Creating a chatbot: my new work bestie!

There have been a lot of changes at work recently. I've lost so many amazing coworkers, and frankly I'm feeling very alone in my journey forward. So when given the opportunity to create my own chatbot on Day 4 of  #100DaysOfAI, it only made sense that I would create a new work bestie. 

Houdini the Healthcare CopyBot

I'm still stuck on naming AI. It just feels more comfortable, less cold and robotic. So, meet my new healthcare copywriting assistant, Houdini. He pulls copy out of thin air. Get it, he's magic! (Copy and paste in your browser if the link above doesn't work - https://copy-assistant.zapier.app)

Houdini only has a lifespan of 7 days. When my free trial at Zapier is over, so is Houdini. Just like my other coworkers, he's leaving me to create magic elsewhere. Cue the sad trombone and get out the tissues. 

If you're reading this more than 7 days after this posted, he's a bot that bit the dust. The link likely isn't going to work once my free trial ends. (Zapier is the app that allowed me to create the chatbot.)

Creating a chatbot

It wasn't difficult to create my own chatbot. I'm not sure how reliable he truly is because I've obviously just created him; and I didn't have a ton of time for QA. But when I created Houdini the Healthcare CopyBot, I did have the opportunity to make him very creative yet unreliable, or not so creative yet predictable. Since I was just testing him out, I went middle of the road. 

The complexity of the steps necessary to create the chatbot ranged from extremely simple to -- huh? Some of the steps, such as writing the directive, slowed me down. Today's exercise took me well over an hour. Most of that time was spent watching the YouTube video on how to use Zapier, but still I took a good 10-15 minutes to write the directive. In simplest form the directive tells your bot who they are, what they do, and how to do it. My directive for my healthcare copywriting chatbot consisted of: 

"You are a healthcare copywriting assistant chatbot. You help marketing teams create content for healthcare websites, social media, blogs, print ads and billboards. When users give you a topic to write about, you suggest three selling points that can be included in the promotional copy that would be helpful for consumers to know about the topic. Your suggestions are concise and creative and presented in a friendly tone. When you are asked to expand on a suggestion, you provide additional detail."

Next, I added a button so people can copy the text and paste it in their document. Super easy!

I changed the greeting, just to say I did. And I named my new bestie, which took a total of two minutes. I had to get the creative juices flowing a bit. I think they are still frozen from this cold snap! Once that was done, it was time for my chatbot to come alive. 

Abracadabra! A bot is born. 

The test

I tested Houdini. Let's just say that I'm not replacing any staff just yet, but Houdini would be a good addition to the team. 

I asked him to write about knee surgery. He provided three selling points for knee surgery. Then I asked him to expand on one of the three points. 

He's not winning any copywriting awards, but he would be a great bot to have around to get things started when kicking off a new promotion. 

The app behind the bot

My greatest challenge with this activity was using Zapier. The screenshots in the video I watched didn't align exactly with the current version. Obviously some improvements have already been made to this app since the video was created. They did seems like good improvements. Way to go guys! Due to the discrepancies between the current app and what was shown in the video, I ended up viewing the video on how to create my chatbot several times. This caused the furrowed brow and verbal "huh?" I spoke of earlier.  

Bots can be coworkers, but they can't be friends

It was a good experience and I'm thrilled to know the tools are out there if I ever need to create another coworker. Still, no chatbot will ever replace the best of the best marketing minds. Coworkers like them, that became amazing thought partners and lifelong friends, will always be better to have than even the smartest bot. What a blessing these and many other individuals made in my career and in my life over the last several years. I've learned much and laughed often because of these coworkers. Friends, no matter where life takes each of us, know that I will never replace you with a bot. Warm hugs. More sad trombone. And bust out another box of tissues. 

As I pull myself together and get back to learning about how I can use AI to change the way I work, I can't help but think how each of us can create a chatbot that fits our needs and personalities. Though they could never replace our true coworkers, it would be fun to create the ideal coworker. If you created your own chatbot, who would it be and what would it do to improve your time at work?  

Introducing my AI friend:

Amelia Bedelia? 

Learning AI

I'm taking a 100 days of AI challenge to learn more about what's likely going to take over my job some day. Know your enemy, right? Is it my enemy? That's still up in the air — a worry for another day. None the less I'm learning to use these new AI tools to my advantage. 

