One of the biggest misconceptions people have about happiness is that it means having a perfect life. Many people believe that happiness comes after reaching a certain goal. Maybe it’s finding the perfect job, making more money, buying a house, getting married, losing weight, or finally solving all of life’s problems. We tell ourselves that…
Seven Seconds of Confusion
Did I Just Dream an Earthquake? Something strange happened to me at 4:44 this morning. I was asleep and dreaming that there was an earthquake. In my dream, I was lying in bed when everything started shaking. Then I woke up… except I don’t think my brain realized I was awake yet. For about seven…
Rediscovering Ocean Girl
As a child, I loved watching Ocean Girl on The Disney Channel. Back then, Disney aired shows from all over the world, and one of the most memorable was this Australian science fiction series. Recently, I sat down and watched all four seasons on DVD, and I was surprised by how well the show held…
writing prompt
If I could instantly master any skill, I would want the ability to talk to animals and with any and every creature on earth. Not only would I love to understand what they are thinking, but I would also love for animals to trust me the way they trusted Snow White. Imagine walking through a…
writing prompt
One way I have grown this year is learning how to keep moving forward even when life feels incredibly difficult. Losing my dad in March this year changed my life in ways I never expected. Some days I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and try calling him. Other days I feel…
We laid my dad to rest.
Today was a beautiful day. As difficult as this day was, I know Dad would have been happy. One of his final wishes was granted. He wanted a Christian burial and funeral service, and today we were able to give that to him. When Dad was gravely ill, we had many deep and difficult conversations…
His last breath
March 14, 2026 Today, heaven gained one of the gentlest souls I have ever known. The phone call came before sunrise, and with it, a heartbreak I never imagined I would have to carry. My dad, Jaime Hinojosa, took his final breath and went home to be with the Lord. Some people leave footprints on…
Words to live by
IF SOMEONE IS falling behind in life, you don’t have to remind them. Believe me, they already know. If someone is unhealthy, they know. If someone is struggling in their relationships, with money, with self-image, they know. It’s what consumes their thoughts each day. What you need to do for those who are struggling is…
Winter
What is your favorite type of weather? Winter is my favorite time of the whole year. I love cold weather and I especially love days when it rains. The air generally feels fresh and there aren’t many people outside. Every morning, I am happy to see thick clouds covering the skies like a cozy blanket…
Free Will
The Persecution of Christians has been going on for over the past 2000 years. The earliest recorded records say it started in Rome. To me, being a Christian is about living your short precious life in the best way possible. To walk as closely to God as one humanely could. I would never force anything…
Crowned Brunette 