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I was in Florida this past week with my family, and while there, we visited the Loxahatchee Wildlife Reserve. To be honest, it was not my choice to visit, as I wanted to go to Miami. However, my kids really wanted to see this reserve, so I reluctantly agreed. My energy most likely emanated a bit of disappointment on the drive to Loxahatchee, as I did not think that this was the place we should have gone, with only one day left on our vacation.  However, once there, I understo

I took this photo this past weekend, while at a sports tournament in Florida with my family. In this particular photo, it was 7am, and the sun was rising above the trees, as all the colors of morning and dawn seemed to blend. It was a beautiful sight to see, but there was so much more to this picture than initially meets the eye. It is not just a magnificent sunrise, but is a picture of my daughter with her team, getting ready to play field hockey. Look closely, and you can s

Fishing is such a great analogy for life. You go to the water, cast your line, and hope to catch. Sometimes you do, sometimes your get more than expected and other times you end up empty handed. And regardless of your bounty; you get up the next day and do it again. Each time hoping to catch and feel the joys of your labor.  From this experience you learn things like patience, perseverance and faith.  Now let's imagine you are fishing with your family and your child is castin

I took this photo just two days ago. I was up early with my husband,  and we decided to go watch the sunrise. As we got to the beach, I noticed the wet footprints on the wooden planks leading up to the pavilion. The person that left these footprints was obviously here, just moments before, but I no longer was able to see anyone around. As we sat in the pavilion, I looked about to see if I could identify anyone that may have left these prints, but there was no one, just a trai

The truth be told, because I needed it, and still do. I have great days, and I have okay days, just like we all do. However, I have learned to embrace, and be grateful, for each one. We all have been through trials and tribulations. My story is no different than yours, except in the details. I once asked a very wise man, while in the depths of anxiety suffering, "Doug, what are the worst anxiety symptoms someone can experience?" and he simply said "Yours". No truer words were

The weather is getting colder at the shore, and with the drop of the thermometer, we instinctively wish to slow down and rejuvenate our souls.  However, this natural inclination is at direct odds with what happens in the coming weeks. It is the beginning of the holiday season, and one of the most stressful times of the year. Because of the perceived need to rush from place to place, and over indulgence of food and drink, it is no wonder anxiety is pulsating at an all-time hig

Bessie (yes our truck has a name, doesn't yours?) has been sitting in our driveway, unable to operate safely for months now. We knew it was time to let go of our family SUV, but there was always a reason we were not able to part with it. My husband would say he needed it to make recycling runs, or to move large items close to home. The entire passenger side was dented, and full of rust, from an accident last year. The interior was worn and stained. There was a distinct stench

A few weeks ago a beautiful young lady came to Ocean Grove to talk about her life, and her mission. Her name was Bethany Hamilton. You may know her name if you are in the surfing circuit, and even if you are not, because she also was also the subject of the movie "Soul Surfer".  My daughter was quite excited to go see her speak at the event that afternoon. In fact, we went earlier than scheduled, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bethany surfing the waves, before her big talk at t