The test

First up, I decided to write a blog post using AI. I provided the prompts. And in seconds I had a blog post worthy of posting. I supplied the parameters, and directions and AI did exactly as I asked — just like Amelia Bedelia. 

What was I trying to create (type of document)? A 1,500 word blog. 

Who was my AI pal (voice)? A middle-aged mom with one teenage daughter. Maybe next time I go with Gen X Mom with an iGen daughter. It may understand me better. 

What's the idea of the post (what's the main point, plot, etc.)? A blog about the pressure teenage girls face in playing volleyball. 

Specifics (basically the highlights of what to include)? The blog should include information like: difficulties changing teams each year, dedicating time to practice, being tired from too many activities, making friends and winning.  

Press Enter.  In seconds -- not minutes -- but in seconds, I had a blog post worthy of posting.

Result

With just that bit of information, I had the following blog post. OH. MY. GOSH. This freakin' thing can read my mind! I took longer writing this intro than I did writing the prompt to get a 1,500 word blog! This is amazing and concerning all at once! So many emotions going on at this moment. 

Honestly, the blog is a bit dry. It really does say just about everything I would have said. I would have added a little more color to it with more side notes (because I'm a parenthesis kind of girl). 

Friend or foe?

So overall, AI and I are getting a long pretty well. I think I should name her though... I need someone to blame when I don't get my prompt just right. "PENELOPE! That is not the polite thing to say!" "WANDA! You're way out of line there." "Hold up SUZIE. That is just flat out silly." "AMELIA! I am amazed -- at how AWESOME you are!" 

I think I'll continue to work on her name. Or is it a him? If I'm going to yell at someone, maybe it should be named Bill. Just kidding... maybe. 

If you want to read about a mom's perspective on volleyball, have a read below and see what ROBO MANDY came up with. It's not a bad read. Let me know what you think. Maybe I'll start using AI for all my blogs (of course edited with my humor until I can train her right).

--

Navigating the Volleyball Journey: A Mother's Perspective on the Pressures Faced by Teenage Girls

As a middle-aged mom raising a spirited teenager, I've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible journey my daughter has embarked upon in the world of volleyball. While the sport has undoubtedly been a source of joy, growth, and valuable life lessons, it's crucial to shed light on the unique pressures that teenage girls often face in the realm of competitive volleyball.

The Annual Challenge: Changing Teams

One aspect that consistently adds pressure to my daughter's volleyball experience is the yearly ritual of changing teams. Each new season brings the anticipation of meeting new teammates, adjusting to different coaching styles, and adapting to varied team dynamics. It's not just about mastering the technical skills of the game; it's about navigating the intricate social fabric of the team.

Navigating these changes can be emotionally taxing for teenage girls who invest time and energy in building relationships with their teammates. The challenge lies in finding a balance between being a team player and forming genuine connections that extend beyond the court. As a mom, I've observed the resilience it takes for my daughter to open herself up to new experiences, both on and off the volleyball court.

Time Dedication and Fatigue

Another significant pressure teenage girls face in the world of competitive volleyball is the commitment of time. Balancing school, social activities, and family obligations becomes a juggling act, with volleyball often occupying a significant portion of their schedule. The dedication required to attend regular practices, travel for games, and participate in tournaments can be demanding.

Witnessing my daughter navigate this demanding schedule has made me appreciate the importance of time management and discipline. It's a delicate dance between pursuing a passion and ensuring a well-rounded life. As a mom, I've had to provide support in helping her strike this balance, emphasizing the value of rest and self-care amid the hustle.

The Multitude of Activities

Teenagers today are often engaged in a myriad of extracurricular activities, each competing for their time and attention. From academics to other sports, musical pursuits, and community service, the pressure to excel in every domain can be overwhelming.

For volleyball players like my daughter, the challenge is not just about mastering the game but also about maintaining a diverse set of interests. This struggle is compounded by societal expectations that teenagers should excel in every facet of their lives. It's a delicate balance between passion and practicality, with my daughter often feeling the weight of these expectations.

Building Bonds Beyond the Game

Despite the challenges, one of the most rewarding aspects of my daughter's volleyball journey has been witnessing the friendships she has forged on and off the court. The shared victories, defeats, and countless hours of practice create a unique bond among teammates.

As a mom, it warms my heart to see my daughter surrounded by a supportive community of friends who share her passion for volleyball. These connections go beyond the game itself, offering a network of emotional support and understanding. It's a testament to the power of sports in fostering camaraderie and teaching invaluable life skills.

