The subject makes me physically ill – and angry. Every one of us should be held accountable – because we can all do more to prevent it. To stop it. It lurks closer to home than many of you think. Trust me... So what's the problem? We're not comfortable talking about it – and so we don't. ... Keep Reading...
Search Results for: #RiskRejection
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#RiskRejection: LOVE holds the key
Three days ago, on a cold, East Tennessee morning, I packed my bags and left home; Valentine by my side. He had work to do in the Midwest. I was searching for answers. We traveled through the snow-dusted roads... ...and the waterfall-laden cliffs of Kentucky. As we entered the heavily snow-covered farmland of Indiana, I was once again grateful for my iPad – allowing me to capture moments otherwise lost in years gone by. Thanks, Renaissance Man (and Apple)! See what I mean? Gorgeous small-town architecture... ... and functional farms. So brutally cold this year... Christmas decorations still visible everywhere. We've seen 20-below-zero temperatures, gray ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Unsubscribe if you must
Have you noticed? RISK has been a common topic here lately. Even before Amy Sullivan issued her #RiskRejection challenge – and I accepted it – risk was already happening. I guess without intentionally choosing one, RISK has become my word for 2014. Throughout the month of December, as I wrote my daily Themes of Christmas series, I'll admit: My heart wasn't completely in it. Oh, I enjoyed writing those posts – because I always love playing with themes – but I was distracted. Distracted by impending risks. My very first post of the year spelled it out: That’s where I find myself here at the beginning of 2014: stepping into the unknown. . . . the more I watch God work in lives of desperate children, the ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Preparing for a broken heart
I saw the notice: Retired school teacher looking for volunteers to work with children at a local elementary school. Informational meeting on Sunday night. I could do that. Probably should think about it. I heard the story: While running errands on a cold, snow-blowing day in December, it came on the radio. A young deaf boy, once rendered "unteachable". A Christian woman–no relation–who wouldn't let that happen. She couldn't possibly have known his future held a Ph.D. OK, Lord. I'll go to the meeting... And so I went, and I committed to two 30-minute sessions per week with a child who needed help learning. One measly hour per week. In January 2002 I walked into the elementary school for the first time ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Downsize to Upsize (Part 2)
I can't get it off my mind... The comment I made last week about downsizing my life to upsize my faith. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered just what I'd have to downsize to make that allow that to happen. I already told you we'll be downsizing the house–which, of course includes our "stuff". That was Risk #1. Surely that's enough. Could there be more. Should there be? And so I began another list... A list of things in my life that *could* downsize–not necessarily things that *will*. And then I added more things I've struggled with in the past that kept my faith from growing–because even if they're not dragging me down today, I might need the reminder tomorrow! I wonder if you ... Keep Reading...
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#RiskRejection: Downsize to Upsize
That's what blogger Amy Sullivan has challenged us to write about: risks we're taking. And she suggests we write once a week for the next four weeks. You can read the challenge HERE. I immediately picked up pen and paper and started making a list of risks I'm facing in this new year. There are many; some more "risky" than others, but risks nonetheless. When I told you what I was doing wrong as a Christian woman, I didn't tell you my first "next step" ... Renaissance Man and I are preparing to put our old house on the market. We continue to feel the need to de-clutter "stuff" even more and to downsize our living space–because the comfortable lifestyle has become less and less comfortable. No, we're not taking a ... Keep Reading...
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Taking a deep breath and speaking a word
It's been awhile . . . Without intending to, I took a break from blogging for most of 2021. After over a year of not being around our children and grandchildren (gee thanks, COVID), we finally had opportunities to be together! I know you'll understand why blogging took a back seat to family time. We continued working on our old house renovation, but back orders and sporadic help slowed us down. Renaissance Man and I plodded along with projects, but there were a lot of distractions and other obligations, and finding a life-work balance while renovating an entire house wasn't easy! My 2021 Word of the Year was INSECURITY, and I went head-to-head with that beast all year long. I dug deep ... Keep Reading...
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Not a fan of INSECURITY—but it’s my 2021 Word of the Year
Time has taught me to pay attention when words, thoughts, emails, conversations begin to take on the appearance of a theme. If you've been around here long, you know I'm a big fan of themes! But the theme taking shape in my mind lately isn't a fun one. In fact, I'd rather ignore it—but I know better. In my experience, when a theme begins to overlay my everyday, I know I need to pay attention. God tends to speak to me in themes. In other words, he meets me right where I am and speaks through things I can understand. Guess what? He'll do the same for you! So I'm paying attention . . . Committing to a "word of the year" will keep me focused—and accountable. I told you it's not a fun ... Keep Reading...
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2018: In a word . . .
