Today, I want to introduce you to Sallie, a true MS warrior who has been fighting Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) since July 22, 2002. Her journey is one of strength, perseverance, and determination.
Sallie”s MS story began with vertigo, nausea, and muscle weakness, mainly on her left side. Over the years, she’s faced multiple flares—some temporary, others leaving lasting effects, like optic neuritis, which caused blindness in her left eye in 2004.
Despite these challenges, MS does not stop her. She continues to run, walk, lift, and practice yoga almost daily—proving that movement is power. Since 2015, she’s had no new lesions, though she remains on treatment for now. When the time comes, she plans to transition off MS therapies, knowing that the fight is still hers to own.
Sallie’s advice for those newly diagnosed? ✨ Advocate for yourself. ✨ Change your diet & exercise. ✨ Cut out alcohol if you can—it’s terrible for MS. ✨ Stop smoking. ✨ Above all, give yourself grace.
Sallie is a reminder that MS is a battle, but it doesn’t define us. Her story is one of resilience, self-care, and unwavering strength. Let’s lift her up and honor all MS warriors this month!
March is a special month for me—not because of spring break plans or the first hints of warmer weather, but because it’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. It’s a time to shine a light on a disease that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S. alone—a disease I’ve been living with since my diagnosis in 2011.
MS is unpredictable. It’s a battle fought daily, sometimes silently, often with a resilience that is nothing short of heroic. That’s why this month, I want to highlight MS warriors—people from all walks of life who refuse to let this disease define them. Every day in March, I’ll share the story of someone who faces MS head-on, whether they’re a local friend, a public figure, or an advocate making waves in the fight for a cure.
What is MS?
For those unfamiliar, Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. It disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, mobility challenges, and cognitive issues. No two cases of MS are the same—some people experience mild symptoms, while others face significant disability.
But what unites every single MS warrior is their strength, determination, and the refusal to back down.
Each day this month, take a moment to lift a MS warrior—someone who embodies resilience in the face of this disease. Maybe it’s someone in our own community who continues to work, travel, and embrace life with passion. Maybe it’s a celebrity like Selma Blair, who has used her platform to raise awareness. Maybe it’s an advocate fighting for better treatment options or a scientist working toward a cure.
Their stories matter because they show that MS is not a life sentence—it’s a life adjustment. And while there’s still no cure, there’s hope.
Are You an MS Warrior? Share Your Story!
If you are one of my Facebook friends and you’re also battling MS, I’d love to share your story—but only if you’re comfortable. Whether you want to remain anonymous or be featured by name, your journey could help inspire and educate others. MS affects us all differently, but together, we can spread awareness, foster support, and remind the world that we are warriors.
How You Can Help
• Spread Awareness – Share stories, facts, and resources about MS on social media.
• Support MS Organizations – Groups like the National MS Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provide research funding and support services.
• Check in on Your MS Warriors – Sometimes, the biggest battle is the one you can’t see. A simple “I’m thinking of you” goes a long way.
I’m proud to be part of this warrior community, and I hope that by sharing these stories, we can create more understanding, empathy, and support for those of us living with MS.
Maybe I’m just a geek (okay, definitely), but I just spent a few minutes lying in my yard, staring up at the sky like a kid seeing fireflies for the first time. And y’all—it was different tonight. Not just stars twinkling, but something a little more brilliant, almost as if they were casting light instead of just reflecting it.
Why? Because a planetary alignment just happened! Now, before anyone asks—did I personally identify every single planet up there with my expert astronomy skills? Absolutely not. But I do know that some of them were visible even without a telescope, and what I saw wasn’t just the usual night sky.
Some of the planets in this lineup were playing hard to get, only visible with a telescope (or not even that, depending on conditions). But the ones you could see? Stunning. So if your sky is clear, go outside for a minute and look up. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch a little cosmic magic too.
There are certain things in life that should be universal common sense. Fire is hot. Water is wet. And librarians—the dedicated, overworked, and underpaid professionals who curate knowledge and inspire young minds—should not be at risk of going to jail for simply doing their jobs.
Yet, here we are.
A new bill proposed in several states would criminalize librarians who fail to remove certain books deemed “inappropriate.” That’s right—career professionals who specialize in research, education, and literacy could now face jail time for refusing to pull books from shelves.
This isn’t just about a few controversial titles. This is government-sanctioned censorship wrapped up in a false narrative of “protecting children.” But let’s be honest—this has nothing to do with keeping kids safe and everything to do with controlling what they have access to.
