RiseUP Blog

To all of you who are faithful to support and read the blog for RiseUP Cooperative, thank you for having a heart for teens and the other precious ones who are supported, encouraged, and strengthened by this nonprofit organization.

Instead of tackling those intense to-do items alone, enlist the help of a friend or family member so that you can make memories of doing those things together.

My family has always enjoyed doing crafts over the holidays, especially when we were foster parents, and one thing that we do for Christmas is incorporate things from nature in our home decor.

When I worked in preschool, one of the things I enjoyed was making a Christmas ornament for all of the children’s families.

I heard a statement on the radio about someone dreading Thanksgiving because they got so stressed over getting everything cleaned up for the day/meal that they didn’t really enjoy Thanksgiving itself. My advice is this…

To everyone who has served our country in the Armed Forces, thank you for giving your time, often away from your family, to help keep the United States strong and free.

Here we are at All Saints Day and the first weekend of November. Don’t forget about the time change as we “fall back” during the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Socialization and activities are great and all, but you do need to set aside time on your schedule for just yourself...no appointments, no distractions, just a bit of time for a breather.

I know it sometimes feels that the world is too big and that what you can do wouldn’t make a difference, but you’re wrong. You are exactly what people need.

When my husband and I were foster parents, we had to have an emergency plan on our refrigerator so that all of our kids (including the bonus children) knew where to meet in the event of a fire, severe storm, flood, or other crisis.

The recent deaths and regional devastation caused by flash-flooding in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a reminder that we all need to take extra precautions during hurricane season.

Some days you no doubt have the stars in your eyes when you look at your significant other, while on other days you may wonder, “What in the world was I thinking?”

If you have sought counsel, evaluated all of your options, and made a choice, then hold tight and trust that you are where you should be.

This week, I want to give a shout-out to all of the folks who do their best to make their loved ones happy when gift-giving.

I believe that classical music, especially that of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is some of the most chill music ever.

Your “homework” this week is to find a fabulous recipe and drop it in the comments at the end of the blog for me to post next time.

Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. We have made it through the first full week of school here in Knoxville, and...

A smile can ease the anxiety of someone else who may be just as nervous as you. It can also help you start a conversation with others and see what you might have in common.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, shares something in common with many of you. She and her siblings were in foster care until she was 5 years old.

We have made it to the last weekend of July…and that means Tennessee’s tax-free weekend!