It’s my Faithful to Speak workshop and we’re talking about emotion in the context of public speaking. Joanne raises her hand, “But how do you know when you’re being manipulative? Using emotion because you know it will get to your audience?” Her question makes me dig deep. And it takes me back to a late […]
“Zoom in on the Tears”- 3 Safeguards Against Using Emotion to Manipulate Your Audience Read More »
(To hear the audio recording of this blog post, click on the white triangle in the black line above) “I’m not really a speaker; I’m more of a writer,” Jordan, a participant in my public speaking workshop, explains. Her dark brown hair frames her pretty face. “What do you write?” I ask. “My blog. It’s trustingadventure.com.”
The Place Between Panic and Rock Star Read More »
I lug heavy cast iron skillets to the wash station across from our campsite and grouch. Grumble, gripe, grouch. I pass my husband and boys playing cornhole. I could ask them to help but I would rather play the martyr, sigh, and grouch my grouchy hands into the soapy water to scrub bacon grease off
The Secret of the Happy Janitor Read More »
“Ben is trying to steal Jackson from me!” My son was distraught. The friend he thought was his “best friend” was spending a lot of time with another friend. “I know. It’s hard when it looks that way,” I said. Then I asked, “So what’s the scariest thing about that for you?” Big tears welled
“Let it Go”- Jealousy in Friendship Read More »
It’s April 27, 2001, 7:30pm. In an old theater, a hope-filled boyfriend kneels on a stage floor and offers his girlfriend a ring and life together. She smiles, “Yes!” Happy tears. He pours juice into the cup, bought especially for this occasion. He breaks the bread. They share communion. Community. Communication. They share. Wedding day.
“Cargo pants, hiking boots, and a sweater with flair. I want to look like a hip outdoorswoman for my birthday party.” Peri had a vision, and I was determined to help make it happen. I ran the 4 doors down to my house and brought back a bag of sweaters. Holding up each one, I
Peri’s 50th Birthday Bash Read More »
I pointed my finger indignantly at the black woman on the stage next to me, “I am not prejudiced!” She tilted her head back and laughed, “Honey, we are all prejudiced!” And that was how I first met Naima- in a play on a stage. I would tell you she’s African American, but I have
Deeper- A Music Review Read More »
Her blue eyes are full of courage, full of hope. My friend and neighbor, Peri, sits in the hospital bed that has been set up in her bedroom, writing out her goals for 2014 on a tablet. She lists things like finishing her scrapbooks and celebrating her 50th birthday on February 4th. And then she
Peri’s Audacious Goal for 2014 Read More »
com·mu·ni·ty (kəˈmyo͞onitē) It’s a noun with many definitions. My favorite is this: –a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals– When do we experience community? During happy times? Like birthday parties, rodeos, and fireworks? Definitely. But what about tragedy, trials, and sickness? Can we experience community then?
Teal Ribbons for Peri Read More »
Sometimes a friend walks into your life whose love changes you forever. That friend, for me, is Peri Thomas. It all started back in September with a knock at my back door. It’s my new friend and neighbor, Peri. I motion her in. Since our kids (and we) have been in and out of each other’s
Peri “Overcomer” Thomas Read More »