Clinging to the expected choosing happiness enough faith family freedom god hope peace trust well-being

The last 48 hours at our house could be summed up with 1 word: unexpected.

Nothing major, and a good variety ranging from potentially-amazing to, "Oh wow. That actually happened."

At either end of the spectrum and everywhere in-between, we had expected something different. If we had been clinging to o...

Continue Reading...
2-word recipe for more patience family freedom god motherhood peace personal growth practical tips

I went to a workshop at a women's conference years ago, on the topic of the power of prayer. During the discussion portion of the presentation, an audience member shared a story of a "lightbulb moment" she had experienced. The simple gem she shared has proven useful to me hundreds (possibly thousand...

Continue Reading...
A new kind of germ choosing happiness courage family freedom joy practical tips

I had the best customer service welcome EVER yesterday. Our twins and I spontaneously decided to stop at 7-Eleven (can't say I've ever actually written that out...) for a treat. We chatted normally as we walked in the door, but were greeted by the most surprisingly cheerful gasp and a jolly middle-a...

Continue Reading...
"You've stopped quitting." courage family fear freedom god

Sunday, July 13, marked 15 years since I first started my business. I had been working in a position that I had outgrown, and I was so afraid to be a "quitter." 

My dad played a big role in helping me finally take the leap. He had heard me talk about this big decision, and he knew what I really wante...

Continue Reading...
Warrior hero courage faith family jesus joy relationships

There's a hero in my life who is fighting an epic battle right now (keeping her identity anonymous for privacy's sake).

She has kept the most powerfully positive outlook on her fight (doing things like calling her treatments "ammo-therapy," for example), which has been truly inspiring to watch. 

I'm t...

Continue Reading...
Motherhood Day choosing happiness family motherhood

Today was Mother's Day, and I have to say it felt different (in a great way) from past ones.

I'll explain. 

For past Mother's Days, my desire was to not lift a finger. Just have total rest and basically "check out" from any caregiving work for the day. 

It would go okay, but someone would inevitably n...

Continue Reading...
What are you highlighting? choosing happiness family god health marriage motherhood peace personal growth relationships

I spent some time at the ER this morning, getting tested and scanned because of a breathing issue I'm having (happy news is they ruled out all of the scary stuff and determined that it's just inflammation. <wipes brow with relief>).

Knowing how these visits can go, I brought a book along with me tha...

Continue Reading...
Just start doodling courage creativity enough family freedom motivation personal growth

Our 6-year old daughter spent hours this weekend making "coloring books" (outline drawings on copy paper, bound by a row of staples) to sell door-to-door to neighbors and friends. She was so full of enthusiasm about it, I couldn't help but smile watching her. 

She was working on some more books this ...

Continue Reading...
Legacy courage family jesus personal growth

Today is my beautiful mama's birthday! She's not here to celebrate in person (graduated early from this life when I was 7), but we love thinking about her extra today and remembering all of the light and goodness she brought while she was here.

Mom passed away at age 33. I don't know very many people...

Continue Reading...
Relationship goals choosing happiness family god jesus relationships

I've seen the most beautiful examples this weekend of inspiring married relationships that have shown me glimpses into what's possible, and we're working hard to build in our own marriage.

The first is my aunt and uncle, who are serving a mission together in Ontario, Canada (they're actually leading ...

Continue Reading...
Forgiveness courage faith family freedom jesus peace personal growth

Today is Good Friday, where people all over the world remember the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. In the face of unthinkable cruelty, as He hung on the cross, he pled with the Father on behalf of the people who did this: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." 

How He was able to res...

Continue Reading...
Miracles faith family god miracles trust

Today, we celebrated our twin girls' 14th birthdays. I spent some time this morning reflecting on the miracles that surrounded their emergency premature delivery and found myself in tearful awe of the many ways we saw God's hand in the experience. 

I'll spare you the details, and tell you that I re...

Continue Reading...
1 2