I want to share the story of one of the scariest nights of my life. Late one evening while my husband Dave and I were cuddled on the couch watching TV, an intruder entered our home through our unlocked kitchen door after hiding his vehicle near our barn. Thankfully, the situation ended safely, and law enforcement later told us they were grateful Dave and I were alive. I’m not sharing this story to frighten you, but to encourage you.
Sometimes it’s easy to become comfortable and forget the importance of simple precautions like locking doors and staying aware of surroundings. More importantly, this experience reminded me of God’s protection, presence, and faithfulness even in the most unsettling moments. Life is precious, and while you can’t control everything, you can be wise, vigilant, and trust that God is with you through every circumstance.
Have you ever thought about someone out of the blue and wondered why? Maybe it wasn’t random at all. This month, I’m celebrating 12 years with Send Out Cards/Promptings and reflecting on the incredible power of gratitude, kindness, and connection. Over the years, I’ve sent more than 29,000 cards, and one thing I’ve learned is that the smallest gestures often have the biggest impact. A handwritten card, a thoughtful text, a quick phone call, or even a simple “I’m thinking about you” can brighten someone’s day in ways you may never fully know.
As a Gratitude Consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how reaching out benefits both the sender and the receiver. When you pause to notice, appreciate, and encourage others, it changes your heart, too. It creates more love, kindness, and connection in the world.
Here’s my question for you: Who is on your heart today? Is there someone you’ve been meaning to call, text, message, or send a card to? Don’t ignore that prompting. Tell them you love them. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Your small act of kindness might be exactly what they need today.
Sometimes you spend so much time nurturing relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and the people you love that you forget to nurture yourself, too. In this week’s video, I want to share a reminder from a peaceful moment by the river with friends about the importance of self-care and caring for your own heart, mind, and well-being. The relationship you have with yourself matters deeply, and taking time to rest, breathe, reflect, and recharge is not selfish. It’s necessary. Whether it’s sitting by a river, walking through a park, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in your own backyard, you need to find a peaceful place and make time to care for yourself this week.
Who are the most important people in your life? And do your actions actually show it? In this week’s video, I have a powerful reminder about priorities and how the way you spend your time often reveals what matters most to you.
The word “priority” means being treated as more important than other things, but sometimes your busy schedule can unintentionally pull you away from the people you care about most. I hope this message encourages you to pause, reflect, and think intentionally about the relationships in your life.
Journal prompt: Make a list of those important people in your life. Make sure your actions show those people are the most important.
What does success really mean to you? This week, I have two meaningful stories that invite you to reflect on how you define success in your own life. The first story I want to share was when a client simply described success as “peace.” That answer is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to look busy or overwhelming. Sometimes, the most meaningful kind of success is a calm mind, a steady heart, and a life that feels aligned and happy. What if you started measuring your success not by how much you do, but by how you feel?
The second story I want to share is about how after hosting a beautiful retirement celebration, I found myself focusing on what I hadn’t done instead of what I did accomplish. How often do you focus on what you didn’t get done? It’s so easy to overlook wins and rush onto the next thing. But when you only focus on what you have not accomplished, you miss the joy of how far you have come. Don’t forget to celebrate your progress this week!
Can I be a little vulnerable with you? Back in January, I had a near death experience that reminded me how quickly things can change. Something as simple as consuming a milky protein shake while congested and sick turned into a situation where I could not breathe. I prayed and asked God to help clear my throat, and I was able to drink water to flush it all out.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life or to put things off for “someday,” but the truth is, life is a gift and tomorrow isn’t promised. This week’s video is a reminder to be in the moment. Living in the present moment is a present. You never know when your life is going to end, or how long you have on earth. Live your life fully. Be bold. Follow your dreams. Tell people you love them. Enjoy life! Make it count.
