All I Really Want for Christmas is Presence Please!
Whew! ‘Safely home from an errand near the mall and glad I didn’t go to the mall. Getting there would have meant sitting in the sea of backed-up traffic waiting to get onto […]
What to Do When You Want to be Heard
Do you remember the TV show Monk? It featured an obsessive-compulsive, genius detective with a kind and gentle heart. I loved the show’s murder intrigue, humor and the way it portrayed Monk as […]
How to Think Your Way to Success
My life got busy recently and I lost hold of important disciplines. Does that happen to you? A baby was born, a hurricane developed, our basement leaked water and a series of meetings […]
An Unexpected Miracle
My phone rang in the wee hours last Thursday morning. I answered and heard my daughter say, “Mom, I’m in labor.” I flipped on the light to wake my husband, jumped into my […]
The One Lie that Can Kill Your Marriage
John and Mary (not their real names) appeared for counseling looking very unhappy. Near-daily conflicts plagued their year-old marriage. Early into our session John explained that his wife “isn’t the person I thought […]
When You Really Need to Hit Three for Three
A few years ago I heard an unforgettable story about an interesting young man. His story teaches a valuable lesson we all need. The handsome blond-haired young man with movie-star like features lived […]
Are You One of the Brightest Bulbs in the Box?
Three days ago I began my milestone birthday by walking around a nearby lake. The first half of my route featured a casual stroll through a rose garden, a trek to the far […]
Do You Really Need All that Peer Pressure?
Monday night I returned worn out from a 10-day “vacation” The days were productive but not restful. I traveled 1100 miles by car, worked on an old house in hot weather, made big […]
In a Battle? Learn How to Win from General Grant!
The evening of April 6, 1862 brought one of the worst moments of the Civil War for General U.S. Grant. His army suffered a terrible defeat at Shiloh that day, a pounding rain […]
Have You Seen God in the Garden?
Two weeks ago my husband and I visited our local garden center and loaded our cart with soil enhancers, seed packets and starter plants. My heart smiled as we prepared to plant our […]
What to Do When You Feel Lonely in a Crowd
Jan and Mike’s Road Trip Jan and Mike (not their real names) looked forward to their weekend get-away. All week their jobs, household responsibilities and other commitments kept them from feeling personally connected. […]
Why You Should Come Out of the Cry Closet
Two weeks ago I blogged about the day I started crying in church. A song reminded me of my late brother and I decided not to push back my tears but to […]
Why You Can Cry if You Want To
I was still a teenager when I sat in a Sunday communion service irreverently looking around instead of praying. Looking back I don’t think God minded that I looked around because of what […]
Why Everyone Needs a Confidant (and How to Get One)
Photo by Cole Hutson on Unsplash John’s wife and two children stared blankly at the living room walls after expending all the tears and angry words they could muster at the moment. Together […]
The Truth about Feelings
Have you ever heard the words, “You shouldn’t feel that way?” Do you sometimes feel guilty about your feelings? Life is made up of thoughts, feelings and actions. We know the right […]
Do You Need Group Power?
In the beginning God said “It’s not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18) so He created Eve. Before long the first couple landed outside the garden where they struggled with […]
What You Need to Know about Domestic Violence
Valentine fun fell a little flat for most people this year. We had to digest news of the Florida school shooting on 2/14 as well as reports of 9 police murders taking place […]
Sure-to-Please Gift Ideas for Valentine’s
It’s February! Let the season of chocolates, roses and romance unfold! Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? I just returned from our neighborhood store (Dollar Tree) with a fist full of affordable cards […]
10 Life Lessons from a 90-Year-Old Who Jumped Out of an Airplane
It’s my pleasure to know a special 90-year old man named Carl. We go to the same church and everyone I know who’s met him loves and admires Carl. He decided to follow […]
How One Word Can Make 2018 Better for You
My cousin married a wonderful woman who serves others with boundless energy and thinks deeply at the same time. For years we’ve enjoyed searching conversations that challenge both of us to move beyond […]
5 New Year’s Resolutions You Don’t Want to Make for 2018
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I like making them because I know the surest way to accomplish nothing is to aim for it. I’ve resolved to spend more time writing in 2018.
How Lighting a Christmas Tree Will Brighten Your Life
Americans love Christmas trees. We see them everywhere now that Thanksgiving is over – on cars, in homes, yards, stores, offices and lobbies. One enthusiast in Massachusetts […]
The Amazingly Simple Prayer that Will Leave You Thankful and Peaceful this Season
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash The holidays usher in a wonderful time of celebration and togetherness. They also bring extra work, worry and strong emotions. We need ways to stay focused on […]