To be perfectly honest, there was a time as a new mother, when I remember “secretly” feeling more stress than joy. I recall my oldest boy, his strong willed determination, and how he had a special way of sending my world into a tizzy. The second child came along, so different from the first. Night…

I woke up a few mornings ago, and right away, several annoying things were thrown in my direction.  All these annoying incidences occurred before 9 a.m.  I recall the irritation that threatened to steal the joy from my day.  I woke up, and thought to my self, ” I choose Joy!”  I ran my errands…

Today was a wonderful day. There was no special reason, the day seemed to run smoothly, and the clouds were on my side. I enjoyed being a mother! I enjoyed swimming with my children. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun over my skin. I enjoyed the hugs and kisses I received from my four…

Originally posted on Lessons by Heart: Barely making eye contact, Johanna* quickly looked past me as I entered the building and asked, “How are you?” Slowing down a bit, I responded, “I’m dying of cancer.” She never batted an eye. “Oh, that’s nice, dear.” Really? (I’m not dying of cancer – just so you know!)…

The picture above is my friend Toni Christianson. She is one of several “true” sister friends, God has blessed me with. I’ve heard it said, “If you have one true friend, you are blessed.” I have been blessed with many wonderful “true” friends. Friends, who I can count on to lift me up before the…

Thirteen years ago I walked down the aisle, toward my future. I’ll never forget the look in your eye as I walked down the aisle and became your wife. We promised to love one another for better or worse. We’ve kept that promise… Although there has been a little “worse” there has been so much…

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me! Who came up with this stupid saying? Do you believe it? Of course not! Why not? No one believes it, every human on God’s Earth…. Knows the “hurt” that comes as a result of careless… mean… and impatient words. Some are used…

Today’s societal norms regarding life, love, and marriage have forced me to ponder, “When is the {right} time to get married, When is the {right} time to have a baby?” Today the world tells us we have to have all our T’s crossed and our I’s dotted before we can consider marriage or having a…

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships. Maintaining relationships is tough. If we really stop and think about it, our closest relationships maintain the potential to hurt us the most. I have seen too many relationships destroyed due to hurt feelings. One friend say’s one thing, and someone say’s another, we speak without thinking,…