Parenting vs. Policing
The reality is, no book magically jumps into a child’s hands. No library forces a kid to check out a book. Parents already have the power to monitor what their children read. If you don’t want your kid reading a certain book, then be a parent and don’t let them check it out. Simple.
But what we don’t need is a group of politicians deciding that their personal opinions dictate what all kids—and adults—can read. We don’t need the government overstepping into libraries, classrooms, and bookstores to determine what knowledge is acceptable.
A Dangerous Precedent
History has shown us what happens when books are banned. It starts with one or two titles, but soon the list grows longer. Suddenly, classic literature is “too controversial.” Books about history, race, gender, or anything that challenges a narrow worldview are erased from shelves. And who suffers? Students. Readers. The future generation.
When we criminalize books, we criminalize curiosity. We tell kids that learning is dangerous. We tell librarians—those who dedicate their lives to education—that their jobs are a legal liability.
What Can We Do?
1. Speak Up. Call your representatives and tell them that censorship has no place in our communities.
2. Support Your Local Library. Attend meetings, donate, and advocate for intellectual freedom.
3. Vote. Pay attention to who is pushing these bills and vote accordingly.
4. Teach Your Kids Critical Thinking. Instead of banning books, read them with your children and have discussions. That’s how real learning happens.
Let’s be clear—this bill isn’t about protecting children. It’s about control. And when we let politicians decide which books are acceptable, we open the door to a dangerous future.
Librarians should be celebrated, not criminalized. Parents should be responsible for parenting, not the government. And the right to read should never, ever be up for debate.
Life is busy—believe me, I get it. Between work, kids, grandkids, travel, and everything else that life throws our way, it can feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But let me tell you something I hold dear: sitting down together for a meal—wherever you are—is something we all need more of. And yes, that means no phones allowed!
Now, I’m not just talking about Sunday dinners (though, let’s be honest, there’s something magical about a table full of food and family). I’m talking about the Tuesday night pizza on the couch, the quick breakfast before the chaos of the day begins, or the burger grabbed at the airport between flights. It’s not about the food or the setting—it’s about being present with the people around you.
These moments—big or small—are where memories are made. It’s where you hear about your grandchild’s new favorite dinosaur, your spouse’s random funny story from work, or just share a comfortable silence over a shared love of mac and cheese. But when we let our phones creep onto the table, those connections slip away. A quick glance at a notification turns into scrolling, and suddenly that moment is gone.
I know it’s tempting—I’ve caught myself reaching for my phone more times than I can count—but I promise you, that message can wait. That email can be answered later. The world won’t end if you’re unreachable for 30 minutes. What is important is the laughter, the conversation, and the love that fills the space when you’re truly present.
And here’s the thing—sitting down for a meal together doesn’t have to be complicated. Order takeout, eat outside, or even pack a picnic when you’re traveling. It’s less about the what and more about the who. Some of my favorite memories aren’t at fancy restaurants or big family feasts—they’re at roadside diners, hotel breakfast tables, and kitchen counters covered in pancake batter.
So tonight, wherever you are—home, on the road, or somewhere in between—take a moment. Put the phones away. Pull up a chair. Look at the faces around you and soak it all in. These are the moments that truly matter.
Life is short, y’all. Make time for dinner.
With love and a full heart (and probably a plate of something delicious),
XOXO, Jani
P.S. Got a favorite mealtime memory? Share it with me—I’d love to hear it!
Let me start by saying I have nothing against Southern slang. Lord knows I was born and raised in the South, and a little twang is just part of my charm (or so I tell myself). But there is one thing that has always made me pause, roll my eyes just a bit, and maybe chuckle under my breath: the word “Deddy.”
Now, let’s be clear—”Deddy” isn’t really a word. It’s a pronunciation. Southern slang for “Daddy.” And while I love a good Southernism as much as the next Georgia girl, I have to admit, I’m just not a fan of “Deddy.” Maybe it’s because my own Daddy worked hard to keep us from sounding too redneck. I can still hear him correcting us when we’d let it slip out: “It’s Daddy, not Deddy.” Bless him, he tried. If you’ve ever heard me talk, you know he didn’t exactly succeed—but hey, effort counts, right?
