‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’ – A Miracle Story

‘Please pray, a truck just drove over Lily!’

This was the text I received on a Friday afternoon from my sister, Krista, about her 4-year-old daughter.

After receiving that horrific text, I immediately called my sister. She did not answer. Her husband Nate did not answer. They were camping in Michigan and I didn’t know who else to call to find out what had happened and if my niece was alive.

I tried not to panic as I said a prayer for God to heal little Lily.

I asked for a miracle.

Krista finally called me back and said Lily was alive and they were in an ambulance, headed to the hospital. Lily wanted to talk to my son Luke.

I tearfully and happily handed the phone Luke.

Here is Lily’s story in Krista’s words:

It was a great day in South Haven. We had breakfast and enjoyed the morning together. Later, I had a bad headache so I laid down to try to sleep it off. While falling asleep, I dreamed of Lily being hit by a car (not normal for me to imagine anything traumatic). I prayed about it and fell asleep. I woke up and went for a run.

I came back to the kids playing and Lily chalk-coloring next to our camper.

I went inside to change clothes, leaving the door open. I looked out just in time to see a truck drive right over Lily. The front and back tires of an extended cab hauling truck drove over my daughter. The truck laid Lily flat – TWICE. It rolled over her head and back.

I screamed and was in shock. I couldn’t move. Nate (my husband, Lily’s dad) went running towards the kids. Nate did not know what happened until after he picked Lily up. She was spraying urine through her clothes.

I had to tell myself to keep it together, to think, to breathe, to be strong for Lily and my other kids. Lily asked me to sing the “Jesus” song.

I’m on the worship team at church and she attends practice with me. She has her own little microphone and hopes to play drums one day. The “Jesus” song is called Tremble, and is our favorite song. All she wanted was for me to sing that song.

Kate (Lily’s 11-year-old sister) laid hands on her and prayed. So simple, so powerful, our only hope.

It was hard keeping Lily awake through the ambulance ride to the children’s hospital (a 45-minute ride). We FaceTimed the people she wanted to see: Papa, grandma, Luke (her cousin), and eventually she asked to stop talking and just sing.

We arrived to a level 1 trauma children’s hospital. There were 20 people of all of different pediatric specialties in the room moving around quickly. A social worker was on me like honey in a hive. Once the social worker assessed Nate and I, she let the other kids in the ER room. She helped care for the kids, getting them snacks and settled. Jack (9-year-old brother) said she was the nicest lady he’d ever met. The social worker was so good with Lily, getting her excited about a blanket she would get to keep, that she would have breakfast in bed, and get special jammies.

While wheeling Lily to her room, Lily said “all the doctors are so nice.” There were lots of concerns over her, one being her bladder and bowels since she wet herself when the truck rolled over her. There was blood all over her vulva . She refused to use the bed pan or the portable potty . She was put on bed rest until morning when the pediatric orthopedic surgeon looked at her x-rays and injuries.

The next day, the pediatric orthopedic surgeon came in.

He said to Lily, “Where do you hurt?” She said so sweetly “I don’t really hurt anywhere”.

He said “Well, aren’t you super woman.” She giggled. Nate and I said,

‘She’s a miracle.”

He agreed.

They found one broken pelvic bone that would heal on its own. They gave her a walker and released us. The only medicine they gave her was a dose of Tylenol.

I had a burden to go back to camp as a family to hopefully close the door to fear and find the woman who ran over her and let her know Lily would be ok. I would never want to be in her shoes and I would personally have a hard time living with myself never knowing the end of the story.

Going back was hard, and healing. Seeing Lily’s chalk art drawings, the smashed chalk, reliving the horrible memories.

Thankfulness and gratitude gets me through. I don’t try and push them away, I let it come in waves. Knowing I get to hold her makes the healing salve of gratitude cover the horror and pain of memories and thoughts of what she endured.

That night, Lily slept great. She woke up and played monopoly with all of us (a game we started the day the truck drove over her).

She said, “I have no pain. I don’t even feel like I have a broken bone”.

I can’t tell you what a miracle this feels like when I saw the accident and see her bruises, tire marks across her shirt, road rash, and bruised swelling all through her back and spine.

When we got back to Indiana, Lily’s dance pictures were waiting for us in the mail. I reminded her she would be back dancing in no time! She fell asleep watching Dancing with the Stars with me and Kate.

