Falling for Two Hearts: Finding Love and Becoming an Instant Stepmom

Five dates in five days led to meeting his daughter and finding myself on the other side of a parent-teacher conference. Here's how I fell in love with both of them and discovered I'd been waiting my whole life for this moment.

The Night I Found My Voice: How Bad Dates Become Great Songs

When a date ended with inappropriate expectations, I discovered something unexpected—my own fierce boundaries and the songs they inspired. Sometimes our worst moments write our best music.

The Day I Stopped Begging God for Forever: Learning to Love What’s Temporary

I spent years demanding permanent love until my ukulele taught me something radical: not all good things are meant to last forever. Some are meant to be gifts for right now.

Getting Right with God: A Beach Encounter That Changed Everything

A mysterious man named Ray at Fort Monroe Beach asked me a simple question that cut straight to my heart: "You want a husband? Then you need to get right with God." Here's how that encounter became a prayer.

Purging the Past to Prepare for the Future: Moving Forward Light

On my last night in South Carolina before moving back to Virginia, Mama Sue helped me pack and gave me wisdom: 'You're purging the past to prepare for the future.' Here's why I'm packing light.

Life Lessons on the Ukulele: Four & Seven Strings

After the fireworks subsided last week, I sought out a new sound to fill the silence.  Not live entertainment or even a date with a booming baritone, but a four-stringed, rosewood escape to paradise.    And it was only right that I introduce my tropical instrument to my happy place, Fort Monroe, and play through the sunset last night.  Just me and my ukulele.