10 Steps for Healthy Conflict Resolution
Last weekend I experienced a beautiful thing. Back story: whenever one of our husband’s goes out of town, my sisters and myself, along with my mom, plan a girl’s weekend at the temporarily single person’s home. This time we were able to squeeze in a fun 24-hour get-away. We talk, play games, eat, share what’s going on in our lives, help and support each other through our current challenges usually including a time of prayer. Occasionally, a “discussion” arises that is unexpected and takes us by surprise. This was one of those times. But what I witnessed was beautiful healthy conflict resolution that is still making me shake my head in awe. My mom and my sister and her family share a home … BOOM! In many families, this concept would not ever be entertained. A simple, “Ain’t no way…” would suffice. However, they have been making it work for
The Value of a One-Word Prayer
We have all experienced times of great pain, disappointment, or confusion – and maybe you’re in one of those valley’s right now? I know when I have been in those seasons, there are times I cannot even form a sentence to pray to God. What I find myself saying over and over again is simply His name, “Jesus!” The value of that one-word prayer has sustained me many, many times. As I say His name over and over again, my mind will regularly tune into a song I sung throughout my childhood and thankfully, the words are still ingrained. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just Something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus, like the Fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and Earth proclaim. Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away But there’s something about that Name!” To have that song going through your mind constantly, be on
Be Present ~ What Does That Really Mean?
For the past few years, in early December I begin praying and thinking about what I want my “word” for the next year to be. Something that inspires me to more—a word that can be a filter for the way I live my life and the decisions I make. A couple years ago, God kept showing me, “Be Present.” But what does that really mean? As a Queen of multi-tasking, there were always things I could be “doing” when I was having a conversation with someone, both on the phone or in person. Because there was always more “to do” than hours “to do” them in, I could justify and even be proud of the fact that I could accomplish so much instead of wasting time in just conversation – yikes! Sometimes there would be a little prick in my conscience as I half-listened to my family, friends or co-workers. But
Living Above the Clouds
We just got home from a wonderful, refreshing vacation. Two weeks in the Pacific Northwest was a balm to the soul with the giant, green trees and vast ocean waves—soul-giving to these desert dwellers. But the plane ride home is what is staying with me this week as well. I have always loved how white, billowy and cotton-like the clouds look once you break through them with magnificent rays of sunshine coming from above. As we flew out of Denver on our layover, the skies were dark, and the underside of the clouds were gray and ominous looking. It appeared a storm could break at any moment. As we ascended into the sky, we were quickly in the middle of the clouds where there was no visibility and it was bumpy and you felt a little uncertain as to what the rest of the flight might be like. Then suddenly
What I’m Currently Reading — Summer, 2020
If you’ve read many of my previous posts, you know I’m an avid reader. If adulting wasn’t so time consuming, I would probably read for hours each day! I love to learn! And I love a good story! So I thought I would begin a regular series of what I’m currently reading during each season to encourage you to pick up a book instead of turning on the television. Before I lose those of you who do not consider yourself to be readers or simply believe you don’t have the time, here’s an interesting statistic for you. Did you know the average person can read 12-14 books a year by committing to just 15 minutes of reading every day? I truly believe that beginning or ending your day with a book is great for your mind and your soul. I read my spiritual growth books each morning as part of
Timeless Truth–Poems to Encourage
Several years ago, my younger sister walked through a devastating life change. Everything in her world was turned upside down. She now had to choose between searching out truth through the God she had known in her youth or allowing herself to crumble under the weight of the pain and loss. She chose truth! And in walking in that truth, she has blessed so many over the last decade with her poem writing and her speaking. Today I want to share a few of her poems with you that I believe may help you as you move through each day. It is possible you are currently living your own worst nightmare, as she was, and have no idea where to turn. Or it may be that you are struggling, like the majority of us are, with what in the world is going on around us and can we please just
