Author: Connie Perez

For simplicity. It’s a great time of year to clean house (and I’m not just talking about the closet and garage). Don’t wait ‘till spring time. Start cleaning house now in every aspect of your life – materially, mentally, and emotionally. We should identify what’s essential and do away with as much of the rest…

For chocolate. Dark’s my preference. It’s healthier, since there’s that antioxidant factor. But really any kind; anything with cocoa will hit the spot for a chocoholic like me. And, aside from its heavenly taste, it releases feel good neurotransmitters in the brain which can potentially neutralize any crappy state of mind. That’s a plus. No, for…

To give back. How about that for a new year’s resolution? To give back, plain and simple. Let’s face it, we have so much going on in our lives, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed, out of sorts, and miss the big picture. Having an attitude of gratitude can help bring peace to the craziness and focus our vision…

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful start to 2018. Here we go, the first of 52 Thankful Thursdays. In the spirit of making the best of our time and accommodate what matters most, I will start with this: Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better, To paint a picture or…

For a hard-fought and conquered year. It was for the most part, for us, an overwhelming year, dealing with Mom’s illness and loss. The year seemed to whiz by painfully in slow motion. How crazy is that? Still, it is one more year to be thankful for. One more year with those we love. I am…

For the best gifts ever. I’m sure, or I hope, you’re all done with your Christmas shopping. Everybody on your list taken care of?  Great. But wait! Don’t forget this list!: The best gifts to give: To your friend, loyalty; To your enemy, forgiveness; To your boss, service; To a child, a good example; To your…

Here’s to the graduates. And to He who makes it all possible. Lauren’s graduate school ceremony is tonight; Danny receives his bachelor’s degree tomorrow night. Watching them both bravely thrive through college has been quite the parental journey, I can tell you that. We are grateful that God granted us the means to put them…

For Friends. The old ones we’ve had in our lives forever, and the new ones we’ve managed to make old ones out of. The ones who stick through thick and thin and are always present, and the ones whose presence is felt through the distance. And let’s not forget those who God reconnects us with,…

For Christmas Cards. This is the time of year I remind you to take a break from social media and write out…and touch someone. The rise of social media has us posting, liking, tweeting, e-mailing, and/or texting our sentiments, in a flash. Convenient, sure, but lacks personal touch. I think the digital Christmas card is…

That His love will always find us. Life is a hellova coaster ride, as we know, where we’re strapped in alongside the good, the bad, and the ugly. And I must say, among all of the emotions I personally experience during life’s ups and downs and crazy turnarounds, I’ve learned that the one constant is love. Love…