Mollie T. Cox, Author at 100 Words

A Reminder: Advent Calendar of Books *

November 27th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

What do I wish I had known and experienced when my sons lived at home? An Advent Calendar of Books.

Rather than candy or trinkets, this Advent Calendar involves books to be unwrapped one by one during Advent. New books don’t have to be purchased yearly. Opening Christmas favorites can be satisfying.

Ideas abounded on the internet, but my favorites were beginning with a book per week of Advent and using library books until you decide which books you want—and can afford—in your permanent Christmas collection.

After years of collecting, I might have enough for each day of Advent. I recommended new favorites last year. (See here.) Other recent additions include

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

The Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco

The Christmas Owl by Ellen Kalish and Gideon Sterer

and Have Fun, Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke (Also titled Merry Christmas, Anna Hibiscus).

More favorites from my son’s childhoods include

Peter Spier’s Christmas by Peter Spier

Cranberry Christmas by Wende and Harry Devin

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

and Good King Wenceslas by Pauline Baynes.

Happy reading.

* Updated version of November 23, 2024 blog

Book Recommendations, Friendship, Relationships

Community Over Competition

November 22nd, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

When I watch Olympic events, I’m always struck by the camaraderie among the women swimmers and gymnasts. After finishing their event, competing athletes congratulate—even hug—the women who took their podium position. USA gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles even bowed to Brazilian Rebeca Andrade during the 2024 Olympics award ceremony after Andrade outperformed them to take the gold medal in Floor Exercise.

Interviews reveal admiration rather than trash talk. It looks genuine. Is it?

Olympic champion Katie Ledecky confirms that it is.

Women are amazing at lifting each other up, at giving a kind word when someone has a great race, providing feedback on a particular technique, or commiserating … The truth is women athletes have way bigger fish to fry than each other.
Katie Ledecky, Just Add Water

Unlike team sports, gymnasts, swimmers, and runners train with athletes from different countries. Being in the trenches together builds bridges and solidifies friendships.

This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the women in my life whom I have “trained with” and have chosen community over competition. I give thanks for our hard seasons together where solid friendships have been built.

Who is lifting you up? Whom are you lifting up?

Relationships

Safe Relationships

November 15th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

I asked myself, ‘Who is safe? and I thought of you.’
A Friend Dealing with Abuse and Trauma

Over the years, there are attributes I’ve wanted to have, and I’ve occasionally been told I have them. However, I never thought about safe until my friend labeled me.

Who are safe people?

Lindsay Lohan said people who will not take her family’s photo without permission are safe. Another woman said people who are pushy are not safe. My friend defined “safe” as someone who would not doubt her story, not judge her actions, and carefully handle her secrets.

How did my friend decide I was safe? I’m not sure. We were only causal friends the day I was contacted. However, she was the best friend of a dear relative who had passed. Did that trust carry over to me? Perhaps, I’ll ask her one day.

Ultimately, all safety depends on God.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)

May we all be safe as we gather for the holidays.

Decisions, Homeschooling, Parenting

Advice Versus Experience

November 8th, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

I don’t believe in advice. I offer experience and hope.
Tracee Ellis Ross

I don’t believe much in advice either, Tracee. Along the way, I’ve received too much from people who have no knowledge or have never walked in my footsteps. (I remember both the humor and the hurt from those situations.)

I’m also guilty. Long ago and far away, I chose a new homeschool curricula. It was computer based and made my life easier while my family cared for my mother. Within weeks, I was recommending my discovery to other families. By the end of the year, I was pointing out the curricula’s faults and giving different advice. My friends needed my seasoned experience—not my untested advice.

Even seasoned experience has not stopped others or me from giving and receiving bad advice.

What do I wish we all knew before sharing experiences and offering hope? To ask questions first to see our experiences are helpful.

Never miss a good chance to shut up. Will Rogers

Decisions, Priorities

Emptying My Accounts

November 1st, 2025
Mollie T. Cox

I thought I’d never let my account get down to zero. I certainly wouldn’t have an overdraft—except that is what I did this year and last. I did it generously and without considering the consequences because the needs of those around me were great. I also didn’t know the needs would be ongoing.

I’m not talking about my bank account because I do understand future expenses and unexpected emergencies. I’m talking about my physical and emotional reserves. In some ways, emptying my well-being account is worse. One son regularly reminds me that my health is my greatest asset.

I didn’t consider budgeting my energy—in all forms—because I underestimated how hard replenishment would be and how quickly I would need a positive balance.

Why did I know not to spend all my money helping others with their emergencies and yet not show healthy restraint with regard to spending myself? Perhaps I was too optimistic that crises would resolve? Perhaps the lack of experience of being in my sixties?

I’m learning. I’m also learning the truth of the quote below.

Help someone, you earn a friend. Help someone too much, you make an enemy.
Erol Ozan