Conversations with Ginny & Emma: Can Gratitude Change Your Life?
I was honored to join Ginny and Emma on their podcast to talk about gratitude, faith, and the story behind my new books, Last Best Year: A Short Guide to a Grateful Life and A Guided Gratitude Journal. Our conversation touched on some of the most meaningful parts of my life and writing journey.
I shared how gratitude became such an important practice for me, especially after walking through deep grief and difficult seasons, including the tragic loss of two friends when I was 16 and, later, years in an emotionally abusive marriage. Even in those dark places, I turned to God and to journaling. Writing down my prayers and small moments of gratitude helped me see His faithfulness even when life felt overwhelming.
My new journal grew out of my book Last Best Year, which explores what it would look like to live intentionally if we knew we had just one year left. I wanted to create something that offered stories, Scripture, and space for reflection, a place where readers could develop the daily habit of gratitude and experience the peace and perspective it brings.
During the interview, we spoke about how gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a choice we make, even in hard times. Research shows it benefits our physical, mental, and emotional health, but I’ve seen firsthand how it strengthens our walk with God.
I also shared a bit of my writing journey, which began unexpectedly back when I was working as a financial planner. My first children’s book, Your Home in Heaven, came to me suddenly while sitting beside a pool, and that moment launched me into a completely new calling as a writer.
We also discussed something close to my heart—encouraging women to be who God created them to be. To step out of comparison and fear, and step into freedom, identity, and purpose.
I even shared the redemptive part of my personal story: after my divorce, God eventually brought a wonderful man into my life through a dating site, and together we blended our families with His help and grace. It’s a reminder to me that God truly can bring beauty from ashes.
I loved my time with Ginny and Emma, and I hope this episode encourages others to embrace gratitude, trust God’s timing, and allow Him to write their story—one chapter at a time.
