Category Archives: courage

Lazarus, Light Bulbs and Trust

Posted on March 27, 2015 by sandrapaldrich

Excerpt from Day 3 of Heart Hugs for Single Moms Do you ever wonder what is your part in each day and what is God’s? I have. Often. In fact, when I became a single mother years ago, that was a big … Continue reading →

Posted in confidence, courage, faith, God's presence, perseverance, prayer, single mothers, single parenting, single-parent families | Leave a comment

Dare to be the Bold Button

Posted on December 31, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

What are your thoughts as we approach the New Year? Are you excited about fresh opportunities on future unblemished days? Or are you concentrating on the all too rapid end to another year? Are you determined that this year you … Continue reading →

Posted in antiques, appreciation, Bold, button jar, confidence, counting blessings, courage, encouragement, perfection, pleasing others, Psalm 138:3, self-esteem, self-talk, Stouthearted | Leave a comment

Believing Makes It So

Posted on December 9, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Even though I’m a card-carrying member of AARP, I still ponder the wisdom my maternal grandmother, Mama Farley, possessed. The world undoubtedly saw her as a simple Appalachian mountain woman, but her strength and understanding of life rippled out to … Continue reading →

Posted in ancestors, Appalachia, appreciation, confidence, counting blessings, courage, education, encouragement, faith, families, grandmothers, Kentucky, mentors, perseverance, self-esteem, self-talk | Leave a comment

What I Wish I Could Ask My Dad

Posted on November 11, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

On this Veterans Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada, I’m pondering all my dad and others like him endured as they fought in various wars. And I wish I could go back in time and find a way … Continue reading →

Posted in aging parents, courage, families, regrets, veterans, World War II | Leave a comment

Don’t Wait for Roses

Posted on September 2, 2014 by sandrapaldrich

Single women, do you sigh over red roses in the flower shop? Do you long for that perfect man to ring your doorbell and say, “Hi. The Lord sent me” and hand you a bouquet? If so, please allow me … Continue reading →

Posted in appreciation, confidence, courage, encouragement, goals, perseverance, rescue, roses, self-esteem, self-talk, single mothers, widows | Leave a comment

Grandmaw Stacy–a Family Story

Posted on August 2, 2013 by sandrapaldrich

Recently, a relative sent me a box of mostly unlabeled photos. I’m frustrated when I don’t know who the people were or when or where the shots were taken. And for days after receiving such a  package, I encourage (badger!) friends, family, readers, innocent folks … Continue reading →

Posted in ancestors, Appalachia, Civil War families, courage, photos, War Between the States families | 10 Comments

On Tough Days, Focus on the Blessings

Posted on February 5, 2013 by sandrapaldrich

Does February 5 hold special meaning for you? For me, it marks the day decades ago when I stepped into marriage. My husband, Don, and I were filled with youthful energy and bright dreams. Additionally, we had deep faith, college … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, counting blessings, courage, grief, single mothers, widows | 2 Comments

Weathering the Storms

Posted on October 26, 2012 by sandrapaldrich

The subtitle of my blog today should be “Thoughts from an Appalachian Woman” instead of “Encouragement.” Because as I write this, I’m watching the Weather Channel’s tracking of Hurricane Sandy and the anticipated journey up the East Coast. Government officials … Continue reading →

Posted in courage, God's presence, helping others, storms, tornado | 2 Comments

“Believin’ Makes It So”

Posted on September 27, 2012 by sandrapaldrich

Even though my hair is silver, and I’m a card-carrying member of AARP, I still ponder the wisdom my maternal grandmother, Mama Farley, possessed. The world undoubtedly saw her as a simple Appalachian mountain woman, but her strength and understanding … Continue reading →

Posted in courage, education, goals, grandmothers, perseverance | 5 Comments

Ask Those Questions Now

Posted on September 2, 2012 by sandrapaldrich

Recently, I’ve been pondering a comment from the late author Alex Haley: “Every time an old person dies, it is just as though a library has burned.” What triggered this? Finding an old World War II photo of my dad … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, aging parents, appreciation, courage, regrets, veterans | 7 Comments