A Look Back to Look Forward
Okay, so I’m a few weeks late with this post … but it’s still January so I think it is timely! For the past several years, somewhere in the last week of the year or the first week of the new year, I intentionally carve out a day to reflect and plan. Each year it seems to evolve a little more which has made it more meaningful as the years go by. I used to only look forward to plan my upcoming year. But when I added reflecting on the past year as well, it was a game changer. As Holley Gerth writes in her book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts “Reflection leaves us clearer, stronger, and calmer. It also gives us treasures we take back to the rest of our lives. Reflection is invisible but often even more valuable [than productivity].” If you’re like me when I read a
A Christmas Letter Legacy
I have always loved the power of the written word. As an avid reader, the words on a page can transport me to another place or teach me ideas in a whole new way. As a writer, they are a way for me to pass my experiences on to my reader in hope they find encouragement for their life. As a mom and wife, they are a way for me to bless, encourage and share a little wisdom with my family through the legacy of my words to them. Three years ago, I began the practice of writing each of my children and my husband a letter at Christmastime. This is a tradition I wish I would have begun when they were much younger rather than now as young adults. But let’s face it, busy moms who are working either in the home or out, have little extra time come
How I’m Refuting Election Fears
Four years ago this past summer, I was going through a personal crisis with fear. I had input coming in from several sources that were pushing my mind to unhealthy thoughts causing crippling fear and anxiety. Plus, it was an election year … need I say more?? As someone who had never dealt with these feelings in my 50+ years, I was totally taken off-guard. I wrote about that a bit in Fear … Living in an Uncertain World and the tools I used to get my mind back to thoughts that were healthy and pure. Since then, I have learned to be much more pro-active, and this year, I am countering possible election fears with Words of Truth. So last week, I had two podcasts come up that were speaking on the election. At first, I was like, “Nah … I’m good.” But then I just felt really prompted to listen
Beyond Your Borders
Are you familiar with that yearning to do something of significance with your life? Yes, we know we are making a difference in our family member’s lives, and possibly a few other close relationships. You may even possibly have a job that brings you fulfillment that way. But do you sometimes feel the need to do more, to reach beyond your borders on a larger scale? There are so many avenues to influence others and show the light of Jesus. It could be through using the creative talents God has blessed you with to share with the world. My youngest sister has a great eye for interior design and shares those ideas with those who are not as gifted in this area. She recently re-designed and updated a church building. The response from those who attend there have indicated the beautiful setting allows them to enjoy the calm, tranquility and
A Time to Laugh
Life is hard. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Every single one of us has experienced hard. Your hard may have lasted weeks, months, years or decades … it could still be in full swing right now. I know … I’ve been there too. The hard where you don’t know how you will make it through until the end of your days. But I have to tell you … a time to laugh and a time to dance and a time for happiness will come again. I didn’t believe it either, but now I’ve lived it. Hard for me has come through so many avenues. Physical pain, devastating illnesses and death of family and close friends, relationship pain with my spouse and children, betrayal from friends, financial adversity, business disappointments … I could go on. But there is nothing unique about my list compared to yours. We
My Favorite Podcasts – Words That Fill My Soul
Now don’t laugh … but until about two years ago, I had no idea what a podcast was, where it was, how you would listen to it, and where you could learn about it. Yeah … a little behind the times! But now … I have found they are a great way to fill my soul on a regular basis. I may listen as I’m out on my morning walk (once it no longer feels like Death Valley outside!), while I’m putting on my make-up, or fixing dinner. So I thought I would just share a few of my favorites. More Than Small Talk is probably the one I listen to most consistently. Holley Gerth (one of my favorite authors), Suzy Eller and Jennifer Watson make a great round table. They call us, their listeners, their 4th chair friend and really draw you into their conversation. It’s easy to picture