Nate and I were taught in counseling to ask God where He was in traumatic times or wounding memories. Nate and I both prayed and we both had pictures and answers. I saw and heard God say:

“I was holding her head in the palm of my hands.”

Nate felt like God said:

“I was moving her out of the way.”

Lily is all smiles and says she has no pain, even though her body tells a different story.

Today when I asked her if she felt anything when the truck rolled over her. She looked at me and pointed to her head and said:

“I felt God here. It felt like feathers.”

I was in tears when she spoke these words. I pray Psalm 91 over my children.

Psalm 91 tells us..

“He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will take refuge.”

I’m grateful to God, the One who not only holds the world in His hands and moves mountains, but holds my daughters head and moves her little body.

Here’s our favorite song, Tremble:

Today Lily is seven years old. It’s been exactly 3 years since her accident. She dances, runs, smiles constantly, and brings joy to all who know her!

I share this story to reinforce a few things:

1. Pray scripture over your children.

Psalm 91 is a collection of verses that our family has prayed for generations. It specifically says, “He (God) will cover you with his feathers, under His wings you find protection.” God answers our prayers! It’s especially powerful to pray Scripture.

2. Sing songs of faith.

Find songs to sing with your family that will build your faith.

Below is a song called ‘Lily’s song’ – it was one of her favorites because it had her name. She would sing along to these words:

I will not die, I will live. I will tell of the works of the Lord and sing of his wonders.’

There is power in what we speak and what we sing!

Find your song. Your verse. Your declaration. (Click here for a declaration we use in our house.)

3. God still does miracles.

4. Choose faith over fear.

The Bible tells us that our days are appointed. We don’t have to live in fear of the future. God has a plan for your life and the lives of each of your children and His plan is GOOD.

“Your eyes saw my body even before it was formed. You (God) planned how many days I would live.”
Psalm 139:16

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for the miracle you performed for Lily and for the ones you perform in my life (and the lives of my children). Help me to trust you and not fear the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Psalm 91 – Insert your name and pray this for yourself and your family members. I challenge you to memorize it.

Psalm 91

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Thank you for reading this beautiful, miraculous story! I hope it encouraged you. Please share.

October 18, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ DIY/ Family/ Free stuff/ Games/ Memories/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Indoor and Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

My son Clark LOVES Scavenger hunts. But let’s be honest…who DOESN’T enjoy a fun hunt?

One year, my husband buried a treasure box in a forest, then created a treasure map for the boys to follow, find and DIG UP! (Best day ever! Best DAD ever!)

Another year, just as George was learning to spell, he created a scavenger hunt for his brother. He left kind and encouraging words for him to find around the house. (Best brother ever!)

For Clark’s 13th birthday, we gave him two hunts. One indoors (by himself) to find his birthday present, and one OUTSIDE with his friends. Both were a HIT so I wanted to share this idea with you!

Scavenger hunts work not only for a birthday, but also for Christmas, for a family night, or on any day you’re looking for something fun to do with your family. You could even have your kids create scavenger hunts for each other.

Here was Clark’s INDOOR birthday hunt:

(Thank you Pinterest and Google for helping me with these riddles)

Here is our OUTDOOR Hunt:

(Feel free to copy and paste to a word document, or print this and play!)

Good for kids 12 and up. Make sure each team has a phone/camera.

Scavenger hunt

Take a selfie of your entire team on the play set.

Take a picture of two people swinging.

Find the sidewalk chalk. Write an encouraging message on the sidewalk. (Ideas: You Matter. -or- You Got this! -or- Choose Joy) You will find the sidewalk chalk:

Find the secret message and write down what you see. Secret message is found:

Take a selfie with a dog or person out for a walk.

Trade a penny for something more valuable.

What is the mystery word written on our neighbor’s front door?

Find the little library and write down the name of one book.

Take a picture next to a fire hydrant.

Find leaves from 3 different trees and bring them back.

Take a picture of something red.

Take a photo of two of your team mates jumping in the air at the same time.

Take a picture of someone sitting on the park bench.

Take a picture of a house or mailbox with the number 2 on it.

Return home

Here are some ideas from my son’s 13th birthday:

Scrambled word = teenager

The boys loved the scavenger hunts!

