When someone hurts us or REALLY pisses us off... We have to pray for them. It’s hard to stay mad at someone you’re praying for.


8-18



Book: “victory. Stand!” By Tommie Smith


14



Never give unsolicited advice. Instead ask “How can I best support you?”


14, 20



Just show up. That’s all we can really control. Show up, (don’t run) and take it from there. You got this.


21



Save where you can. Spend when you have to. Splurge every once in a while.


15, 21



Default to "nice guy." Meaning it should require something significant for you NOT to be nice. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Cut them (and yourself) some slack. Life is hard. We're all in this together.


12



It matters more “how” you go to college than “where” you go to college.


16



Reinforce this at every opportunity: “You matter.” Kids respond to this message deeply, whether it comes from a positive source (parents/teacher/coach) or people who are only trying to exploit them.


2-18



When you’re older, remember that stuff like video games, alcohol, junk food, gambling, porn, and a whole host of other vices can turn on you, and become an addiction that wrecks your health, relationships or even your life. You don’t have to give up all this stuff, but keep them to a minimum. How often and how much is a big difference. It’s the difference between meeting a friend for a beer or two and walking into work hungover most days. Remember: You decide- How often and how much.


13, 16, 19



The person you have the most electric connection to may not be the ideal choice for a life partner.


15, 19, 21



When the poop hits the fan, that's when real discipleship begins.


15-18



Look into Space Camp for next year


8



“ It was my high school drama teacher who made sure I knew there was space for me in this world. Her kind words had a tremendous impact on my life. If you don’t know where to begin, start with “I see you. I love you. I’m so happy you’re here.”   -Chasten Buttigieg


12



A simple blessing to silently pray over someone: “May he (she) be healthy, May he be safe. O Lord bless him with peace and joy.” Pray for people you know, for strangers on the elevator, for teachers, world leaders, friends or foes, etc. It’s one way to make the world a better place, and it turns your heart closer to God.


15



A simple trick to calm your nerves: Name 5 things you can hear right now.


5-15



End of August by Robert Frost is one of my favorite poems.


20



Everyone gets crushes but if you’re having an imaginary relationship do so with an imaginary person. It’s disrespectful of someone’s dignity to obsess over them. Not to mention your own dignity!


12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21



Sometimes I think the best way to take care of them is to teach them to take care of others: Littler kids, sick or disabled, those who’ve been left out.


5-7, 1Infant-12



Throw leftovers and some cut up veggies in an omelette/ frittata. Cuts down on food waste and saves money.


17



People who have something to prove are dangerous to themselves and others. We are all worthy of love. Remember that.


11, 13, 17, 19, 21



Tragedy may occur in your life, but it does not need to define your life. YOU get to do that...through the choices you make. _______I know you’ll make good ones. xo


19



Sometimes grief looks a lot like anger. Are you upset about something you lost or had to let go of?


15, 21



I hope you find a partner with who are your most authentic self, and who you love for who they genuinely are.


15, 21



Keep stuff on hand for guests. Be ready to be a good host / hostess at any moment.


16-21



Kindness + Confidence = secret to success and “popularity.”


10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



Never consent to a search. Ask if it’s required. If not, no search. If yes, ask for your lawyer.


17, 21



Put your purse, (wallet,bag, phone, or shoe) in the backseat with the baby. Unattended babies die every day and it’s my worst nightmare.


Infant-3, 21



Mackinac Island trip


10



Every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else. Take your time processing the choices - write in your journal, sweat it out, listen to music, talk to someone you trust, read books from experts. Once you’re clear about what you’re giving up, let it go and don’t look back. (Remember there’s no advice that’s right more than 99% of the time. Always trust your gut. Just remember an impulse isn’t the same thing as a gut check.)


15, 16, 19, 21