#GiveThanks – One Brave Word

Simple Gifts: The Gift of Gratitude

May 2, 2024 Mikelle

I don’t remember when we actually crossed the threshold from May-is-a-normal-month to May-is-as-crazy-busy-as-December. All I know is that the struggle is real. In an effort to distribute the heavy load of May, it seems like the pace of April has also gradually increased, akin to how Black Friday now spans closer to a month than a single day in November. So maybe it’s no coincidence that gratitude is what came to mind when I was pondering about what simple gift…

Learning How to Listen: Lessons From My Dad

November 22, 2020 Mikelle

My dad has always been more of a listener than a talker. He doesn’t want any extra attention. He never speaks just for the sake of being heard. He considers things thoughtfully. When he does speak, or when he takes time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), he tends to have insightful questions or points to consider. As such, when he speaks, I tend to listen. I’ve watched my dad listen to my children, even as babies,…

When All I Can Bring is a Rock…

November 21, 2020 Mikelle

There is a memorable scene from It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, where the Peanuts gang are out trick-or-treating, and after each house the kids proclaim with joy what great treats they got. Charlie Brown is the only exception, and after each house he remarks glumly, “I got a rock.” It’s such a sad, funny little scene that we quote it on the regular around here when something disappointing or underwhelming happens. Lately I’ve been rereading a scripture story about…