As we move into fall (and dare I say the beginning stages of the holiday season), I challenge myself and all of my readers to be courageous. Now what on earth does that mean? I had a young child ask me, “What is courage, and how do I get it?” I had to ponder that question a bit. What I came up with, and what I have come to learn personally, is that courage is not a quality we are born with. It is a quality that is developed and honed. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as …
Read More »Rays of Grace XXXVIII
“God Wink!” is a commonly used phrase in the Theisen household (My mom has funny little phrases she uses, and this is one of the rare occasions that one of them stuck.) A “God Wink” occurs when something happens and in hindsight, you’re left with the feeling that somehow God got involved and made it happen. Over the summer I had my own “God Wink” moments. Ever since I was in eighth grade, I wanted to be a dentist. My Grandpa Joe was a highly accomplished dentist in the Eau Claire area for over forty years and watching him made …
Read More »Download New Issue: August / September 2018 | VOL 7 – NO 3
Here we are again ladies, enjoying another beautiful Wisconsin summer. I feel so lucky to live in a state with so much to offer. I love how summer brings less rigid schedules and a more relaxed calendar. Long gone are the days of heavily scheduled calendar filled with summer activities for the kids. Now, I’m just doing my best to keep track of where and with whom they are enjoying their summer days. The journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! [in this issue] (14) Ten to Toss and Ten to …
Read More »Rays of Grace XXXVIII
I am surrounded by eleven, 15 year-old, young girls. They are all fast asleep. It is only 6 AM and the camp bugle will not sound for another hour. I am happy to get to work as a counselor at a summer camp on the beautiful, Long Lake in New Auburn, Wisconsin. Last night the campers and I stayed up late talking about how their first year of high school went and how they are all excited to become sophomores in high school. They had me belly laughing at their stories. Their innocence moves and inspires me. And so, this …
Read More »Download New Issue: June/July 2018 | VOL 7 – NO 3
Here we are again ladies, enjoying another beautiful Wisconsin summer. I feel so lucky to live in a state with so much to offer. I love how summer brings less rigid schedules and a more relaxed calendar. Long gone are the days of heavily scheduled calendar filled with summer activities for the kids. Now, I’m just doing my best to keep track of where and with whom they are enjoying their summer days. The journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! [in this issue] (14) Don’t Make These 10 Mistakes (16) …
Read More »Rays of Grace XXXVII: Best Time of my Life
One semester down, seven to go. Wow, that was intense. Definitely not what I expected. Many people have been asking, “How did your first semester go?” They usually have enthusiasm in their voices, almost as if they want to relive a part of their college experience through me for a few seconds. I usually reply with a huge smile, “It went well, I love college!!” But honestly, that is just my “easy” answer. My first semester of college was most definitely one of the hardest times of my life…but also the best learning experience I’ve ever experienced….. Click the magazine …
Read More »Download New Issue: FEB / MAR 2018 | VOL 7 – NO 1
Sitting down to write this month’s letter from the editor, fresh cup of coffee in hand, just as the writing juices began to flow I got a much-welcomed interruption. My beautiful daughter Grace phoned, talking a mile a minute, sharing every detail of her day. This issue is devoted to love, luck, and the pursuit of well-being. Please take some time to soak up the beautiful articles we have put together for you. I am so excited to share this edition with our readers. Perhaps, you too, will see the love, luck, and well-being life has in store for you. …
Read More »Rays of Grace XXXVI: College
Before I left for college, all the world’s well wishers bombarded me with advice. Everyone it seemed, needed to tell me how to succeed in college: “Get lots of sleep.” “Go to church daily.” “Keep your books with you at all times.” All this advice was great and I am thankful for all the love and support I have been given, but nothing really prepared me for the change that occurred. I watched my family walk away, knowing it was going to be awhile before I saw them again. After the first few weeks it all began to sink in: …
Read More »Download New Issue: DEC/JAN 2017/2018 | VOL 6 – NO 4
Ladies, once again we close in on another year’s end. I ask myself once more, where did the year go? The quote, “The days are long, but the years are short” is beyond fitting. This issue is dedicated to forgiveness and fulfillment. In a year in which our country has faced such challenging times, I know you will find reprieve in the beautiful articles in this issue. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! [in this issue] (16) Forgiving (18) I am Looking for Someone to Share in an Adventure (20) Casting Light (24) Letting Go (27) Forgiving Yourself (28) …
Read More »Download New Issue: AUG/SEPT 2017 | VOL 6 – NO 3
My dear readers, it has happened. I had my first vintage moment. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not oblivious to my forty-something status. At this age. I know my tribe and that just feels good. When that vintage moment comes, we can also embrace the wisdom and the very exciting fact that we can re-purpose our lives. Young or vintage, we hope you’ll enjoy this special issue. DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE BELOW TO READ MORE! [in this issue] (16) Faith As Stress Relief (18) Back To School Blues (20) The Virtues Of Buying Vintage (24) Sparerib And Strawberry (26) …
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