In the last six months, I've often felt prone to leave social media due to the politically driven, hurtful words spewed on both sides of the spectrum. What was once a place to share fun moments has become a haven for tearing others down, and I'm not sure those doing it even recognize the lingering effects that their crushing words leave behind.

I've learned that our words are not just sounds, but seeds.

Every sentence we speak has the power to plant hope or sow doubt, to build courage or chip away at someone’s confidence.

Have you ever had someone speak life over you - like really speak it?

When my sons played baseball, a common phrase that my daughter Blair would shout every time they were up to the plate was, “You’ve got this!”

Hearing words like that or even  “I see something special in you” can echo for years.
And the same holds true for a careless word, a sarcastic remark, or a harsh judgment.

The truth is this: Words either build or break. And, everything in life isn't about...

I Am From a mother who came from a tiny town in central New York, where neighbors weren't seen for their differences but rather as people who genuinely care about one another. I am from the smell of baked goods and a homemade meal around the dinner table served at 5:30 pm each night. I am from holidays filled with great intention and purpose, seen in the small details around a perfect place setting and a sparkling overhead chandelier with each crystal shining as bright as the love in the room. I am from the time and effort applied to every gathering, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and loved. 

I Am From a mother who made shopping on Saturdays more of an experience than a to-do list, where learning how to dress offered me great confidence and a love for fashion. I am from witnessing her style, in each step she took, outfitted with heels and a smart blazer. I am from forgetting my allowance each time we went, craving the Japanese tempura at the mall, but ultimately landing at Carmel...

The older I get, the more I realize that time with the people I love is the most precious gift. I felt beyond blessed this past weekend to have my children together for Easter. Now that they are getting older, they're busy chasing their dreams, finding their way, and building their lives. And while I couldn't be prouder… I also cherish every moment I get with them because those moments are fewer and farther between. 

It's not like the old days when they were always underfoot. Now, it's coffee dates and late-night talks on the couch when they're home. Yet, these little pockets of time mean everything because time with them has become more of a gift than a given.

I missed many moments when my children were little because of my anxiety, so I cherish these times being fully present with things like: laughter around the dinner table, spontaneous hugs, and the memories that don't cost a dime.

Those are the things that last.

Those are the things that fill my soul.

And the people I ...

This past Christmas, my children bought me a beautiful tote bag. I have loved it for almost 2 years, and when I finally got it, I was reluctant to put anything inside.  

It doesn't take long to muddy up the inside while still presenting polished on the outside. I lived in that space for many years with anxiety and fear. Pretending that to be something that I wasn't while carrying around what felt like the world's burdens.

Have you ever felt that way? Like a stunning handbag? The kind that looks put together, classy, and complete.

But if you opened it up... it would expose a much different story.

Old things weigh it down, carrying everything, but what you really need; peace.

The truth is, a lot of us walk around like that.

We present well. We smile. We post. We say, "I'm fine." But inside? We're carrying the heavy stuff no one sees:

• Fear that paralyzes our progress
• Overwhelm from trying to do it all
• Grief that hasn't had space to breathe
• Rejection that still stings
• Hurt we'...

Have you ever stopped to think about the people who have shaped your life in the best way? Maybe it was a mentor, a friend, a family member, or even someone whose kindness impacted you deeply. God often works through people to lead, encourage, and refine us.

I've been surrounded by incredible women (and men): my mom, sister(s), cousins, friends, and now my daughters. (2 in the back of this photo)

And, even the most challenging people in my life over the years have allowed me to refine myself even more, and I consider that a gift.

Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." The people we surround ourselves with can either strengthen us and our faith or pull us away from God's best. That's why choosing the right circle is so crucial.

So, who are your 5?

The five people who have positively influenced your life. What qualities did they have? Were they:

*Encouraging and faith-filled?

*Honest and wise in their advice?

* Quick to pray with and f...

