I Am Empowered

A Peek into My Process to Conquer Insecurity and Self-criticism People who know me often describe me as strong. I’m calm in a crisis, champion the underdog, and have been strong-willed since childhood — just ask my sisters! What most don’t know is that I have a deep-seated fear of both failure and success. As …

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Renewal

We all need renewal and refreshing from time to time. Missy and I walked in the rain today. The kind of drizzle we called a “dry rain” when I was growing up in Seattle. Enough to spot your glasses and cling to clothes and hair, yet not enough to penetrate through to skin or scalp. …

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Is There Still a Place for Heroes?

Yes, but not on pedestals of false glory. Real heroes are real people, warts and all. There’s been a lot of talk about heroes this last year. Much of it has been good, as we’ve recognized healthcare workers and first responders for going above and beyond what most of us are willing to do. But …

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Waiting

What are you waiting for? What are you willing to wait in line for? I was waiting in line the other day, and it got me to thinking. Like so many of us, I don’t like waiting. There’s so much to do, so many other things demanding my time. Americans, at least, are not good …

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Who or What Holds Your Allegiance?

The real answer may not be your first response. My mind keeps returning to the picture from January 6 of the man who used the U.S. Flag that he was carrying to beat a police officer. I’m sure if you asked this man, he would describe himself as a patriot. But consider that, as a …

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A Prayer of Gratitude

As we near the end of both this Holiday season and the year 2020, there are still things we can all be thankful for, regardless of our faiths or lack thereof. I will use the terminology I am accustomed to as a Christian, but I invite you to substitute whatever nouns/pronouns you are most comfortable …

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Breathe

In. Out. In. Out. Take another breath. In. Out. One more time, slowly. In. Out. Everyone is tense. Anxious. It’s like we’ve collectively forgotten how to breathe. Count to four and breathe in. Then breathe out slowly on another count to four. Maybe stretch it to eight. I snapped at a store clerk today and …

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Grace and Routine in Daily Life

A reader asked how Grace fit into daily life after reading my post What is Grace? Part 1. “I am just so hard on myself if I miss a day of reading the Bible and would love to understand how His grace is sufficient for me!” Then she followed up with:  “I would love to …

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It’s The Little Things

What are the things that get to you? For me, it’s the little things. But it’s also little things that can get me back where I need to be. I’m one of those who, when faced with an emergency, tends to think calmly and logically, not reacting emotionally until everything is done and it’s “safe” …

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