Tag Archives: Rays of Grace

Ladies, how did we get to August? I am not ready for September and fall. Don’t get me wrong—fall may be my favorite season; I just need a little more time. Perhaps it’s that we had such a long and brutal winter last year, the realization that this was Hank’s final summer home, and that the lazy nights are winding down. The relaxed days on the boat are quickly slipping away. The beautiful craziness of fall is right around the corner. Once again, I am excited to share the 5ive journey with all of you: faith, family, friends, fitness, and …

Alrighty, folks, the “back to school” signs are up and plastered all over the stores. Here we go! I am about to be a junior in college, which is absolutely mind-blowing. I turn twenty in a few weeks– again, mind-blowing. Every year around my birthday, I think about the past year and game plan my attitude for the year ahead. These are the words I probably needed to hear throughout the past year, and some of the words I plan to use in the next year: First off, fully recognize that you are enough. You are more than enough! You …

Hey ladies, summer is starting to sizzle, and everything I love about Wisconsin summer is almost here. I love the lazy days at the lake. I love late night fires and early morning runs, followed by quiet cups of coffee while my tribe still sleeps. As I am writing this, I am reflecting on summers past. It seems like just yesterday I was spending lazy afternoons at the pool with my tribe. As much as I love this time of year, I always get a little melancholy as I feel the nostalgia of summers past. Life seemed crazy then, but …

I sit down to write on this rainy Memorial Day. There is a messy room that needs to be cleaned, studying to be done, and I am in dire need of a long run. Mom and dad are in the kitchen cooking dinner, the big boys are watching sports, Q is taking a nap, and the dog meanders around the house. I can’t help but look around at this chaos and feel really freaking blessed. Often, I find myself sitting on my phone in these moments, but my challenge for myself this summer is to really unplug from electronics and …

Ladies, I am so excited to share yet another inspiring issue. I think it is safe to say spring has finally sprung; it’s time for gardens and gathering. We’re sharing wonderful ways to connect with friends and family, essential conversations for couples, and fresh ideas for gardens and yards. Be sure to check out new tips to take care of you, and whip up yummy recipes for all those spring gatherings. Let’s enjoy the beautiful long-awaited spring, my lovely ladies. I am so fortunate to share with all of you as the journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and …

This past week has been one of the worst weeks I have had in a while. I got an exam back, and I didn’t do too hot. I felt lonely at school. My anxiety had been through the roof. I was doubting myself more than usual. I took all my anger out on my family, the people I love the most. Ugh… We all have hard days, weeks, months and even years. Hard parts are part of being human, but during these hard times, we should strive to let love in–rather than push love away. My eight-year-old brother was in …

Hey, friends, it’s sweetheart month trailed by the luck of the Irish! I have several sweethearts, and I am Irish, so we celebrate love and success for the next two months (and beyond). This issue’s theme is Find Your Happy. It sounds ridiculously cliché, I know. I initially thought that, too, but I have come to realize that happiness is not just something we feel; happiness is something we can choose. This life is challenging, and it is so easy to get caught up in the craziness. I am very excited to share this issue, chock full of interesting tidbits for embracing …

How to be Single on Valentine’s Day This one goes out to all of my girlies who will not have a Valentine this year. Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly and for the first time in a long time, I won’t have a Valentine. But guess what? I kind of love it! How to be single this Valentine’s day: I remember when I was in high school (and even parts of last year) thinking that a guy would bring me happiness. But over the past year, I’ve really come to realize that I want to be happy with myself and love …

Ladies, this issue comes at the most appropriate time: it is all about renewing and redoing. As we move into this holiday season, I again remind us all to be kind—to others, but to ourselves as well. It does not take time to smile at the lady in line at the grocery store when the lines are grossly long. If you do happen to see the man with the lonely eyes, go ahead and grab his hand. Assume the best in others; assume they are doing the best they can do at that moment. I am so excited for what …

The other day, an amazing thing happened to me. A memory from exactly one year ago popped up on my phone. It was a picture of me during my freshman year of college, but with a notably puffy face and red eyes. I had been going through a miserable time. The caption read, “I hate it here, I want to come home.” The picture brought back a flood of emotions and reminded me of how overwhelmed I was back then. For so long, I had tried to hide that I wasn’t having the “typical college experience.” And at that moment, …