Gratitude increases our awareness of the Giver of the blessings in our lives. Year ago, this scenario played out in front of me every week. Rick’s car pulled into the driveway; the engine turned …
Fearful? Worried? Embrace God’s Promises
Promises are made through quiet words spoken with fingers crossed behind the back or by statements of conviction sealed with a firm handshake. Which do you prefer? The value of a promise is …
How is Your Endurance?
Endurance varies from person to person, depending on the activity and motivation. My husband and I both walk for exercise. At one time I was the more consistent, faster-paced walker and he …
Are You Stuck, Needing Transformation?
Do you feel stuck, needing transformation? Often we hope for something to change, but things stay the same. We hope that change will be instantaneous, like an ordinary person being a recipient of a …
Are You Needing a Shift in Perspective?
Have you ever needed a shift of perspective when a situation doesn't go like you anticipated? I often need such a readjustment in my vision. A disheartening insurance situation had not resolved. I …
Ready for the Season of Change?
Every day reveals more evidence that the season is changing. The warm wind has an occasional touch of coolness in it. The tips the leaves of our maple tree are turning red; within a week they will be …
Simple Blessings Abound to You!
When troubles abound, do you yearn for good news? Instead, can you see the simple blessings that are around you? Even when hope seems lost, the Lord is there. Our challenge is to open our eyes to see …
Collaboration: Coordination of Many Efforts
What is Collaboration? Collaboration is the act of working with others on a joint project. It involves mutual consent, cooperation, and communication. I've learned more about these skills as I've …
Are You a Lifelong Learner?
“Daddy I have the best teacher EVER!" Those words drifted through my open windows on the first day of school. Outside a little girl trotted home in her new school clothes and backpack.Her excitement …
Are You Mindful of Your Mindset?
Our mindset develops every morning when we open our eyes and get out of bed. The new day is before us; we have a choice of what mindset we'll have throughout the day. Have you noticed that when you …
Olympic Moments: Focus and Press On
The focus of many of the conversations in our house has been the Olympic performances. How do athletes tuck their bodies to spin and flip off mats and platforms so skillfully? My brain would be …
Need a New Infusion of Genuine Hope?
Hope stirs up expectations in our minds. We look forward to good things with an optimistic perspective. We long for a good school year. everything getting done before a deadline. good …
Prayer, the Language of Relationship
When our hearts ache for peace, we can turn to the Lord and know His presence. Prayer is the love language for our relationship with God. We can turn our hearts and thoughts toward heaven, knowing …
What Do You Rely On?
We rely on many things to begin the day. The alarm clock wakes us up. We anticipate everything we need to be accessible as we begin the day, especially coffee. Throughout the day, we rely on …
Summer Praise
In the middle of all your summer responsibilities and activities, stop a moment to reflect on the goodness of God and offer worship to the Lord. Take a praise break. Glorify the Lord with me; let us …
Emerging with Hope: A New Perspective
Hope vanishes when we face pain and loss. We face grief at the death of a loved one or loss after a the end of a relationship, like a divorce. Unmet expectations create broken dreams and intangible …
Ready to Travel? Be sure to Pack Smart
Ready to travel? Do you have all you need from your mental checklist in your suitcase? Tickets? Identification? Toothbrush? When preparing for an overseas trip, I found this simple advice on a …
Memorial Day and Taps
Memorial Day is the official start of summer with a three-day weekend celebrated with cookouts and parades. However, it is more than a picnic day; it is a day of remembrance. When did Memorial Day …
Psalm 145: Gaining Perspective of God’s Character
Psalm 145 shows God's nature like a multi-faceted diamond. King David, the author of this psalm of praise, describes God's majesty and compassion, His greatness and nearness. Sometimes one facet of …
More Than Awards
Recently I had an opportunity to attend an awards reception in Chicago. My book, The Grace Impact, won the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book of the Year Award for the category Christian:Non-Fiction. In …