This is personal. I’ve lived the Fridays. I’ve waited through the Saturdays. I’ve felt the hope of Sunday. I bet you have too. I never tire of sharing this note. It’s truth. It’s encouragement. It’s hope. Please read it and then share it with two people you care about. People who need an extra dose of HOPE this week. ❤️❤️❤️ Hi. Scoot your chair a little closer. And if you’re in a comfy armchair and scooting isn‘t an option… lean in. Imagine that I’m talking softly - almost whispering. The kind of whisper a mama uses to soothe her Continue Reading
The Grace of the Present
The Amazon Prime van drove up slowly through our unplowed streets and I heard the snow scrunch under its tires. I’d been waiting for this day and its delivery, and I caught its early morning arrival from my office window. Somewhere, behind the van’s dark blue siding and the light blue smiling arrow, was the book I’d preordered weeks ago. It had arrived. As the driver cautiously shuffled back down the driveway, I grabbed the box from the front porch with a quick Thanks so much! Before he’d put the van in drive, the package was on the Continue Reading
Stuff and Struggles – God Knows
From my heart to yours … If circumstances feel really tough right now … If life feels overwhelming ... If you’re wondering if God moved and didn’t leave a forwarding address … You are not alone. We’ve all been there – or are there now. And this season will pass. (Maybe not on your timeline, but it will pass.) God has good things in store for you. While we wait for things to change, here’s a little note of encouragement for you: God knows. Yes, those two little words … God knows. God knows your disappointment with how Continue Reading
You are a Big Deal
Consider this little note your Personal Service Announcement for the week … You are a big deal. Right now, just as you are. You have talents and gifts that make the world a better place, even if those gifts are hard for you to see these days. You have a way of showing up in conversations and situations that make life more interesting and enjoyable for those around you, even if your current reactions aren’t always reflecting that. Your heart was created for hope and love and joy, even if discouragement has covered those Continue Reading
Let’s Go See What They’re
Talking About!
The “Pickles” cartoon in Sunday’s Star Tribune made me laugh out loud. The creator, Brian Crane, always brings the joy! Earl and Pearl are an elderly couple having this conversation: Pearl: Anything good in the mail? Earl: Just a Christmas newsletter from the Hansens. Why don’t we ever send out a Christmas newsletter? Pearl: The only reason to do a Christmas newsletter is to brag about the things you did during the year. What have we done worth bragging about? Earl: What about those warts you had removed? It just makes you Continue Reading
Enjoy Where You Are
The encouragement phrases like, “Live in the moment” and “Be fully present” can be a bit … uncomfortable sometimes. Perhaps even annoying. Right? But there is truth in them for sure. There is power in those statements. I share them with friends and groups. They are little lights along our path that lead us to living a full, rich life. I’m a fan. Here’s the deal … Showing up fully present, paying attention to the people and activity around me? It makes me a better person. A more alive person. A more grateful person. But I admit Continue Reading