This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago, updated for today, and still inspiring wisdom and deep understanding. Many years ago, this word, quintessential, came up when Blake, Garrett, and I played “telephone” one evening. We had a blast despite there were only three of us! Blake would whisper something to Garrett, and then Garrett would come to whisper it to me. Since there were only the three of us, I would go ahead and say it out loud. Being the good boy he is, Garrett was playing the “right” way and repeated what he heard. Well, Blake decided this wasn’t nearlyRead More →

This post is part of my cornerstone content, written many years ago, updated for today, and still inspiring wisdom and deep understanding. This is the story of my first spiritual awakening, although I didn’t realize it at the time. I was married once before. My first husband and I were always looking for some way to make the other feel small. (Especially if there was someone else around to try to impress.) Communication between us was sarcastic, contemptuous, and cynical, and usually ended up with one or both of us sulking, at best. Fortunately, we divorced after only being married for a year. It was theRead More →

This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago, updated today, inspiring wisdom and deep understanding. When I was about 10 or 11 years old, I remember looking at my pile of gifts one Christmas morning. Santa had been generous that year, so there was quite a bit to carry into my room. Although it is embarrassing to admit, I specifically remember thinking, “Now” where am I going to put all of this crap?” Ugh. All of those gifts, all of the anticipation, and all of the joy turned to ‘crap” simply because I didn’t think I had enough storage space. I’m sharing thisRead More →

This post is part of my cornerstone content, written years ago, updated today, inspiring wisdom and deep understanding. For the past 20 years, right after Thanksgiving, I have started making about 50 eight-ounce boxes of English toffee and peanut brittle to send to family and friends. Using fresh ingredients and sticking to a well-practiced process, I sing along to Christmas music while standing in front of the oven and stirring for hours. The most important ingredient I add is love. Yes, that’s right, I stir in love. I know it sounds corny, but it’s true! The English Toffee takes 15 minutes of constant stirring and mustRead More →