As the new year marches on, our family continues our tradition of picking a theme word for the year. We write our intentions and goals in alignment with our word and identify categories for each. The goals for mental and relational growth, financial and spiritual growth, emotional wellness and whatever each feels compelled to include. We have a family meal and share our word and related intentions. We continue to meet weekly for dinner and revisit our goals every 3 months. I

At 32 weeks my quadruplets were born. I had been on full bedrest for five weeks and partial bedrest since week 14 of my pregnancy. It was a day full of joy and celebration and they were the focus of all love and attention. As everyone gathered to see them in the nursery, I was so excited to join them. I eased out of the hospital bed and tried to walk. I couldn’t. The muscles in my feet had atrophied, along with the muscles in my side and abdomen. So, I used a wheelchair m

I remember the stillness of the early morning when my kids were babies. It was the 3:00 am feeding and I held each one, rocking them, one after the other ,until all were back to sleep. I distinctly remember the peace transcending my mind and heart. As I rose this morning before sunrise and looked across the hill country, the same peace filled my soul. Alone time and silence have tremendous benefits. As an introvert, I have practiced alone time and stillness regularly as it