Random Thoughts
To improve is to change: figuring out what works best
Have you ever made changes to improve your well-being, and then wondered if it was worth it? For the past six months, I’ve been tacking on new goals to support a healthier lifestyle (see “Incremental changes that add up”). In addition to adding a new supplement to my diet and daily strength-training, I’ve also upped…
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Set apart: shining your light before others
In the same way, let your light shine before others… ~ Matthew 5:16 The other morning, I approached the town’s postal clerk and asked, “What’s the good word?” “Obnoxious,” he replied, eyes twinkling. “And why is that?” He seemed to contemplate my question. “Because that’s what I am.” We laughed, then engaged in small talk…
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Ordering our days: pause and pray
Recently I participated in a guest interview conducted by author Diana Leagh Matthews, and one of her questions was: What’s the biggest struggle you have as a writer? While I’ve always wrestled with limiting beliefs, if I had to choose one thing, I’d pick the elusive life-writing balance. As a full-time writer, I often get…
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Asking the tough questions: how to best serve your life ‘story’
I worked with a writing coach a few years ago. As a “plotter,” I crave structure—a roadmap of sorts—before I begin a new writing project. But similar to what oftentimes happens in real life, stories are prone to get off track. To help combat that, my coach recommended reviewing my outline each week to confirm…
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Strong and courageous: readjusting expectations when answered prayers fall short
Recently I shared with Facebook readers and newsletter subscribers about “Strong and Courageous,” a new story of mine featured in Guideposts’ forthcoming book “Exploring God’s Promises: Hope,” which follows my family’s account of God’s promise fulfilled—in the midst of trauma and uncertainty—after my husband was hit by a drunk driver and resuscitated at the scene.…
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Counting down: growing a book from conception to release
Have you ever wondered how long it takes to grow a book from conception to launch? In my case, it’ll be 26 months since I conceived the idea for my debut novel—“A Father’s Vow”—until its March 26 release! For a behind-the-scenes scoop, stop by to read my recent Sunday Dinner interview with author Danielle Grandinetti.…
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Forging or following: finding your own way
A couple weeks ago, I grabbed my trekking poles and followed a trail from our neighborhood into the national forest. Normally an easy route to navigate, deep snow rendered the path undetectable. With no human tracks to follow, I drew on past experience until a few familiar landmarks confirmed my location. And I started thinking…
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Borrowing trouble from tomorrow: a reminder to focus on the present
During a recent trek through a fresh snowfall that blanketed our wooded neighborhood, my thoughts drifted to the many pressing matters that needed my attention in the days and weeks ahead—from medical appointments, to finagling schedules around contractors and winter driving conditions, to several writing commitments and a few road trips in the works. As…
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Sharing the load: tips to combat discouragement
I recently attended a webinar presented by another author entitled “Encouragement for Writers.” Not only did I walk away equipped with tools to combat discouragement in my creative practice, but I also received validation through the collective stories shared by other writers that I’m not alone. But I also believe the takeaways expressed by the…
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When you can’t see where you’re going: inching ahead
How often do we desire to make a change or move forward with a decision, but the specifics are unclear? I remember a cross-country trip through Texas decades ago when my husband and I hit a patch of thick and soupy fog, the visibility nil. My fingers clenched around the moving van’s steering wheel—our Ford…
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