Chats from the Blog Cabin

Sometimes God answers the ache in your heart in ways you never see coming. In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , I’m introducing you to Teddy—the tiny kitten who seemed to show up at exactly the right time. After spending July talking about gratitude, I found myself unexpectedly emotional, exhausted, and wondering what my purpose looks like in this new season of life. My girls are grown,...

What happens when a month-long gratitude series brings up feelings you weren’t expecting? In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa is sharing how focusing on gratitude also opened the door to some deeper emotions—including a moment when she found herself bawling her eyes out, wondering if her days of being needed were behind me. And then Friday night happened. The cat distribution sy...

What happens when you spend an entire month talking about gratitude…and suddenly you don’t feel very grateful? In this vulnerable episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , I’m admitting something I think we all need permission to say sometimes: I’m tired. Not just physically tired. Emotionally tired. The kind of tired that makes little things feel bigger, old hurts start talking again, and feelings y...

Freedom is a gift that many of us experience every day without stopping to think about it. In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa reflects on the freedoms many Americans enjoy, why gratitude should never lead to complacency, and how appreciating our liberties can inspire us to serve others, participate in our communities, and pass these blessings on to future generations. Join this...

Gratitude isn't something we practice only when life is going well. In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa shares why choosing gratitude—even during life's ordinary and difficult moments—can change the way we see the world. Join the conversation as we explore how noticing God's everyday blessings helps us find hope, joy, and peace no matter what season we're in.

What do giant wooden trolls, reclaimed wood, and a birthday adventure have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , I'm sharing why going troll hunting became the perfect birthday celebration. After celebrating our anniversary by finding the five trolls at Dorothea Dix Park, Raul and I continued the adventure by visiting Big Salley for my birthday. A...

This month on Chats from the Blog Cabin , we've been exploring what it means to live with gratitude. But what happens when you're the one struggling to find something to be thankful for? In this heartfelt episode, Melissa shares the honest story of her birthday—a day that left her feeling forgotten instead of celebrated. She opens up about how old wounds resurfaced, how easy it is to belie...

s part of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , this special episode invites you to discover one of God's greatest gifts— hope . In a world that often feels uncertain, hope gives us a reason to keep moving forward, trusting that God is still at work even when we can't see the whole picture. Join Melissa Vera as she shares a heartfelt devotion from A Year of Hope , offering bi...

What if one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your relationships doesn't cost a thing? In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa explores how practicing gratitude can transform marriages, friendships, family relationships, and even everyday interactions. Through personal reflections, biblical encouragement, and a simple gratitude challenge, you'll discover that appreciat...

Have you ever stopped to thank the person you used to be? In this inspiring episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa Vera invites you to reflect on the choices, challenges, and moments of courage that shaped the person you are today. While it's easy to focus on our mistakes, we often forget to appreciate the strength it took to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and keep moving forward....

Life isn't always easy, and sometimes finding something to be grateful for can feel impossible. In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa Vera shares how gratitude isn't about pretending everything is perfect—it's about recognizing God's faithfulness even in life's hardest moments. Whether you're walking through grief, facing health challenges, dealin...

What if the next spark of creativity is waiting on a dusty shelf in your local thrift shop or antique store? In this episode of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , I'm sharing why antique stores, thrift shops, and flea markets hold such a special place in my heart. There's something magical about giving old things a new purpose, and every visit reminds me that beauty can be...

In this heartfelt episode of the July Gratitude Series, Melissa reflects on one of life's greatest blessings—spending time with the people we love. From family dinners and meaningful conversations to celebrating milestones with loved ones (including furry family members), she shares why our greatest memories are often found in life's simplest moments. Tune in for encouragement to slow down...

Celebrate the gift of freedom in this inspiring episode of the July Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin . Melissa reflects on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country, the personal freedoms we enjoy every day, and the incredible freedom found through faith in Christ. Join her for a heartfelt reminder to pause, give thanks, and never take freedom for granted.

Who has helped shape the person you are today? In this heartfelt episode of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa Vera reflects on the mentors who have encouraged, challenged, and inspired her throughout life's journey. Whether it's a teacher, coach, family member, friend, or someone you've never met whose words changed your perspective, mentors often see our pote...

As we grow older, our definition of friendship begins to change. We realize it's not about having the biggest circle—it's about having the right one. In this heartfelt episode of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , I'm sharing why I'm so grateful for the friends who have walked beside me through life's celebrations, challenges, and everything in between. We'...

When was the last time you paused to appreciate how far you've come? In this uplifting episode of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , we're turning our focus inward and exploring what it means to be grateful for yourself. Not in a prideful way, but in a grace-filled way that recognizes God's faithfulness through every challenge, every lesson, and every step of growth. J...

Yesterday, my sweet Allie celebrated her 15th Gotcha Day, and after the health challenges we faced from April through June, every moment of this milestone felt like an incredible gift. Instead of focusing only on celebrating her, we chose to turn our gratitude into acts of kindness. In this heartfelt Gratitude Series episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , I'm sharing how we thanked the amazing...

Some of life's greatest blessings come with four paws and unconditional love. In this heartfelt episode of the Gratitude Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa celebrates a very special milestone—Allie's 15th Gotcha Day. Through memories, gratitude, and reflection, she shares how one little Shih Tzu became a faithful companion through life's joys, challenges, blog posts, podcast...

What makes the Fourth of July truly unforgettable? Is it the fireworks, the backyard cookouts, or something even deeper? In this heartfelt episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa Vera continues the Gratitude Series by exploring the power of family traditions and the memories they create. As Independence Day reminds us to celebrate freedom, it's also the perfect time to pause and appreci...

We often spend so much time chasing the next big milestone that we forget to appreciate the moments happening right in front of us. But when we look back on our lives, it isn't the things we owned that fill our hearts—it's the experiences we shared. In this episode of Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa shares heartfelt stories from her own life, including childhood summers with her dad, f...

July has become one of my favorite months—a season of gratitude, celebrating Allie's Gotcha Day, reflecting on another birthday, and slowing down to notice God's blessings in everyday life. In this episode, I'm sharing why gratitude is more than a feeling—it's a daily practice that changes how we experience the world. Join me as we begin a Month of Gratitude together and discover j...

The final episode of our Mindfulness Series is a heartfelt reflection on everything this journey has taught us. From childhood memories and moments of grief to unexpected joy found in everyday life, Melissa shares how mindfulness became more than a podcast theme—it became a way of living. Join us as we celebrate the ordinary moments that become our most treasured memories and close this chapter wi...

What if one of the most ordinary parts of your day could become one of the most peaceful? In this episode of the Mindfulness Series on Chats from the Blog Cabin , Melissa invites you to slow down and discover the quiet beauty found in something we often rush through—washing your body. Whether it's a warm shower after a long day or a relaxing soak in a hot tub, these everyday moments can become...

When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to receive care? In this episode of the Mindfulness Series, Melissa shares how something as ordinary as having her hair washed at the salon became a reminder to slow down, let go of the constant need to "do," and simply be present. Together, we'll explore the beauty of everyday self-care, the importance of receiving kindness, and how...