To Good Use
After traveling, I often return to the raspberries to harvest the too-ripe berries. Sometimes, they have already over-ripened and rotted there. I always feel the same way about it: Sometimes, if you don’t put a good thing to good use, it rots on the vine. Our gifts are made for using, for being picked and […]
Talking to Young Readers
Today I spoke with a young reader who asked me to sign her book. She wanted me to know she read This Seat’s Saved twice already (and the first time only took her one morning!). I carefully received her well-loved book, signed it for her, handed it back, and then asked if she wanted a […]
Better Decisions
I learned something in my WW meeting last week. Happier people make better decisions. It’s hard to make good decisions when you’re afraid, sad or anxious. I also learned this in my trauma-informed teaching class this summer. It’s harder to learn when you’re afraid or anxious. It’s harder to do most things, really. The technique […]
Unite My Heart
I loved reading Psalm 86 this morning. I find a few great prayers here. First, David essentially asks God to make him happy. He does! “Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness […]
The Time You Have
Since both my daughters are now living away from home, I enjoy the blessing of more time. Some new additions to my life involve a gym membership, reading more, and spending much more time with friends as a couple. I also love taking on more ministry assignments and praying about the next years of my […]
It’s Time: Acorns and Love
My friends bring me acorns from Ohio as a gift. Yes, I believe my love language might just be acorns. I’ll paint these this weekend, most likely something glossy and fabulous. Meanwhile, it’s that time of year when every walk becomes an acorn hunt.
Be Helpful
This morning I remembered the advice I received from a leadership coach on how best to succeed in any setting. “Be helpful,” she said. I think about those words so many times. In any situation, we can ask, “How can I help? What does it look like to be helpful here?” I thought about this […]
Fixed
Thank you all for your patience whenever my blog doesn’t post on certain days. Ashley fixed the problem today, so you should received the daily blog. If that happens, you can always visit heatherholleman.com to read what you missed. A friend checked in with Ashley and asked if I was OK because the blog hadn’t […]
On Favoritism
I continue to learn what it means to “value others above” myself (Philippians 2:3) and to live with Paul’s attitude of showing honor to all and choosing especially to “associate with people of low position” (Romans 12:16). It’s interesting to know how it automatically feels to meet someone the culture values as important or famous […]
Not for Everyone. And Not Always Right.
Recently, I’ve received a few challenging emails where readers take issue with things I’ve written. Perhaps I quote someone who later in their life said something theologically wrong. This makes readers discount a book and write inflamed messages. Some emails take on accusatory, condemning, and mean tones. Perhaps I state something a reader doesn’t feel […]