Michele Cushatt's Blog, page 12

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Undone Deal

Happy day after Thanksgiving, friends! How’s that turkey coma coming along? Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday of the year. And this year was no exception. We had a house full of adults and children, way too much food, and a whole lot of football. Everyone must have had a great time. How do […]

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Gratitude Requires Care

I didn’t expect his answer. Something childish and silly, yes. Not this. Moments before, he’d said little-boy goodbyes to our lingering Thanksgiving guests. Then he climbed the curved staircase and stepped into his pajamas, brushed his teeth. A total of twenty-four people had joined the feast in our home. Although extended family couldn’t join us […]

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When It Seems The Whole World Is At Stake

Whew. It’s a big week. It seems the world holds its collective breath while watching the United States of America. I’ve seen 12 presidential election cycles in my lifetime, most of which I remember. But none seemed to carried the weight and implications of this one. The tension is palpable. The anxiety rising. I see […]

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A Courage That No One Sees

It was the first news story Isaw when I woke up Monday morning: Country Star Randy Travis Stuns Crowd by—Singing. I’m not exactly sure why the headline caught my eye, buried as it was by election sewage. Also? I’m not a country music fan. Of course, most of us know thegenius that is Randy Travis. […]

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Float

Some problems can’t be tackled by trying harder, but by trying less. I thought three grade-schoolerswho loved to swim would know how to float. They’re fish, I tell you. Whenevera body of water is within reach—a lake, aswimming pool, abathtub—they’re ripping off clothes and cannonballingin. For a weekthey’d been swimming in Mimi’s pool. By 10 […]

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In Defense of Human Dignity

I saw her petite profile in the mirror while my hair stylist worked magic on my hair. She wore a gray crown of thinning glory, skin weathered by time, and a perfect taupe handbag clutched neatly in her lap. While her stylist enhanced her gray in a chair right behind me, mine tried to cover mine up. Something that requires more and more time. But I digress.

I guessed her to be somewhere near eighty years old. Still going to the salon to get her hair done, just as I watched my grandmother do we...

ANNOUNCING: The Inspired Life Mastermind

People often ask me how I ended up a writer, speaker and consultant. Good question. Simple answer: By accident.

I started out a missions major at a small Christian college at 18. Somewhere in the first three semesters, I knew I needed some kind of professional skill to serve overseas. So I transferred to a state university where I got my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree.

But then life happened (like it always does, yes?). I ended up a divorced mom of a toddler. How was I to navigate si...

A Different Beautiful

PLUS a 5 Book Giveaway!

Today’s guest post is by my friend, Courtney Westlake . Like so many of us, Courtney has quite a story, and is the author of newly released book A Different Beautiful. She lives in Illinois with her husband Evan and two children, Connor and Brenna. After Brenna was born with a severe skin disorder, Courtney began chronicling family life and experiences raising a child with physical differences and special needs on her blog. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram....

The Expertise We Desperately Need

Discovering the Beauty & Brawn of Forgiveness

You could say it was my fault, and I wouldnt disagree. Let me explain.

It happened in the middle of a tough season (doesn’t it always?). One of those chaotic stretches of unlimited responsibilities and limited capacities. Between my personal and professional life, I was stretched as thin as slip of floss. I knew this, which is why Keep it together, man! became my regular mantra. My standard pep talk when I fear I might break.

(Oh, you too?)

The...

The Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make

Grabbing my car keys, I hollered a goodbye to my high school son as I headed out to the garage. I had fifteen minutes to make it to my appointment, more than enough time. I climbed into my parked car, buckled up, and put the car in reverse.

One teensy-weensy problem. The garage door wasnt yet open. In progress, yes. But I hadnt allowed enough time for it to finish its ascent.

CRUNCH!

Stunned, I slammed on the brake.

Id hit the door, the brand new garage door my husband installed months befor...