Mirror Mirror on the Car! A cardinals (self) love story!

 For the past couple of days, we’ve had a little visitor. A pretty female cardinal who is convinced that Austin’s car mirror holds the greatest drama of her life. She lands, chirps, stares, and (I assume) gives herself a solid pep talk before flitting up on top of the mirror, only to hop back down and do it all over again. It’s so cute! 

At first, I figured she was just admiring her reflection. Can’t blame her, she is really pretty! But then I got online to figure out what’s going on. I read that male cardinals often do this during mating season, mistaking their reflection for a rival. Which makes sense, except… Beaver had the logical question:

“So why is the female doing it?”

Welp my take is that, “She must have a hot husband like me and wants to keep him all to herself!”

But the more I watched her, the more I think she’s just admiring herself, making sure she’s still got ‘the look!’ Or maybe, just maybe, she’s hyping herself up, because being a bird with responsibilities is not as easy as it’s cracked up to be! 

Either way, it got me thinking about how often we do the same thing—mistaking our own reflections (our insecurities, fears, or comparisons) for real threats.

How often do we stress over things that aren’t even there?

How often do we fight imaginary competition? How often do we doubt our own worth instead of realizing how beautiful He has already made us?

Maybe we should all take a note from this little girl, sing our song, 🎶 give ourselves a pep talk, and remember whose we are and that He’s cares for every feather…. erm..hair on our heads and has given us all we need to THRIVE! 

So here’s my takeaway: Don’t let mistaken reflections steal my peace. Own who and whose you are, appreciate what you have, and if needed, give yourself a good chirping-at in the mirror.

Here’s little video I caught of her….tell me—what do YOU think this little featherweight is up to?

Lord, I’m tired today!

Somewhere between my 12th meeting of the day and realizing I tried to unlock my office with my car key fob, I felt the weariness creeping in. This journey of implementing Aidin, and balancing other work and life has been a bit exhausting.

Which led me to think out how the path of doing good can often feel long and arduous. Weariness sneaks in, whispering doubts about whether our efforts are really making a difference.

But then, Galatians 6:9 steps in and brings encouragement: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Even at time when we can’t see the fruits of our labor, God is working behind the scenes. Our efforts are not in vain. He has gifted us with the ability to draw strength from His promises and to tap into His inexhaustible well of grace! 

His timing is perfect, and our faithfulness will yield results—even when our brains are too tired to tell the difference between an office door and a car.

Lord, when we grow weary, remind us that You are our strength. Help us trust in Your perfect timing and press on in faith, knowing that our efforts are never wasted. Amen.

For Such a Time as This

Esther 4:14 – “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Life has a way of placing us in situations we never expected. Maybe you’re facing a challenge that feels overwhelming, stepping into a role you didn’t anticipate, or navigating a season of uncertainty. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel unprepared, unqualified, or even unsure if you’re where you’re supposed to be.

Esther’s story in the Bible speaks to this. She never sought to be queen. She wasn’t raised for a life of influence. And when faced with a moment where she had to stand up for her people, she hesitated—because the risk was high. But her cousin Mordecai reminded her: perhaps you are here for such a time as this.

Esther’s story is a reminder that God places us where we are for a reason, even when we don’t feel ready. Leadership, influence, and impact don’t always come with a title or a perfect plan—they come with a willingness to step up, to trust, and to move forward even when it’s hard.

If you’re in a season of change, know this: you are here for a purpose. Whether you’re leading in big ways or small, whether you’re the one making the decisions or the one holding others up, your role matters. Don’t let doubt convince you otherwise. You are exactly where you need to be, and God is with you in it.

Heavenly Father, thank You for placing me right where I am. Even when I feel unsure, remind me that You have a purpose for this season. Give me the courage to step into the moments where I am needed, the faith to trust Your plan, and the wisdom to know that I am never alone. Help me to walk forward with confidence, knowing that I am here for such a time as this. Amen.

Church Giggles

 This morning at church, I leaned over to Beaver and whispered, “My stomach hurts.”

