Sometimes I wonder: Could I have done what Corrie ten Boom did? During World War II, she and her family were part of the Dutch underground — hiding, feeding and transporting Jews and other people hunted by the Nazi Gestapo out of the country. When her family was betrayed, they were separated and sent to concentration camps. Corrie and her …
In Others’ Words: Stop
Lately it seems I end each day thinking about what I didn’t accomplish and how all those undone things are piling on top of the next day’s To Do list. I head for my bedroom, brush my teeth, wash my face, crawl into bed and snuggle next to my husband as he prays … and then I think about all …
In Others’ Words: No Shortcuts
I’ve wanted to be a writer all my life. Really. I was one of those kids in school who didn’t moan about writing papers for English class and who thought spelling bees were fun. When it came time to choose my major for college, I asked myself, “What do I love enough that I wouldn’t mind doing it every day …
In Others’ Words: On a Hummingbird’s Wing and a Prayer
After eight years living in Niceville, FL (yes, Niceville), my roots ran deep into Florida’s sandy soil. My kids were happy. My husband was happy with his job at Eglin Air Force Base. And me? I was happy too. I treasured a wonderful circle of friends, taught women’s Bible studies and helped lead the women’s ministry at my church. My …
In Others’ Words: Answers
Remember when you were in school and sometimes — oh, happy day! — the answers to the math problems were in the back of the textbook? Of course, copying the answers was cheating. And doing so didn’t help you master algebra or geometry … but you did finish your homework a lot faster. I haven’t stumbled across any book …
In Others’ Words: Glass
I knew what today’s post was going to be about last Friday. I thought about the whole “glass half full” versus “glass half empty” mindset all weekend long. Me? I used to be a “glass half empty” gal. Somedays I wasn’t even sure there was even more than a drop of water in the glass. Two things changed my perspective: …
In Others’ Words: Author Whispers
Writers try to get so many things right. We try to figure out when to follow the rules — and when to ignore ’em. We try to make our fictional characters true to life so that readers talk out loud to them as they turn the pages of our novels. (Come on, admit it! You’ve done it too!) We try …
In Others’ Words: From Here to Eternity
I often talk about my pursuit of the To Do list. I have to admit, crossing things off that thing gives me such a feeling of satisfaction. For that moment in time, I know I’ve accomplished something: met a deadline or finished laundry or made that all-important phone call. But the days — the moments — I’ve stayed true to …
In Others’ Words: Hope and Having
I almost didn’t post this quote today. I couldn’t decide if I liked or not. If I agreed with it or not. And then, while I was talking with my husband about what Epicurus meant, I distilled the quote down to one word: Now. Good ol’ Epicurus was reminding people to live in the now — not wasting today by …
In Others’ Words: Focus
Oh, the days I’ve wished away. If I had the chance to count up all the hours … the minutes … the seconds … they’d probably spill over the edges of my cupped hands like the sands inside an hourglass. Gone. But I’ve enjoyed my days too. Savored the sweetness of times woven through with laughter and yes, even tears …