My Thoughts and Stories
Personal Reflections and Fun Memories
As I reflect on my life, I realize how truly blessed I am. It was that time when I walked through great loss that I found many treasures. Though there was struggle and darkness through the way, I mostly saw light in the midst of pain. It is my hope in sharing what I’ve found that you too may be encouraged and inspired. God bless.
Trying to Hide?
For a time, I was in danger of compromising my Christian principles with a guy I was dating. As a writer and speaker for singles, I knew the consequences of crossing that line. I understood God's will is to keep sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage. I was...
Three Common Mistakes We Make When We Lack Clarity
My home sits on a hill. On many autumn days, I can see the fog hanging heavily in the valley below, like in this picture I took from my front lawn in late October. I have a clear view, but the people living in the valley can see only a few feet in front of them,...
Four Ways to Find Real Joy, Plus a Word Challenge
In my 2016 January newsletter, I shared about starting in December to pray and ask God for one word to focus on throughout the upcoming year. Although I'm not always clear what it is right away, for five years he has answered that prayer. If you would like to read or...
3 Tips for Handling “Right Fights”
I've managed to get into a lot of "right fights"lately. What's worse is I've reacted in undesirable ways. When my elderly mother broke her arm and she was moved from assisted living to skilled nursing care, her insurance company refused to pay their...
Setting a Marathon Pace in Life
Any experienced marathon runner knows the importance of pacing himself in order to finish a race. As one runner said, "I will never forget my first marathon. I went all out and sprinted at the beginning of the race, later I had cramps and barely made it walking...
Living with the Tension of Uncertainty
"For we live by faith, not by sight," (2 Corinthians 5:7). For years I heard Christians talk about living by faith, but I did not really grasp how to walk that out in my daily life. But then, I heard Richard Rohr, a Francisian priest, talk about this issue. He...
A Word for the Year
The last several years I have asked God to give me one word to focus on throughout the year. And he each year he does. Sometimes, like in 2015, he gave me a word in December. The previous year it wasn't until half way through January that he gave me the word peace....
When Being Positive is Negative
"Mom, once you get settled, you'll just love it," Jennifer said. "They have all kinds of activities like Bingo. You love bingo. They do crafts, have movies and do one day excursions." "I just want to stay in my own home," her mother stated firmly. Jennifer and I were...
4 Ways to Feel Less Stressed and More Blessed
We struggle as we juggle the demands of our typical schedules plus the added demands of Christmas preparations such as decorating, shopping, sending cards, wrapping gifts or baking cookies. Although it's impossible to eliminate stress, these four suggestions will add...
When You Question God
Some say I should never ask, "Why God?" But, when I'm being authentic with God and myself, this question frequently runs through my mind. Why did my friend betray me? Why does it have to hurt so badly? Why did you allow this to happen, God? Not that I ever got an...
