I think that literature has a way of sinking deep into my bones. I feel words in a very strong and real way. I don't know if it is because of the stories, the way words are strung together, or something else. But I know that when I read words on a page, it impacts my brain more than a spoken word ever could. With this in mind, let me go through a list of the books that have influenced me the most throughout my life and why (where applicable). Little Kid (3-7 years old) Cordur

I used to think strength looked like exhaustion personified. Like being the busiest, the most worn-out, the one with the longest to-do list and the least sleep. I wore being tired like a badge of honor. If someone asked how I was, I think half the time I believed the honest answer was “busy” or “stressed.” I thought that proved something. I thought it meant I was working hard and doing more than everyone else. But this past year taught me something very different: You don’t h

These are the truths I know and have learned in my 24 years of living and loving:

This year, instead of listing what I’m thankful for, I’ve been thinking about who I’m thankful for. And I kept coming back to the Fruits of the Spirit. When I look at the people I love, I see those fruits lived out in real life.

You’re welcome. Or I’m sorry. Depends on the item.

You do not need to stay loyal your suffering like a badge of honor. Let yourself feel your own light, your own progress, your own joy.

No one really talks about how strange it is to outgrow yourself. You work so hard to heal and move forward, and then one day you look back and realize you kind of miss who you were before everything changed. Even if that version of you was lost, scared, or unsure, she was still you.

Or a marathon, or an Ironman, or something of that nature.

The book is a collection of 40 stories about Howard Buffet's experiences, travels, and philanthropy around the globe. If you only had 40 chances to get it right, how would you spend them?

Please enjoy my list of my top 5 artists and their top 5 songs. What makes music great to me is how is can draw on experiences and emotions that we all share.

But here’s a truth I want you to hold close: in God’s eyes you were made to be here. Not by mistake, not because others need you, but because you matter intrinsically.

As summer comes to an end, I wanted to reflect a bit on the things I did, learned, unlearned, and enjoyed this summer.

Here’s my lineup of favorite NFL players — chosen with equal parts heart, bias, and fantasy football chaos.

And even now, as a grown-up with no school supplies list to follow, August still tugs on those same strings — part closing chapter, part clean slate.

It’s not about doing the most. It’s not about having the perfect schedule or the perfect words. It’s just about showing up.

Here’s what’s been keeping my head up and my heart soft lately — no fluff, just the good stuff.

We are halfway through the year and I am not the person I thought I would be. I am not in the place I had planned on. I have different people in my life than who I thought. But I am here. I am embracing every minute of the sunshine during these long days of summer.

Please understand that I’m not here because I have all the answers. I’m here because I believe we should all share what we are thinking and that there’s something sacred in paying attention — to God, to people, to the ordinary