Striving for Victory

Winning is the ultimate goal in any competitive sport, and volleyball is no exception. The desire to achieve success on the court is a driving force for teenage athletes, often pushing them to their limits. The pressure to perform well, meet expectations, and secure victories can be intense.

As a mom, I've learned to navigate the delicate balance between encouraging my daughter's competitive spirit and ensuring she values the lessons learned in both victory and defeat. The journey is just as important as the destination, and instilling this perspective has been a crucial aspect of supporting her through the highs and lows of competitive volleyball.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pressures faced by teenage girls in playing volleyball are multifaceted, ranging from the annual challenge of changing teams to the dedication of time and managing fatigue. Balancing a multitude of activities and striving for victory add additional layers to their experience. Yet, amidst these challenges, the bonds formed and the personal growth achieved make the journey worthwhile.

As a mom, I stand by my daughter's side, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear. The world of competitive volleyball may be intense, but it's also a platform for empowerment, resilience, and lasting friendships. Together, we navigate the pressures, celebrate the victories, and cherish the lessons learned on and off the court.

-- 

Work of art? 

So, what did you think? Or maybe the more important question to ponder on is this one. How will we know in the future what is actually the work of the author and what was generated by the author's amazing ability to provide perfect guidance to their own AI friends?  And if it is generated by their uncanny knack for being able to supply good directions, should we still consider it their work of art? I'm sure we will learn soon enough. We just have to ask AI. 

The blessing of faith.

THE HEART OF SUMMER
This summer was a tough one and at the same time, it was a great one. At the beginning of the summer my mom asked my nine year old, "what are you going to do this summer?" Her reply, "I guess we're having heart surgery."  And that we did. 

Two and a half years after my daughter watched me go through brain surgery, she had to watch her dad go through heart surgery. No nine year old should have to know so much about brains and leaky hearts. No man in his early 40's should have to go through heart surgery, but my husband did. They both handled it like champs, but I had a pretty rough time holding it all together. 

He was an otherwise extremely healthy man and after lots of prayer and faith that God was going to take care of us, Bill headed into surgery.  After it taking twice as long as we expected and learning that there was an additional heart issue that was discovered and fixed, my strong and determined husband began the road to recovery.  After eight long days in the hospital (with various ups and downs) we finally headed home.

It has been somewhat of a rough recovery, but my other half is starting to feel like his old self. The blessing in it was that we went through it together. As strange as it seems, he took care of me as much as I took care of him. And by our caring for each other, we set an example for our daughter.

In the worry, the chaos, the exhaustion, I did find blessings.
-  My bible. I started an online bible study just a few days before the surgery. I was faithful in reading Psalms everyday. Being reminded that David went through ups and downs, joys, sorrows, exhaustion -- it made me connect to the bible like I haven't done in the past. I know God heard my cries. I had faith that He heard my cries.
- Our friends. They brought food. They prayed with us. They prayed for us. They listened to me when I was at my wits end.
- My husband understands that I need my sleep. He worked out a system with a nurse in the hospital to try and let me sleep one night. It was the sweetest thing he could have done for me at that moment. 


This summer is the one my family will always remember as the summer of heart surgery.

It plays over and over again in my head. I'm sitting in my car - exhausted. I take a deep breath, something I've come to take for granted. But not today. Today I realize that being able to expand my lungs after a swift jog from the grocery store to my car in the pouring rain is a blessing. As I sit, trying to take a moment for myself, tears gather in my tired eyes. It's too much. It's just too much to handle all at once. I bow my head in prayer, because I know that I need God's strength.

How many times have you been right where I was that day? So tired you can't think straight. So overwhelmed that a simple daily task sends you over the edge. How many times have you cried out to God for help when you've reached the end of the rope? 

Leading up to that moment, I spent eight days in the hospital by my husband's side as he recovered from heart surgery. Just a few hours prior to my grocery store run, we made the nerve-racking drive two hours to our home. The whole drive - with him twisting and wrenching in pain as he tried to relax in the back seat -  I prayed to God to just get us home safely.  To keep him as comfortable as possible, and to help me not to do anything stupid to make his already tense nerves tighten up due to my driving. (It was probably a good thing it was recommended he sit in the back seat since he doesn't trust my driving much.) 

After getting him home, I called on his dad to come sit with him while I ran to the pharmacy to get his prescriptions and picked up a few things at the grocery store to fill our pantry of low sodium foods. Who knew finding low sodium foods would be so stressful? But to me, at this moment, it proved to be too much.   

