Dream. Just the word spurs our imagination. And while we’re at it, if we’re going to dream, why not do it in a big way? Isn’t that the purpose—to envision something extraordinary? I’ve always said: Goals are something I try to realistically shoot for with God’s help. Dreams, however, are something beyond the tangible, but completely possible with the One …
FOUR Inspirational Smiles for Your Day
We knew it had to happen sooner or later. Wintry weather’s finally arrived in the Ozarks. *sigh* Time to whip out our snuggies! (Snuggies are those delightful blankets with arms that were all the rage a few years ago. I still use mine.) Today I’ve battened down the hatches, fired up the coffeepot, and opened my chocolate stash. I’m prepared …
Time to Ditch the “D Word”
Many years ago I sat in a meeting with “Jackie.” I’ll never forget the awkwardness of that day. (You can read more here.) Jackie rarely spoke well of others and often voiced her discontent with everything from A to Z. In short—she was no fun. I believe her attitude reflected deeper issues, specifically her own self-doubt. She was trapped in …
She Had Me at “Breast Cancer”
It’s true that life is a series of stories. Good and bad, humorous and poignant, true life stories are the best because they’re real. They’re the ones we remember. They’re the stories that breathe fire into our fiction. Striking just the right balance between fact and fiction is somewhat of a mystery, and yet, when it happens it’s sublime. I …
Welcome Back! I’m Delighted You’re Here.
Welcome back! Happy New Year! I’m delighted you’re here. If you’re like me, the end of the holiday season is met with mixed emotion. Additional time spent with loved ones is wonderful, and when it’s over I’m a little sad. It’s nice, though, to get back into the swing of things. While I enjoy a brief respite from social media, …
Merry Christmas and a Blog Break
Merry Christmas, my friend! This week as we approach the big day, I pray you’re able to slow down, reflect, and breathe in the joy of the season. Sometimes, we get so caught up in spend/buy/bake/overdo mode that the true meaning of Christmas is shoved to the back burner—celebrated almost as an afterthought rather than the centerpiece of the holiday. …
Five Cheery Thoughts to Kick Off Your Holiday
Hello, my friend! I hope you’ve had a great week! Temperatures shifted where we’re at in the Ozarks. A few days ago we had highs in the upper fifties. Today, we can subtract about eighteen or so degrees from that. Brrr… It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Of course—they tell us by the big day, temps should creep …
Writing News and Things That Made Me Smile This Week
I love to kick off the week with great news! You may remember I mentioned I was a finalist in ACFW’s First Impressions writing contest. Well, yesterday, after a fabulous Christmas luncheon with my local ACFW MozArks writing friends, I received the most wonderful e-mail. I won in my category! I was in my favorite hobby and craft store (in …
Friday Catch-Up from the Ozarks
Friday already? I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is past and Christmas prep is well under way at our house. We’ve put up our Christmas tree and decked some of the halls, but I still have more decorating to do. (Stop by next Wednesday and I’ll post a few labor of love photos. Always fun stuff going on over our way!) …
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. …