Writer, Speaker, Editor, Blogger
Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Pre-Black Friday. Early Cyber Monday. Extended Cyber Monday. What used to be single days has turned into weeks, or a month, of special deals. At this time of the year, we are bombarded with incentives to purchase gifts—the right gifts, the perfect gifts. But have you considered that the best gifts […]
My husband and I just returned from an amazing trip to Italy, Turkey, and Greece, following the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. The majority of our trip was a cruise, with numerous port stops along the way. Twice, we had a little card on our bed that said, “We are time traveling,” with instructions […]
Have you ever been the beneficiary of generosity? I have. People respond differently to an act of generosity. Some graciously accept; others are hesitant, feeling that which is bestowed on them obligates them for future payback. It’s not always easy to be generous. In fact, we live in a “me first” society that screams “get […]
Some people approach a new year with uncertainty and dread, fearing what is ahead rather than viewing a new year as a blank, white screen, or tablet, on which to craft a fresh story. A new year is refreshing, full of possibilities and hope. You can choose what you will do with the year ahead, […]
Last week, someone I don’t know took the time to email me, telling me how much an article I wrote five or six months ago meant to her. As a writer, knowing your words have a positive impact on others is a great gift. If this person hadn’t spent those few minutes writing a brief […]
This week, with the approach of Father’s Day, I’m thinking of my daddy. He died much sooner than I was ready for him to, 30 years ago this year, and I still miss him. He was a good daddy, who knew how to give good gifts. I don’t necessarily mean material gifts, although he was […]
For the last several weeks, I’ve worked on cleaning out drawers and closets. I’m a little surprised and embarrassed to admit some of the items I parted with have been around for 25-30 years! How does that happen? Clutter accumulation occurs not only with things, but also with thoughts, perspectives, and emotional wounds. And like […]
A number of legends exist about the origin of Valentine’s Day. One story is tied to the Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia. Another traces the origin to a priest named Valentine, who defied the Roman emperor’s ban on marriage for young soldiers and performed weddings in secret ceremonies. Another legend suggests Valentine was imprisoned for helping […]