Do you remember the lyrics from the hit song The Gambler sung by the great Kenny Rogers? “You’ve got to know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard and spoken and sung those lyrics in my…

You have to watch this incredible (short) video showing a father motivating his 3 year old daughter, Allya. Each morning she stands in front of a mirror and repeats, “I am strong. I am smart. I am beautiful. I work hard.” And more. What if every child had that kind of encouragement and support? Not a…

Are you a fan of the super-star author James Patterson? I’ve only read a couple of his books, but I had the thrill to hear him speak this week at a sold out luncheon supporting the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. I’ll tell you more about his wonderful lecture for my Wednesday blog, but for…

I’ve shared quite a few “Do you need a good cry?” blogs with you over the years, but here’s one that I guarantee will give you a good laugh — and perhaps a lesson to go along with it. I’m sure all of us have had the experience of herding your way onto a crowded…

“Jerks” seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately. I’ve lost count of all the men who have been busted for sexually harassing women, and we all know there are many more who have not been called to account. Then we have those who condemn others for their race, religion, politics or sexual preferences.…

Ready for a good cry? Ready for some amazing inspiration? Ready for the gift of wisdom from a young woman who had the courage to write a goodbye letter to the world? I hope so. This letter, along with more photos, was published by the Samantha Wills Foundation, which you can find at this web site.…

What is your purpose in life? That’s a question most of us ask at different times of life, usually when we’re suffering a setback of some kind. But it’s such a gigantic question, too often we let it slip by without paying much attention. I read an article recently that helped me get a handle…

So, the holidays were so busy you didn’t quite get around to making any New Year’s resolutions. Or, perhaps you’ve already forgotten what resolutions you made. Or, maybe they’re just too silly to take seriously — “I resolve to start eating more healthy but first I have to eat all the junk food in my…

‘Tis the time when New Year’s Resolutions pop up wherever you go. (T’was the time in 2014, too, when this blog ran the first time. I thought it was time for a repeat while I’m away celebrating with family. Enjoy.) A part of me doesn’t care for this practice because it usually lacks conviction and…

Some things should be repeated here, and I think this is one of them. This is a favorite holiday reading, one my favorite minister (and husband) used every Christmas Eve at our churches. Feel free to share it with family and friends. “Every Night a Child is Born is a Holy Night” by Sophia Lyon Fahs. And…