It’s possible to have your heart break and be blessed at the same moment. This was that kind of moment.—Tim Gustafson Even in the worst of times, miracles are born. Ours came early. But the miracles began long before his birth. At age 40, my daughter-in-law had no intention of becoming pregnant. Their marriage was on … Read More
I’m not into art, nor am I a deep thinker. So I was surprised when something struck me hard as I looked at a picture of a famous painting by Michelangelo. Creation of Adam had never stirred anything in me before. Yet in a flash, the new word I’d heard only in relation to “COVID … Read More
For the first time in more than a decade, I had to go church surfing today. I needed to hear from a church that at least spoke to, if not boldly put down, the events of the past week and their instigator. My church was silent, as were so many others. Thankfully, I found just … Read More
This morning, one little bit of Scripture sent me down American Idol Memory Lane. Ahhhhh, how I loved those first many seasons! We used to schedule our activities around that weekly show, appalled yet fascinated by Simon Cowell’s ruthless critique. We cheered for our favorites and took it personally when they were booted off the … Read More
It’s the last day of 2020 (can you give me an Amen?!), and I still don’t know what my new Word-of-the-Year (WOY)–“RESET”–means. Well, not with specificity, anyway. And I love specificity—black and white vs. areas of gray. I’m the one who always had my Five Year Plan at my fingertips, with detailed goals, objectives and … Read More
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. –Agnes M. Pharo Have you noticed that Christmas letters and greetings this year are … Read More
Oh oh. It’s the week before Christmas and I still haven’t listened to one Christmas song in its entirety. Another tradition that has gone by the wayside in 2020. During 40 years in what my nieces used to call The Christmas House, the season’s music would begin the day after Thanksgiving as the tree and … Read More
I used to be a walking, talking Successories ad. Oh, how I loved that store! Others went to malls to shop, or to eat, or to people-watch; I went for the slogans. Our offices and conference rooms were peppered with them–beautifully framed posters designed to inspire and motivate. Do you remember? Teamwork. Excellence. Integrity. Change. And my … Read More
* Committed * Receptive * Balance * Grace * Contentment * Healthy * Thankful * Satisfaction * Rejoice * Discipline * Bolder * Trust * Shine * It’s Word-of-the-Year (WOY) time. Time to pull out your word of focus for the current year and assess the difference it’s made over the past 12 months. Time … Read More
I know it’s been a long time since I’ve said this, but I love my life! And it’s funny that I think that today, having been forced to cancel so many plans due to COVID exposure and a self-imposed 14-day quarantine. Yet even those cancellations point to the terrific life that still abounds when we … Read More