FOMO, the acronym for a current cultural trend, made its way into the Oxford Dictionary in 2013. Origin: Early 21st century abbreviation of fear of missing out. Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social ... read more
blog
Five Tips to Inspire Your Writing
Along with the warmer days of spring come wonderful writing conferences. And like springtime, they inspire, teach, and renew the writer in us. I’m still processing a load of new learning, and it’ll be months before I implement much of it. But I did walk away with a handful of conference tips and advice I put to use ... read more
How to Reclaim the Joy Jesus Intends For Us
Joy is a response to God's gifts and to who we are in Him "Wanna come fishing with us, Grami?" asked my grandson, Deacon, as I sat on the veranda enjoying my book, coffee, and the cool morning quiet of the surrounding mountains. He was up early. I'm not a fan of fishing, but I am a fan of my grandkids. Laying aside my ... read more
Our Hands Were Made to Create
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands" Ps. 90:17. “Mama, you have a young face but your hands are old,” piped my observant four-year-old. I glanced at my bony hands guiding the ... read more
Following Our Spiritual Light
The sunflower is one of the world’s most familiar flowers. Replicating the pattern and colors of the sun, it resembles its namesake. The flower grows tall and proud and symbolizes vitality, devotion, and adoration. Who can resist a smile of delight when looking at one of these beauties? No wonder it’s recognized by so ... read more
Chicken Soup for My Soul
Dear Candyce, Your story, “My Bully, My Friend” has made it to the final selection round for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just Us Girls. The stories are great and this book promises to be a classic. We are so appreciative of your participation and very excited about this book. Huh? This email from an ... read more
Writing at a Standing Desk
Standing Desk Lends New Meaning to "Thinking On Your Feet" I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now that reducing the amount of time spent sitting is a move toward better health and longevity. Most Americans spend too much time sitting – in cars, at desks, and in front of entertainment centers with a remote control near at ... read more
Increase Productivity and Unleash Creativity with Free Writes
As a writer I’ve long practiced free writes, also known as stream of consciousness writing. As a composition teacher, I use free writes to help students find their voice and to dig into their sub-conscious. The only rule to class free writes is that there are no rules. No concerns with grammar. No concerns with spelling. ... read more
Surprise —The Heart of the Christmas Story
"She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room available for them" Lune 2:7. Surprise is divine; it’s at the heart of the Christmas story. What could be more surprising than our Savior coming to us simply and quietly in the night as a baby? He spent His first hours in a stable – a stable ‑ ... read more
I Think That I Shall Never See
“The word I picked was God,” B. said quietly. “I apologize if this offends anyone.” It was the second week of the semester in my beginning composition class when the former high school football captain and current ROTC student volunteered to read his writing. But it wasn’t merely a matter of reading: B. bared his soul to a ... read more
