I have a #gratitudeparty hangover–the absolute best kind–as I sit here warmed up by words over the last chilly month.  As I sit here all cozy, I remember one of my favorite author’s words, “Oh that’s cute. . . now on to the next thing.”  I think he’s right, but my next thing is listening…

“We don’t think ourselves into new ways of living.  We live ourselves into new ways of thinking.”  – Richard Rohr My two-year-old daughter asked for milk.  I gave her milk.  She threw the milk on the floor. Awesome. I picked it up and asked her if she wanted the milk.  She said, yes, then thanks,…

It was breathtaking. . . I was at a conference, high on thought-shifting conversations and coffee much buzzier in the big city than at home in small town, Nebraska.  I was skipping through life, jazzed by the fun of the 30-day gratitude thingy I was doing at my blog (which I was trying to quit…

“I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes.” – Thoreau’s Walden I am pumped about Thanksgiving.  You see I love dressing–not stuffing, dressing.  If you don’t know the difference, get out.  Just get out.  No really, this is an important day, one where we gather…

“It is not joy that makes us grateful.  It is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Rast Last night when all the cool kids were watching the American Music Awards, I was watching The Little Mermaid.  Yep, that’s my life.  But–I actually enjoyed myself.  If you can’t smile at the words dingle-hopper or snarf-blatt,…

“Your words create what you speak about.  Learn to speak positively.” – Sanaya Roman On Sundays during the 30-day gratitude challenge the goal is simple rest.  I don’t want all of our gratitude muscles to get too taxed. 🙂 Day 26 Challenge: Choice 1: Use your camera or phone to notice something that brings a sense…

Today I am thankful to Charlie for sharing her heart and her words.  I was nervous to ask her to write as she’s lived through perhaps my biggest fear.  Her courageous thoughts give hope as she dares to not just survive, but bring light to others.  I pray that my daughter, Charli might live to…

“Mama, want to play puzzle games with me.  Do ya?”“Oh, honey I would love to.  I just need to fold this laundry, and then we will play.”“Why?”“Because I want to get the clothes clean for everyone.”“Why?”“Well, the laundry keeps on coming.”“Why?”“We wear clothes each day, and they get dirty.”“Why?”Well, if we leave them in the…

Day 23 Challenge: We all know someone who could use a little gratitude.  Share this video to invite a friend to the last week of the challenge! Special thanks to Mitchell at shiftworship.com for this video! *This post is part of a 30-day gratitude challenge.  Subscribe via e-mail (on the left) or post a gratitude…

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa This morning I woke up to wetness on my right elbow.  I sniffed.  Decided it wasn’t poop or vomit, and rolled over.   Spit-up doesn’t phase me like it used to.  My seven-month-old-son and…