What would you add or change? Leave me a comment.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

Click here to read “How to Host an Amazing Backyard Birthday”

October 6, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review/ Product Recommendations

5 Books I Finished this Month: September 2022 Book Reviews and Recommendations

Fostered by Tori Hope Peterson

Rating: 10/10

Review: This book is fantastic and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The author tells her story of growing up in foster care. Though Tori had a really tough life, there’s a thread of hope and redemption written through the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with children, or to a person who just loves a good memoir. I’ll share my copy with you if you’d like to read it.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from her book.

I’ve written this book not so you can see what God did through me, but so that you will believe what God can do through you, no matter the odds.

The worst things that happen to us can open our eyes to how much God loves us.

When God is part of the story, chances aren’t the dictator anymore, miracles are.

Foster kids don’t have to fall into the tragedy the world destined for them. None of us do. God has the final say.

I don’t have to be afraid of my past because I am free from its power over me. I am free from what has been done to me and from what I have done. I’m free from my past symptoms and coping mechanisms. I am a new because of a madman of love first loved me.

Listen to part of Tori’s story in this podcast here.

Follow her on Instagram by clicking here.

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

Rating: 8/10

Review: This is a sweet novel book of what CS Lewis’ childhood may have been like.

Mental Toughness for Young Athletes by Troy Horne

Rating 7/10

Review: I’ve been slowly reading this book with my older sons over the summer and we finally finished it. It had some good tips for young athletes.

A Burning in My Bones by Winn Collier

Rating 7/10

Review: I didn’t know much about Eugene Peterson before reading this book except that he wrote The Message Bible and that he mentored my friend Daniel Grothe. This book is engagingly written, full of Peterson’s own words from letters and journals. However, I found it a little boring. Eugene himself was surprised someone would want to write a biography about him. He didn’t think there was much about his life that would be interesting enough for a book. He had a pretty normal childhood, and was a pastor at the same church for 30 years. In my opinion, the book was too long and told unnecessary stories and information. However, here are a few of my favorite parts.

Eugene Peterson was friends with the Jackson family (as in Phil Jackson, coach of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls). Phil Jackson wanted to play basketball but his ultra-conservative parents weren’t sure it was a good idea. However, when Phil’s parents saw that Eugene could play basketball, and still maintain his character, they allowed Phil to play. Phil became an NBA player, and then one of the best coaches of all time.
I loved reading about Eugene’s desire to translate the entire Bible in an “easy-to-read and understand” contemporary format. The Message was a book that Zondervan turned down. They thought the market was too saturated and it would be a failure. A little known company (at the time) called NavPress decided to take a chance on this book. The Message has sold more than 20 million copies.
I really enjoyed reading about Eugene Peterson’s relationship with Bono, the leader of the group U2. Here’s a short video about their relationship: https://youtu.be/-l40S5e90KY
Finally, it was fun that the author mentioned my friend Daniel Grothe in the book, especially since Daniel wrote an entire book about their relationship called Chasing Wisdom. Chasing Wisdom is a phenomenal book – I recommend it ten times over Burning in my Bones.

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning

Rating: 10/10

Review: A short but beautiful book on God’s great love for humanity. This is a book I will come back to again and again. I loved how Brennan shared how healing happens when we pass on to another person what we have received from Jesus.

October 2, 2022 By Kathryn

2 In 2022/ Peek into our Week

A Few of My Favorites from Summer 2022

Here are some of my favorite summer moments and products.

My Morning Routine

Ted put two new Adirondack chairs together, and they were my favorite summertime morning spot. I sat out there almost every morning to read, pray, soak in the morning sun, drink coffee, and play with the dog. Slowly, one-by-one, the kids would join me out here to read, talk or cuddle.

Re-reading Romans

Maybe because I was on the porch and the sunshine was in my face, maybe because this book applies 100% to what’s happening in our world right now – but re-reading the book of Romans THRILLED me this summer. This book is filled with hope, inspiration, and clarity. I snapped the picture above of Romans 15:13 from The Passion Translation.

Ryan Trahan’s Youtube adventure

This summer, my boys were jumping on YouTube everyday to watch a YouTuber named Ryan Trahan travel across America with just ONE penny. I sat to watch with them one day and saw why they were so entertained by this (twenty-something) “kid.” Ryan’s adventure was so fun and we were all impressed with how he made enough money each day to keep moving forward. While crossing America, he also raised over a million dollars for Feeding America. If you are a parent looking for an entertaining YouTube video to watch with your kids, I recommend this one.

Feelin’ Fourteen!

Who knew roller skating could make you feel like a kid again?