“Daddy” feels like a universal term—one that carries warmth, familiarity, and maybe a little nostalgia. It’s what you cry out when you skin your knee, the name you yell at a T-ball game, or the voice you hear giving you advice you didn’t ask for but probably needed. “Deddy,” on the other hand? It just sounds… well, like you might be missing a few teeth and sipping sweet tea on a porch that’s seen better days. (And yes, I say that with love, y’all. Don’t come for me.)
There’s something about pronunciation that ties us to where we come from, though. Language is funny like that—it holds our history, our family stories, and those little quirks that make us us. And while I might poke fun at “Deddy,” I can’t deny it’s part of the Southern tapestry I come from. It’s the neighbor down the road, the cousin at the family reunion, and maybe even that part of me I pretend isn’t there when I’m trying to sound all professional.
But at the end of the day, whether you say “Daddy,” “Deddy,” or something else entirely, what matters is the man behind the name. For me, that’s the memory of a man who tried to raise his kids with a little polish—even if we still end up sounding like we just stepped out of a country song. And if you know our family, is was not easy for him from the other side!
So, next time you hear someone say “Deddy,” you’ll know why I smirk just a little. And if you catch me slipping up and saying it myself? Well… let’s just call it Southern charm and leave it at that.
Y’all ever have one of those moments where you’re just cruisin’ through life, spelling words like a champion, and then BAM—you hit a wall? A completely normal, everyday word suddenly looks like you typed it in hieroglyphics. You write it, rewrite it, stare at it, say it out loud, maybe even Google it, but the more you try, the more convinced you become that you’ve never seen that word in your life.
I like to call this the Great Spelling Crisis—a rare but devastating moment when your brain simply gives up and walks off the job.
The Usual Suspects
For me, it’s words like necessary (does it have one C? Two? Why does it feel like it needs another S?), embarrass (I am, in fact, embarrassed every time I try to spell it), and definitely (or is it defiantly? Or definatly? Who knows anymore?). It’s always the simple words that get you!
Then there’s the cruel irony of technology not helping one bit. Autocorrect is just sitting there, judging you, offering suggestions that somehow make the word look even worse than before. And if you type it into Google, you get that passive-aggressive “Did you mean…?” like, YES GOOGLE, I DID MEAN THAT, but now I don’t even trust myself anymore.
The Overthinking Spiral
The worst part is the more you look at the word, the less it looks right. You start second-guessing yourself, sounding it out like a first-grader in a spelling bee: Neh-sess-sah-ree? Emb-er-ass? Then, in sheer desperation, you write it in all caps as if yelling at the letters will make them behave.
And if you’re really desperate? You avoid the word altogether. That’s right—I will absolutely change an entire sentence just to avoid spelling one tricky word. Why struggle with “necessary” when I can just say “really important”? Work smarter, not harder.
The Humbling Moment of Acceptance
Eventually, you either:
1. Give up and let spellcheck win.
2. Ask someone nearby and hope they don’t judge you.
3. Throw your phone/laptop/notepad across the room and accept that you will never spell “restaurant” correctly on the first try.
And if anyone ever dares to call you out on it? Just say, “I know how to spell it, I just had a moment.” Because, honey, we ALL have these moments. Some of us just have them more often than others.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go double-check if I spelled “definitely” right. Again.
Some things in life change—fashion trends, technology, even our taste in wine (hello, red blends!). But one thing that should always remain constant? Girl Code. It’s the sacred set of unwritten rules that govern the way we treat our besties, our acquaintances, and even the women we barely know but still feel an unspoken connection to.
Girl Code isn’t about rules to hold us back—it’s about the foundation that lifts us up. It’s a commitment to having each other’s backs, to celebrating each other’s wins, and to never, under any circumstances, breaking the sacred trust of sisterhood.
So, in case you need a little refresher (or a reminder for that one friend who always seems to be teetering on the edge of a violation), here are a few golden Girl Code commandments that should be followed—forever.
1. Thou Shall Not Date a Friend’s Ex
This is the golden rule. If your girl cried over him, lost sleep over him, or even mildly debated texting him at 2 AM—he is OFF LIMITS. No exceptions, no “but they broke up years ago” loopholes. Just. No.
2. Always Hype Your Girls Up
There is no such thing as overhyping a friend. If she’s slaying in that outfit, tell her. If she’s crushing it at work, shout it from the rooftops. If she’s doubting herself, be the voice that reminds her she’s that girl. We rise by lifting each other.
3. Never Let a Friend Go to the Bathroom Alone
This is a basic safety rule, but it’s also about moral support. Whether she needs a pep talk, a zipper fix, or just a partner-in-crime for mirror selfies, you go with her. That’s non-negotiable.
