Having Faith Like A Child . . .
Friends, I recognize I’ve been inconsistent here and I’m sorry. Not that I think you’re waiting on pins and needles for the next post – oh goodness, please shake me hard if I ever think like that. I’m honored and excited and blessed to be...
For When You Feel Like A Late Bloomer
Last weekend was a lovely two days of no plans. Two days of no plans don’t come along very often in our world and I’m guessing they don’t in yours either. Because we are very likely going to be putting our house on the market in February and because...When You Aren’t Sure What You’re Supposed To Do Next
I have this habit of sharing my heart on my Facebook author page. I don’t always mean to do so. It’s just that sometimes I sit down and there’s the status update box, looking me straight in the eye. It ASKS me what’s on my mind, after all....
Introducing . . . Natalie Attired!
Last spring, I heard about a company that sends you clothes based on your personal style, size and budget. Before you receive your first box, you answer some questions about your personal style. What you like to wear. Colors you love, colors you don’t. You give...Because Sometimes, When We Turn The Other Cheek . . .
We talked yesterday about how difficult it is to just turn the other cheek when our critics are railing on us. We also talked about Shimei, a man who was loyal to Saul. Without knowing the full story, he followed David and his men for quite a while when they were on...Responding To Our Critics
Last week, I continued to read about the life of David in my very favorite chronological Bible. I’ve studied David’s life in the past and I feel like I have a pretty good grip on who he was – yet every time I read about him, I’m struck by small...Grace For Those Who Criticize
Since we’re talking about critics this week . . . It’s really hard to know how to handle them sometimes, isn’t it? If you’re like me, your initial instinct is to fling back with fiery arrows – but when you do, you usually end-up...
Listening To Those In Your Arena – Not Your Critics
(Photo credit) One of my favorite quotes was said by Theodore Roosevelt in his “Man In The Arena” speech from his visit to the Sorbonne in 1910. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the...On Getting Older and A Bit of Housekeeping
So a few of you have asked how you miss stuff around here so I thought I would take a moment to explain the best ways for us to be in touch. Of course, I blog here in this little space. However, I often publish “mini-posts” on my author...
Some of your favorite posts…
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When We Think It’s Impressive to Be Busy* Friends, I’m in Book Launch Land. I’m feverishly working to prepare for the release of Heart Sisters: Be the Friend You Want to Have. I’ll be re-posting some oldies (but hopefully you’ll think they’re goodies!) now and then so I can focus more on the upcoming release. Thanks for understanding . . . Oh – and I so appreciate you taking the time share on social media. This is the way of the writer these days and will help get the word out about Heart Sisters! A few years ago, I was talking to a woman who was in ..
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For When You Wash Your Phone in the Washing MachineLast week, I found myself with an unplanned hour and a house of beckoning chores demanding immediate attention. So like any woman with a house full o’ kids and a husband that works long hours, I thought I would just cram as much as I possibly could into those precious 60 minutes. I arrived home, put on my running shoes and started to RUN throughout the house, checking this and that off my list. A few minutes into my Wonder Woman mission, I grabbed a load of dirty towels and, clutching my phone in my right hand, loaded them in ..
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Five Ways To Raise An Anxious ChildI know, I know . . . Who wants to raise an anxious child? Who would ever read such a post? Of course, none of us intentionally tries to raise a child prone to anxiety and stress. But many of us are. Myself included. I’m not preaching to you from the pulpit – I’m talking to you as a friend sitting with you in the same boat. And at times it feels like we’re wearing life preservers and praying for rescue, doesn’t it? The more I think about this though, the more I realize that perhaps parenting is really not ..
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Church Shopping: On Finding a New ChurchIf you’ve been hurt by the church, then it’s likely the thought of ever going back to church again is right up there with oh, say getting your teeth pulled (sorry, Honey.) (My husband’s a dentist. I have to watch dental jokes and comparisons.). I need to confess I once felt the same. Honestly, when those wounds were still raw, the thought of ever stepping foot inside another church again was enough to make me physically ill. We (Jason and I) talked it over incessantly. “Maybe we could just follow Jesus and just not go to church?” we asked each ..
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Why Christians Don’t Always Have to AgreeWe sat contemplatively around the table, speaking softly about the struggles of marriage. I complimented her on her courage because for some reason, we feel shame when we admit our marriage is in trouble. I know because I’ve been there and felt it, too. I begin to share some of my own heart and experiences with my ten year old marriage, wisdom attained through the really hard places. Unfinished wisdom that still percolates and wisdom I know but don’t always allow my actions and choices to show it. I then share some heart changes I had to make in order ..