A friend invited us to go roller skating with her and her son. I went for my kids, but didn’t know I’d have more fun than anyone else in the building.

Well, Luke says that he and I BOTH had the BEST time, and I’m glad we got to experience that together. There are not many things that a 40+ year old WOMAN, and an 8-Year-old BOY find the same level of enjoyment in – but we found something this summer on the roller rink. Luke and I skated until they turned the music off and asked us to leave.

Birk Dupes

Target’s Birkenstock ‘dupes’ have been on my feet all summer. I bought some for my sister and son – and we all love them. They look and feel just like the real thing, but are only $10. Click here to order yourself a pair.

Wordle/Quordle/Nerdle

These three games are my little brain-break each day. Have you tried them yet?

This Book

I’m absolutely loving this 40-day devotional by Levi Lusko. The author shares so many fascinating historical and science-based stories, and connects those to powerful truths from the Bible. I think you’ll love this book too! Great for ages 15 and up.

Bike Rides with my Boys

George, Luke and I all got new (to us) bikes and we’ve been on lots of bike rides this summer. Once again, this has me feeling like a kid again. Like roller skating, it is a GREAT workout! If you don’t have a bike, I recommend you look for one on Facebook marketplace and get riding.

Though those are just a few stand outs from summer, I also loved spending time with my family, my in-laws, reading good books, and taking “field trips” around Minnesota. After our LOOONNNG Minnesota winter, we enjoyed every warm day of summer!

I’d love to hear what you loved about summer. Would you leave a comment and tell me a highlight or two? (Click on the little ‘text’ box by the title to leave a comment.)

Thanks for reading!

September 16, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Memories

Reflections on 9/11

On September 11, 2001, I was a fourth grade teacher in Jenks, Oklahoma. I was preparing for my day when another teacher ran into my classroom and told me I needed to come to the office to see something. I walked in and saw several staff members encircling a small TV. We all stared at the screen in disbelief. What was happening? Did a commercial jet just hit the World Trade Center? And then a second one?

Why would this happen? What did it mean? Who would do this?

I was confused as I walked back to my classroom. My students began pouring in, so I took a deep breath, put a smile on my face, and tried my best to stay upbeat throughout the day, while so many thoughts raced through my head:

What was happening outside?
Were we we safe inside?
What would this mean for our future?
I’m getting married in two months, would that still happen?
Will people even GET married after this?
Is the world ending?

A parent walked into our class to take her child home. She quietly told me she didn’t know what was happening and just wanted her family to be together.

I did not share with my class what I had seen on the news that morning. I wanted them to hear about it from their parents, in the safety of their home. I felt that parents would know how much, or how little, to share with their children. To my class, it was just another day. To me, it was a day I will never forget.

After class was dismissed and all the kids were gone, I tried to find out what in the world was happening. I did not own a TV, a computer, or a smart phone yet. I had to find out what was happening through phone calls and conversations.

One of the first people I talked to was my dad. He is a pilot and used to fly for American Airlines. He didn’t have answers. No one had answers for days, weeks, and months.

Slowly, stories were shared, miracles were told, and heroes emerged.

Heroes like Todd Beamer, who refused to let the hijackers hit another building. Instead, he and a few others, fought back. I highly recommend the book “Let’s Roll” by Lisa Beamer. It shares Todd Beamer’s story.

Another hero, Welles Crowther, also known as The Man in the Red Bandana, gave his life getting others out of the Twin Towers. Here’s his fascinating story:

If you (or your children) are too young to remember 9/11, here is a short overview:

Another fantastic book is The Only Plane in the Sky. It gathers the stories of many survivors and writes them in chronological order. It was hard to put down! I read the hard copy, then listened to the audiobook. Both were excellent and I highly recommend them to anyone age 15 and up.

An excellent book for teens is Ground Zero by Alan Gratz. I read this book with my 14-year-old and we both loved it. This novel tells the story of a boy who goes to work with his dad at the World Trade Center on 9/11. You will experience what it may have felt like to take a journey through the World Trade Center and find an escape. It was a powerful book to read!

I’d love to hear what you remember about 9/11. Please share your reflections and memories in the comment section by clicking on the little icon by the title of this post.

Though we were all impacted from 9/11, I’m grateful that life continued to move forward. I DID get married two months later, and flights reopened so that we could honeymoon in Mexico.

American did not collapse, but grew stronger. I’m grateful for how our country came together to support and care for each other. It’s a day we will never forget, filled with miracles and heroes worth remembering!

