Maintaining a positive perspective in hard life seasons is challenging. It’s easy to drift into a woe-is-me mindset and forget the way you feel now won’t last forever. One of my most difficult challenges in this season of grief is dreaming about Jim and then waking to find him not here. Sometimes, I don’t even […]
The Power of Encouragement
Several days ago, I sat in a long drive-thru line for over fifteen minutes after ordering. Horn blasts from the car behind me occurred several times, as if those in front of him could hurry the process. When I finally made it to the window, the eyes of the young attendant glistened with unshed tears […]
The Power of Example
With the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, much has been said about her commitment, work ethic, and love for family. As a 21-year-old, she pledged herself to a life of service, not knowing that she would step into the role of queen much sooner than anyone expected. Over her seven decades on the throne, […]
Seasonal Changes
Many people love fall because it heralds cooler weather and the upcoming holidays. Yet others view autumn with dread because it rolls into the cold, bleak, darkness of winter. Life is a succession of changes. Life seasons come and go, just as they do in nature. How we view seasons of personal change has an […]
Gaining Perspective on the New Year
With the dawn of a new year, many expected immediate improvement. But as we flipped the calendar to 2021 many things remain unchanged. The weariness of the old year clings to us. A year-long pandemic still rages. Overwhelming grief is an unwanted companion to many. Uncertainty is still present. So how do we gain perspective […]
Choosing a Positive Attitude
Do you know those who seem to focus on all that is negative? It’s exhausting to be around them, isn’t it? Many years ago, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book titled The Power of Positive Thinking. It became an international bestseller. The book puts forth the idea that if you change your thinking it […]
Handling Seasons of Change
This week heralds the beginning of fall, but, here in the south, the weather hasn’t gotten the word. Although the nights tease with temperatures in the 60s, days top the charts in the 90s. Personally, I have enjoyed the sun-filled days and extra time to swim before putting a lid on the pool for the […]