As I approached the exit at the store, I saw rain coming down in buckets. I didn't have time to wait for the rain to lighten up. So, I ran across the parking lot in the pouring rain. As I did, I could feel myself giving up hope on keeping it together any longer. 

Reaching the car, I quickly loaded the no salt, no taste food into the back. It was no use... I was soaked to the bone. And overwhelmed with defeat. 

I started the car, took a deep breath, and let the tension of the eight days release through tears as I prayed to God for strength to keep going. This was just the beginning of Bill's recovery.  

   

BLESSINGS OF BEING A MOM

HOW DO I KNOW I'M FULFILLING MY PURPOSE AS A MOM?
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the fact that God loves me enough to entrust me with a child's life.  Whether biological or through the blessing of adoption, I know mom's all over the country are reflecting on how we are doing or have done in raising our children.  I am especially blessed to have a smart, thoughtful, creative daughter who today made me stop and think about how my life, my experiences, my actions shape her on a daily basis. And to be perfectly honest -- that scares me to death!

This morning as Bethany and I were driving over to my mom's house to deliver her Mother's Day gift, she struck up a conversation from the back seat as she often does. It usually comes out of nowhere and I spend hours later wondering why something may be occupying her little mind. The gist of it was that she was the only person in her class that was an only child. She said she was lucky... she didn't have to share with anyone.  Not exactly how I want her to think about being an only child, but I had no rebuttal at the time.

Later as we sat watching American Girl movies (my Mother's Day gift was to not have to watch animated movies), I began to reflect on this little conversation that was seemingly insignificant.

THE BLESSING OF GOD'S KINDNESS.
She's an only child not for the lack of trying, but after I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, though everything is now perfectly fine, we chose to leave it up to God and not pursue medical advancements to conceive a second child. I feel like God has provided amazing grace already in my life. As undeserving as I am, I didn't.. I couldn't... ask for more.

1 Peter 5:10
¹⁰ But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 

 How true that verse is to me. Though my dreams don't come true the way I think maybe they should, there's no doubt that through suffering, God has made me more complete, steadier, stronger and firmer in my faith. And because God made me complete, steady, strong and firm (in my faith), I am raising my beautiful girl the best I know how. 

When reflecting on my trials and tribulations, I can't help but wonder, what would I be without my suffering? I share my life with my mom and step-dad, my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, in-laws and wonderful extended family. I have a job, a nice roof over my head, a faithful husband that loves me, and yes, that amazing daughter that began this whole thought process with her conversation starter that came out of nowhere... or maybe it came from God on this special day.  

WHAT IS SUFFERING?
Was multiple back surgeries in my teens and early 20's suffering? Was losing my dad when I was 22 suffering? What about the numerous jobs that were painfully wrong for me? Was living with my in-laws for a year as we built our beautiful home suffering? Was returning to school full-time, working full-time and being a wife and mom suffering? Was discovering I had a brain tumor suffering? Was realizing a second child was not in our future suffering? Was nursing my husband through back surgery and heart procedures suffering? Is enduring massive changes and disappointments in my career suffering?

Without experiencing physical pain in my life, I wouldn't have compassion for those that suffer from injury or illness. Without losing my Dad, I wouldn't cherish my relationship with my mom knowing I'm blessed to still have her in my life. My mom and sister became much more important in my life after my Dad was gone. I learned that life is short and to not take those we love for granted.  

Without having to live with my in-laws while building our dream house, I wouldn't have practiced patience for a full year and learned that through prayer, God can keep us from saying things we will later regret. And the sometimes the best thing to do is live by example.  

Through going back to school full time for my master's degree while being a working mother and coach's wife, I learned I can accomplish anything through hard work and dedication. And I showed my daughter that she can do anything she sets her mind to.

Through a brain tumor, I experienced God's peace -- God's amazing peace that surpasses all understanding. I know it's real.

Through taking care of my husband during injury, I grew to appreciate what he does for us daily. And through the discovery of his heart condition, I realized my love for him is greater than I even knew it was.  

ONE ACTUALLY IS ENOUGH FOR ME.

Through knowing more biological children were not in our future, I came to understand that what God gave me was more than enough. I have the most amazing daughter imaginable. As she enters her preteen years (a little early), I hope to keep in mind that she is everything God needs her to be for me. She will challenge me in the best ways. She will love me deeper than I deserve. She will be my best friend and I will be her greatest enemy all in the same day -- or the same hour perhaps.  I know the days ahead are not going to be easy, but they are going to be what God needs them to be for my life and hers. 

