Why is it that as adults we tend to lose the miracle mindset of our youth? Remember the feeling? Remember that CAN DO attitude we had as rambunctious, invincible five-year-olds? Most of us at that age were convinced that we could do anything. Be anything. Have anything our little, precocious, pea-picking hearts desired. I’m not talking about a sense of …
While growing up, many of us had “best friends” or at least a close-knit circle of friends. Our “bosom buddies” often shared our interests, kept our secrets, and listened with a well-trained ear. Today, because of the depth and breadth of social media and online connections, it’s easier than ever before to hook up with like-minded and fun-oriented folks. Granted, some …
Oh, my goodness! The negativity that abounds! Negative Nancys and Downer Dans seemed to be out in full force this week. For example: At a four-way stop in town. The gentleman who rolled through it and then shook his head at the remaining cars who were there first. At the check-out when I bid the cashier a good day. Her reply? “Yep. …
Okay. You knew it was coming. It’s midweek and time for a recharge! It’s time for a dose of encouragement, a dollop of joy, and a dabble of sunshine! Grab your journal, pour some java, and take some notes. Here we go! 25 ways to rev up your day: 1. Talk to God 2. Study His Word 3. Hug someone …
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of the hometown where I grew up. There’s a sense of nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also a delicious taste of bitter and sweet. In The Waltons, especially, hardships were often underscored by lessons learned, truths conveyed, and love demonstrated. I grew up in …
It’s no secret. Writers are an interesting bunch. We study folks. We rarely keep regular hours. We craft, plot, and create in the oddest places. To non-writers, what we do may look like child’s play. Sometimes, we may hear insensitive comments or careless criticisms. Only we–the creators of our art–know the truth. We understand that writing is hard work. It …
I talked with someone a few days ago about limitations and moving forward. This person had endured a lot of loss, hardship, and disappointment. Doors of opportunity seemed closed. She wasn’t sure if she was motivated to move beyond the barriers of her past, but by her own admission, she was ready for something to change. She needed to move past the …
I didn’t always “play full out.” I liked to live life in my comfort zone and I didn’t want anything to upset the apple cart. An example: I asked Jesus into my heart and accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior at the tender age of nine, and for a time, I almost burst with newfound joy. I shared …
I ran errands yesterday and I was struck by how many sad, mad, furrowed-browed folks I encountered. Folks from all walks of life. Normal, everyday folks. Folks whose faces were mapped in pain, anger, and general upset. For whatever reason, they were hurting and at loose ends. And I smiled. At all of them. Why? Because they needed joy! They needed a bright …
Having grown up in the Ozarks when the world was not yet so complicated, I’m often reminded of the gentler times–those magnificent days where there was always “room for just one more.” Besides our ready availability to others, there are other things that I remember and miss: Sundays were indeed a time of worship and rest. Weekends weren’t ruled by …