He, being the ever supportive husband he is, whispered back, “Like… your bowels are gonna let go and you’re gonna have explosive diarrhea hurt?”

Right at that moment, the worship leader said, “If you’re holding onto something this morning, you need to let it go.”

I started giggling.

Then he continued, “Just drop it at the feet of Jesus.”

At that point, I completely lost it. And thank God my mom wasn’t sitting next to me, or I’d have been snort-laughing my way right out of church.

Moral of the story: Sometimes the Lord speaks to you in mysterious (and slightly inappropriate) ways.

#SpiritualLessons #ChurchGiggles #BeaverDoesNotHelp

A friend in the midst of strangers.

Living in Florida has been such a great adventure for our family, but every now and then, a wave of homesickness hits me—especially on Sundays. Growing up, Sundays used to mean family. They meant sitting beside people who knew my history, who shared my story, who loved me. But far from those familiar faces, Sundays can sometimes feel like the loneliest day.

We’ve been attending a new church lately, trying to find our place, and this past Sunday, a family sat in front of us. Watching the mom interact with her daughters tugged at something deep inside me. It made me miss being close to my own family. 

As I watched the dad in front of me singing, I couldn’t help but think of my own dad, and for a moment, I imagined him in heaven. I pictured him singing with even more joy and passion than I’ve ever seen here on earth. The thought brought a bittersweet smile and a lump to my throat.

At the end of the service, as the family was gathering their things, the mom turned around, looked me right in the eyes, smiled and said, “Have a good week.”

Simple words. A simple gesture. But they were everything I needed. I smiled and wished her the same, and in that moment, I felt like I wasn’t alone. I felt seen. I felt like I had a friend.

Isn’t that the beauty of the body of Christ? Strangers aren’t really strangers. They’re brothers and sisters—family we just haven’t met yet. That mom’s kindness reminded me that even in a sea of unfamiliar faces, God places people in our path to remind us that we belong.

Even now, as I’m writing this, tears are rolling down my face. That moment meant more to me than I can put into words. It made my week.

So, let me remind you: never underestimate the power of a smile or a kind word. You never know the impact they might have on someone. For me, it was a moment of connection in the middle of my homesickness. It was a reminder that even far from home, I’m never truly alone.

Welcome to Brave Space

 A few years ago, a colleague introduced me to the concept of a Brave Space versus a Safe Space, and it immediately struck a chord. Recently, after navigating some personal challenges—including working with someone whose personality clashed with nearly everyone’s—I found myself reflecting on what it means to feel safe or brave in difficult situations.

Today, while finishing setting up my new office, I revisited Micky Scottbey Jones’s “An Invitation to a Brave Space.” It’s a beautiful piece that inspires a culture of courage and support, but as I reflected on my own journey, I realized I wanted to adapt it—infusing it with my own perspective....‘Hannah-esque!' I plant to print it and post it in my office. 

WELCOME TO A BRAVE (AND FUN) SPACE

In this office, we create a brave space.

Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it.

A “safe space” is something we build together over time,

And it starts with the courage to be honest, vulnerable, and a little bit bold.

Here, we recognize that the real world isn’t always kind. We all carry our share of scars, and let’s be real—we’ve all made mistakes.

But guess what? We’re human. Not perfect, just better when we’re together.

This is a space to pause, reflect, and even laugh a bit!

To turn down the noise of the outside world

And crank up curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Here, we invite challenge, hard work and growth—but don’t worry, 

We’ll do it with a mix of truth, love, and a sense of humor.

We’ll amplify voices that need to be heard,

And if we stumble along the way, we’ll pick each other up.

We have the right to start wherever we are—

And the responsibility to stay open, ask questions, and maybe have a little fun doing it.

It might not always be comfortable,

But bravery—and a bit of laughter—can get us through anything.

This isn’t a perfect space.

But it’s ours—a space where open minds, open hearts,

And yes, a little creativity, make us stronger together.

So let’s do this. Side by side.

Let’s build a brave space, grow, thrive, and maybe even enjoy the ride.