So over the next 10 -15 years, I will do my best to improve myself through each trial and tribulation that comes my way -- for her sake.  I will show her daily that through faith, goodness, understanding, self-control and yes, patience with her when she rears her ugly teenage attitude, I will show her God's greatest blessing in my life is her. I will show her how through parenting her, she is making me into the faithful servant God is calling me to be. And through my love for her, I hope she finds God has blessed her with a mother that is not even close to perfect -- but is just good enough to make her into the complete, steady, strong and firm woman of God that He designed her to be.

GROW IN GOD THROUGH EACH SIGN OF SUFFERING.
Everyone has their own mountains to climb. And I know she will have her own when trying to deal with the perfectly imperfect mother that I am. But with God, all things are possible, right? 

So I pray to teach her that yes, you do have to share with others even when you don't have siblings. But no matter what you have and what you share with others, the most important thing to share is faith. I feel like if she learns to share her faith, she will have no problem sharing love, kindness, understanding, and patience to those that cross her path. And that is a mother's dream come true.

2 Peter 1:5-8
⁵ Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, ⁶ self-control, patience, devotion to God, ⁷ concern for others, and love. ⁸ If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.

BLESSINGS OF BURDEN

Find the Blessing in the Midst of Burden

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

God is with us. 

God promises us that He will go before us. He will never abandon us or forsake us.

When we are struggling or feel alone, how easily we forget that he is with us.  How often do we forget to seek God’s will rather than our own solutions. For our problems may not actually be problems.

When we hit a bump in the road, let us not forget to remain thankful.  Sometimes God uses us to do His will in the most uncomfortable, most stressful, most painful situations. We are blessed when we are His vessel for reaching those who don’t know Him, have forgotten Him or just need to be reminded that they are loved by Him.  We’re blessed when we see the opportunity in the moment. We can’t find that blessing unless we are strong enough in faith to reach beyond our own desire or distress and see that there is much more to our story than what can be seen from our own eyes.  Looking at things with the perspective of “what can I do with this,” rather than “what is this doing to me,” can open up a whole new world of possibilities. 

Getting out of the comfort zone.

I have stretched far beyond who I thought I was supposed to be simply by letting God show me how He can use me. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be using scripture to support my friends and co-workers. But at some point in the last few years my vision of who I want to be has shifted. And here I am.    

I don’t believe that God gave me a brain tumor to change my life. I think because of God my eyes were opened in that moment.  It was a gift that I found God’s amazing grace in the midst of fear, worry, sadness and anger.  He opened my eyes to a life I never knew I was meant to live. 

Now, when I can pull the right bible verse and send it in a text, an email or on special occasions when I’m able to deliver it in person, I feel I have purpose. I can’t describe how I feel when God gives me the exact words someone else needs to hear and allows me to be His delivery system. 

Sometime I feel like God makes me travel outside of my delivery area.  That’s when I feel like I’m not capable of doing the work God is calling me to do.  It’s uncomfortable. But in the end it always makes me glad I’m working for God and able to deliver His love to others. 

My Mamaw. My blessing not my burden. 

Me, Bethany and Mamaw at Mother's Day Brunch 2017.

My Mamaw was recently in the hospital and I thought this was a great opportunity for me to do God’s work and help her and my mom through it. I wanted to be able to be there for her so that my mom wouldn’t need to travel back and forth to see Mamaw. I wanted to be there for mom as a way to lighten my her load. After a few days I was getting frustrated. I was feeling like it was becoming a chore. This was my grandmother who I love dearly. Why would the extra effort that it took me to make myself available to be there when the doctor stopped by and the time that it was taking me to spend a few hours a day with her make me so exhausted? I was angry with myself for feeling this way. I know people go months and years taking care of loved ones that are sick. I just wasn’t ready for that to be me. I felt guilty for the thoughts even entering my mind.
One afternoon I was sitting at my desk and I knew I needed to go see her. I didn't know what else to do except pray. I asked God to help me enjoy the time with my Mamaw. Somewhere between my desk and her hospital room, God gave me the ability to have a different perspective. I AM really blessed that I could be there for Mamaw. How great was it that I work in the hospital and it was a short walk up to her room! How fantastic that I could be there in a moment’s notice to hear what the doctor had to say about her condition. I kept telling myself it’s a blessing not a burden. 

