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Gratitude is more than a season. Gratitude is a choice.

Gratitude is more than a season. Gratitude is a choice.

Because it’s November, the month of Thanksgiving, we’re all a bit more tuned in to gratitude.  Important reminders of keeping gratitude journals resurface. Some people send Thanksgiving cards to let others know how dear they are. At holiday dinners, everyone at the table names one thing they’re grateful for. Churches come together for community Thanksgiving celebrations. And it’s the kick-off for generous charitable giving opportunities.  All these things are very good! But I just can’t leave it at that. Because…

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Brush with the law offers lifetime of insight

Brush with the law offers lifetime of insight

In celebration of a milestone birthday this week, I’ve spent a little time reflecting on the experiences I’ve had throughout my life.  What stands out most in my mind is how much I’ve evolved from the incredibly shy little girl who began this journey.  This became more apparent following a recent experience on the road. My 91-year-old father has dementia. Although he thinks he never has visitors, my siblings and I take turns visiting him every weekend.   A couple weekends…

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Meager or not, efforts show how far apart we aren’t

Meager or not, efforts show how far apart we aren’t

I learned over and over again that I didn’t have to have all the answers to teach detention center kids. I learned I wasn’t there to fix a single one of them. And I learned sometimes what seemed like my most meager efforts uplifted these kids’ souls.  Our states and capital lessons started this way. At detention, I looked for activities appropriate for the varying ages and academic levels of my students. I wanted lessons to draw them together despite…

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Walking the walk? That’s a whole different story.

Walking the walk? That’s a whole different story.

Wisdom—I like to believe I’ve gained a lot of it over the course of my life. I can certainly talk the talk, confident about how I should respond to the challenges I’m bound to face from time to time. “Remember to stay in the moment.” “Focus on breathing deeply.” “Say a prayer and then release it to God.” “Relax!” “Don’t waste your energy on worrying.” “Just walk through the experience.” Oh yes, I know all the right things to tell…

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Growing up done right can take decades

Growing up done right can take decades

Because of the constant turnover at juvenile detention, new students arrived often. One morning it was a tall, slender 16-year-old named Anthony.  He swaggered into the classroom with a “don’t-you-dare-mess-with-me” arrogance.  When I’d meet students like Anthony, I would try to cajole them into a better mood. I wanted them to let go of their defensive facades and to become one with the group. My efforts, however, weren’t always successful. I certainly made no progress that day with Anthony.  Maybe…

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Just the right toast for a dear friend’s fortitude

Just the right toast for a dear friend’s fortitude

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” -Scott Adams My dear friend Connie has been battling stage 4 breast cancer for about 6-1/2 years.  Through it all she has carried on valiantly, a fierce warrior woman refusing to let the diagnosis keep her from doing the things she deems important.  More than once she has walked right up to death’s door, then fought her way back to…

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Avett Brothers lyrics, cello spur needed new perspective

Avett Brothers lyrics, cello spur needed new perspective

Several years ago I heard a song by the Avett Brothers, and I loved it—the message, the melody, and especially the cello.  That instrument just speaks to my soul! Recently I started listening to more of their music, and my admiration for their talent continues to grow.  I realize I’m a latecomer to jump on the band’s fan wagon, but I’m here now.  And I am all in! I have particularly fallen in love with their song “No Hard Feelings.” I…

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Wishing you the biggest wish of all, Papa

Wishing you the biggest wish of all, Papa

Today is my dad’s 91st birthday. My wish for him—what all of us would desperately love to give him, is the gift of peace and comfort. I think he knows he is loved by his family and friends, but it still falls short of what he really needs.  In this case, love just isn’t enough. This weekend marks the third anniversary of my mother’s death. She’d had dementia, and in her final years she slept a lot and showed little…

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Jasmine, a flower I never imagined would bloom

Jasmine, a flower I never imagined would bloom

Some years back my husband and I were making our way through a megastore checkout lane when I spotted Jasmine, a girl I recognized from detention. I hate to admit it, but I cringed when I saw her. She was several lanes away, and I didn’t figure she would notice me—I actually hoped she wouldn’t. I had nothing to say to her. I really do like people, and I can get along with almost anyone. However, in my memories of…

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You matter. You do. You really do.

You matter. You do. You really do.

BY NANCY KIDD All people have a profound need to belong, to know they have a place in this world and that they matter. Unfortunately, however, there are untold numbers of souls, broken and suffering, because that need has never been fulfilled in their lives. I met Ashley many years ago when she appeared in the classroom at the juvenile detention center. A 15-year-old who appeared to have significant emotional issues, she was unable to remain attentive in the group….

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