Honor Your Father

Honor Your Father

Little did my dad know that within a couple of years after his college graduation a daughter would be born, and he would have a grand influence on her life. I didn’t idolize a rock star, popular actor, or world leader when I was growing up. My hero was, and continues to be, my daddy.…

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Why You Should Homeschool Right Now

Why You Should Homeschool Right Now

I never wanted children. I didn’t think being a mother was in my DNA. When I was a kid, I shunned playing with baby dolls in favor of target shooting with my bb gun. I imagined I was Annie Oakley and would practice by holding a mirror and shooting over my shoulder. And I was…

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If Life Was A Cupcake

If Life Was A Cupcake

I read a true story today about a woman who went to a foreign country for the first time.  She loved the hotel pool and garden area, but the moment she stepped out onto the street she was overwhelmed with the many rickshaw vendors crying out for her attention.  She quickly retreated inside the safety…

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Are You Going On Vacation Or Getting Married?

Are You Going On Vacation Or Getting Married?

The first time I went to Florida on vacation, I had no idea a place like that even existed. Growing up in Ohio, I was used to pine trees, not palm trees. Riding a bike in December? Unheard of! Running up and down the beach chasing crabs instead of lightening bugs. As Jasmine from the…

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I Don’t Want to Learn How to Swim

I Don’t Want to Learn How to Swim

When my brother and I were about this age, our mom, Murph, decided that we needed to learn to swim. Acting upon her decision, she bought a package of swimming lessons for us at the local YMCA in Newton, Massachusetts. Back then, only men were allowed to be at the Y. Women had to go…

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When the Walls Fall

When the Walls Fall

“Grandfather, how will I know what to do? You have told me so many times that I am special. But what does that mean? What will I do that is so important?” The old man leaned over and scooped up the tiny girl. She was small, but he could see that there was greatness in…

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Chasing Shells

Chasing Shells

As I type this, I am being serenaded by the sounds of the ocean and the breeze flowing through the palm trees.  Our family is on a beach vacation in South Carolina.  I took a glorious walk on the beach this morning.  The second my toes hit the sand, I was transported to my six-year-old…

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Stop Saying Yes, When You Want To Say No

Stop Saying Yes, When You Want To Say No

A movie was playing at the local theater and my daughter, April, asked three girls from work if they’d like to go. Two said yes, but Celine said no–without giving any reason. April told me it initially had the sting of rejection, but later she respected Celine for being so candid. Celine had been studying…

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The Soulmate Search

The Soulmate Search

Six-figure income, tall, thin, sports car and homeowner. Yep, single people usually have at least a mental checklist of characteristics they want to see in their future spouse. I’ve had several share their lists with me and I’ve seen “must haves” right down to the eye color. When they ask what I think, it’s hard…

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Are Your Relationships Normal?

Are Your Relationships Normal?

I managed a gift shop for about six months when I was between jobs, and the staff was so drama-filled they made Keeping Up With The Kardashians look boring. Pat claimed she couldn’t afford a place to live so she called the local hotel her home–yet it cost a small fortune to reside there; she…

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