Two summers ago we went on our first international vacation as a family. Mexico was our destination, and with much excitement—and a little trepidation on my part—we packed up and flew to blue waters and white-sand beaches. We were all ready for new adventures. Our kids are practically part fish, growing up in a Texas…
A day spent fishing. Homemade whipped cream. A new notebook. I have great respect for gratitude. Its power can transform moods and strengthen relationships. Nothing can brighten someone’s life like a genuine thank you. This past year, though, I told God on numerous occasions that adding comfy socks, delicious coffee, or my son’s laughter to…
“Good morning. How are you?” A hiker with official-looking hiking poles greets me as I pass. “Good, thanks. How are you?” I return the greeting, wondering if he can tell this is my first time hiking this trail. He’s just completed his trek as I set off on mine. I glance at the wooden display…
“Well, let’s do something, even if it’s wrong.” My sweet boyfriend had driven two hours each way to pick me up from college and take me to the comfort of my parents’ house while I moaned and shivered from the flu. Unfortunately, he had slightly miscalculated the amount of fuel left in the tank. As…
I jumped off the boat into the Caribbean Sea, only to discover that despite my excitement to be snorkeling, the act of breathing normally while underwater immediately triggered an anxiety attack. I scrambled back onto the boat, pulling off my gear on the way. The boat captain, Ron, calmed me down enough that I could…
A few years ago my husband and I drove to a nearby state park in our new community in West Texas. Our souls were thirsty for beauty and fresh air, and we anticipated a day of exploring and hiking around a lake. I envisioned a pristine source of water. When we arrived at the parking…