I thought about apple trees this week. Not because apples are my kitchen theme, but because of some things that made me think. I found this wonderful quote by the great—and somewhat controversial—theologian, Martin Luther . I pondered it. I dissected what I thought it meant, or at least what it meant to me. For me, Luther’s quote applies to …
The Light We Give
Yay! It’s Monday! Time to shine a light for Jesus! I’m sure you bounced out of bed just like I did. (Well… actually, it was more like a gentle thud of my feet hitting the floor in Tigger-like fashion. Not quite a bounce, but it’s the thought, right?) My spirit says go while my body says just five more minutes …
The Beauty of “Different”
Happy Friday! I hope you’ve had a bright, productive week—one that’s spurred your creative juices and nudged you past your comfort zone. Since I’m in writing mode today, I’ll keep this short. I wanted to share some thoughts with you about being different. Not weird different. Different as in beautiful, talented, and sensitive. The kind of different that folks may …
Courage to Complete the Journey
Sometimes, I may sound like a broken record. (If I do, please extend grace.) Since I’ve blogged for about three years now, I’ve covered multiple subjects from A to Z. Unless I glance back through pages of posts, it’s hard to remember everything I’ve shared. I’ve focused on slice-of-life vignettes, nostalgia, and life in the Ozarks. I’ve talked some about …
Keeping “Hope” in Holy Week
Holy Week is a poignant time of reflection. For Christians, the week preceding Easter Sunday symbolizes tragedy and triumph. The worst and the best. It’s that bittersweet time when hope transcends sorrow and humanity is brought to its knees in recognition of God’s greatest gift: His son. We plan family gatherings, meals, and sunrise services. We pray and we fast …
Individual or Group Blog: What’s Right for You?
I started blogging in 2011. Today marks my 456th blog post. Whew! (It’s fun. It. Is. Work!) At first I experimented with a five-day-per-week schedule, as well as various other formats, but eventually I settled into a MWF blogging groove. That could change again someday; I re-evaluate my options every six months or so. Though writing novels is my first …
Encourage One Another
As another week winds to a close, I’m keeping this blog post short today, friends. It’s a busy time. I’m working on a new manuscript, I’m reorganizing my office ( yes, still), and I’m planning a “Sweet 16” birthday party. Whew! This gal’s tired! Maybe you’re tired, too. Perhaps, you are experiencing hardship today. You’re physically ill. You’re burnt out. …
Top 10 Ways Writers Save Time
Our time is important. During the past three years I’ve blogged about the subject on several occasions. In one of my favorite posts, I tackled this elephant head on. If you’re a writer, a creative, or someone struggling with time management issues, please don’t miss this post. You may identify. I’m not sure why, but time is a hot button …
What’s Your Creative Process?
I’m a people-watcher. As part of my creative process, I study folks at the coffee shop, the grocery store, and the mall. Really, wherever I go my radar’s on high alert. I never know what I might see (or hear). I once saw a man blowing bubbles at a stop light. Not from bubble gum, but from a little red …