I began to seek opportunities to put others before myself without ever thinking of how it would be returned to me. I suddenly enjoyed folding laundry, watching endless hours of ball games, cooking a meat AND potato meal, and shining up all the dusty places around our home. I was engaged in these activities because they weren't for me; they were done for the benefit of another."

This was written by Stefoni Shaw, a second grade teacher, a mother of three, and a dear friend of mine.

I'm reminded every day in this wonderful old dusty barn how good it feels to show love -- hand feeding my dear old Piper, clapping for little Alanah who just learned to post, feeding Bun Bun animal crackers, hugging Emma when she made a 100 on her first spelling test, surprising Coyote with three McDonald's cheeseburgers, finding a sweet note on my desk from Ritter, watching Cashlyn try on her big girl dress for Catie's wedding. All of these little things, and a zillion others that happen every day,  fill my life with joy and love.