On the eve of the New Year, many of us write goals of all that we want to accomplish over the next 365 days. Our goals typically include things like conquering our weaknesses and achieving success. I’ve written goals in the past like, “Clean Out Clutter” and “Get Organized” which for me are about as helpful […]
10 Upside-Down New Year’s Resolutions Read More »
(Click on the audio bar above to hear this blog post.) There are many books I want to write in my lifetime. Many about communication. But there’s one book I had to write first. In the next few weeks it will be available on Amazon.com. Four years ago I was shocked when I tested positive for
A Breath Prayer for Shock Read More »
(For the audio recording of this post, click on the bar above) How I ended up in women’s shoes at Walmart, I’ll never know. I didn’t even need shoes. I was just meandering. I had dropped off my fourth son at a Father-Son campout and honestly, I was a bit lost. No good reason
And I Thought I Was Just Meandering… Read More »
As we continue through Breast Cancer Awareness month this October, we turn the pages of my new devotional, The Faith to Free-Fall, past the first chapter, “Shock,” to the second chapter- “Anger.” Though I wrote this devo specifically for women anticipating undergoing a mastectomy, I believe we’ve all been angry at times when things haven’t turned out the
My trunk is full of groceries as I pull up to the corner and turn on my blinker. Out of the corner of my eye I see a man standing near me, leaning on a cane, wearing a black coat and a hat to ward off the cold wind. He’s selling newspapers for $1. I
My Interview with “Red”- a Corner Newspaper Salesman Read More »
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 »
“Amazing, simply amazing. Melt-in-your mouth. Your mama was a keeper.” Beth watched her dad’s mouth move, describing the delectable German chocolate cakes her mom used to bake, but all she could think was, “He’s a diabetic! He should not be talking about mom’s cakes. He’s only making it harder for himself.” Beth didn’t know it,
“Say What?” The 5 Levels of Listening Read More »
“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 »
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 »