Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. – John Kennedy I read this quote on a t-shirt last year and the message really struck with me – pray for strength. This could be applied to my life – and I’m betting yours as well. Hard times come and they can take […]
encouragement
A Flexible Plan
One area I have had to deliberately work in my life is to have a flexible plan. I like a regimented schedule and I really prefer when things line up perfectly. This is all well and good, but once you enter any unknown dynamics into the plan – other people, for instance – things can […]
How To Grow Right Where You Are
Do you ever wonder how to grow right where you are? I hesitate to use the word “stuck”, but sometimes I can feel, well, in furlough. (furlough in this case meaning at a pause in the middle of things … also, stuck) We all know the import of blooming where you are planted, but how […]
The Key to Success
The key to success is playing the hand you were dealt like it was the hand you wanted. I have no idea who this quote originated with, but I find it inspiring! Time and time again, as I look around at different people living their lives, the common theme that I admire is those who […]
Norman Vincent Peale
Norman Vincent Peale is an author I have recently discovered. A friend gave me a box of books, and it happened to contain one of Peale’s. I am big on reading uplifting and encouraging books, it helps set my pace and my thoughts. That is also why I like to share encouraging thoughts and stories. […]
Life Takes Care of Itself
“Life takes care of itself and leaves you with a story to tell” is a line in a song I heard on the drive from work one day. The song talks about highs and lows, hopes and disappointments – life in general, really. And the point of it is that we all walk through hard […]
Spring is Around the Corner
Isn’t it incredible that spring is around the corner? We’ve been transitioning Christmas items to winter at the shop and will soon be swapping them out for spring. Seasons change is so refreshing and energizing, I think! Much as we as humans resist change, the consistency of God’s nature and the patterns of the seasons […]
Preparing for the Unknown
Preparing for the unknown can be complicated. Since it is unknown, it can be difficult to determine how much or what exactly to prepare. In town, we have a high profile court case coming to our small city. To say it is the largest thing we will most likely see in town in our lifetime […]
Daughters of the American Revolution
For the past few years I’ve been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is a lovely group of ladies whose focus is God, Home and Country. We begin every meeting pledging allegiance to the flag and singing our national anthem. Our group is patriotic and God-fearing, two things that are very […]
Seasons Change
Seasons change four times a year. Some seasons are mild while others are extreme. Personally, I’m one for the in-between seasons – fall and spring – where it’s not too hot and not too cold. I’m not much of one for extremes. And I think I could say the same of life, I’m not too […]