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Taking Joy in Simple Things
I love watching “The Sound of Music.” Of all the wonderful musicals made into movies, it’s my most beloved. I especially enjoy the part when Julie Andrews comforts the Von Trapp children during a thunderstorm by singing, “My Favorite Things.” Even though my voice is a far cry from hers, this has been my tune…
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Learning to Love Beyond Labels
The human brain is an amazing superpowered personal computer tailored uniquely to each individual. It recognizes, analyzes, and labels inputted data within seconds. No matter how much we try to mimic it, nothing quite compares to the mind’s ability to imagine and create. For good or for bad, our brains make split-second judgements about the…
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A Right Time for Everything Under Heaven
Even though I’m anxious to rototill the garden as soon as warm days arrive, I force myself to wait. Patience is a must this time of year. Tender plants wilted in the frost have taught me a hard lesson. There’s a right time for everything under heaven and gardening in the spring is no exception….
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Encountering An Easter Morning Surprise
Jesus was dead—or so they thought. Mary Magdalene and the other women had witnessed the horrific act of crucifixion from the foot of the cross. Who could possibly survive a Roman execution? In modern times, we try to downplay its brutality with the gold crosses we wear as jewelry. In reality, it was anything but…
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In a World Full of Discouragement, Be a Barnabas
We live in tough times. Even a casual glance at events in the national and global news leave most of us shaking our heads. Add personal problems with finances or health to these outside forces and it’s easy to lose heart. How do we combat the darkness that threatens to invade our souls? There are…
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Lord, Let Me Offer My Breath as a Prayer
The mountain air is clear and crisp this morning. I inhale its freshness, releasing a deep sigh. Oh, how thankful I am to return to Appalachia. Its sheer beauty calms my troubled soul. I offer my breath as a prayer—not knowing exactly what to pray, I allow the Spirit to work in me and through…
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Every One of Us is An Influencer
Every one of us is an influencer whether we realize it or not. We can’t change the fact that we impact the world around us. But we do have a choice how we exert that influence. With all our words and every action, we make a decision. Will I spread light to those around me…
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How to Find Inspiration When the Spring Runs Dry
I intended to write a blog earlier this week, but it wasn’t happening. A multitude of ideas bounced in my head yet none of them felt right. With every little thing causing a distraction, the flow of my creativity came to a halt. It wasn’t the first time I’ve struggled with how to find inspiration…
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Good Intentions Without Actions Are a Dead-End Street
Some say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. But I say, good intentions without actions are a dead-end street. They may not be taking you to hell, but they certainly aren’t taking you any place worthwhile. This past week, I finished the expanded version of my novel The Dream Chaser and sent…
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Look Up: Behold a Great Light
It’s chilly in the mountains these last days before Christmas. Yesterday evening I hurried out in the cold to take a bag of trash to the garage. With gift wrapping, we unfortunately make a lot of trash. As I shuffled my feet to avoid slipping on the new crust of snow on our driveway, the…
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How To Respond When Thankfulness Doesn’t Come Easy
It’s Thanksgiving week and turkey with all the fixings await me. As I ponder all I have to be thankful for, my thoughts are juxtaposed against all my worries and challenges. I find myself weighing one against the other. In reality, the challenges I face are small in comparison to my blessings. Yet, the worries…
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Stepping Out Within the Storm
Self-preservation is a strong instinct. When waves lap over the bow and wind batters my ship, human nature urges me to hunker below deck. Stepping out within the storm wouldn’t even cross my mind. But this is exactly what the apostle Peter did. Were Peter’s actions simply a moment of impulsiveness? Or is there more…
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Beauty Found Within the Ashes
Life is so full of confusing contrasts. Isn’t it odd how often unexpected beauty is found within the ashes? Its boldness brightens our day and pushes away worries that threaten to weigh us down. Out of the darkness, beauty offers hope within a world blanketed in sorrow. During my recent drive back to East Tennessee,…
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I Think I Can: A Mindset of Confidence
When my children were young, one of my favorite stories to read to them was The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. Now that my grandchildren are old enough to listen to books, I find joy in this classic tale once again. The best line in the story comes as the little engine chugs…
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Caught Up in an Unexpected Standstill
My day whizzed past as I navigated a busy four-lane highway heading back home to Tennessee. After more than a week of working in the wellness clinic and helping with my twin grandchildren, I focused my mind on all I planned to do to catch up. I was gliding along the smooth pavement, passing other…