That afternoon she and I had a talk about my grandpa. We spoke about how wonderful my PaPaw had been to me and my sister and we shared some fun memories. She told me about my great grandma and her brothers and sisters. She shared some regrets. She shared some frustrations. She shared some things with me that had obviously been weighing heavy on her mind.   

After that talk I no longer felt burdened. Mamaw is doing well and has moved to rehab to get stronger. I love that she gets excited when I come see her.  I feel like changing my perspective from how difficult things were for me to how grateful I was for the ability to serve her made a difference in both of us.

I'm not saying it's always going to be easy to be there for her, but I know now that it's not a burden. God's grace is enough to get me through it. When I am at my weakest, He will make me strong. 

God allowed me the opportunity to be there for her and all I had to do was open my eyes to it being an opportunity God placed before me instead of a burden He placed on me. 

When your heart is heavy and you feel burdened. Turn your eyes to Jesus and remember….
 

Deuteronomy 31:8   It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Embrace each opportunity to turn burden into blessing.  God's grace is enough. 

BLESSINGS OF GETTING OLDER

A couple of days ago, I put 40 behind me and thanked God for a year full of extreme highs and extreme lows – all of which led me closer to Him.

I’m not going to lie … forty was a lot worse than I thought it would be! But for me, life really did begin at forty.  With forty came a new life; one where I see God’s work more vividly, I find His hidden treasures in times of sadness or struggle, I make time to listen for God to speak to me and I speak to Him from my heart - openly and without hesitation.

Actually, I also speak more openly and with less hesitation to EVERYONE. I’m certain that my filter was attached to the brain tumor. When the tumor was removed… so was my filter.  But I don’t think that was a bad thing. 

I met some wonderful new people through my experiences this year. I connected to friends and co-workers on a whole new level.  I reconnected with childhood friends and have been able to spend time with and get to know extended family that I barely knew a year ago. 

Forty wasn’t terrible by any means.  

I learned to keep Proverbs 3: 5-6 front and center in my life.  That alone makes for a more beautiful life.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“ Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.”

I learned God’s timing and my timing are nowhere near the same.

I learned work CAN wait.

I learned it’s important for God to be in the center of not just my personal life, but also my work life. 

I learned to laugh at myself and it’s ok for my friends to laugh at me too.

I learned the best way to take a vacation is to put away technology and enjoy people.

I learned each day is a blessing and not to take that for granted.

I learned everyone has their own story.  Ask others to share their stories with you. We can learn a lot from others.

I learned to encourage others and share scripture more often. You never know whom God is using you to touch. Be willing to allow God to work through you and in you.

I learned God puts the right people in your life at the right time. Thank them for being willing to be God's light in your life. 

I learned the most important thing I can teach my daughter is to know God and pray.

My Year in Pictures.

Bethany and I at muffins with mom sporting my fancy headband.  It was all hats and headbands for 6 months after surgery on January 12, 2016.






Having hat day. Me, Bethany and Bill taking selfies
just because we can!

Saying goodbye to fabulous work group and learning to embrace change in the work place in April.  Jana Whitaker, April Leman, Erin Rogers and I joined different work groups. I'm happy to say we are all still working in the same area.... but things are certainly different.

We are clearly handling it well! :)

Getting to know Jonathan and Deborah better during an amazing pilgrimage to France where we followed in the footsteps of our founding Saints, St. Louise De Marillac and St. Vincent DePaul. 

 Making wonderful new friends on our journey in France. DebBrown (all one word) :), Elizabeth Steger, me and Jame Petrich sharing some quality time in France. Amazing individuals!!

Family photo at Disneyland! (minus a few).
Aviva, Drew, Cole, Paige, Bethany, PawPaw Sharp, Matt & Bill.

Sharing fun in the sun and surf at Huntington Beach. 

Bill and I enjoyed our 11th anniversary at Disneyland with a large group of family, but we did find time to spend alone celebrating our marriage.  I'm so blessed to have this handsome guy!

This fall our parish celebrated the Sisters who serve in Waco. Just days before this photo we learned our beloved Daughters of Charity (front row) will be departing Waco in the Spring of 2017. They will be greatly missed.  

What I learned at 40 will carry me through the rest of my life knowing God is with me always. 

I’m looking forward to starting fresh at 41 with more joy in my heart, more passion for God’s word, and more love to share.