January 5: How’s 2018 treating you so far? So far, so good here. We made an after-Christmas trip to Texas to see family and attend the wedding of a longtime friend’s son—and missed the snow at home in Tennessee. I know some of you are covered up in it. Welcome to Winter! As we traveled, I read a lot of blogs. Lots of 2017 recaps, New Years resolutions, and words of the year. You’ve seen those, too, huh? I’ve chosen words in years past, but I wasn’t sure I would this year . . . except one keeps coming to mind. I guess it chose me. MIDDLE Yes, I realize MIDDLE is an unusual Word of the Year. It’s not easy to explain either! But I’ll try . . You see, I’m ... Keep Reading...
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Looking for a lifeline in 2015 . . .
January 2014 found me looking for "what next" in my life—and meeting with various community agencies to learn about local needs. I knew... No matter where I eventually "plugged in," I'd better be preparing for a broken heart. May 2014 found me jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Downsizing our life — to upsize our faith Training to be a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA) Beginning a conversation about starting Safe Families for Children in my county To say 2014 was a long year is an understatement. We're still downsizing... and our old house is still on the market. I had all but finished training to be a CASA when that door closed. Slammed shut. I ... Keep Reading...
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How to make a MERCURY GLASS WREATH from old ornaments
It was last January when I took a bunch of "someday I'd like to make a wreath" vintage ornaments... and actually completed the project. I didn't particularly want a wreath in these colors, but I was downsizing and wanted to play with the great old ornaments I'd been hauling around for years—so play I did! A few weeks ago the wreath was a silent auction item at our church's mission yard sale. Time for someone else to enjoy its vintage vibe! Ever since making the wreath, though, there's been another one I've been wanting to make—to keep... year-round. Last week, after months of dreaming, I finally set aside some time to play in the ornaments again... If you like the look of old mercury ... Keep Reading...
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Why I love Southern Lady magazine… and why I canceled my subscription
Southern Lady magazine... I remember the first time I encountered her over a decade ago—and how I slowly devoured her content. Page after page of feminine beauty and elegance. Her stories appealed to the "hopeless romantic" in me... and the fact that they were well-written passed muster with my inner writer. I was hooked. Over the years, the love affair grew stronger—and my spirit noticeably quieter—each time I sat in her presence. To this day, I cannot imagine ever discarding a single issue of the restorative glossy. You see, I'm a gal raised in the South. I own the requisite string of pearls, monogrammed stationery, and set of "good silver" albeit one acquired from someone else's ancestors. I ... Keep Reading...
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Weekend Wondering: Can you barter with a pinecone?
Well, can you? Barter with a pinecone? I honestly don't know. I've never tried. Have you? I've filled baskets with pinecones, used them in tablescapes, hung them from Christmas trees... I've even shown you how to clean them! I haven't ever tried to bleach them, but some of you have. In fact, it's quite the craze here in Blogland in case you haven't noticed. For me, pinecones signal a change of seasons, bringing thoughts of steamy-hot soup, snuggly-warm throws, and early-dark nights. They've always held happy memories; serving as an unexpected symbol of security. Until ... The investigation began when the child showed up at a ... Keep Reading...
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How dirty is your faith?
Do you ever feel like something in your faith is missing? That going to church, studying the Bible, and tithing just aren't enough? There has to be more, right? What would it look like to truly follow Christ and not just believe in him? Such were the questions at our house that led to a life-changing writing experience for my husband – and copy-editing experience for me. Sixteen months ago, Renaissance Man began a conversation with Bethany House Publishers. Shortly thereafter, he had a book contract – and an October 2013 deadline. And yesterday, as you went about your business, this book was released. I'm pleased to say that Dirty Faith is not just another book ... Keep Reading...
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Scared is the New Brave
The call came last Wednesday at 9:25 AM. Was I in town? Could I come talk to a young mother? Yes... and yes. So began my journey down a new path. I was scared... yet I felt brave – and confident. I had no idea what I was walking in to, but I knew I wasn't going alone. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 A short time later, I found myself sitting at a picnic table with (not her real name) Krystal, her preschool-age son playing on the playground nearby. I listened for a long time, ultimately encouraging her to temporarily relinquish guardianship of her child. Even with ... Keep Reading...
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Mother’s Day gift idea for the SPICY Mama!
What? Not what you expected? I first heard of Penzeys Spices about a decade ago when a cute little brown cardboard box arrived in my mailbox – four glass jars of grilling spices inside protected with bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and whole nutmeg. How's that for eco-friendly packing material? The gift was a little thank you from a friend – and it made a big impression! Since that day, I've ordered Penzeys gifts (and gift cards) online for lots of people, but I was never near a Penzeys Spices store ... until just the other day. I walked into this one in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was all I'd hoped it would be – and then some! So many good ideas! There's even a section of the store ... Keep Reading...
