The Untold Secret About Making Your Teen’s Lunch: Because There’s So Much More Than Food Inside That Brown Bag

There’s so much pressure from the world these days for teens to make their own lunch which many believe will miraculously transform them into responsible, grateful human beings. Yeah, I beg to differ on that one.  What fairy tale are they living in? While I do believe it is very important to instill responsibility in… Read More

Grateful and Grieving on Thanksgiving

It was November 27, 2002 and the clock had just turned past midnight. After a rigorous 24 hours of labor and nearly missing an emergency C-section, early this Wednesday morning my beautiful daughter Lydia Marie was born, weighing 8 lbs 2 oz. and covered in a full head of dark hair.  Heavily medicated and exhausted, I… Read More

Is There A Sweeter Side to Grief? How to Uncover that Elusive Silver Lining

I started my blog a few years ago and entitled it Grieving Gumdrops: The Sweeter Side of Grief.  It had been a few years after my daughter Lydia had passed away and I was at a place where I needed to recognize my blessings and focus on the positive in order to keep my own… Read More

The Hand in the Darkness That Held Me: The Heart of a Chaplain

Day in and day out, they put their own lives and families on hold, extending their hands to others. They are a shoulder to cry on, a gentle ear to listen. Irreplaceable servants that act selflessly comforting us during difficult times. They are seldom recognized and often overlooked until we are directly impacted.  Then, who… Read More

Glimpses From God and Subtle Reassurance

And there she appeared. Adorably dressed in a pale pink jumper with white tights-embroidered on the front pocket was a hot pink and blue birthday present. Her golden locks framed her round rosy cheeks amplifying that mischievous yet loving smile. It was Lydia! The elation I felt when I picked her up and held her… Read More

Stagnant Faith-When It’s Time To Stop Running

(Sharing this post from the past. It’s still so relevant and a great reminder.) I turned on Joyce Meyer a few days ago, my late night battery re-charger. It was all in the message, STOP RUNNING FROM GOD. Really? I felt like it was without a doubt tailored exclusively just for me.  I wanted to pull the… Read More