Random Thoughts
What happens next: saying ‘yes’ to you in 2024
The shopping has long been done, we’re all partied out, the gifts have been unwrapped (and a few returned), the cookies are now crumbs, the decorations sparkle a bit less—which can also be said of many of us. It’s that time of year, much like within the world of a good book, when we reach…
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Just do it: reflections on another birthday in the books
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed making a big deal out of my birthday. But this year, the date snuck up on me and it came and passed with little fanfare. In fact, it felt like any other day on the calendar—except for the customary princess tiara I donned for the occasion.…
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The 12 days of Christmas: a twist on the classic
When I was writing today’s post, I did a little research and discovered that the origin of the classic 12 Days of Christmas song involves theological significance. You can read more about that here. But in my version of the classic, I tweaked it so the recipient becomes the giver of an intangible gift. As…
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Improving the human condition: harness your superpower
What if I told you that everyone has at least one superpower? Does your mind automatically think of a popular masked comic book hero sporting colorful tights, an awesome skill and a flashy sidekick? Or do you liken a superpower to your God-given strengths and/or talents? Whichever camp you’re in, superpowers might be directly observable,…
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When life is out of control: taking ownership
Over the past year and a half, I’ve felt out of control in several areas of my life—from the contractors working on our cabin who operate on “mountain time,” to changes in my health, to my daughter’s recent major household move (it’s all good), to the ever-changing publishing industry. I’ve come to realize, however, that…
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Every story has already been told: bringing something fresh to the table
Today I’m talking about my latest five-minute romance featured in Woman’s World magazine’s Nov. 6 issue (on sale now!). The idea for A Surprise Invitation was sparked not long after our neighbors joined my husband and me for dinner earlier this fall. As I brainstormed ideas, I thought: What if a couple invites their widowed…
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Next steps: bite-sized means to an end
A few weeks ago while traveling, my daughter texted me after dropping off her rental car. Near tears due to multiple mishaps, she worried about missing her flight home. My momma “fix it” mindset kicked in. But at 780 miles between us, I could only pray. And then I thought about what she needed to…
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Conviction 101: examining the condition of our hearts
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. ~ Proverbs 4:23 Have you ever spoken with someone and then were later haunted by your own words? Not just once, but on instant replay? That happened to me recently after I stopped to visit with a couple in our neighborhood…
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Behaviors that trip us up: rooting out the stumbling blocks
Not long ago as I walked through our property, I tripped on a small tree stump but caught my balance. The next time, I wasn’t as fortunate and pitched forward to brace myself with my left arm—which I’d broken and had repaired two years earlier—then rolled onto my right side. For several weeks afterward, I…
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Blindsided by ‘everything but’ or following your dreams
In my latest subscriber newsletter, I talk about learning #allthings tech and marketing on the business side of writing and—quite honestly—this “old” dog is easily overwhelmed. Yet I can spend a half day trying to establish automated workflows for new subscribers—or contemplate a redesign to my website—before realizing my time to create content or revise…
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