Mind

good girl … rebellious teen … restored … painful marriage … redeemed by Him Listening to “More Than Small Talk,” one of my favorite podcasts I’ve mentioned before, the hosts were talking about the stories of our lives. They challenged their listeners to write their own story in 10 words or less. You see mine above. In the podcast, they shared how sometimes we may have pages or chapters of our stories we wish we could tear out and re-write. And while we cannot re-write them, we can certainly re-frame them. This was a great exercise to stop for a moment and really put some thought into each chapter of my life. Good girl … the Story: All I remember from my earliest years was being told what a good girl I was—easy, quiet, compliant, didn’t cause trouble. You may be thinking…what’s wrong with that? Not a thing (and my

I don’t know about you, but this year, our nation’s Independence holiday had more of an impact on me than ever before. If I had to guess, I would say it is because of the current state of our country and the direction we appear to be heading. This will not be a political post, simply my thoughts on how we as individuals, living our day to day lives, can make a difference. We must make a difference to ensure that America stays a land of the free and home of the brave for our children and grandchildren. The most important thing we can do is PRAY! I know sometimes we can fall into the trap of wondering if our personal prayers actually make a difference – but they do! I was reading today in Luke 11:5-13 and Jesus is basically telling his disciples to be annoying pests when it

Last week I was listening to the “More Than Small Talk” podcast and one of the hosts, Suzy Eller, said something that I cannot get out of my head. Which is a really good thing. In fact, I had to stop drying my hair, rewind it, and go write it in my journal. She was sharing about how this past year she had made some blunders with decisions and the people around her. As she had been praying about it, she has started running her words through this filter: “How would it make my heart feel if someone said to me what I’m about to say?”   I know! Convicting, right?? This thought stayed in my mind as I went throughout the weekend. I asked God to show me areas where I speak in a way that might make someone close down instead of building them up. And I was

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

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

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