A Note About Wisdom
This morning I woke up thinking about wisdom. I often ask God for wisdom. I recently read the book of James where we are told to do so. We read in James 1:5 that “if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be […]
“Prayer Releases God’s Power”
I’m reading a book on prayer by Wesley L. Duewel called Touch the World Through Prayer. So far, I’ve loved the idea that prayer is actually the greatest source of power we know. There’s nothing greater. I’m astonished to think of the idea of how our prayer “releases God’s power.” Where do we need that […]
Talking to Strangers: Favoritism Forbidden
Since I wrote a book on having great conversations (even with strangers), I put my own research to the test whenever I’m out in public. Yesterday, I stood in line with my daughter at the grocery store. But I had a problem: The woman in front of us—who I might have engaged in conversation— wasn’t […]
The Time for Creativity
If you’re new to the blog, you’ll see how I sometimes talk about the writing life or give an inside look into the publishing industry. I spend a lot of time thinking about writing, creativity, and work, so today, you’ll read about the business of writing and what I’m learning about how to stay creative […]
Some Great Questions to Ask Others During Your Holiday Gathering
Every year, I provide some of my favorite questions to ask others during the holidays. But this year, I wanted to start by reminding us all of the mindsets we need even before we ask the first question. We all need to grow in at least one category of The Four Mindsets (from The Six […]
So You’d Find It
A dear friend and neighbor sent me a delightful message yesterday regarding the errors in my blog. He’s so kind as he points out my spelling or wording mistakes. He’ll always say, “I think you meant this . . . ” He’s an excellent proofreader! I laughed out loud because of how little shame or […]
When You Feel Exiled
This morning, I thought about exile. Essentially, this isn’t our true country or our true home; we are “foreigners and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Our citizenship isn’t here. It’s in heaven (Philippians 3:20). As I drove to work, I asked God to help me to remember how to live while in exile. In exile, […]
All the Years Later
This morning it occurs to me that some of the writers of the psalms—mostly King David and Asaph the Levite singer—recounted the “wonders” of God nearly 300 years after the life of Moses. They kept the miracles in the front of their minds no matter how much time had gone by. I imagined they talked […]
The Shape of Things
As winter approaches, I realize the beauty of times when God strips down life to see what’s really in the heart. You see the shape of you. You see what’s really happening underneath the cover of brighter, greener days. I don’t mind suffering as much anymore; it teaches me where I stand. I stand by […]
Why I Don’t Miss a Day
I’m not that disciplined of a person. I’m not a role model for excellence in any area (except for grammar and the use of strong verbs). But I do write every single day. I post on this blog every single day. And if I miss posting electronically, I write in my journal (this might happen […]