As is often the case during holiday busyness, sometimes, gratitude gets shoved to the back burner as we power through shopping, cooking, chores, and ahh yes—writing. It’s one of those unintentional slights, ironic that it may be, given this season of thankfulness. We know, but we don’t do. Today I thought it fitting to share reminders—simple, heartfelt ways we, as writers, can bless other …
Don’t Let Fear Stop You ~ Dream Big
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I’m a glass half-full thinker. I dream big. I weigh the realities and set goals within reason. I pray. I plan. I strategize. And then there’s this— I dream bigger. Over the years, I’ve often thought about dreams. In fact, I’ve blogged about them, too. Certainly, as a writer, my …
Thank You, Veterans (and Hard Truths)
While our nation is on the cusp of change, today I wanted to take a few minutes to thank our veterans for their service to our country. I salute you! I appreciate your time. Your service. Your sacrifice. Your loyalty to a nation whose freedoms we often taken for granted. As history rewrites itself, above all, we must remember those …
Three Not-To-Miss Thoughts
Today as we enter wind-down mode, I wanted to share three not-to-miss thoughts. Thoughts worth considering as we seek downtime and restoration. The first is a brief synopsis of the newly released movie Hacksaw Ridge. This movie is based on the true story of World War II hero Desmond Doss, a man of courage and faith who shunned the limelight, …
When You Must Go Through the Forest to See Daylight
As a little girl, I was afraid of the dark. It’s still not one of my favorite things, but over the years, I’ve learned to adjust. (Aren’t nightlights wonderful?) I was thinking about “the dark” again recently and how fear, tension, and negativity affect our mindset and self-esteem. People who live in the dark sometimes do so willingly. Maybe it’s a subconscious …
Fall Blog Break ~ October 21st Through November 2nd
The weather turned sharply cooler in the Ozarks and it finally feels like fall. It’s time for quilts, sweaters, and chili. Maybe even some hot chocolate with flavored marshmallows. Mmm… As we move farther into the season, I find it’s also time for a fall blog break. I’ll hop on social media for brief spurts, but I’ll step away from …
A Bird’s-Eye View from the Ozarks
Last week I talked about the importance of stepping away from social media for a time. (You can read more here.) For writers, it’s somewhat of a catch-22. We know we must write. We know, too, we must stay connected to a degree. However, the tendency to check in throughout the day (when we’ve promised ourselves a respite) can be …
ACFW 2016: 15 Tips for a Fabulous Conference
The American Christian Fiction Writers’ 2016 conference countdown is on! In less than a week, while my husband holds down the fort, I’ll join six hundred or so fellow writers in Nashville for ACFW’s annual conference. Oh, my word—I’m so excited! As in years past, I’ll caravan with a great group of ladies from MozArks, our local ACFW chapter. There’s nothing more …
New Horizons
Well, it finally happened. It’s a new horizon. Baby bird flew the nest. Last Friday, we packed up both vehicles and trekked a little farther south to our daughter’s home away from home for the next four years. (Just saying that seems surreal.) Despite the sweltering ninety-seven degree temperature and some good, ol’ Ozarks humidity thrown in, we tackled this life change …
ACFW Conference Prep
Today, we’re approximately five and a half weeks out from the annual American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. I’m excited! While there have been some highs and lows this summer, I’m so grateful for God’s watchcare and provision. As always, I’m reminded of blessings I sometimes take for granted. Like for instance—reliable transportation, a comfortable home, good health, and a …