The Pain of Goodbye
Have you ever had to say “goodbye” to someone you love? One of the hardest things in life is letting go of someone we truly care about. Whether they die, move away or move on, we’re left with an overwhelming 
Try, Try Again And Again And Again
How many times have you heard the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!”? For me, way too many to count. It’s a favorite of most parents. And it’s said with the best of intentions. Wanting
Hindsight is 20/20
How often do you go to the eye doctor? When I had laser eye surgery, I was told to go at least once a year in order to keep the lifetime guarantee on the surgeon’s work. I committed to those
Chronicles of a Wind Chaser
Are you a storm chaser, aka “extreme weather adventurer”? Not many of us are. Although we love to see the footage others capture by pursuing tornadoes and hurricanes, very few of us, if any, have actually gotten in a car
The Truth About Strengths & Weaknesses
What’s your greatest strength? How about your greatest weakness? For some of us, we have answers ready to go. We know what we’re good at and can talk about these strengths at length. We also know areas that need improvement,
Life Is What Happens When…
What are you holding out for in life? Is there something you think will make life better? Something you think of and say, “Life will be better when…” When I get a new job. When I find a guy who
What’s More Valuable Than 15 Minutes?
What can you do in 15 minutes? Watch half a sitcom? Rush through the day’s happenings on Facebook and email? Remove your chipped toenail polish and apply two coats of a new color? Let’s be honest, 15 minutes isn’t a
We’re All In The Same Boat
Have you ever been on a sightseeing cruise? Many towns in Europe and the U.S. offer cruises up and down waterways to see their most famous and noteworthy landmarks. The boats look like multi-level, steel mini-ships, usually with an open
In Her Own Words… Madelyn
My name is Madelyn and this is my story… I grew up in the country with fields and farm lands surrounding our little neighborhood. The only commerce in our community was a gas station, a grain elevator and a small
When Does It Get Easier?
Do you ever feel like you struggle with the same things again and again? I do. I might even be good for two or three years, and then “boom” there it is. That same weakness flaring up again. Shouldn’t I
3 Steps to Wielding the Sword of Truth
Our culture is fixated on weapons. Sleek handguns or Rambo-esque semi-automatic rifles are in almost every TV show, video game and movie. Kids grow up knowing how to expertly wield a lightsaber just like the Jedi knights in Star Wars.
Open Door Policy–Burning Down The House
Have you ever seen a house or apartment building on fire? It’s a scary scene. Flames and black smoke spewing from the roof and windows. People jumping as they try to escape. Rescuers frantically searching for anyone caught inside. As
Open Door Policy–Next Please!
Do you ever feel stir crazy? Like you’ve been stuck in the house for so long because it’s dreadfully hot out, or raining for weeks, or cold as the dickens, and you just can’t watch one more re-run or one
In Her Own Words… Anonymous
This is my story… Do you remember the Talking Heads song “Once in a Lifetime”? David Byrne sings, “You may ask yourself, ‘Well, how did I get here?’” That’s what I woke up asking myself so many times. “How did
Happiness Isn’t Enough
What makes you happy? A special person in your life? A job well done and deserved recognition through a raise or promotion? A fabulous vacation? A cute new pair of shoes? Your child’s smile? A puppy who greets you at
It’s Not About Me – Living With Joy
When was the last time you encountered someone who believes the world revolves around them? They’re actually not that hard to find. We’re living during “Generation Me”, a generation of people who thinks life is all about “Me”. Regardless of
The Missing Puzzle Piece
What’s the hardest jigsaw puzzle you’ve ever done? Most people have worked on at least one puzzle in their life, even if it was a small puzzle with a few huge pieces of Winnie the Pooh or numbers 1-9 when
What Kind of Horse Are You?
Have you ever taken one of those personality tests that tells you all kinds of secret and obscure things about you that aren’t so secret or obscure? One of the most well-known is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which aims to
In Her Own Words… Stacey
My name is Stacey and this is my story… Life was good. Loving husband. Two healthy, beautiful daughters–one was almost 4 years old, the other 1 ½. Caring, involved grandparents for my children. Thankfully, my husband’s job allowed me to
Satisfaction Guaranteed–No More Diets
Have you ever tried one of those diets where you can only eat one kind of food for a specific period of time? Like all protein, all fruits with a core, or all Twinkies (yes, that is an actual diet).
The Wilderness of Loneliness
What does it feel like to be in complete isolation? Have you been there? Could it be that someone you know is there right now? Physically isolated, devoid of meaningful interaction even if we walk through a sea of people
Swimming The Deep End
Have you ever been in the ocean at night? At first, it’s exhilarating. We feel daring and adventurous swimming the shallow waters between mystery and solid ground. But as clouds darken the sky, there’s no way to see what lurks
Daddy’s Little Girl
Do you know anyone who’s a Daddy’s Girl? It’s not that their dad is playing favorites. There’s just a special bond that forms between some fathers and their daughters that nothing can rival. I was a Daddy’s Girl. Oh how
FPP Triathlon For The Soul
Have you ever watched athletes compete in a triathlon? It’s a test of physical and mental stamina with three parts: Swim–Bike–Run, in that order. A Sprint Triathlon has the shortest distances and can often be completed in less than 90
Pain of the Precious Pearl
When was the last time you got a splinter in your finger? Do you remember how much it hurt? A splinter isn’t a life threatening malady, but it can be very irritating. Even though a splinter is tiny, the nagging
What’s Wrong With Me?
How many times have you felt that sickening pit in your stomach as someone you cared about walked away? Maybe they were ending a “discussion” you hadn’t finished. Maybe they were taking a break as you tried to draw closer.
How to Wait in the Whirlwind of Life
Have you ever felt like you should probably wait for something but you just couldn’t? Against your better judgment you made a decision and went for it. And “it” didn’t turn out so good. Sounds like the story of my
The Worst 4-Letter Word Of All
Did you ever have your mouth washed out with soap for speaking a 4-letter word? I don’t know if parents still do this. It used to be that a parent would “wash” the filthy words out of their kid’s mouth
Navigating the Minefields of Life
Have you ever been in the middle of a minefield? If you’re alive and reading this, I’m guessing the answer is “No”. We don’t worry about minefields in the U.S. Most of us have never seen an actual landmine or
How Beautiful Are Your Feet?
Are your feet beautiful? They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but does that go for feet as well? There are some feet that you know are cute–like baby feet. And there are some feet that should
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Have you ever seen raging water during or after a storm? I was on a boardwalk at the beach once during a hurricane (before being chased off by the Coast Guard). Enormous swells of violent water were thrashing all around
What is True Love?
Have you ever experienced true love? Love that never fades. A depth of love that comes when two people are committed to going the distance. No matter what. A love based on friendship, mutual respect and trust that overflows in tender
A Perfect 10
What is a “Perfect 10”? To some, it’s the errorless performance of a lifetime that wins gold medals on the world stage and in the Olympics. To others, it’s the quintessential man or woman who embodies perfection in looks, personality,
Postcards from the Edge
What’s the coolest postcard you’ve ever received? My friends and family have traveled to some fabulous places so I’ve been the recipient of awesome cards. But my mom takes the cake. A few months ago she and my stepfather were
I Am Not A Warrior
If you had to choose one word to describe yourself, what would it be? Of course I’d love to use words like fun or adventurous or daring to describe me. There have been many times I could accurately say broken,