Hollywood surprise: Mae’s 9th birthday (pictures!)

October 13, 2019 | Danielle | Parenting | 0

We had a wild idea when we sat down to write our goals for the year in January, which in and of itself felt like a victory. Me, I love goals. Mike, not so much, although he’s begun to embrace them. But, we recognized that over the years, they’ve helped guide our finances and calendar. […]

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Why I chose Plenvu prep again

October 11, 2019 | Danielle | Colon Cancer | 0

This is a sponsored post. Salix Pharmaceuticals compensated me for this post. All opinions are my own. Certain product information has been included to meet regulations. Here is why I chose PLENVU again after my first experience with the bowel prep and a few other tips I picked up during my 14th colonoscopy. Choosing Plenvu […]

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What to say to someone with cancer

September 7, 2019 | Danielle | Cancer Survivorship | 0

Although I consider myself an optimist, I can quickly recall two comments that negatively impacted me as a cancer survivor. The first came from a medical professional who implied that the threat of losing my hair from chemo was “cool.” The other came from my peers – teenagers at the time – who told me […]

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August 2019 Health Update

August 31, 2019 | Danielle | Cancer Survivorship | 0

A few years ago, I started writing August updates to check in with you about my health. Two years ago, it was long overdue and last year, I shared my yearly schedule of follow-up appointments. Many of you know I’ve had a roller coaster year. My colonoscopy last fall found three polyps and an inflammed […]

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A Place to Be Me (FCA Camp in Pella)

August 26, 2019 | Danielle | Writing | 0

As the editor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine, I had the opportunity to visit Pella, Iowa and watch a multi-sport FCA Camp in action this past summer. Here’s a personal story from a fun experience! Background on FCA Camp There are 6 different types of FCA Camps: sports, leadership, coaches, power, team and […]

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I’m Great! – A devotional about happiness

August 25, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 1

“I’m good.” It only took me one second to say, but as soon as the words rolled off my tongue, conviction hit my heart. I quickly shifted around in the Panera booth to get more comfortable, gripped my coffee cup and corrected myself. “No, you know what? I’m great.” My friends looked back across the […]

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Racism at the bank – A devotional

August 19, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 1

I’ll never forget the day I watched a racist bank customer refuse to let a woman of color help him. I was standing at the teller counter when an older, white gentleman walked in. He had a file folder tucked under his arm and indicated he needed an account specialist – someone who worked at […]

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Proud of being afraid – A Devotional on Fear

August 11, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 2

I’ve been afraid of birds most of my life. A colorful parakeet didn’t stay on its perch in the pet store when I was little, and it resulted in a traumatic event. Throughout my life, my fear of birds has become a “fun” fact people learn about me. But a few years ago, God revealed […]

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The Boss of Loss – A Devotional on Grief

July 28, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 0

Several years ago, my friend Ashley nicknamed me “The Boss of Loss.” I was sitting across from a couple of friends, soothing myself with Panera’s hot coffee and scones. On this particular day, I was mourning my infertility. I was feeling down and in a low place.  As I struggled to put words to my […]

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Getting it out – An Anger Devotional

July 21, 2019 | Danielle | Devotionals | 4

I gripped a branch like a baseball bat and stared at the tree trunk to my right. It was a thin, yet tall, tree growing along my favorite hidden hiking trail. Before logic talked me out of it, I swung and then swung again. Small pieces of bark fell to the ground and my hands […]

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