Story

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I almost missed out on the 'nudge'!

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I knew from the first moment that I was hearing from God on this. It wasn’t just me seeing someone who seemed nice to know, had a great smile, and might be a good connection for me. I felt it in my very core. “Kathy, I want you to meet this woman.”

But day one had a lot of new things going on- so I focused on the people at my table and said, “I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”

Tomorrow came- and I had that sense again. I looked over during a break, and she was sitting alone, so I headed over to her table. Just then, someone else scooted in beside her, and they immediately engaged in conversation. Oh well- maybe later.

But…you know the story. Later didn’t come.

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One last talk with my Dad!

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Pondering the value of ‘last words’ in my life, I have considered often my last face-to-face conversation with Dad over Memorial Day weekend of 2022. I shared this memory on August 6th, 2022 at his memorial service.

On July 23rd, 2022, my Daddy went 'HOME".

Since our daughter, Leisha, 'ran on home' almost almost 16 years ago, I've been very aware that this earthly home is only temporary. 

Dad and I talked about that in May when I saw him last. He spoke of what it would be like to see Leisha - after Jesus of course! How he would give her a big hug and tell her that her momma loves her.

He admitted it was hard to…

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Do You Know YOUR Value?

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It’s a rare person who comes into your life and in a few minutes sums up the one thing that you struggle with most. "Kathy, do you know your value?" In my journey to answer that question for myself, I discovered I wasn't alone in that struggle. What changes for each of us when we stop comparing ourselves to others and come to know ourselves for the value we truly bring to our world. Listen in to hear how this same rare person used her 'last words' to continue to speak life into me. What would it look like for you to use your voice - your message - now?

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My Ordinary Mom!

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Tomorrow we will celebrate the life of my momma! I have been at a loss for words since her passing. How do you pay tribute to the woman who not only gave you life, but supported you through it your entire life. So I am sharing a post I wrote for her birthday in 2014. Heads up! It’s long. Yet it is only a glimpse of the legacy she has left to me - and to my family.

Originally posted on OCTOBER 23, 2014 

I know- you are looking at this title and wondering if I just dissed my mother!   Well, let me tell you about her!

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Do I look scary to you?

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We all have those women in our life that might intimidate us. They seem to have it all together and we feel 'less than' somehow when we compare ourselves to them.

Come to find out - one lady that was my scary woman, actually told me I was hers. Oh my! I mean it is great that someone - anyone would think i have my act together.

But I know me. I know the real me - the messy me…

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She would have been 30 on Thursday!

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She would have been 30 on Thursday!

I've dreaded this year - this birthday for nearly 15 years. In a few months Leisha will have lived as long as she has been gone.

I hesitated to share this with my GHC community. But the truth is, I haven't been doing well, emotionally, spiritually, mentally or physically. A huge part of that is that I have had some 'BIG" things going on in my life in a very short amount of time.

But that isn't all of it.

For the last 6 weeks I have been 'stopped" -

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When Your Holiday Isn't Hallmark!

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This new year I am unexpectedly spending time with my parents, My 85 year old father spent the weekend in the hospital and we are struggling alongside him as he tries to gain some ground on the issues that are threatening his quality of life.

One year ago during the Christmas holiday,. Rennie was in the James Center recovering from a stroke. I’m thrilled to say he has made a full recovery. I reread a post I wrote one night sitting by my husband’s hospital bed. The events of last Christmas are speaking boldly into the emotions I have as I watch my father labor to do the ‘right stuff’ to cooperate with us and the health professionals.

My own words have challenged me to rethink this moment, just as I was challenged one year ago. I thought you might benefit from reading them again too.

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When the Holiday Isn't Hallmark!

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I really love a feel good story and Hallmark Christmas movies have always been something I enjoy. ( I don't even feel bad if you are judging me because of it.) We all want the good guy to win, the hero to save the day or the magic of 'that kiss'.  But we also know life doesn't always show up that way. 

I'm writing this to you while I'm sitting in the OSU James Med Center and my husband lies in a hospital bed beside me. He was life-flighted here on Friday for

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Talking to my 20 year old Self!

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I have watched her from a distance for a while now, this young woman that now sits across from me over a cup of coffee. We have spoken briefly, usually including a hug on a Sunday morning between services. I have shared with her that I am praying for her specifically, but we really don’t know each other at all. Except that I feel like I do know her - or at least some aspects of the life she lives.

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Ever had a friend you wished you knew better...!

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I first met Nancy five years ago at the very first TRIBEWRITER conference, which my community knows that has been a big part of my writing journey. However, at that first conference, Nancy and I probably didn't say more than five words to one another even though from the first time we made eye contact, I felt like we had made a connection. We went the whole weekend without really getting acquainted.

t just happened that as the conference was ending, we passed each other and I took a chance to speak to her.