“Say NO more often and YES more fully.” ~ Laura West, Joyful Business Most of us have trouble saying “No” According to happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, when it comes to the way we humans handle inner and outer expectations,* most of us are “Obligers.” I certainly am, and that means it’s hard for me to […]
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All You Need To Know Is Already Close At Hand
Where are you looking for God and Truth? They might be much closer than you think. This post has been significantly revised since it first appeared on this blog in 2010. “Aren’t you afraid to talk about faith?” Some well-meaning friends have warned me about getting into the topic of spirituality on this blog. “It’s […]
Book Review: Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
Founding Mothers is a great book to read as part of your Fourth of July celebration. Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised A Nation by Cokie Roberts Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell 4+ stars out of 5 Journalist Cokie Roberts, daughter of Louisiana politicians Hale and Lindy Boggs, combines her sense of a good story—previously untold—with her […]
How To Comfort A Friend Whose Pet Has Died
When someone loses a beloved pet, it’s important to reach out and let them know they’re not alone. Here’s some help for what to say. Part of living the #HeartspokenLife is opening your heart to others and feeling their pain and loss. Yet even when we do, we sometimes have a hard time knowing what […]
Faithful Writers Toolkit June 2019
Here’s the June 2019 issue of the Faithful Writers Toolkit newsletter: encouragement and resources for Faithful Writers everywhere. Please share with your writing friends. June 22, 2019 Faithful Reflection: Beware being too preachy I am productive most of the time, but I have had a mental block about finishing a 40-day devotional I started several […]
Heartspoken Moment: Always Choose Love
“Because I always have a choice, I choose love.” ~ Deepak Chopra a It’s never been more important to choose love The world today seems more polarized, fragmented, and dangerous than it has in a long time. We are afraid of the “Other” who doesn’t look like us or act like us or think like […]
Heartspoken Compass Points June 2019: Mid-Year Check-In
A monthly newsletter to support and inspire your #HeartspokenLife. June’s theme is “Mid-year Check-in.” [Reading time under 4 minutes]. June 15, 2019 What’s going on at Riverwood It’s not officially summer, but the deep shades of green, the sound of farm equipment baling hay in the nearby fields, and the smell of honeysuckle all […]
How Am I Doing? Checking In With My 19 for 2019 List
Instead of New Year’s Resolutions, I was inspired by Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft to make a “19 for 2019” list instead. It’s June and I’ve just pulled out the list to see how I’m doing. Mid-year review of my 19 for 2019: Polish and publish my 40-day devotional called Stepping Stones to God […]