Inspiration for Writers

As writers, we may feel that our most productive time is spent getting the words down. But where do we find those words to begin with? And when we are burned out and our well is dry, where can we go for inspiration? Are you a writer first? A mom? A dad? Are you a…

Ten years later

This long weekend marked ten years since I finished treatment for breast cancer. A lot has changed and I am grateful for these bonus years. I am remarried to a wonderful man and my family has grown to include stepchildren, son and daughter-in-laws and many grandchildren. I have a new career as a children’s book…

Building community one friendship at a time

Building community starts with being vulnerable enough to invite others into our messy, imperfect, authentic lives. Pushing the mail and homework and clutter to the end of the table to make room for food and conversation. Setting aside expectations and entering into heartfelt, soul stirring relationship. Risking rejection and judgement and offering ourselves up to…

Sharing special moments

Birthdays can be tricky with kids. Celebrations with family and friends can turn ugly when the other children present don’t yet understand why they aren’t also the recipient of gifts and attention. Recently we attended the birthday of a three-year-old. As she received our gift, tears ran down her four-year-old sister’s face. Our attempts at…

Investing in our stories

The same spirit that drives a writer to take a hybrid or indie approach to publishing can lead to the decision to take on every facet of publishing single-handedly. Writing, editing, formatting and cover design can be done independently depending on the writer’s abilities but there is an argument to be made for partnering with…

A Season of Rejuvenation

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Spring has arrived as it does every year and the change of season is cause to celebrate. As I walked around town recently with my daughter and four-year-old granddaughter, (who stopped for a good splash in every puddle), we commented on the new murals painted in store windows. People seemed…

Creativity in Marketing

I was struck recently by the concept of imagination. Why did God give us an imagination? One reason, perhaps, is to fuel our creativity. To allow us to think more broadly and give us a chance to consider things we might not have considered if we were to think logically all the time. The gifts…

Living in peace through restoration

With everything that’s going on in our world the idea of living in peace might seem impossible. But what is impossible for man is possible with God. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love…

Hope in dark times

I think most of us would agree that the past two years have been very challenging. No matter who you are and where you live, we have all been impacted by the events surrounding the pandemic of Covid 19. It is the event of this generation that has united us all in a common experience…

Five Keys to Finding Your Purpose

Finding your purpose is crucial to living a fulfilled life. The following are five key questions that may help in the process. How well do you know yourself? Knowing yourself, what you are naturally drawn to and what areas interest you is a good initial indicator in finding your purpose. It may be an interest…