My knuckles clench, holding on for dear life.  On my teacher’s command, I tug the colorful, taut fabric to the ground.I sense the parachute will sail away if I’m not vigilant with my elementary-school grip.  When my color is called, I zip under, bolting for the opposite side.  A few of the kids meander around underneath, looking…

She grabs the Red Expo marker from the tray below the white marker board, making tiny flecks, one then another.  Then she picks up the green.  Then the light blue.  The middle school girl creative isn’t talking with friends, like the other students finishing up one of my seminars.  She stands in the back of…

Thanks again this weekend to Curt for sharing an image for gratitude and reflection.  Either today or tomorrow, make a space where you can be alone to try some Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” a method for praying with images or other media (Tim Mooney).  Maybe enjoy a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate as…

I am so excited to introduce you to amazing Renee. She and I got to know each other through our church. One thing I admire about Renee is how she takes things in. She’s like my dad in that way, not always talking (like I tend to do), but when she speaks up, you listen.…

mstokesphotography.com Hello little One. I see you staring, surprised by hot iron curls.Eyes sparkling blue at this new you. In the mirror smiling as they say,“You look so cute,” “She looks so cute.”And you do.But you always did.How can I teach you little One. . . about the curls?So that you mightHold on tight to that thin spacethe…

“Gratitude is where every positive attitude starts.  Negative emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness dissipate the moment you begin to be thankful.  What can you be thankful for right now?  Be thankful for everything you can possibly think of–your health, family, job, friends, community, whatever. . . find something to be grateful for.”  – Michael Hyatt For…

I click open the work e-mail thinking I might be able to quickly click the gray trash can delete icon.  The communication says that the TeamMates chapter at my work is celebrating mentoring month.  It is a time to thank someone who has made, or who continues to make, a difference in my life.  It dares…

I hold my daughter’s small mittened hand with a tight grip as I pinch the navy coat edges around my face, bracing against the icy wind.  “Brr,” she says as a shiver goes up her arm to mine.  “I know,” I echo, as we scoot up the church steps, careful not to slip. “Maybe we could…

A word girl at heart, I am also a big fan of photos, so I’m excited to share some gratitude-stirring images from my friend Curt on the weekends of the 30-Day Gratitude Challenge.  I am thankful for his generous spirit and willingness to share his gift.Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” is a method for praying with…

To listen to my (first ever – woohoo!) podcast, click the red circle or click the link below. https://soundcloud.com/eviwusk/thankful-for-something-new?utm