Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
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As this year draws to a close, I find myself pausing to reflect on the past year's journey. Considering how writing brought a sense of hope and inspiration to the community, I have come to a threshold of letting go of what has filled my heart to overflowing these past few years. People often ask me, "How did you start writing for the papers?" It all began two years ago over lunch with a friend. I shared with her that I sensed God had called me to write articles that would inspire and bring hope and encouragement to my community. Living in this... Full story
While decluttering is commonly associated with organizing physical spaces, closets, drawers, and storage areas, its significance extends far beyond the tangible aspects of our lives. It be-comes a journey into the depths of our hearts and minds, aligning with biblical principles, re-leasing possessions, shedding emotional burdens, and fostering a compassionate connection with ourselves. In a recent transformative week with a client, we dug deep into both inner and outer decluttering, focusing on cleansing. She also experienced a rejuvenating...
Have you ever witnessed a simple act of kindness that left a lasting impression? How we treat others matters, and kindness is a courageous gesture that holds significance not only in our daily lives but also in the eyes of our Creator. As Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Kindness is indeed one of the fruits of the Spirit—a quality we are called to cultivate. We may even believe that what we have to offer is inade...
In 1888, Alfred Nobel picked up his morning newspaper on a cold January in Switzerland. At the time, Alfred was known globally as the inventor of dynamite and one of the world’s leading weaponry manufacturers. He read the headline: “Today, Alfred Nobel has passed away.” Completely confused, he called the newspaper to report the error. It turned out that a rushed, overly keen reporter had failed to check the names and wrote the mistaken headline. It was an unusual chance to see his life as others saw it, and Alfred was stunned to find out he was... Full story
We have an innate desire to belong in families, at work, and in our communities. We want to belong in such a way that others would go out of their way to pursue us. But, of course, it looks different in marriage, friendships, and even relationships within our family. Longing to be pursued is not a sign of self-admiration, as God placed that desire deep within our hearts because we were created in His image. If you are feeling lonely, abandoned, or unwanted because of what the world says, it’s time to stop. You are valued, treasured, and l... Full story
Grief is an inescapable facet of the human experience—a journey that can catch us off guard, leaving us with unsettled emotions. I, too, found myself in this uncharted territory when I first experienced the loss of my father. In the years that followed, I would grieve, saying goodbye to my oldest sister, my mother, and another sibling, my brother. These deeply personal encounters with grief taught me that we are not alone in our pain. Although I had witnessed loss in various forms throughout my life, facing it within my own family brought grief...
Have you ever felt like your hard work went unnoticed, or maybe you feel as though you aren’t making a difference? You’re not alone. In times of feeling overlooked, it’s important to remember that even the most extraordinary individuals face moments of rejection. Let’s draw inspiration from the story of King David, a man who defied the odds and embraced his purpose with a pure heart. King David, a shepherd boy, felt overlooked in the eyes of his family and the world. When the prophet Samuel was tasked with choosing the next King of Israel,...
I have been inspired to write this week’s article on hope. I have a treasured friend who mentioned hope on one of his reels, and it got me thinking about hope. He was looking for a definition of hope and what it means. It is one word that I believe is difficult to narrow down. From his journal, he read, “Hope and hopelessness are part of my disease. Hope tells me there is a better way.” I couldn’t agree more. There is a better way. Hope is not merely a tiny word; it wears big shoes of unwavering determination. It is the tie that connect... Full story
Life is a journey of ups and downs, celebrations and setbacks, joys and disappointments. While rejoicing in the highs and achievements is natural, it’s equally important to recognize the value that disappointments bring to our lives. Though often seen as painful detours, disappointments are not roadblocks but guiding lights pointing us toward a more meaningful and purposeful path. When faced with disappointments, it’s easy to become disheartened and question our worth and abilities. However, it’s important to remember that disappointments are n...
In a world filled with challenges and temptations, one virtue is a light of courage, strength, and moral fortitude – integrity. Integrity isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life, a lantern guiding us toward genuine success and fulfillment. In a society where shortcuts and compromises may seem enticing, embracing integrity can lead us down a path that paves the way for a life of authenticity. Integrity is often used as a business name and blueprint for many corporations. However, those who cultivate integrity understand that true success isn’t...
I listen to many podcasts, but one of my favorites is The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast. In a recent podcast, the guest, James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits, talks about how our habits are a symptom of our priorities. And John Maxwell shared how our goals and our personal growth are different. Frequently, we put those two in the same category; in thinking about them, I agree they are different, but both are necessary. Throughout my life, I have set many goals that were never achieved, as sometimes life happens, and I was unable to reach my...
Did you know diamonds are fascinating gems that form deep within the Earth's mantle under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, taking millions of years to develop? Not all diamonds make it to the Earth's surface, as some remain trapped in the mantle due to geological processes. However, those that reach the surface become the valuable and cherished gemstones we adore today. When mined and brought to the Earth's surface, diamonds undergo a meticulous process of polishing or cutting. This skilled and intricate procedure transforms them...
Persevering against all odds is an extraordinary display of strength and determination. It means facing countless obstacles, setbacks, and failures yet refusing to give up or be defeated. It entails finding the courage to keep going despite adversity, even when it feels impossible. It requires a deep belief in oneself and a relentless drive to achieve one’s goals. The journey may be filled with doubt, pain, and heartbreak, but those who persevere choose to rise above it. They find motivation in their dreams, inspire others with their r...