Thanks for reading! Please consider subscribing.

September 9, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review

2 Great Books I Finished this Month: August Book Reviews and Recommendations

We’ve been making lots of memories and spent most of the month outside, so I only finished two books, but they were great ones.

Here they are:

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Rating: 9/10

Review: I loved “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Kingsolver and wanted to read another one of her books. This novel is about a family who moves to Africa to be missionaries. You see each of their struggles as they navigate this new world – and discover how it impacts them over the course of their lives. It was a really well-written, interesting story.

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

Rating: 10/10

Review: This book will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. You will laugh, cry, be filled with joy by people’s kindnesses, and be astonished at people’s cruelty. Most of all I think it will give you hope. It caused me to examine to my faith, gain perspective on a refugee family’s experiences, and learn about the Persian culture. It gave me new ways to pray for refugees in the world today. I recommend it to anyone 14 or older. This book is a gift to anyone who reads it!

What are you reading? Leave a comment!

September 2, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Family/ Memories/ Peek into our Week/ Traveling

A peek into our week in Indiana

Ted drove us to indiana – he worked while we got to spend time with my relatives. Our kids favorite place to be is with their cousins. Together they fish, swim, jet ski, wake surf, tube, play ball, play games, ride bikes, laugh, sing, tell stories, eat, visit shipshewana, golf, go to dinner/lunch by boat, and spend time with grandparents. They’ve made some of their most cherished childhood memories side-by-side and I’m so grateful.

Here’s what happened:

The boys went wake surfing…

And fishing…

Tubing…

And boating…

They played lots of games…

And ate yummy food …

They went golfing…

And relaxed…

They spent time with grandparents and great grandparents…

They obliged their moms and grandma by re-creating photos …

And made the best memories together!

I’m thankful for our family who opens their homes and shares their toys and food with our large crew!

August 20, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Book Review

Four Fantastic Books I Finished in July 2022: Book Reviews and Recommendations

Here are reviews of 4 great books I read this month:

What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

Rating: 10/10

Review:

This book is outstanding! I listened to the audio book (SO GOOD) but now I want to get the hard copy and re-read it, underline, highlight, and take notes!

Dr. Perry discusses the effects of trauma on the brain. The book is filled with real-life stories of how a person’s childhood effects who they and how they act, as well as how people recover from trauma. I even discovered new things about myself and why I act or react in certain ways.

The book encourages us to stop asking “What’s wrong with you?” and start asking, “What happened to you?”

“What happened to you?” is not a faith-based book, but I love how Dr. Perry highlights the power of ‘faith’ and being a part of a ‘faith-community’ as one important step in recovering from all kinds of trauma.

I highly recommend this book to every teacher, counselor, law enforcement officer, nurse, and pastor.

Let’s Roll by Lisa Beamer

Rating: 10/10

Review:

The 20th anniversary of 9-11 got me thinking about the lives of those who were greatly impacted by that terrible event. I ordered this book last September and it’s been on my shelf for almost 10 months. I finally opened it up and read the ENTIRE book in ONE day.

The story is written by Lisa Beamer, the wife of Todd Beamer. Todd died on 9-11 when his plane went down in a field as he and a few others fought back against their plane’s hijackers.

As I read about Todd’s early life, he reminded me of my son Clark – and their mutual love for athletics and sales. I enjoyed getting to know what kind of man Todd was before 9-11, and what his wife’s life was like in the year after he died. I’d really love for her to write a follow up book about her life since writing this book. I wonder how she survived as a widow and single mom. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in 9-11.

Waymaker: Finding the way to the life you’ve always wanted by Ann Voskamp

Rating: 6/10

Review:

I had really high expectations for this book since Ann Voskamp’s first book, One Thousand Gifts, was my favorite of 2018. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with this new one in the same way. In Waymaker, Ann shares the story of her marriage, her health, and about the adoption of their daughter. The stories aren’t told sequentially and she jumps around a lot. So that, plus her poetic-style of writing, made it hard for me to follow along and stay engaged.

