Just Stop Saying Just! But why??? The word “just” is too often used as a bad four-letter word. Not bad as in vulgar bad. But bad as in most times when we the word “just” it’s like we feel the need to apologize for whatever we going to say. Just think (see, I did it myself) of the many time you have said “just” to justify something you don’t feel you are very good at. Or to qualify you to…
Have you wondered if your prayers are heard? Do you struggle to know what is actually true? Do you hope for light in a personal world of darkness? I have wondered, struggled, and hoped in each of these areas. In my quest to find answers, I have sought for them. And the answers have come. Not all of them, not yet. But some answers have come and with those answers, I have found truth and I have found light. Two…
It really is amazing what we can accomplish when we intentionally and consistently create a better story. It starts with knowing why you want to create a new story. This is more than just what you may want to change. It’s WHY you want to change which is focused on the results you will create, for yourself and others. For instance, if part of creating your new story includes losing weight, you will be more successful if you focus on…
Nothing like a good old family squabble to destroy the notion of love at home… There is beauty all around When there’s love at home; There is joy in ev’ry sound When there’s love at home. Be it a sibling quarrel, tension between parents, or years of hurt… Peace and plenty here abide, Smiling sweet on ev’ry side. Time doth softly, sweetly glide When there’s love at home. Even differences, misunderstandings, and expectations concerning values, beliefs, and culture… In the cottage…
As the old adage goes… “Out with the old, in with the new!” But what is “the old”? Old is anything that clutters up or confuses our direction in life. This could literally be the old stuff you no longer use, that pile in the closet you dread going through, that stack of papers on the desk you need to file, or the gazillion of boxes of junk filling up the garage. Or it could be old thinking, old ideas,…
Every year when I watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” which is my most favorite Christmas movie, I ponder the “what if” question which is the premise of the show. “What If George Bailey had not lived?” The story does the most beautiful job of illustrating the answer. For instance, George wouldn’t have been there to rescue younger brother Harry that day when the ice gave way. Then Harry wouldn’t have been there to save that transport ship full of soldiers….
I love sharing Christmas stories, and today, as is tradition, I share again the story of the Christmas I spent in Iraq. It’s one of my most memorable Christmases. As we remember those serving in harm’s way around the world, and as you remember your own loved ones who are unable to be home for Christmas, it seems fitting I share this story again. It’s a true story of a shepherd who had a flock of sheep. I hope you…
The music of Christmas has always helped our family to better feel the spirit of Christmas. From singing fun carols when we put on the tree to the beautiful connections we feel from the sacred hymns. When our children were still around we would generally read a story each night to count down the days to Christmas, along with eating the traditional chocolate from the advent calendar, placing a small ornament on a tree, and helping Santa slowly dropped down…
Do you use focus words or phrases as your symbolic north star to guide your efforts through another year of life? I asked this question inside a few Facebook groups last week, including the Red Edge Mastermind Facebook. The responses were quite a few and gave me a bit of insight. I wasn’t sure what kind of response I would get so was quite happy to have 145 people at the time of writing. I’ll share a few of the…
Christmas is more than just a baby born in a manager… Away in a manger No crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head From that humble birth in a manger, the Savior of the world was born… Jesus, once of humble birth, Now in glory comes to earth. Once he suffered grief and pain; Now he comes on earth to reign. Now he comes on earth to reign. He lived like no one else…