Recently, a close friend and her husband have found themselves immersed in uncertainty. The unwanted changes have come fast and furious; neither one was ready nor expecting them, but nonetheless, requiring them to make a move.

The fear of not knowing what's ahead can become paralyzing, and it wasn't long ago that after experiencing significant grief, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety and doubt about where to go from there.

Although it makes sense to want to know what's to come, especially feeling unprepared when facing something new, what if we need to abandon certainty to gain true peace?

Have you ever felt like you're clinging to control so tightly that your heart aches under the pressure? You pray, you plan, you do all the "right" things—yet life still feels unpredictable. What if the key to peace isn't having all the answers but surrendering to the One who does?

Why We Struggle to Let Go

As women, we often feel the need to hold everything together—our families, careers, ...

Have you ever felt like your progress is moving at a snail’s pace while everyone else seems to be racing ahead effortlessly?

In a world obsessed with instant results, it’s easy to believe success, in any area of life, should happen fast. Social media glorifies viral moments, quick wins, and "before-and-after" transformations, making it seem like confidence, wealth, or fulfillment can be achieved overnight. But the truth is... anything that rises too quickly often lacks the roots to sustain it.  

As Spring approaches, my newly exposed lawn is already filling the dead patches with weeds and daffodils. And, although I welcome the change of scenery from snow, these weeds and flowers are temporary, yet the trees standing around them will remain.

This reflection is a great reminder, on the days I feel frustrated when all I would like to accomplish appears to be taking too long. And then I remember that weeds sprout up fast but are easily pulled, and even the most beautiful flowers bloom ...

Last week, I attended a networking event. Truth be told, networking is not something I'm naturally drawn to. I prefer a more intimate, organic connection and conversations. I'm more comfortable speaking to a large group of strangers rather than making small talk with them. 

As it approached, I found myself hoping for various reasons not to attend. Self-doubt has a way of doing that. But every year, I challenge my insecurities by stretching out of my comfort zone, and this women's event was the perfect opportunity. 

What would it be for you...if you had to name just one area of your life where insecurity creeps in the most?

For some, it's body image. For others, it's career success, relationships, motherhood, or even speaking up in a room full of people. No matter what it is, insecurity makes us feel small, unseen, or not enough.

But what if we changed that?

One simple practice to start replacing insecurity with confidence is reframing your self-talk.

1. Catch the insecurity. (Exam...

How do we develop a genuine love for ourselves and others in this fast-paced world, surrounded by constant comparisons, negativity, and bad behavior?

God mentions love over 600 times in the Bible. Yet, it can still be hard to love.

A critical aspect of cultivating love is surrounding ourselves with a supportive community that reflects and encourages these values.

Navigating relationships with those who may resist, reject , or take advantage of our love is challenging. But we can still choose forgiveness and maintain our love through kindness, just as Christ has taught us. This practice is a profound demonstration of love's resilience and transformative power.

Offering forgiveness to those who have felt undeserving of love has been a stumbling block for me in recent months. Even though I know better, I've let my hurt interfere with healing. 

But choosing forgiveness ultimately frees you from the burden of anger, resentment, and bitterness that can consume your life when you hold...

Recently, my husband surprised me with a trip - alone with no kids. You may wonder why this is worth sharing, but trust me when I say it is.

This trip was the first vacation we had taken together without kids since we married, so 30 years is kind of a big deal.

We had a wonderful time restoring what can easily get lost with opposite schedules and parenting young adults.

To be completely honest, we have always enjoyed traveling with our children, and that's how we wanted to do it, and we still do.

But I discovered that as my children grew, so did the burden of finding solutions to their problems or challenges, and I began to feel burned out.

To be clear, I'm not talking about offering advice; I'm talking about laying awake at night, searching for products, practices, or whatever was needed to fix the problem instead of tending to my own needs at 54, which consists mainly of a good night's sleep.

And because I am someone who needs to be physically removed from a place or situation...