

Her name was Kelly Roarke and she was Miss Rhode Island 1997. I was Miss Wisconsin at the time and we became friends on the stage of the Miss America pageant.

I haven’t heard from Kelly in years. I get to see updates on Facebook, ... Read More


There is a woman in my town who does a lot of good. I mean A LOT. She and her husband have been blessed with a successful local business, and they are constantly pouring into the community. The thing is, they do it so quietly, unless you’re really paying attention and perhaps digging a little, you’d never know the identities ... Read More


Our lives often intersect for a reason, but isn’t it amazing when we they do, and we actually notice?

Two men, one from Twin Valley, Minn., and the other from Loveland, Colo., have never met in person, but their paths crossed 20 years ago, leading to a beautiful act of kindness today.

Here is their story:

“In October 1998, I was traveling to ... Read More


People in church always talk about salvation. Heaven. How someday we’ll get to be with Jesus. I’m a little embarrassed to say it, but those words never sold me on the whole idea of God.

Sure, I suppose I should have cared about my eternal home, but I’m not big into long term planning.

I’m a human and by no stretch of ... Read More


My friend got a new shirt the other day and I immediately had closet envy. Here it is:

Hysterical, right?

It reminds me of a t-shirt I have that says, “I can’t adult today” that I wear every time I feel overworked and under appreciated. It gives my kids an immediate heads-up in the morning that they better be putting their own ... 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


I’ve decided I have a heart problem. Yes, I know, most people don’t just “decide” they have a problem with a major organ in their body. They go to a doctor and a medical professional doles out that diagnosis.

Call it “January” or “one too many snow days” or “cabin fever,” but I don’t need a doctor to tell me I ... Read More