I heard a lot of groans this week. Discouraged sighs that tugged at my heartstrings and tweaked my emotions. Maybe you were one of those people I heard. Were you? If you read Wednesday’s post then you know how I’ve dealt with some of the “noise” that’s threatened to upend. Still… Life and circumstances can rattle us. They can make …
Don’t Let Others Get You Down
I’ve always enjoyed being active on social media. I like to connect with like-minded folks. I like seeing what’s new in friends’ lives. While I’m not able to do it all (and still write), I like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and blogging. Recently, though, on some of the networks, I’ve noticed a trend. On some days, the trend goes in fits …
Three Heartfelt, Homespun Thoughts to Light Up Your Day
In the midst of our back-to-school hustle and bustle, the rat race of school prep, clothes shopping, and various appointments, it’s easy to get lost in the “noise.” As I shopped my socks off yesterday with our teenage daughter, some thoughts crossed my mind. That mannequin needs a head. Why does every store look the same? Where are the bargains—not …
Our Showboat Branson Belle Anniversary
Here in the Ozarks we know how to celebrate and we know how to have fun. Curious? Well then, please join me as I recap our Showboat Branson Belle Anniversary! If you’re familiar at all with Branson, Missouri, you know it’s one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. It’s a place where families can come and relax, …
Summertime in the Ozarks: A Taste of Heaven (With a Hug and a Smile!)
Last week it was the rain (again). Now we have the sauna and sunshine. Welcome to the Ozarks! Heat, humidity, and rain (at least this summer) are part of the package here. Add to that sparkling lakes, scenic views, and lots of rolling hills and hollows—green as far as the eye can see—and you have summertime in the Ozarks. A …
Mid-Week Meltdown? Four Encouraging Pick-Me-Ups
Hello, friend— Delighted you stopped by! Over our way, we’re approaching the “dog days of summer.” It’s that time of year where temperatures and humidity soar, and folks’ emotional fuses go a little haywire, too. Now, I will say this is one of the rainiest summers on record for the Ozarks. For every two or three dry days we’ve had, …
Unfriended. For Being “Too Jesus-y”
Well, it was bound to happen. I was “unfriended.” For being “too Jesus-y.” I think it was in reference to my status update on my personal Facebook profile: Thinking deep thoughts this morning during my prayer time. Does it ever just overwhelm you to think that we—YOU, ME—are going to spend the rest of our lives (eternity) together?! I. Love. …
Mid-Summer Lull: Encouragement for the Season
Like the weather patterns, seasonal shifts are part of the writing life. Some seasons are warm and colored with joy. Other seasons are rainy and unsettled. Here are some thoughts I’ve shared about seasons: Don’t Compare Your Productive Season to Someone Else’s When Seasons Affect Our Writing Goals How to Thrive Despite the Odds Waiting, Writing, and Why You …
Had a Down-in-the-Mouth Week? Here’s Your Bright Spot!
Well, here in the Ozarks we’ve had our share of rain lately. Buckets of it, in fact. You may have heard about some of the flooding. *sigh* Coupled with the latest changes in CBA fiction, this hasn’t been a banner week. It’s enough to leave us down-in-the-mouth. For those of us who write Christian fiction we’re upset and confused about …
Five Ways to Rock Your Monthly Newsletter
As social media networks continue to limit our visibility (unless we buy their ads so they, in turn, will promote our posts/statuses), what’s a writer to do? How do we reach those we care about? Well, there are two things we can do (and yes, you’ve heard this before): blog and build our email lists—engage through our monthly newsletters. Side …