A thorn in the flesh is sometimes described as a persistent problem we can't seem to resolve. It can be anything - a relationship, persecution, an experience, a trauma, or a job we are stuck in. Where did the phrase, a thorn in the flesh" originate that is often used in our modern-day lives? It originated in the New Testament writings of Paul. His weaknesses, insults, hardships, and all the earthly discomforts he experienced made him look to God for strength. When I think about a "thorn," I think about prickly and razor-sharp points. We have a...
I grew up in a large family, and one limiting belief passed on to us was a scarcity mindset. I remember Dad telling us to get a good job with benefits, work hard, save as much as possible for 40 years, and then retire, as money doesn’t grow on trees. I lived this limiting belief for most of my adult life. Scarcity and abundance have been buzzwords floating around the internet for several years. As I dug deeper into my upbringing, I began to understand scarcity and the negative emotions it can bring, as family beliefs will stay with us unless we...
Disappointments in life will happen. Life is not easy or fair, and none of us are exempt from struggles or disappointments. Do not fall into the entitlement trap. There will be things in your life that will throw you off course. But you can get through it - we are all in the same boat. Write down challenges you may have encountered in a situation that disappointed you, and grow from them. When I become disappointed, I journal all my positive attributes - my strengths and characteristics, even if they seem minor. That is what builds your... Full story
“Where there is imperfection, there is an abundance of beauty.” I am not sure who the author is, but I love this quote and have it on the wall in our basement, and while watching a show, I will occasionally glance at it and begin to reflect on its meaning. People will ask me how I choose a topic for my articles; I tell them I reflect on my surroundings, stories, situations, and anything that may inspire me to write each week. I trust that the word that keeps showing up will be the word I expound on, and the topic may spark a conversation or... Full story
How many of you feel stuck... in life or vocation? I have often felt stuck and had plenty of reasons to believe I wasn’t enough or capable. First, I was in a remedial reading group in second grade. Second, I stood before my peers with a dunce hat on at a young age. And third, I remember my dad telling me to get an excellent job with great benefits, work for 30-plus years, and then retire, thus creating a feeling of being stuck. Those experiences and words planted a seed in me at a young age, making me feel like I wasn’t enough or capable. You... Full story
Gossip...according to the Oxford dictionary, is informal talk or stories about other people's private lives that may be unkind or not true. Webster's dictionary defines gossip as "casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people." We have all experienced a shared story, a side comment, or a roll of the eyes in gossip. There is gossip in homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and churches, to name a few. Words used for gossip are incredibly toxic. All of the words we use have the power to build someone up or tear someone do... Full story
Have you ever had a dream of yours crushed…maybe even as a child? Many of you have, and in retrospect, you have forgotten how to dream. Do you often feel stuck in your current vocation or life in general? Zippia, the career expert, states that 65% of U. S. workers are happy in their jobs, but only 20% are passionate about their jobs. That leaves 35% who are stuck. Likewise, only 49% of American workers report being “very satisfied with their work,” while 30% are “somewhat satisfied.” There is nothing wrong with finding fulfillment at work, but... Full story
How do you choose friends? Do you value personality, integrity, morals, and values? We must be very intentional in how we choose our inner circle. The right friends for you should help you to become more humble and willing to serve others from all walks of life. Friends profoundly influence our lives - especially during moments of transparency and vulnerability at the intersection of decision-making. Surrounded by wrong friends or voices, unhealthy friendships can negatively influence you, and you may be encouraged to pursue unhealthy habits an... Full story
At the end of December, I asked my husband if he was up for a challenge this year. He looked at me a bit perplexed and said, "hmmm, what is the challenge? I said, "a typical book has 55,000 to 65,000 words. If we spend 45 minutes a day reading, we can read one book weekly." Much to my surprise, he said, "I'm in." I believe he is on book five. Me, well, I'm on book three...sticking to one book a week. Why am I doing this? Readers make leaders, and I understand that successful CEOs and great leaders read more than one book weekly. When I heard... Full story
Have you asked yourself some reflective questions this past week as we jump into the New Year? What challenges or fears were thrown your way, and how did you overcome them? Were you able to break through your challenges, fears, sadness, and disappointments? Did you learn some lessons from those challenges, where you will gain more wisdom? There are lessons we need to learn as we face life head-on. Is something holding you back from fulfilling your purpose, your calling? It could be anger, shame, unforgiveness, hurt from your past, or something... Full story
For the last several years, my husband and I have chosen a word for the year. The WORD we choose allows us to set our intention for the year. Your WORD is a powerful reminder to stay focused on your goals. My WORD and my husband's WORD are printed in capital letters on my monthly calendar. We get to look at it every day. It triggers something positive in your brain and helps you stay focused. Over the years, many of us, including myself, would set a New Year's Resolution. The problem with New Year's Resolutions is that we are "all in" at the... Full story
Writing and sending out Christmas cards is slowly becoming a distinct and lost art. Social media has taken over our human connectedness. Sure, we can scroll on social media anytime, day or night, and see what's happening locally and worldwide. But are we losing genuine connections? It is personal engagements that we cherish the most, and there is no substitute for the time and thought that goes into sending cards in the mail. Some may say the reason for not sending out cards is the cost of stamps or the time it takes to sit and write, but when... Full story
