Let’s end the week with a bit of hope, shall we? And there is an abundance of hope in Lisa Harper’s statement. Compassion encompassing mistakes … even more, Christ’s miraculous compassion obliterating my worst mistake. So much hope. How can I grasp it? Sometimes I forget this unfathomable truth. I forget the amazing should-bring-me-to-my-knees reality that I am forgiven. That …
In Others’ Words: Shortcuts
We all are looking for success of one type or another. Maybe you’re focused on personal success, becoming a better version of yourself in some way. Run faster. Think smarter. Live kinder. Or maybe now is all about professional success. Achieving your dream job. Or a promotion. Or recognition of some sort that says “You’ve done it” — whatever laudatory …
In Others’ Words: Sometimes
You ever have a week that felt like seven Mondays in a row? Or are you staring down a lo-o-o-ng Monday? Was last week filled to the brim with frustration … or discouragement … or sadness? And now it’s the beginning of a new week and, oh look! you’re still frustrated or discouraged or sad. Sometimes that’s just how the …
In Others’ Words: Attitude
I wonder what kinds of attitudes I’ve left strewn around this past week? Little bits of me, of remembrances … for better, for worse. (Of course, I’m prepping this blog post early, with all sorts of good intentions … but I’ll reread it at the end of the week, with perspective and conviction.) But I digress. (And let’s admit it: …
In Others’ Words: Reflect
My friend, author Edie Melson, stopped me in my mental tracks this weekend. In a post titled “Only Still Water Reflects,” posted this past Sunday on her blog The Write Conversation, Edie wrote of the busy-ness of life, and how a recent seven-day vacation at the beach helped her realize that only by slowing down, by living in God’s rhythm, can …
In Others’ Words: Remain
Circumstances are powerful. For all their changeability, circumstances have one steadfast quality: They can change me. I can start the day off feeling settled, self-assured, at peace with myself and others. And then circumstances do an about-face … or maybe they do a complete end-over-end. And suddenly that oh-so-confident me has left the building. The whole “Who am I?” question …
In Others’ Words: Love is …
I’ve come across many a “Love is …” attempt to define an emotion that is, in essence, undefinable. Even the “Love is patient, love is kind … ” distillation so often read during wedding ceremonies, often stumps me before I get very far into the verses in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient … kind … it does not envy …
In Others’ Words: Live Well
It’s been a week. A good week … but one of those fasten-your-seat-belts kind of weeks. And I don’t know about you, but it’s Friday and I’m feeling all “Whew!” and “Whoa!” and “When can I have a nap?” And then it came time to write this post. And I’m thinking: Which quote do I pick? How do I want …
In Others’ Words: Thoughts
I went to college as a special education major. I’d always had an interest in sign language and braille. And after visiting Gallaudet University, a college for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, DC, while writing a high school report, I selected special education as my college major. That lasted all of one semester. Why? Because I asked …
In Others’ Words: Smallest
I am still trying to find the words to describe the birth of my granddaughter, Alison Elizabeth, on Wednesday, July 24. I’ll let you know when I find them. All of my emotions seem to find their expression in tears … and silence whenever I hold this miracle in my arms. I’ll be spending Friday welcoming her home … and …