If you’ve visited my cyber home for very long, you know many of my posts center around love and encouragement. Why? Well—I’m glad you asked. Love and encouragement are near and dear to my heart for a couple reasons. We live with enough negativity in this old world. Folks are starved for joy. I’ve experienced adversity. Perhaps, you have, too. That’s why you need some good, old-fashioned …
When I was a little girl growing up in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks, I thought I was the richest kid on earth. In that day the gulf between class distinctions didn’t span as far and wide as it does now. It was a gentler time—a sweet, brief season of decorum and sensitivity mingled with understated regard for those …
Well, as so often is the case in the Ozarks, we’ve had a twenty-two degree temperature drop. I’m already shivering with today’s projected high of sixty degrees and rain compared to yesterday’s warmish eighty-two and periodic bursts of sunshine. Ahhh. Life is indeed a mixed bag of unpredictability. As we wind down our work week (even despite the temperature shift) …
I’m a people-lover. And because I care about people (YOU) I love to spread joy! I’ve had some disappointments. I’ve walked the valley. (I’ve shared some of those trials here and here.) I think when we experience life’s heartaches, we view others’ hardships through a fresh lens. We’re more inclined to nitpick less, listen better, and love more. Sometimes, it’s …
For writers there’s a different sense of vulnerability than what there might be in other professions. We inject bits and pieces of our own soul into our prose. We strive for transparency without being too forthright. Novelists must relate to readers in clear, concise ways that denote professionalism, not detachment. We want to connect and not overwhelm. Obviously, we have to be …
Over our way there’s a crisp chill to the air as the new season ushers in change. There’s nothing quite like fall in the Ozarks—in these ancient hills and hollows where my ancestors lived and gave birth to dreams. I find my creativity level soars during this time of year more than any other. Maybe it’s the palette of pretty …
Welcome! I’m delighted you’re here! Today you’re in for a special treat as I talk about one of my favorite books from a rising star in Christian fiction. Chances are you’ve heard about Miracle in a Dry Season by the charming and talented Sarah Loudin Thomas. Let me just say—this is one of the finest debuts I’ve read from …
Since I’m in revision mode, friends, I’m bringing back an oldie (but a goodie). Thank you for extending grace. Enjoy! *** It happened again. It’s not something I like to talk about because I’m the kind of gal who doesn’t like to hurt folks’ feelings. But here’s the truth: Sometimes, kind people—gals, guys, writers, bakers, and candlestick makers—get used. And not in a …
In college I had a professor who always opened class with “Remember, there are no stupid questions.” He was a kindhearted fellow, a gentle soul who extended a lot of grace to his students and everyone adored him. As you might expect, because of his open demeanor and his desire to help there were always a lot of questions. And …
Tomorrow is the official ACFW conference kick-off! Due to some schedule conflicts I’m cheering from the sidelines this year, but I’ll be there in spirit. Today as many of our friends are preparing for this annual writers conference, I thought it might be fun to highlight some past years’ conferences. If you’re feeling a little blue about missing this year …
