When a “milestone” birthday is looming in someone’s future, there is often an accompanying sense of dread.
Rarely is someone saying “Oh, yay, another year older! I’m hitting the big one!”
As children, we can’t wait for that next birthday celebration, the thrill of getting a learner’s permit or (legally) ordering a drink! Yet most of us seem to stop being quite so excited about birthdays around the ripe old age of 25.
But turning 40? 50? 60? 70? 80? Ugh.
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Posted on 7.14.2021 by Jody Noland
Posted on 6.08.2021 by Jody Noland
Earlier this year, I finally summoned the courage to begin a new relationship.
Yes, the decision required a LOT of thought and prayer.
Was it wise to open my heart again?
Could I even trust my judgment and discernment after my tumultuous last few years?
After nearly a year of COVID-induced isolation, I decided having plants as my only living companions was not enough. So, I swallowed hard and took the plunge.
I decided it was time to reopen my heart!
Yes, friends, I got a puppy!
Posted on 5.31.2021 by Jody Noland
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for their friends.” John 15:13
Posted on 5.20.2021 by Jody Noland
Think teachers don’t make a massive impact in our lives? Think again.
Posted on 1.24.2021 by Jody Noland
Seriously. What do you think of when someone asks about your highlight reel? For most of us, memories of life’s best moments come to mind.
Maybe it’s your wedding day, the day your children were born, getting the job of your dreams, writing a best-seller, winning a big game or reaching a level of financial success. Undoubtedly, your highlight reel would include your most joyful days of answered prayers and dreams come true.
Posted on 1.17.2021 by Jody Noland
Mother-in-laws. They’re the brunt of countless jokes and the subject of endless conflict. If you’re raising children, you know that the time will eventually come when your own offspring will “leave and cleave” and their spouse will become the #1 focus and priority. It’s natural. It’s healthy. And you, too, might eventually become that maligned or underappreciated mother-in-law.
Posted on 12.20.2020 by Jody Noland
I have a challenge for you, Friends! Consider making this meaningful stocking stuffer for someone you love.
No, you don’t have to go shopping or order something online and pay expedited shipping charges to get this done in the last few days before Christmas.
Nor do you need to be “crafty.”
All it requires is a little bit of time and a heart full of love.
I promise you, it is a gift that will be cherished by the recipient for years to come.
Posted on 12.14.2020 by Jody Noland
How would you feel to hear those words about your Christmas gift to someone you dearly loved?
The best gift EVER? Yes, ever.
Was the appreciation based on the extravagant cost of the gift? Definitely not.
Was it for an exceedingly rare and hard to find item? Not in the least.
Then what sort of gift could possibly elicit that kind of response?
Posted on 11.26.2020 by Jody Noland
Missing being with those you love this Thanksgiving? Me too. There are millions of us across America who are staying home, sequestered and “safe.” Perhaps it’s because we are in the “at risk” age group or perhaps we don’t want to risk infecting a loved one who has underlying health conditions. Whatever the reason for your Thanksgiving isolation in 2020, I think we’d all agree: it stinks!
What do we do with the loneliness, sadness, even depression of having a very different kind of Thanksgiving this year? Here’s are my thoughts about surviving the day:
Posted on 10.25.2020 by Jody Noland
“God’s agenda is change. Your need is change. The promise of grace is change. The hope of eternity is the completion of the work of change.”
That was the heading this morning from one of my favorite devotionals. (New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp) Reading those words literally made me laugh out loud.