Today, let’s be a little more winsome. A little more joyful. A little more gracious. A little more intentional about spreading kindness. Winsome is about having a warmth that draws people in. It’s finding reasons to smile, even when life isn’t perfect. Maybe it’s a kind word. A shared laugh. A cup of coffee with someone who needs a friend. Or simply reminding someone they matter. We don’t have to have everything figured out to bring light into someone else’s day. And remember, you don’t have to be having a perfect day to make someone else’s day brighter. Your Wednesday reminder: Keep your heart open. Keep your smile handy. Keep rising. God can use even the smallest acts of kindness to make a big difference. Let’s hear it! What’s one little thing that brings a smile to your face? With love, Ma Laurie

One Small Step. A Different Kind of Day. Sometimes we think changing our day means making big changes. But what if it starts with something small? Getting out of bed. Taking a shower. Stepping outside for a little sunshine. Putting on your favorite music. Making that phone call you've been putting off. Or simply deciding to give yourself another chance today. One small step can change the direction of your entire day. Maybe you woke up tired. Maybe your body hurts. Maybe your mind is carrying more than anyone knows. Do one little thing for YOU. You don't have to conquer the whole day. You just have to take the next step. Here's my testimony today: Sometimes the biggest victories aren't the things everyone sees. They're the little moments when we choose not to give up. When we choose to move forward. When we choose to rise again. And that's what Still Rising is all about. A little faith. A little courage. One small step at a time. Let's hear your testimony! What is ONE small thing you did today that changed the course of your day? It doesn't have to be extraordinary. It just has to be yours. Remember, small steps still move us forward. With love, Ma Laurie

The Last Thanksgiving with My Daddy Some memories stay tucked away in our hearts forever. This is one of mine. Our last Thanksgiving together. It was an amazing day. One that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Daddy and I both knew something neither of us needed to say. We knew this would be our last Thanksgiving together. Our last time seeing each other here on earth. There was a moment. Just a look between the two of us. No words. No explanation. Just a look. And somehow, in that one moment, we understood. I think about that look often. The love, the knowing, and the quiet goodbye. Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen without saying a single word. I am grateful we had that day. I am grateful for that moment. And I am grateful for the love that never leaves us. Monday’s reminder: Don’t wait for the perfect words. Don’t wait for another holiday. Don’t wait for tomorrow to tell someone what they mean to you. Make the memories. Take the pictures. Hold the hugs a little longer. Say I love you. Because someday, those moments become the memories we hold closest. And Daddy, if I could have one more Thanksgiving with you, I’d take it in a heartbeat. Forever loved. Forever missed. What is one memory you carry in your heart that you wish you could relive just one more time? This is such a beautiful way to begin Monday Memories. It reminds us that love doesn’t end when someone leaves this earth.

Some Sundays invite us to slow down, take a breath, and look at where our hearts are leading us. Joshua 24:15 reminds us that faith is a choice. Not just a choice we make on Sunday, but one we make every day. We choose how we treat others. We choose what we allow to fill our hearts. We choose whether fear or faith gets the final word. We choose kindness when life gets difficult. And we choose to keep trusting God, even when we don’t understand the path ahead. Life isn’t always easy. Families struggle. Caregivers get tired. Bodies hurt. Hearts carry burdens that others may never see. But we don’t have to walk through it alone. Today, let’s make room for God in our homes, our conversations, our decisions, and our everyday lives. We don’t have to have everything figured out. We just need to keep choosing faith, one day at a time. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. May your Sunday bring peace to your heart, strength for your journey, and gratitude for the blessings we sometimes overlook. We are Still Rising. With love, Ma Laurie A little Sunday reflection: What is one thing you want to invite more of into your home this week? Faith, patience, forgiveness, peace, or love?

Well, apparently, I’ve reached a whole new level of professionalism! 🤣 Picture this… There I am, helping put away costume tubs at the dance studio. And what am I wearing? SLIPPERS!!! Yep. Not sneakers. Not work shoes. SLIPPERS! Why? Because they were COMFY! Apparently, my brain said, “We’re getting the job done!” And my feet said, “We’re doing it in comfort, thank you very much!” Who says you can’t be productive and comfortable at the same time? Sometimes life is too short to worry about matching your shoes to the occasion. A little laughter, a little silliness, and getting things done one slipper step at a time! Your turn! What’s the funniest or most ridiculous thing you’ve worn while getting something done? Come on, make me feel better! We’re Still Rising… sometimes in our slippers!