As the year comes to an end, I reflect on the last several months. We have had outbreaks, mask debates, neighbor against neighbor and so much more. In my personal life, there have been multiple health scares, quarantine, and challenges in parenting. 

And yet, I sit here smiling. I see the colored glow of Christmas lights from my tree, as I listen to music and write my thoughts. I took a trip down memory lane as I unpacked decorations from years gone by, and ran my fingers gently over old photos of those no longer with me for the journey. I believe they are smiling down, proud of the woman I have become, who is a far cry from the rebel teen they dealt with. 

As I travel this journey, I can say for sure, that I don't always get it right. I get down, and angry, and out of line. I cry, rant, and stomp my foot at the unfairness of it all. But I also give all I have to fixing things, love others more than myself, and do my best to not to repeat past mistakes. I smile, and try to spread some joy throughout this community that I am proud to call home.

If someday, I wish to leave anything behind to be remembered, I pray it lasts for generations to come. I will do my best to leave a legacy of joy, hope, love, peace, determination, faith, and a whole lot of spunk! 

As I said, I don't always get it right....but bear with me, because I'm trying...

I will change this world for the better, one day at a time. Sit back, and enjoy the ride folks!

God Bless

🎄🎅🤶🌟💖

And the pandemic continues.....

I think we have experienced every emotion possible as this disease has affected a nation. And yet, I still see some good that has come from this. More people are spending time with family, getting out in nature, and digging deep into their faith.

My middle son has joined the National Guard Reserve, my oldest, the police academy. They are taking steps towards their future, and have been inspired to protect their community and their nation. They are taking action! And I couldn't be prouder. They have been taught well, to stand up for what is right, to protect others, and respect this country we are blessed to live in.

If only adults could see.....the social media drama is unnecessary. The bickering and name calling, the division of beliefs, and the out and out hatred....needs to stop. We are in crisis, and the only way to move forward,and survive, is to stand UNITED. What will it take? Another war? Another terrorist attack? What level of chaos are we willing to allow to happen before we get back to the basics?

Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Respect the rights of those around you, not just your own.
Take care of your community.
Do what is right.


It truly isn't that complicated. It takes integrity, honesty, and effort. By the grace of God, we will all come out on the other side of this pandemic, but it starts with you. It starts with me. It starts with two people, with different opinions, to agree to disagree and move on. Move forward. Lobby for change. Whatever you need to do for the good of your community and your country, NOT just yourself.  This is a big world, with many beliefs. Last I knew, the freedom to do that is what America was built on. And if we want to continue to enjoy this freedom, we're going to have to make some changes.

Today, it will start with me-loving my neighbor as myself, thinking of others, and doing the right thing, even if I stand alone.

What about you?
What are YOU going to do to bring unity back?

Philippians 4:13  I can do ALL THINGS through Christ, who strengthens me.

Fear is the problem, and bravery is the answer.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hits the nation, fear is running wild! I cannot believe how in just a couple of short weeks life has changed drastically! Who knew??

We create the environment we live in. And we can create whatever we choose. If we choose fear, panic and doubt will soon follow, with an unhealthy dose of chaos! People pass along their fear, and it is more contagious than the disease itself. And once you have created widespread panic, it's hard to get past it. And it blankets entire cities and counties...soon states, and then the whole country has jumped on the panic train.

The flip side is remaining calm. Creating peace. Reassuring others. Choosing to be brave as the storm hits, and digging in to get the work done! Keeping the balance in these times is tough. We all know the other way is easier, and then we can blame the disease, or the government, or whomever we choose.

We forget to find the light in the darkness. The silver lining. The joy. Tonight, I drove to the lake to witness families fishing, people playing ball with their children, or just sitting and enjoying the weather and the amazing view. And you know what? Not ONE PERSON was on a phone or device! It was a beautiful sight to see. And maybe this is the lesson we are meant to learn during all of this. Stop and enjoy the simpler side of life. Love on your family, carry a conversation face to face(from an acceptable distance), eat meals at the table....whatever you take away from this, let's make sure it's a positive thing.

Bravery is when you face the unknown, ignoring the fear and facing it head on anyway.

Life Keeps Changing

I know it's been a while, so this could be a long one! I have had so much going on these last few months, and I finally have a moment to catch my breath. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the wonderful people in my world who inspire, support, and love me at my worst. They cheer me on, and are there for the joy and the pain. It is a whole new experience for me, to have people. To be at a place where healing happens, and the wall crumbles a bit to allow some light in!

For so long, I have closed the door, and kept the wall high, to protect myself (or so I thought) from getting hurt. But in doing that, I also kept myself from joy, peace, and LIFE! Who knew? I was convinced that going it alone was the best path, and that I could handle it. And you know what? That lonely, empty time, day after day, is more painful than getting hurt by another person ever was! There were some pretty dark days, sitting home alone. And I told myself that this is my life now, and that I was okay with that.  Once again, I was wrong.

Since I have moved into the new house, I am growing by leaps and bounds! I find happy within myself, and the simple things-sunrise, baking, writing...all bring so much peace. But I also find that I look forward to my visits with the neighbors and their beautiful daughter. I look forward to noise, and chaos and human contact. It is not saying that I don't still have a dark day here and there. It is saying that I choose to move forward, daily, and open my mind to the possibilities. I share my day with other humans, and it is good!

"Family". We all define that word differently. I choose to define it as people I love who love me back. People who I want in my world, who want me in theirs. And I am blessed enough to have that. I never really thought I "fit" anywhere, and so not making attachments made sense. But then, I learned. I grew. I found that it's okay to allow people to care about you. READ THAT AGAIN! It is OKAY to allow other people to care about you. That has been my BIGGEST lesson in 2020, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!

So how big is my brave, you ask?  BEYOND LIMITS!

Today I choose to be brave, bold, and hopeful! I love this crazy life of mine, and I will continue to trust in the journey, and celebrate EVERY step, not just the good ones! :)