4. If She’s Struggling, You Show Up
Bad breakup? Hard day at work? General existential crisis? You bring the wine, the chocolate, and the unconditional support. No “let me know if you need anything” nonsense—just show up.
5. Be Her Safe Place
If a friend tells you something in confidence, that information goes nowhere. Gossip is fun, but betraying trust isn’t. When she shares something with you, she should never have to worry about hearing it from someone else later.
6. If She’s Embarrassed, You Make It Less Awkward
Tripped in public? Spilled her drink? Sent a text she shouldn’t have? You laugh with her, not at her. If necessary, you create an even bigger distraction to shift the attention. That’s what besties do.
7. Call Her Out, But Never Tear Her Down
We all need someone who will tell us when we’re being a little too dramatic or making a bad decision. But Girl Code means doing it with love. Honesty is necessary, but kindness is key.
8. Defend Her—Even When She’s Not in the Room
Real loyalty isn’t just about what you say to her face; it’s about how you speak about her when she’s not there. If someone is dragging her name through the mud, you shut it down. Period.
9. If She’s Had Too Much, You Take Her Home
A true friend never lets another friend stumble out of a bar alone, text an ex in a moment of weakness, or wake up with regret (and possibly no phone). If she’s in no condition to make good decisions, you make them for her.
10. Celebrate Each Other—Always
Women supporting women is a beautiful thing. When one of us wins, we all win. No jealousy, no side-eye, just pure joy for each other’s successes. That’s what true Girl Code is all about.
At the end of the day, Girl Code isn’t just a list of rules—it’s a way of life. It’s about loyalty, love, and lifting each other up, no matter what. Because when we stick together, there’s nothing we can’t handle.
Another oldie I wrote back in 2009! Still on point! Just a little update with a cute pic!
I’ll never forget the day we taught our oldest son, Jake, how to ride his bike without training wheels. It was one for the books.
Teddy—his daddy—started out right next to him, gripping the handlebars and the back of the seat, making sure Jake could balance and brake without toppling over. At first, Teddy held on tight, guiding him every step of the way. Then, as Jake started to steady himself, Teddy let go of the handlebars and only held onto the seat. Wobbly, but determined, Jake kept going.
And then, the moment of truth—Teddy let go completely. For a brief second, Jake was doing it! He was riding all on his own! And then… crash. Down he went. It wasn’t terrible, just a little scrape, but the tears came fast. I scooped him up and asked, “What happened, Jaker?” With big, teary eyes, he looked at me and said, “Daddy let me go, and I got scared.”
Teddy felt awful, but of course, he was just trying to teach Jake how to ride on his own. After a few comforting words (and maybe a few more sniffles), Jake bravely got back on the bike, and we started the whole process again.
As the afternoon went on, frustration set in. Eventually, Jake—his little ego flaring—decided he didn’t need Daddy’s help anymore. He insisted Teddy let go. Teddy wasn’t so sure, but Jake was determined. And then, in one bold move, he decided to take on our very steep driveway.
For a split second, he felt the thrill of freedom. And then… CRASH. This time, it was bad. Blood everywhere. And in true Jake fashion, instead of showing how hurt he was, he got mad. He turned to Teddy and shouted, “Why didn’t you catch me, Daddy?!”
A Lesson in Faith
Our walk with God is a lot like Jake’s bicycle lesson. There are times in life when we want God holding onto us tightly, guiding us, protecting us, keeping us from falling. We don’t want to move forward without the security of His presence. We’re afraid we’ll lose our balance or forget how to brake.
Then, there are the times we don’t feel God as strongly. We get into a funk, maybe even drift away, thinking He’s not guiding us—when in reality, we’re the ones not seeking Him. God gives us room to grow, to make choices, to strengthen our faith.
And then, of course, there are times when we get a little too confident. We start making decisions without seeking God’s guidance. We think we’ve got it all figured out. “I’ve got this, God! Your rules don’t apply here, dude.” And then… CRASH.
We fall. Hard. And what do we do? We turn to God, bruised and broken, and cry, “Where were You? Why didn’t You catch me, Father?”
I imagine sometimes God shakes His head and lovingly says, “Really? You’re blaming Me for this?”