In spite of that, there were some really powerful quotes in the book. Here are a few of my favorites:

Detours are the way dreams and destinies actually come true.
God delights in you, smiles over you, seeks to be with you, revives you with his kiss of Grace and can’t stop singing love songs because of you.
Even when I don’t feel it, I am Father-held, His everlasting arms around all my needs.
Lament can be tears that water new life.
God signs his inconspicuous signature everywhere: everything is a sign post that points to his love.
The purpose of reading scripture is not to become good, but to be with Goodness Himself. Not to get God to love you, but to fall in love with God.
There is a reason why God is called The Way. He makes roads you wouldn’t have dreamed of, miracles happen exactly where you never would have imagined.
Marriages are fragile things, not an accomplishment to be proud of, but a miracle to give thanks for.

William Booth by Janet Benge

Rating: 9/10

Review:

This is a biography of William Booth, the man who started the Salvation Army. William was born in England in the 1800s. He had to quit school at age 13 to help provide for his poor family. As he grew older, he had a strong desire to teach people about God. His heart was for the poorest of the poor. First he began meeting their spiritual needs, but also found ways to meet their physical needs.

William Booth opened factories to give work to the unemployed. Government leaders toured his facilities and created laws for ‘safer working conditions’ once they saw how well his factory was run compared to others. Booth published articles, books, and traveled the world to teach and inspire others to help the poor.

Thousands of people throughout the world, became part of the “Salvation Army” whose mission was to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the poor. Some of his work still continues to this day.

I was fascinated by how much resistance William Booth and the Salvation Army got, mostly because it was ‘un-conventional.’ They seemed to be buffered at every turn. However, they kept moving forward, trying to find more ways to help those in need. The challenges didn’t cause them to give up, but actually made them stronger, more resilient, and even more effective.

Though William Booth started with nothing, he earned an honorary doctorate from Oxford, was lauded by Winston Churchill, and had friendships with two US presidents.

I was inspired by this book and the positive impact that one person can make in the world. Click here to read a brief summary of the social impact his daughter had in the United States.

What have you been reading? Leave a comment!

Click here to read a list of my top ten favorite books of 2021.

July 30, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ History/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Things to do in Minnesota/ Traveling

Exploring Minnesota: A Visit to the Historic Fort Snelling

I’m not sure why I lived in Minnesota for almost four years without getting a membership to the Minnesota Historic Society or exploring the historic Fort Snelling. I didn’t realize how beneficial those passes would be, or what a beautiful place the Fort is!

Fort Snelling is a fun and education field trip for your family in St. Paul, Minnesota. You will learn about army life, see live demonstrations, learn how they cared for the sick, explore the beautiful home of the commander, taste what they ate, watch how they made their tools, and more!

First of all, the Minnesota Historical society annual family pass is less than $100, and grants your family (plus two guests) access into amazing spots all over Minnesota, including: the Mill City Museum, the State Capitol, the Minnesota History Center, and today’s focus: Fort Snelling!

Upon arrival, we pulled into the gated parking lot for Fort Snelling. The parking fee is $4 for members, $6 for non-members. There’s a beautiful walking path along the Minnesota River up to the entrance of the visitor center. This area was recently remodeled. It has a small museum inside, as well as a gift shop and clean bathrooms.

From there, we enjoyed a golf cart ride to the entrance of the Fort.

The Fort is phenomenal. It was constructed 200 years ago and used until the end of WW2. It’s been restored to show visitors what life was like as a soldier living in this fort. There are characters dressed and ready to teach everyone about anything from laundry, to slavery, to fur trading, to black smithing! (Is that a word?) You can watch guns and canons being shot too, and food being made.

Some things to discover and explore:

The school house
The hospital/medical exhibit
The armory/weapons storage
Jail
Blacksmith shop
Dred Scott’s living quarters and how his time living on the base enable him to fight for his freedom from slavery.
Commander’s home
Kitchen
Archeology exhibit
Soldier’s quarters
Married quarters
Trails to the river

My kids and I absolutely LOVED it. We learned a lot about the history of Minnesota and military life, and enjoyed the beautiful grounds. There was even a baseball game happening as we left. We hope to be a part of that during our next visit.

This was the temporary home of Dred Scott and his wife. He lived below the army 'hospital'/infirmary, because he was a slave to a doctor. Because of his time in Minnesota, a 'free state,' Dred Scott went to court to obtain his freedom from slavery. — Army Barracks

Fort Snelling is very close to the Minneapolis airport, so if you have a layover – it would be worth checking out!

Locations, Hours, and Admission:

Historic Fort Snelling is open Wednesdays through Sundays from May 31 to September 4, 2022. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Address: 200 Tower Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55111

Admission is $12 for adults, or $10 for seniors and college students with ID. Children aged 5-17 are $8.

