Join me as I explore two random and simple words!
Join me as I explore two random and simple words!
I am a passionate blogger who finds meaning in sharing real-life stories and reflections from the seasons that have shaped me. As a single mother of three boys, one of seven siblings, a proud grandmother to one, and a teacher to many, life around me is rarely quiet—and always full of lessons.
My writing explores life through the lens of womanhood, motherhood, faith, healing, and memory. I write about the challenges, the joys, and the moments in between, drawing from my experiences as a daughter, a mother, and a lifelong learner. My hope is to create a space where honesty lives, reflection is encouraged, and readers feel seen, understood, and inspired to tell their own stories.
If you’re looking for honest, heartfelt content that encourages reflection and journaling, you’re in the right place. This space is where I share real-life stories, personal growth, faith-filled moments, and gentle reminders to slow down and listen to your heart.
Along the way, I also love sharing the books I’m currently reading—those that are inspiring me, challenging me, or simply bringing me joy in the moment. You’ll find a mix of devotionals, faith-based reads, personal growth books, and just-for-fun favorites that speak to different seasons of life.
My hope is that you’ll leave feeling empowered, motivated, and inspired to pick up a journal, a book, or even just a quiet moment for yourself—because your story matters, too.
Mandy Hale
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
"The mess of life is both inevitable and unexpected. It is filled with delightful mysteries and frustrating predicaments. In our disposable culture, we throw broken things away. So what will we do with broken people, broken relationships, broken institutions, broken families, and of course, our very own broken selves?" -Matthew Kelly
This book arrived quietly in my life. I don’t remember purchasing it or being given it—it simply appeared on my bookshelf, nestled among familiar nonfiction titles. Something about the name pulled me in, urging me to pause and read the back cover.
"Can someone who has been broken be healed and become more beautiful and more loveable than ever before? The answer will fill you with hope."
That question stayed with me. With continued commitment on my mind and dedication in my heart, I stepped away from the noise of the screen and chose stillness instead—sitting down on the couch, opening the book, and allowing myself to read with intention.
If you feel drawn to this question too, click on the book to purchase your own copy.
Cory Losier
"Loving others without losing the best of who you are." - Lysa Terkeurst
Reading the title alone brings tears to my eyes. We all know how difficult goodbyes can be, but setting boundaries—that is a different kind of hard.
I’m genuinely excited to begin reading this book. My purchase includes a six-session study guide along with streaming videos. While it’s designed for a group setting, this will be a journey I’m walking through on my own.
This book was lovingly recommended to me several months ago by a dear friend—at a time when I needed to learn about boundaries more than ever. It feels meaningful to finally open its pages now.

We ALL deserve to stop suffering because of what others have personally done to us. We are beautiful souls, worthy of healing, and deserving of a life lived fully and freely—just as God intended.
"I can heal. I can forgive. I can trust God. And none of those beautiful realities are held hostage by another person." - Lysa Terkeurst
This book was initially a Kindle Library free read, but I quickly realized I needed a physical copy of my own. I found myself wanting to highlight meaningful passages, jot notes in the margins, and dog-ear pages for quick reference. That’s when I knew—it’s that good.

"Let me share my story with you. If God can help me, He can help anyone. " - Cory Losier
We must seek Him.
This book was lent to me by a dear friend during a meaningful conversation about how addiction impacts relationships. As we talked, I found myself asking a difficult but necessary question: How often do we stop to consider how addiction is affecting the addict personally?
I’ll be the first to admit—I haven’t always done that. I’ve been too quick to judge, too ready to point fingers. And really… who am I to judge? Dear readers, I’ve been wrong, and I’ve done wrong. So now I sit here in front of this screen with commitment on my mind and dedication in my heart, choosing reflection over judgment.
The author’s struggles, courage, and unwavering commitment were deeply inspiring. This book is a reminder that no one is beyond redemption—and that hope is always present, even in the darkest places.
For those of you who are struggling, or who love someone who is, I highly recommend this book.
Out of curiosity, I did a little more research and found the author on YouTube as well (Forgiven AF Podcast: S3 E6 “Born Loser” with Cory Losier). It only deepened the impact of his story—and reinforced the truth that healing begins when we’re willing to listen, learn, and seek Him.

"This devotional was written to
encourage others and give hope to a
hurting world." - Kym Keck
Amen. Who doesn’t need short, meaningful devotions in the midst of busy, heavy days? Sometimes a few intentional moments are exactly what the heart needs to refocus and breathe.
I’m currently reading Seeing Beautiful Again, but this devotional is next on my list. I’m grateful for thoughtful recommendations like this one—especially when they come from dear friends who know exactly when hope is needed most.

"In the middle of the pain you didn't cause, the change you didn't want, or the reality you didn't know was coming...your life can still be beautiful." - Lysa Terkeurst
Honestly, this may be the best 25 out of 50 devotions I have ever read. Even though I’m only halfway through, I already know this will be one of those books I return to again and again—a true must re-read for seasons when the heart needs reassurance.

Just for fun reading!
Can you blame me!!
This book was given to me—or maybe shared with me; I’m honestly not sure—by someone close to my heart. With an upcoming trip planned with my dad and siblings, this feels like the perfect long-road-trip read.
Sometimes, the best books aren’t chosen for growth or healing—just for the joy of getting lost in the pages. And that feels just right right now.

Get ready to read about my journey as a devoted mother, a gentle grandmother, a dependable daughter, a sincere sister, an affectionate aunt, a fearless friend, a tenderhearted teacher, and an empathetic ex-wife—each role shaping the stories I share and the lessons I continue to learn.


























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