When asked about the riches in my life, I would say they include faith, love, nature, family, and friends.  It is the richness in my life that has given me the ability to enjoy my career and my jobs throughout my life. My faith sets the tone and provides a foundation that is unwavering.  Love allows me a perspective of compassion and understanding.  Nature opens my eyes to all the wonders that God has created.  My family and friends accept me for who I am, without reservation.    Many point out that money is a significant factor that I’ve overlooked…

I like to periodically do a self-check to ensure that I am mask-free.  That I am being honest with myself and with others.  No matter the cost, I strive to honor what I see as the truth. Realizing that my perceptions are just that, what I believe to be true.  What others see may or may not be what I perceive they are understanding.  It’s risky to take off the mask and show my true values and stand up for what I feel is ethically correct.  There is a risk to being real.  Making myself vulnerable to…

What a gift it is to be given another chance, a redo.  I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all the moments when I have done or said something less than desirable, yet have been given grace by those around me. The times I have been given grace have strengthened my ability to be both forgiving and thankful.  But most importantly, I learn from each experience and pay it forward.  With close friends, it is easy to see past some minor hiccups in one’s behavior or words.  I know the value of friendship and understand the…

When I feel like there’s no choice, I choose hope.  It is by faith that I, without doubt, know and believe that if I choose to surrender to Jesus, I will persevere through all struggles and find peace.  When we choose Jesus, suffering does not disappear.  Often, suffering becomes more intense.  Surrendering to Jesus does not mean life will be any easier.  What it does mean is that all the suffering one endures is eased with inner peace.  Suffering without surrendering is like climbing a mountain with a mudslide.  Each time you power through one obstacle, you slide back…