More than Unbroken

As each year comes to a close, I like to think back and reflect. Today as you prepare for final holiday gatherings, I challenge you not just to resolve, but reflect.  Here are some thought starters: What was my favorite moment of the year? What challenged me and my family this year? How have I grown? What difference have I made in my world? What surprised me? How do I want to move forward to make a positive impact? How are my needs and the needs of those close to me different now? What relationships have changed and how? What happened this year to make me feel grateful? What is the one thing I would like to do differently in the coming year? And that’s a wrap! In the coming days, I will be re-structuring this page to include lifestyle tips and challenges. The encouragement will still be there, along with practical advice and ideas for everyday life. Thank you for sharing this journey with me for another trip around the sun. Here’s to a blessed and prosperous 2024! © Jill Cook and U...

‘Twas the night before Christmas and long before ten, the house had been emptied of family and friends.  The weather was cold, the presents unwrapped, our bellies were full, no more fun to be had.  How I sat disappointed after everyone left, feeling lonely and tired and, quite frankly, bereft.  Thinking back to the time when the magic was new, it certainly seemed the night was longer, too. The adults would play games, the children had fun, the food would stay out for us to graze upon. Now everyone’s tired, it’s always a rush. There’s almost no time to enjoy for the fuss. My expected fun night had disappeared quick, but reality is never a fanciful trick. The fact is that now in this season of life the expected outcome never happens quite right. As I learn to walk in this awkward new phase, I’m reminded again of a wonderful phrase: The first Christmas was messy, it’s okay if mine is, too, for Jesus just came to save me and you. The food and presents are all very well, but w...

Dear Friends, As the holiday season rushes upon us, I find a need to take a brief hiatus from the weekly blog. I do have something prepared for next weekend and will be sharing it. In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy some of my past posts. I have been overwhelmed with the love and support I have received throughout this endeavor over the last three years and look forward to sharing more stories and encouragement in 2024. My focus in the final days of 2023 will be on this blessed season and savoring moments with my family. May you and your family be blessed as we celebrate this beautiful season. See you in 2024! Love and smiles, Jill P. S. Trust me, the writing isn't going to stop anytime soon, but you may see some changes in context. I will be updating the website and the social media platforms, so be on the lookout!

Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. These have often been labeled “The Stages of Grief.” In my experience, however, I have found that these are the stages and phases of my adult life.  One thing is certain. The emotional responses to life are not linear. I think we all go through these stages at some point. When you are cycling through them rapidly, as I have been lately, it can leave you a bit exhausted. Denial. This one is easy to identify. It is the stage in which you pretend everything is fine. You plaster on a smile. You keep pressing forward in the belief that you can “fake it until you make it.” Eventually, this charade becomes cumbersome. Even more notable is that those close to you recognize that it is only a charade. They already know whatever it is you are trying to deny and pretend is or isn’t there. It’s the elephant in the room that thrusts you into another stage. Anger. At those who have caused you discomfort. At yourself. At God. Just feeling angry al...

Visit my home church here to view the message that renewed my confidence! Have you ever had “one of those days”? This week, I had about four of them. Between the stress of work, uncertainties at home, and general fatigue, my spirit has taken a beating. I am blessed to love my job. But Monday after work, I spent about twenty minutes scrubbing obscenities off the girls’ bathroom wall next to my classroom. Extra responsibilities like this aren’t often discussed, but it kept someone else from having to spend the twenty minutes doing it. Tuesday was when I let the hammer fall about proper bathroom etiquette. I teach 8th grade, and I hold students to high standards of behavior. This combination of chaotic energy and expression of frustration left me feeling completely drained by Tuesday night. After this, Wednesday brought on physical pain as my body began to flare with inflammation. These flares are usually caused by stress, change in weather, or difference in foods. All of these were facto...