Sometimes the songs we sing take on a deeper meaning because of what we've walked through. Every morning, there's one word I struggle to sing, not because I doubt it, but because I believe it so deeply. Through grief, gratitude, and memories of childlike faith, I'm reminded why I still call Jesus my Healer.

Every time I vote, I remember a familiar smile that made my first experience a little less intimidating. This year, people holding doors for one another reminded me again that whatever boxes we check, people are people, and people matter.

Just when I was beginning to feel like I had my narcolepsy under control, my medication went on backorder. And suddenly, I was reminded of just how difficult life had been before finding answers and treatment that helped. These last several days have been frustrating, exhausting, and a reminder of how much I had come to appreciate simply being able to get through an ordinary day.

When asthma made singing difficult, God used “Gratitude” to teach me to worship with what I had. Alittle breath and a grateful heart.

Just when I was beginning to feel like I had my narcolepsy under control, my medication went on backorder. And suddenly, I was reminded of just how difficult life had been before finding answers and treatment that helped. These last several days have been frustrating, exhausting, and a reminder of how much I had come to appreciate simply being able to get through an ordinary day.

Years ago, a friend suggested coloring my hair, and I said okay. Then I just kept doing it. Now I’m letting the gray grow out and wishing I’d left those few hairs alone. So here’s a little advice I probably wouldn’t have listened to either.

Thirty minutes. Just 1,800 seconds. It may not seem like much time, but I’m learning how much can happen when we’re intentional with it. Sometimes a few seconds of encouragement, a kind word, or simply noticing someone can make a lasting difference. In Room 108, I hope my kiddos are learning to create, discover, build, and connect. But somewhere along the way, they’re reminding me that sometimes the smallest moments matter the most.

Sometimes the biggest win isn’t finishing first, building the tallest tower, or getting everything right the first time. Sometimes it’s finding the courage to try again, learning to work with someone different from you, or discovering a strength you didn’t know you had. In Room 108, I’m learning that some of the most meaningful victories have little to do with the finished project and everything to do with who our kiddos are becoming along the way.

On May 10, Ms. Paula and I taught a lesson our kiddos could not have known would become so personal. We taught them that Jesus has power over sickness and death, and in the weeks that followed, they clung to those words as we prayed for their beloved Ms. Paula. Today, I’ll teach that same lesson again in Room 208, with a heart that still hurts but a faith that knows God’s Word is always true. Paula’s faith became sight, and that is something worth rejoicing about.

Three daughters. Three very different people. Three incredible gifts from God.

Two He gave me through birth, and one He gave me through marriage.

I never could have imagined the memories, laughter, love, and joy they would bring into my life. Watching them love people, stand up for what they believe in, and become the women God created them to be has been one of my greatest privileges.

I am so proud of my girls, and so thankful God chose me to be their mama.

Happy Daughter’s Day to my girls. ❤️

Ten years later, I still carry a little Post-it note in my wallet. It reminds me of the day we said goodbye to Angel, the heartbreak we felt, and the God who never left us in the middle of it. Grief may stay with us, but so does His faithfulness. He was with us then, and He is with us now.

Some dates stay with us. September 11 is one of them. For those who lost someone, those who lived through the tragedy, and even those of us who watched a nation change that day, the memories can still feel close. Today, I’m remembering, praying, and reminding myself that we should never forget the lives, the families, and the stories behind that day.