Depending on where you live, you might have experienced a recent gas shortage panic. While visiting my mom in another state, I woke up to the news that people were flocking to gas stations all over the state (and neighboring states) because a security breach had halted the Colonial Pipeline. Thankfully, I filled up my tank a few nights earlier and knew I had enough to get home to Virginia, but I was still nervous: nervous for what this event meant for our country, nervous for our way of life, and nervous for what it might mean for the future. So much has changed lately. As much as I wish I … [Read more...]
Finding Freedom from Apathy in light of Memorial Day
"Happy Memorial Day!" We say this phrase, go to the beach, and buy merchandise on sale. Often, we do not even think about the day itself. But when we force ourselves to put down the distractions and honestly consider why we have a Memorial Day, we find it incredibly somber and overwhelming. Not exactly… happy. This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. … it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom. – Tamra Bolton What is happy about it? The only happiness associated with Memorial Day is the byproduct of freedom for which these … [Read more...]
Gaining Freedom from Your Family Legacy
One of the greatest evangelists of our time, Billy Graham, said “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” This beautiful quote makes me think of my grandmother and her prayer warrior faith, my mother and her desire to please God in all areas of her life, and my dad in how he spread kindness everywhere he went. To many, however, it is a quote which stings. Not everyone looks at their family history with joy; and, some believe they are only as … [Read more...]
Finding Freedom from Toxic Friendships
We need friendships. We need people. We were not created to be alone. However, we must be wise in who we allow into our innermost heart because no matter how strong and impenetrable we think we are, the people with whom we spend the most time will change us – for better or for worse. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or … [Read more...]
Profound Life Lessons (A Dieting Memoir)
“I am going to lose one hundred pounds in one year!” In August of 2014, I made the grand announcement that I planned to lose an alarming amount of weight in one year. It is hard to believe that was almost seven years ago! As the year began (with the celebration of my 32nd birthday), my weight loss journey felt somewhat comfortable. I was losing weight, making diet changes, exercising, and feeling energized by my progress. Some months felt like major successes and others felt rather slow. Then came March. Attempting to motivate myself, I asked Eric to take some of my personal money and … [Read more...]
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