Shelly Calcagno

It’s the first snowfall of the year tonight and as I look outside, it’s a picture of perfection. All that white pure snow, blanketing the streets and lawns. Not a blemish in site. I could just hold my breath and watch in wonder. If it stayed that way forever, it would make me happy. The …

The One Grace-Filled Gift You Can Give Yourself This Christmas Read More »

Last week, I decided to do some baking on my day off. I grabbed the pile of bowls in the cupboard and instead of taking out a couple at a time, I went for the whole stack. As a result, the heavy glass one at the bottom got away from me and crashed down on …

Practical Tips for Slowing Down Your Chaotic Life Read More »

I made a commitment to myself when I became a mom that I would not pass on my insecurities to my children, that I would keep all the struggles and self-esteem issues I faced most of my life to myself. I always heard that kids would become what they saw in their parents, and I …

4 Little Words That Stopped This Mom Cold Read More »

There are these super adorable little lunch revolution products called Bento Boxes. They keep your food in perfectly neat compartments, like a dream. Your own healthy stainless steel lunchable that can be reused over and over again, and filled with creative and culinary delights. (For unattainable ideas, visit Pinterest.) I personally don’t have a Bento …

Breaking Down the Restricting Walls of Your Bento-Box Life Read More »

I was having a pretty good morning. You know, I liked my outfit. I felt pretty pulled together. I even preplanned my day and remembered to bring a lunch to work. I was ready. Let’s Do This I led my first meeting for a summer program, it went well and the team seemed excited. Then, …

Lessons in Legacy From a Surprising Source Read More »

It feels like the little sting you get pulling a big prickly weed out of the garden with dollar-store gloves. Other times it comes as a deep-down pang. Your heart dropping three stories in a freefall that lands somewhere in your gut. It’s buried deep. It rises fast. Trying to take you down. “Sorry, your project …

Scripture’s Antidote for Heart-Crushing Rejection Read More »

We can do hard things. This was a little message that I sent to a coworker a few weeks ago. We were visiting someone at the hospital and had taken separate cars. As we left, we realized we both had the same fear of trying to get out of the parking lot. You know, when you have …

Demolish Despair With This Truthful Decree Read More »

I’m doing the best that I can. Those seven words strung together created a little phrase that I started using in the past year. I like to put lots of pressure on myself to be Superwoman, have a perfect house, healthy meals, an immaculate lawn, make everyone around me happy and generally always be on top of every single …

Holy Spirit’s Answer When Your Best Isn’t Good Enough Read More »

Recently on vacation, while our family was beautifully unplugged from the world, my son asked me a question I had never considered. “Did you know the last time that you held me when I was little would be the last time?” His words blew my mind. Made me want to cry. Inspired me to try to pick him up …

Embracing Your Season Before It’s Too Late Read More »

This place was my favorite place. The old house that told many stories through all its creaks, secret doors and peeling layers of wallpaper. A little bit scary, but mostly awesome. I’m affected by the visual, and I like to imagine. This was a great house for me. My favorite spot was the tree house. I’d …

This Prevalent Lie Feeds the Stronghold of Rejection Read More »