WELCOME to Free-For-All Friday

Ahh.

Another week down.

We made it!

Here in the Ozarks we’ve gone from a lengthy stretch of clouds and rain to warmth and bright sunshine.

As always, things change quickly in our neck of the woods.

It keeps us hopping.

College.

Oh, my coffee!

I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact.

We dropped off some paperwork, rented a PO box, and perused the campus bookstore.

We checked out dorms and classrooms, hiked down a small nature trail, and snagged a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant.

It was one of many trips we’ve already made and we know the trek well.

Still, each time, the experience seems a little surreal knowing that in about eight weeks, our visit to campus will be more than a visit.

It’ll be drop-off (and stay) day.

For her—not her mama and daddy. (Well, unless we can hide in one of her clothing tubs. Hmm.) *wink*

We’ve been through this once so we can do it again, right?

…But this time, it’s our youngest. Our baby chick. Our little girl. And Captain America’s biggest fan. 🙂

But I have to tell you, my friend—this tugs the ol’ heartstrings.

Thanks for extending grace as I tiptoe through this from time to time here on the blog.

Now.

Friday!

Onward.

I loved these motivational quotes by Reverend Billy Graham via Guideposts. Kick off your weekend with this super-quick slide show.

Have a public speaking gig lined up? Here are 18 Speaking Tips to Rivet Your Audience via Zoe M. McCarthy. Great thoughts! You’ll want to bookmark this one.

My friend Jamie Chavez enlightens us, as always, with the importance of first impressions in this cut-to-the-chase post–> The Occasionally Cranky Editor Speaks. Her thoughts are brief. The subject is a must-read.

I wanted to leave you with this uplifting music video by Lauren Daigle (courtesy of Sonoma Christian Home). Lauren’s a rising young artist who won a Dove Award in 2015 and was nominated for a Grammy this year. Listen to the lyrics of “How Can It Be” with a tissue handy. Simply beautiful!

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