I don’t remember ever saying “I hate you.” My parents discouraged those three words in our home and we tried to raise our children with the same mindset. Love the person. Hate the act. Now, there are things I dislike. Okay—hate, even. Things like… Processed cheese. Black licorice. Paisley prints. Cat puke. A dripping faucet. Price rollbacks that really aren’t. …
Live the ADVENTURE
As we mature (age), the tendency to step outside our comfort zone is greater than it might be versus those angst-filled days of our youth. The first decades of life, we’re more concerned with “fitting in” and we care what our peers and coworkers think. We might dance around the edges of safe and flirt with different, but we’re less inclined to go against the …
The Day After the 2016 Presidential Election
I rarely speak about my political beliefs. At the end of the day, it’s not about me, my party affiliation, or who won or who didn’t win the presidential election. And for the record: No, I’m not a fence-sitter, a wimp, or a lukewarm patriot. Who am I? A believer (Romans 10:9-10) A victor (1 Cor 15:57) A truth-seeker (John 4:24) …
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, …
Why Joy Matters
Several years ago I blogged about something that struck a chord with people. The subject? Joy. That’s right. Joy. That simple little word we so often take for granted or we neglect to share because of other priorities. To date, 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer is my most popular blog post since I started blogging five years ago. I couldn’t …
Spring (Blog) Break
Happy Friday, my friend! I hope you’ve had a great week and that you’re geared up for a restful weekend. Over our way, we’ve had rain or bouts of it nearly every day. Temperatures have been on the cool side, but next week promises sunshine and a warm-up. (Just in time for spring break!) Speaking of which, I’m stepping away …
Good Things
Hello, my friend! Welcome! So good to see you here. If you’ve read the paper or watched television lately, you know we don’t lack for bad news. Well, you won’t find that here. Today we’re talking good things. First, a brief update. I’ve had a few unscheduled blog breaks. Remember those busy seasons I’ve mentioned? Well, I’m in one now. …
Newsletter Invitation
The countdown’s on. It’s almost time. My October newsletter goes out this week! Today as I add the finishing touches to HEARTFELT HOMESPUN FICTION from the Ozarks, I wanted to extend a personal invitation to subscribe. It’s easy, painless, and free! (Please sign up in the sidebar. In the e-mail you’ll receive, just click on the coordinating link or copy …
How a Single Blog Post Made All the Difference
You may remember I recently mentioned a blog post that seemed to be making its rounds. This was an older piece I’d blogged in 2012, and I’d even reposted a time or two since. The post? 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer You may also remember I wanted to thank the original share-er, but I didn’t know who to thank or …
Should You Give Up Your Dream?
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 …