From the moment we’re born, encouragement takes root. Mom and Dad cheer as we try and succeed at new things. Friends motivate us with kind words and recognition. Our influential sphere—confidantes and colleagues—inspire us to persevere and think beyond the comfortable. During our life journey, as we mature, we realize the value of encouragement. It buoys us during life-stretching seasons. …
Thinking Beyond the Bad to Focus on the Good
Can we not get through a week without bad stuff happening? I don’t know about you, but this thought pops into my head almost weekly. And, maybe, you wonder, too, how do we stay encouraged in a discouraging world? How do we think beyond the bad to focus on the good?’ In my case, I tend to write. Burying myself …
5 Great Things About Today
When we’re besieged with bad news, it weakens our resolve and wrecks our emotions. It challenges us on a whole new level. This is one of those weeks. From fires, floods, and hurricanes to big and small heartaches in relentless doses, this week sucked us dry. And to make sure we didn’t miss a thing, media outlets provided ’round-the-clock coverage. …
In the Meantime…
Do you ever fantasize about a much-anticipated event? Ever imagine the outcome surpassing your wildest expectations? Of course you have. We’ve all envisioned a goal mastered, a dream obtained, or a deeply held desire coming to fruition. In our mind, we may even visualize each step, each success or blunder, it took to get there. Sometimes, the mere mental walk-thru is …
Christmas… Ready to Make a Memory?
I’ve always loved the holidays. Christmas, especially, thrills me. Besides the obvious reason—the celebration of our Savior’s birth—I adore the beautiful Christmas carols and pretty Christmas lights, the heavenly scent of cookies baking in the oven, and all the wonderful old movies, however many times I’ve watched them. There’s something in the air, too, we don’t sense at other times. …
Hold the Hate, Pass the Love
Okay, I don’t know about you, but there are some weeks (like this one) that just leave me breathless. I shake my head. Heart-grieved. Stricken. Torn. Enough, already. Sometimes, I want to shout it. (But I don’t. Loud doesn’t necessarily mean brave. Think about it.) Sometimes, a different (notice I didn’t say softer or quieter—just different) approach—is called for. I’m …
“Warm Fuzzy” Wednesday
Mid-week. Wednesday. Ahhh. Doesn’t it feel good? Today I wanted to share a few “warm fuzzies” with you because, if you’re like me, hump day is that one day of the week that reminds us we’re halfway there. Halfway done with the week and halfway to the end of it. Generally, that’s a great feeling. We recap our accomplishments and …
How a Single Blog Post Made All the Difference
You may remember I recently mentioned a blog post that seemed to be making its rounds. This was an older piece I’d blogged in 2012, and I’d even reposted a time or two since. The post? 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer You may also remember I wanted to thank the original share-er, but I didn’t know who to thank or …
What Tennis Teaches Us About Perseverance
For the past four years, we’ve cheered our daughter on as she pursued the sport she loves. We’ve sat at home court and watched for hours on end, and we’ve traveled to matches and tournaments locally and (again) watched for hours on end. Think sunshine. Sunburn. Extreme heat. Exhaustion. Why? Well, if you have a kiddo who plays sports, you …
Where Will You Throw Your Stone?
When I first heard of Frank Gifford’s death, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed. The news of his passing came through a friend’s link. I have to admit, I really didn’t know much about this man—the New York Giants football/broadcaster legend—though, of course, I knew who he was. While I was growing up, my father often spoke about Gifford …