A Gallery of Encouragement: Treasured Words in Challenging Days
The past two weeks have seen a dramatic change in life as we knew it. I've been fortunate to communicate via technology with friends and family, and heard phrases, "cabin fever" "new normal", and "children are restless." One Mom told me she hasn't left the house in twelve days. Another is concerned with school assignments. Supermarkets have...
From the Beach to a Treadmill: Life and Hope in Social Distancing
“I like your shirt.” That’s what I told a college student walking the beach last week. My friend Peggy and I stopped to chat with the young man, whose shirt read, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you”. He and another student were on spring break, then heading back to clear their dorm rooms, move home, and complete college courses...
How Heavy Is It? “One Another” -Part 4
It was seven years ago, but I remember as if it happened yesterday. I attended a large gathering with friends to hear a well-known speaker. Before he began to teach, he invited us to close our eyes so he could pray for us. I thought it would be a short prayer, but instead, he began to name difficulties, and asked us to raise our arm if that...
Greeting One Another: More than Words Part 3
In the last two posts, we discussed the privilege we have of “one another”. Though following the Biblical commands for many of those "one anothers" may take work and time, one that takes very little of either, is greeting. Greeting one another. Several years ago, I heard a story about people who wanted to learn more about each other’s...
The Treasure of Kindness: One Another Part 2
We’ve heard and seen it-the sarcastic remark disguised as humor, being ignored in a group conversation, or watching a driver swerve into the parking spot when you had your turn signal on. But we have easily spotted the opposite- kindness- a word, attitude, or action that changes the people and the atmosphere in a room for the better. We might...
Valentine’s Day: One Another
Before Christmas supplies reached 50% off sales, the next consumer event appeared. Pink and red decorations covered shelves, and card displays reminded us of Valentine’s Day. A day designated as an opportunity to show love, affection, and friendship sees excited children write cards and place them in handmade boxes to exchange at school....
Second Sight for 2020 Vision
This past summer and early fall, I was hooked on a murder mystery series, received several novels to load on my Kindle, and participated on book launch teams. At one point, my eyes were dry and fatigued from reading. The print began to blur. I took off my glasses, rubbed my eyes, and blinked. It took a while, but the lines on the screen...
“Knows” and “Nos” for 2020
Today I welcome Jeannie Waters as my guest blogger. Jeannie and I met at a writers’ conference several years ago. We continue to connect each week to pray together and share our writing journeys. I appreciate her wisdom and heart and share it with you today. You can read more about Jeannie at the end of her post. Sometimes we overlook what’s...
A Tea Caddy and Keys for a New Year
My friend seated with her feet curled up, took another sip from her floral china mug and turned toward me. “This is what I love.” “What’s that?” I asked. “A beautiful fire, safety in the presence of a dear friend, and holding a cup of hot tea.” I agreed. Warmth came in many directions–heat from the fireplace, a trusted friend, and the comfort...
Need a Map for the New Year?
Today I'm writing over at Devotable. Click on the link to view your road map....
Christmas Contrasts: Change, Loss, and Love
Each year, I meet friends who have lost loved ones--parents, siblings, children, spouses, and best friends. What is the most wonderful time of the year for many, is the hardest for others. There have been several posts on Facebook related to grief during the holiday season. Some relate to what grievers wish others knew or would do. Some relate...
Restless Holidays?
Counting down to December 25, are you among those with more on your to do list today than when you started? We may describe ourselves as tired or busy, but would we would also say, “restless”? Restlessness implies being perpetually in motion; constant activity and moving to the next perceived important or urgent thing to do. Ironically, the...
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“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