I love you, pass it on!

(Adapted by Hannah Wildes-Trumble from Micky Scottbey Jones’s “An Invitation to a Brave Space”)

The Tale of the Mean Parking Note (and My Road Rage Redemption)

A few weeks ago, I found a scathing note on my car criticizing my parking skills. I was incredulous. Naturally, I did what any rational adult would do I took pictures of my parking, and I asked friends and coworkers for their professional opinion. Verdict? 10 out of 10 nurses and social workers (my esteemed panel of parking experts) reviewed the photos I took of my parking job and declared it “perfectly fine” with one, “you are close to the right side, but still within the lines.”

But despite my confidence in my parking prowess, that note hit me hard. The day before, I’d had a gut-wrenching experience at work that left me reeling. Plus, I’d just gotten back from New York, where I’d been caring for my mom, and life felt piled high with “too much.” So instead of shrugging it off with a sassy “bless your heart,” I cried. Like, ugly cried. All the way home.

And as the tears fell, one thought kept playing in my head: Even if I had parked badly (which I didn’t), why be mean about it? You just don’t know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Be kind.

Enter the plot twist: That experience didn’t just hurt my feelings—it convicted me.

Because here’s the thing, while I would never leave a rude note on someone’s car, I have been known to throw out some colorful commentary about other drivers in the privacy of my own vehicle. (Let’s just say I have a wide range of “creative” nicknames for people who cut me off.)

So, am I really any better than the note-leaver? Not if I’m harboring those thoughts in my heart.

After a few weeks of reflection (and maybe a little guilt), I decided to flip the script. I grabbed a stack of Post-It notes, and put them in my car along with a marker. Why? Because I can leave notes too…..Positive Parking Notes!!

Instead of tearing people down, I’m building them up:

1. You are capable of amazing things.

2. You are loved.

3. You are stronger than you think.

4. May peace fill your heart and mind.

5. Your potential is limitless.

6. You make a difference in the world.

7. You are worthy of love and respect.

8. Keep going, you are doing great.

9. You have the power to make today great.

 

10. Your parking skills are fine, and so are you.  ✔️ Personal favorite! LOL!

 

It’s silly, it’s fun, and honestly, it’s changing my mindset. Every time I write a note, I’m practicing grace instead of impatience. It’s helping me slow my roll—literally and figuratively—when I feel frustrated during my daily errands.

Want to join me in this mission? Grab a marker, some Post-Its, and let’s spread some joy in the parking lots of the world. Need supplies? I’ll mail you a starter kit. Seriously, I’m all in on this.

Here’s to giving others (and ourselves) a little more grace. Let’s turn our moments of frustration into opportunities for kindness. Because you just never know what someone else is going through—and maybe your kind note is exactly what they need to keep going today!

 

I am going to share this with my team next time I am on the schedule to do our weekly devotions. Here are the verses and parallels I pulled from the experience.

 

Bible Verses and Parallels:

1. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

• Parallel: Just as the note hurt my feelings, I must remember to be kind and compassionate, understanding that everyone has their own struggles.

2. Luke 6:35 - "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

• Parallel: Instead of harboring negative thoughts about other drivers, choose to show love and kindness, even to those who may not deserve it.

3. Colossians 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

• Parallel: As a child of God, I’m empowered and responsible to reflect Him by embracing these virtues in my daily life, especially when facing with frustrating situations…like parking issues.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

• Parallel: Practice love in all its forms, including patience and kindness, even when dealing with minor or even grand annoyances. (See I said “practice!” Because it’s not like we are gonna be perfect!)

Challenge: Join me in spreading positivity through small acts of kindness, like leaving positive parking notes. Seemingly small actions can have a profound impact on others let’s encourage a culture of compassion and kindness in our community.

Side note – not sure if I should include this but you may be interested in the fact that the next day I was talking through the hoispital and the gift shop was selling car air fresheners on their hallway clearance table…one read PEACE.  I bought this and placed it on the person’s car who left that charming note for me.  I hope it spoke to them.