How would you define self-pity? We’ve all heard the quote about how harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person — the person we can’t forgive — to die. But what about self-pity — an overwhelming focus on your troubles? Sometimes self-pity blares like a megaphone, but sometimes we learn to muffle the “woe-is-mes,” to make them …
In Others’ Words: The Joy of Losing
There’s certainly something to be said about receiving and the kind of joy it brings. Receiving a gift. A compliment. A raise. Unexpected good news. But there’s also a special kind of joy that comes with giving away. Giving away some of your time to someone else who needs your help. Sometimes you might give away money — because you have extra …
In Others’ Words: You’re Not Alone by Guest Blogger Varina Denman (Giveaway)
Today I welcome author and friend Varina Denman to the blog! Varina writes stories about the unique struggles women face. Her award-winning Mended Hearts series, which revolves around church hurt, is a compelling blend of women’s fiction and inspirational romance. A native Texan, Varina lives near Fort Worth with her husband and five mostly grown children. Connect with Varina on her website …
In Others’ Words: Listening to the Silence
How often do we think listening to someone is all about hearing what they said? Consider for a moment those conversations when the unspoken words were the most important part of of the dialogue. You’re talking or you’re listening — communicating — but the most important words that need to be said by you or the other person go unspoken. Maybe if the other person …
In Others’ Words: Pay Attention!
Pay Attention! We hear those words a lot, don’t we? Maybe someone says them to us … or maybe we’re the ones trying to get someone else to listen up, to focus … to pay attention to what we’re saying or what we’re doing. We give our attention to what — and to who — is important. And so I think José Ortega …
In Others’ Words: Dream Come True
So yesterday … yesterday was about a dream coming true. I sat in my office with my daughter, CJ, and watched the 2016 Christy Awards, which were presented online this year, and my novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, won for the Contemporary Series category. I’m still grinning about that moment … and still not believing it. And what’s even …
In Others’ Words: Come on, Get Happy
Happiness isn’t about stuff, is it? I’m not denying that some of my stuff makes me happy. There are photos all over my house — of family and friends and of favorite quotes and Scripture verses — and seeing those creates a sense of happiness inside of me. And then there are gifts I’ve received that I treasure because they …
In Others’ Words: Trusting God Whether You Fall or Fly
Trusting God has been a major theme in my family’s life this year. I know we’re not the only people choosing to trust God as we face challenges. Some of you — dare I say all of you — could share “do I trust God or don’t I trust God?” moments. My daughter CJ chose the word “trust” as her One …
In Others’ Words: Speak Up
There are times when the truth you try to speak faces opposition. Your voice is drowned out by someone else’s voice — or by a clamoring of voices. Rather than being encouraged to speak up, you’re told to sit down. To be quiet. You’re told you’re wrong … or that you’re truth is unwanted. These are the times when you have …
In Others’ Words: Dogs and Cats and You and Me
I’ve never done a double quote blog post before. But tonight I wanted to write about pets and if I only chose a quote about dogs I’d be alienating all of you cat lovers. Likewise, if I only chose a quote about cats, I’d offend all of you dog lovers. So yes, I straddled the virtual fence and chose two quotes. I …