Free Will & Faith
The truth is, just like Jake had to learn to ride his bike, we have to learn how to walk in faith. God gives us free will—He lets us make our own choices. And sometimes, we choose to ignore everything He’s taught us. When we tell Him we don’t need His help, He steps back and lets us try it on our own.
But here’s the beautiful part—He never leaves.
Jake eventually learned to ride that bike with confidence. Over time, he mastered balance and braking. Teddy didn’t have to hold on anymore.
And that’s how faith works. As we grow, our relationship with God deepens, and we learn to navigate life with wisdom and trust. It becomes less scary when we remember the lessons our Father has taught us. We know He’s always there, His guidance steady, His presence constant. It’s up to us to remember and apply what He’s taught us—to keep our balance and know when to brake.
The Father’s Love
That first day, Jake crashed. And even though he yelled at his daddy, you know what happened? Teddy scooped him up and comforted him. He couldn’t take the pain away completely—cuts and bruises take time to heal—but just being held made Jake feel better.
God is our Father—our Daddy.
When we crash—when life knocks us down—He is there to scoop us up. The damage may be done. The healing may take time. Bruised egos, broken hearts, wounds to the soul—they don’t mend overnight. But they do heal.
And just like physical scars remind us of lessons learned, so do the scars of our past mistakes. They remind us of where we’ve been and, more importantly, what not to repeat.
So if you’ve fallen—if you’ve crashed—know this: You’re not alone. We all have.
Let your Father comfort you. Give yourself the grace to heal. And remember, keep your balance. Know when to move forward and when to apply the brakes.
I wrote this forever ago …like 2009 I think. Sometimes, I need to read it again … and again … and again. Maybe some of y’all do too. XOXO
Have you ever been to a rodeo? Cowboys and cowgirls amaze me. They can take the hardest falls, get trampled, bruised, and battered—but they always get back up, dust themselves off, and jump right back in the saddle. Sure, sometimes the injuries are so bad that they need a little medical attention, but eventually, they return to the circuit, good as new.
Now, I’ve never taken a hard fall from a horse. I ride, but I don’t barrel race or bronco bust—no, thank you! I’ve never truly been in the thick of it. And yet, watching those fearless cowboys and cowgirls, I sometimes wonder if I’d have the guts to do what they do.
Our Christian walk? It’s not so different.
Some people prefer to sit safely in the stands or stay on a slow, steady trot—comfortable, content, and secure in their salvation. And that’s fine. But those who never step out of their comfort zone will never experience the thrill of true faith in action.
Every time a cowboy or cowgirl gets thrown, they learn something new. They walk away stronger, better prepared for the next ride. But those sitting in the stands? They may know the mechanics of riding, but they haven’t studied, practiced, or put in the work to prepare for the rodeo.
It’s the same with faith.
Sitting on the sidelines, you might feel a little thrill watching others do God’s work. But oh man! If you’re the one out there, taking the hits, facing the challenges, pushing through in faith—that’s when you truly experience the ride of a lifetime. That’s when you reap the greatest reward.
Salvation isn’t the end of the road—it’s just the beginning. It’s our ticket to Heaven, but what if we lived every day fighting for God, working for His glory, and truly stepping into our calling?
Prepare for the Fight
Here’s the reality: The moment you jump into the ring—as a prayer warrior, a teacher, a youth leader, a fisher of men—Satan takes notice. And he’s going to do everything he can to knock you off course.
Some Christians? They rarely stumble. They have an unwavering strength, an unshakable trust in God, a fortitude that keeps them steady no matter what comes their way.
Me? I’m not one of those Christians.
I burst out of the gate full of fire, and Satan takes me down—hard. But here’s what I’ve learned: You have to get back up. If you stay down, Satan will stomp the living daylights out of you. That’s what he does. That’s what he wants.
So dust yourself off. Climb back in the saddle. And keep riding.
You’re Not Alone
Ever notice those rodeo clowns? They’re always nearby, ready to step in when a cowboy is in trouble. They distract the bull, give the rider a chance to escape, and help them get back on their feet.
In life, we have those people too. Our church elders, family, and friends—they’re our rodeo clowns. When we take a fall, they’re there to help us, to pull us to safety, to pray for us and encourage us when we feel like we can’t get back up.
And the next time you face the fight, you’ll be better prepared. Oh, Satan will still throw new twists and turns your way—but you’ll be ready.
So COWBOY UP! Get ready for the ride of your life. And remember—at the end of this ride, the reward is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before Me no other god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” – Isaiah 43:10
Journeys With Jani 