I admire people who take the word “can’t” and turn it into a great big “Oh yes, I can!” Like Helen Keller. Or Erik Weihenmayer. You probably recognize Helen Keller’s name and know she’s the first deaf-blind woman to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, who then went on to become an international speaker and author. Erik Weihenmayer? He’s the first blind …
In Others’ Words: Peace Like a River
I read this verse yesterday — Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. — and knew it would be the focus of today’s post. The Old Testament perspective of the heart encompassed a person’s physical, mental and spiritual life. So guarding the heart was significant because an unprotected heart put so much in danger: your …
In Others’ Words: One Word
I am a one-word woman. It’s been years since I made a New Year’s resolution — much less kept one. I mean, how can I keep a resolution when I can’t find my nice, new list that I wrote up oh-so-carefully? 2014 will be the ninth year that I focus on one word for twelve months. And yes, I know …
In Others’ Words: Be Happy
This past weekend, I listened to a radio broadcaster chat with a middle-schooler — asking the typical “What do you want to be when you grow up?” questions. Where do you want to go to college? What do you want to study? What kind of engineer do you want to be? (This, after the kid finally said he thought — …
In Others’ Word: Circumstance
I love the rhythm of the words in today’s quote. God can change … He can orchestrate … He can alter … He can and does … The words becomes are anthem of hope. Not that I’m surprised — they are penned by my writing-friend, Cynthia Herron. From the first time I met her, I recognized the heart of a valiant encourager …
In Others’ Words: Truthful
Discouragement has stalked my heels of late. And even as I write those words, I want to back up, hit the “delete” key until that sentence disappears. Start again. But I am determined to be honest . . . not to garner sympathy, although you all — yes, you, if you are reading this blog — are amazing encouragers. I …
In Others’ Words: Home is where . . .
I had a certain definition of home for many years–and it was most definitely tied to a specific address. A certain place. Then I married my husband, who was in the military. My idea of home had to change. Uncle Sam determined where home was – and how long a certain place would be home. The year I decorated a Christmas tree …
In Others’ Words: Truth
Which one of these phrases trips you up? Too old Too young Too busy Too scared Too washed up Too worn out And which one of these truths renews your hope, your strength? God watches over your every step (Psalm 121:5) God steadies you (Isaiah 33:5-6) God rescues you (Colossians 1:13) God carries you (Psalm 68:19) God knows you (Romans …
In Others’ Words: Unexpected Happiness
Today’s photo makes me smile. Yeah, I look like a bit of a goof … but I’m an extremely happy goof. Those two women wrapping me in a hug? Not only are they tremendous blessings in my life — they are both huge surprises. It all goes back to my belief that God’s best is often behind the doors marked …
In Others’ Words: Key
The power of a key. A lost key means things that are locked are left unopened. Puzzles are left unanswered. Things that should start — like a car or a music box — don’t. Keys mean the difference between success and failure. Maybe even power and impotence. Now reread today’s quote: Monday is the key to the week. Is that …