Admission is free for Minnesota Historical Society members, military veterans and family, native Americans and families, and active military and families (walk up only.) Tickets may be purchased in advance online, through the box office at 651-259-3015, or at the visitor center.

Website: Click here

Here’s a peek into our visit:

Thanks for reading!

Here are more places worth mentioning:

Click here for a peek into our visit to Mill City Museum.

Click here to read our Minnesota Bucket List.

Click here to read: 20 Gifts Minnesota Gave the World

July 27, 2022 By Kathryn

0 In 2022/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ Raising boys

15 Old-fashioned ways to stand out – in business and in life

Ted found this list on Twitter, copied it to a word document and printed it out for each of our boys. After they read it, we talked about what stood out to them. We also discussed which of these we do well, and which ones we could work on.

I thought you might enjoy reading this, and perhaps you’ll want to print it to read and discuss with your family. Feel free to share this post!

15 “old fashioned” ways to stand out in life:

1. Handwritten Notes:

Handwritten notes have sadly become a rarity in the digital age. Emails and texts lack personality—handwritten notes exude a raw authencity that fosters connection. Use them for: Thank yous, follow ups, letters to loved ones…AND nice penmanship is a plus!

2. Be True to Your Word:

When you say you’re going to do something, follow through. Being true to your word builds trust and deep relationships—personally and professionally. The recipe is simple:

(1) Say what you’re going to do

(2) Do it

(3) Repeat

Your word is your bond.

3. Be on Time (or early):

Take pride in punctuality. Being on time (or early) for your commitments is a clear show of respect to the other people involved.

4. Good Posture:

Strong posture is a physical and mental unlock for life. It’s linked to a variety of health benefits, including healthier muscles and joints, higher energy levels, and more. It also improves self-confidence—and how others perceive us. Stand tall to stand out.

5. Smile at Strangers:

It used to be considered common courtesy to smile and say good morning to people on the street. But somewhere along the line, it became “weird” to do so. Smile at people, say hello, give a warm head nod. It might even make them more likely to pass it on.

6. Hold the Door:

Holding the door for others was a simple point of good manners taught to many of us as children. Sadly, it seems like a lost art. It’s a habit worth reviving: When you go through a door, hold it for the next person—smile and say hello. Small acts go a long way.

7. Express Gratitude:

Life gets so much better when you really lean into gratitude. Create a daily gratitude practice—write down 3 things you’re grateful for every night before bed. Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Don’t wait to show gratitude until it’s too late.

8. Help Someone in Need:

When I was a kid, I was always taught to offer up my seat for anyone in need. The lesson extended to other areas of life. It’s easy to do—and so important. Help someone with their suitcase, walk someone across the street, buy someone a donut and coffee. (Click here to read 21 small ways to make a big difference)

9. Listen More than You Speak:

“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” — Epictetus

If you want your words and ideas to be heard, start by talking less and listening more. You’ll find more power in your words. Talk less to be heard more.

10. Say Someone’s Name:

Calling someone by their name is an easy way to build a bond. When you meet a new person, make a point to remember their name. If it’s a difficult one, ask how to pronounce it. Say it back in conversation so it sticks.

11. Eye Contact:

Eye contact builds trust. When you’re listening, look them in the eye. It shows presence, focus, and respect. When you’re speaking, eye contact can be organic (to avoid being intense). It’s ok to gaze off to think, but use eye contact to emphasize key points.

12. Apologize Effectively:

When you screw something up, be accountable and own it. Admit you’re wrong and apologize. All apologies should be direct and specific—acknowledge exactly what you did, why it was incorrect, and how it will be remedied. It’s the only way to move forward.

13. Work Hard:

Hard work stands out in a world where everyone wants to call it overrated. Take pride in working hard—show up and do what you say you’ll do. Always look for ways to work smarter, but if you’re striving for great things, you have to work hard.

14. Confident Handshake:

Handshakes fell out of favor due to COVID—some said they would never return. I don’t believe it. If handshakes are a trust-building part of your culture, take pride in them. Look the person in the eye, smile, and deliver a confident (but not hard) grip.

15. Be Kind:

Kindness is somehow severely underrated. It fosters relationships, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves overall happiness. When you are consistently, genuinely kind, you become a magnet for the highest-quality people.

Questions to consider:

Which are your currently doing well?
Which do you want to try today?

July 20, 2022 By Kathryn

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