Month: January 2020

“You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be. I had a mother who read to me.”

Strickland Gillian

As children we received one of the greatest gifts a mother can bestow on her children, a love for reading. While taking Children’s Literature in college, Michelle fell deeper in love with children’s lit. Fast forward a couple decades and she found herself teaching her favorite class, and frequently being asked for book recommendations.

Life is busy. We understand the frenzy of daily life. Sharing our bookshelf is meant to help make life simpler for teachers and parents … and although most of our recommendations are for kids books, we sometimes share “grown-up” books as well.

Take a breath. Grab a book. Experience reading as a daily joy.

Over the past couple of years there has been a lot of discussion and focus on the concepts of grit and resiliency, and how to foster those character traits, not only in our children, but ourselves. It can be, oh, so easy to beat ourselves up for the mistakes, or choices we have made. To fixate on the ways people, or social systems have hurt and wronged us. Or, to focus on the areas of our lives in which we have failed, or not quite measured up.

On the flip side, phrases like, “pick yourself up by your boot straps” and “suck it up buttercup” have also made their way into the conversation. This type of talk can be a welcomed challenge to some, while feel very condemning to others. I would propose that somewhere in between is the answer. Something we have determined takes a balance of grit and grace.

Within the lines of this space we will work through and discuss thoughts around these concepts. How do we build up and live out grit and resiliency in all areas of our lives? Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically. How do we foster grit and resiliency in the lives of those within our circle of influence? I believe there is true joy to be experienced when an individual is able to discover and live out grit and grace. Join us on the journey.

Life is truly lived out in the everyday. So often we can miss moments to experience joy because we are either dwelling on the past, or looking forward to tomorrow. Dwell. Abide. Take in the minute details that may not seem significant at the time. Practice being present. Experience all the little joys in life.

One can easily find joy in the extraordinary moments, but it is a true gift, or sometimes, discipline, to find joy in the mundane. The everyday.

It is our hope that as you visit this section of our blog you discover ways to embrace joy in your everyday moments. Whether that is through enjoying the great outdoors, organizing your space, making your house a home, trying a new recipe, or simply finding art in the ordinary.

We welcome you to join us as we discover joy in our Everyday.