As a nursing student in 2004, I observed the most BEAUTIFUL surgery being performed in the operating room of the hospital where my clinicals were taking place. I know you may be questioning the use of the word ‘beautiful’, but that is exactly what it was!

Years ago, I wanted to give Steve something special for Valentine’s Day to show my love for him, but money was tight like it is for many newlyweds. Spending very little money, I found a jar and bought two bags of Candy Hearts to fill the jar. You know what I’m talking about, the candy with short messages on them like, “Me & You, Sweet Love, Love Me, You Rock, Love Bug, Puppy Love, Soul Mate,” and I’m sure there are more!

“We know the saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. I think we all believe that this statement is true. There is uncontainable joy in giving. We read it so clearly in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11…”

“Mom, leave the light on!”

These are words that many moms hear as they say goodnight to their children while reaching to turn off the hall light.

Just as you have settled your child, and reached the threshold of their bedroom door, you hear the fateful words, “Mom, leave the light on!”

It’s eleven days into 2022, and everyone seems to be chugging along. All different types of calendars are being filled out as plans for the year are being made.  New goals, new themes, new programs, and new events.

“It’s a new year with new challenges and opportunities! Our theme for 2022 is Illuminate, based on John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Who doesn’t like light? There is something soothing about waking up to a new morning filled with sunlight….”

I was asked recently what my WORD was for the new year of 2022. Before I continue, let me give you a little backstory about this question. We all know there are new year resolutions, goals, and a bucket list of items that inspire us to achieve; some grander than others.

Infantile hands. Velvet skin. Rhythmic breathing. The animals look on in disbelief that their Creator, so small, sits before them wrapped ever so tenderly. The parents look at one another with sheer delight, ready to tell the world of the treasure that they hold.

A shout of “Joy to the World”, with a robust “Angels We have Heard on High”, followed by a sweet “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” then a passionate “Oh Holy Night,” and finish it up with a serene “Silent Night.”

In November, two years ago, we downsized from a four-bedroom, two and one-half bath home that included a finished basement to a two-bedroom condo. The change was drastic! We had lived in our home for twenty-seven years, accumulating lots of stuff along with creating many memories.

“One, two, three….ready or not, here I come!”  I have heard these excited words many times over the years in my home.  Pairs of feet scrambling to find the best hiding place before the counting was completed. The squeals and laughter that would ensue after a hiding place had been found by the seeker. 

The smell of freshly baked dinner rolls fills the air as they are carefully pulled out of the warm oven and placed on the table. This final item puts the finishing touch on the Thanksgiving meal.

Does it get on your nerves, when you have planned out your day, but no one sticks to the schedule? You find yourself looking around asking, ‘How did this happen? This is not how things were supposed to go!’ We all know the scene too well.

It was a God moment.

Occurring during a simple conversation, no fireworks or miracles present and yet, it was pivotal for us both.

On a long overdue lunch date with my sweet sister-friend, we let down our walls, opened up about our real life struggles, and spoke from our hearts.

I can still hear the words in my head like it was yesterday.  I’m ten years old and standing by the stove in my kitchen. OFF-OFF-OFF-OFF. The words slowly and systematically came out of my mouth, like this was normal for any ten-year-old. In our family, this was a regular nighttime ritual.

“Hello pumpkin, it’s good to see you!”

“I love you pumpkin!”

Those are the greeting words I received from my grandmother growing up. She called all her grandchildren “little pumpkins”. It was a term of endearment and love.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

And repeat and repeat….and…. well, you get the idea.

The average American family washes two loads of laundry per day, or up 10 loads of laundry per week! Can you relate?

It was a typical Sunday morning after a long week. The Sunday morning routine was well underway. Very familiar sounds could be heard in my home. Alarms buzzing with the wake-up call. Showers washing away the dirt and grime of the previous day…