Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Fillers. All of us use them when speaking. Yours might be “um,” “you know,” or “right.” My four-year-old grandson’s conversation filler is “And guess what.” Although he invites you to guess, he leaves no room for you to speak, plowing forward with his next thought— “And guess what, I have a loose tooth. And guess […]
Shouts. Hoofbeats. Marching feet. Drum and fife. Gunshots. Singing. Tolling bells. Freedom echoes down the portals of time, echoes bouncing off the pages of history into the present. Behind the fireworks, food, and festivities are lost lives, changed lives, tears, and fears. Behind the celebration of freedom is sacrifice. Freedom Leaders As a writer, I’ve […]
Several weeks ago, our pastor began his sermon with a story about pushing the limits on his gas gauge. He went on to equate the story with times we push ourselves too far and end up running on empty. I’m there…running on empty. The first half of this year has been non-stop, with very few […]
Limbo: noun, an intermediate or transitional place or state: a state of uncertainty. Do you ever feel you are living in limbo? I do. Since Jim’s death, the adjustment to a new normal, combined with various other situations leave me with a sense of uncertainty and unfinishedness. One small hitch has probate in limbo. One […]
My father was a builder, so I grew up walking construction sites with him. One of the lessons Daddy taught me was the importance of constructing a firm foundation, when building and in life. As a child, I was able to grasp that life lesson because I had a concrete visual of blocks, piers, and […]
This week marks five months since Jim’s death. It feels like five minutes and five years at the same time. Five months of missing. Five months of tears. Five months of God’s faithfulness. Grief is an unwanted companion, but one we can’t ignore. Running from grief only prolongs the process. Even when you think you’re […]
Memorial Day is traditionally reserved as a time of mourning and remembrance for those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, we are remiss in not also honoring and remembering those who served and survived, those who carry deep mental and emotional scars. Often, when veterans are interviewed, especially older veterans, after […]
When thrust into unexpected change, you take slow steps, halting forward motion, as you experience life on the other side. Life changes on the other side of a loved one’s death, presenting you with challenges and lots of firsts as you navigate uncharted waters. First holidays, first solo events, and first experiences, are all tinged […]
Sometimes, we forget to enjoy now because we get caught up in thinking joy comes later. I’ll enjoy the moment when I accomplish this or that. I’ll be happy when this problem is resolved. I can relax and enjoy life after I’ve jumped these hurdles. In looking ahead, in focusing on forward motion, don’t miss […]
For many months, I’ve been searching for the deadbolt key for the door from our sunroom to the deck. We hadn’t opened that door in years, but now, the threshold needs repairing. I looked through boxes, drawers, purses, and found many keys, but none were the key. Last week, while rifling through a small basket, […]