All Saints Day is the perfect time to reflect on those saints on whose shoulders we stand: those who have mentored us, nourished us, taught us, and loved us. One of the things I appreciate about our church is the notion that we are all saints of God, imperfect but striving. There is really nothing […]
Faith (Connect with God)
Pray (and write) without ceasing… [Faithful Writers Toolkit October 2019]
Encouragement for Faithful Writers everywhere. Please share with your writing friends by forwarding this post (Reading time: under four minutes) October 31, 2019 Hi, Faithful Writer, The holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here. Be gentle with yourself during this frenzied time of year. Maybe it’s a good time to scale back your writing […]
Let Your Soul Breathe [Faithful Writers Toolkit, August 2019]
Encouragement for Faithful Writers everywhere. Please share with your writing friends. (Reading time: under five minutes) August 24, 2019 Hi, Faithful Writer, I can’t believe the summer is almost over. I confess this time of year brings a bit of melancholy. I’m trying to lean into that and remember it is part of the natural […]
Book Review: The Communicator’s Companion
The Communicator’s Companion: Devotions for Speakers and Writers by Jean Wise Reviewed by Elizabeth H. Cottrell5 out of 5 stars Sometimes a book comes along that provides a much-needed source of inspiration in just the right way at just the right time. This marvelous collection of devotions was just such a book for me, and […]
7 Ways To Make Your Next Vacation More Soul-Nourishing
Not only is it essential for you to take vacations and breaks from your normal routine, but there are ways you can ensure that those you take are more therapeutic and soul nourishing. This is an update to a post from the Heartspoken archives. Breaks are essential to our well-being As soon as we lifted off […]
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 […]
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 […]
Invocation for 126th Virginia Bankers Association Convention
Invocation delivered at the opening session of the 126th annual convention of the Virginia Bankers Association: June 17, 2019 The Sanctuary Kiawah Island, South Carolina Father/Mother God, divine Source of all resources: As we gather this week to learn, share, and support each other in making Virginia’s banking industry the best it can possibly […]