I grew up singing, but not necessarily because I wanted to or because it was important to me. It was because I decided it might be fun to sing in my little church one Sunday morning when I was 9 years old, and people thought it was good. So they asked me to sing more.

I am sitting here watching snow fall out my window. Clients have cancelled for the day, because they don’t need the added stress of sliding and spinning on ice all the way to therapy. Life is hard enough.

On Valentine’s Day we got word that we have adoption certificates.  We were so excited to have a step completed that we didn’t even really know what it meant!  We have since learned it means our boys now officially have our last name – They are Rameys. 

Have you ever heard the expression, “Those tapes keep playing in my head?” Maybe you haven’t, since no one actually plays tapes anymore. But in case you have, this is how I describe the barrage of negative thoughts and criticisms that roll through our minds at many points throughout the day.

On the phone with a friend today we were talking about how hard it is to do the healthy thing in relationships. As we change and grow and have our boundaries, it doesn't feel good. It’s painful. It is not what we have always done, nor what the other person(s) expects of us. I said, “It’s almost like a detox.” We laughed and agreed.

Maybe I’ve had too much coffee this morning, or maybe I’m just ready to speak about this. I sat by during the whole Chick Fil A thing. I read the posts. I had my inner thoughts and dialogue silently.

I love Advent season and the celebration of the Christ Child. Advent means “arrival,” and there is so much joy in arrivals. My father was a pilot in the military. He would be away for long periods of time when I was a little girl.

Don’t you love watching award shows – when you wait with anticipation to see who wins and then you hear their victory speech and the gratitude they bestow on all those who supported them along the way? This was especially fun for me last week watching the Country Music Association (CMA) awards.

Five years ago on this day I gathered with friends and family to celebrate the life of my dear friend Emmie.  She went to Heaven just days before on Oct 21, 2008.  I remember that day so clearly – getting the call, rushing to the ER, hearing the news literally as I walked in the door, and then holding her still warm hand and feeling peace because I knew she was with Jesus.