After I made the turn onto the entrance ramp of I-75, I glanced into my side mirror. I saw lots of oncoming traffic barreling toward me. So many eighteen-wheelers speeding north this morning! My heart rate increased, and I reminded myself to breathe slowly and deeply. Safely on the freeway, but still jumpy, I opted to ... read more
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WRITING MICROPOETRY IS QUICK, EASY, AND FUN
Seagulls soaring, circling, searching, swooping, until finally — dinner! Micropoetry is an umbrella term for various forms of short poetry. The only rule, really, is that it’s brief. Not only are micropoems quick, easy, and fun, composing them offers several benefits. five reasons to become a fan 1. Writing ... read more
Four Practices to Improve a Writer’s Creativity
I studied the cover of the slim book in my hand: Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art. I was intrigued. Not only by the title but also by the striking design. Likewise, the author. I knew Madeleine L’Engle only from her Newberry Medal-winning A Wrinkle in Time—a children’s science fantasy. I ... read more
Ordinary Gratitude
Aware of my practice of choosing a word to focus on for the new year, a friend asked me what my word for 2021 was. Still reeling from 2020, and especially since Covid-19 had invaded my family and changed our Christmas plans, I hadn't given it much thought. Flattered that an inquiring mind wanted to know, I settled in for ... read more
Hindsight is 20/20
I'm excited to share Leona Coker's poem this week which is a review of the extraordinary year that was 2020! I look forward to getting these gems from her every December! This one, filled with humor, sometimes poignant, and always truthful, helps put the past year in perspective.Thanks for sharing, Leona. Hindsight is ... read more
Tuning In To God’s Frequency
A friend bought a used car a few months ago. It was an unusual shade of green, which was one of the reasons she chose it. Soon, she started seeing cars of this color on the highways and in parking lots everywhere. She assumed the color had suddenly become trendy. Psychologists chalk this phenomenon up to frequency ... read more
Becoming Like Little Children
I stuck close to home at the beginning of this pandemic, wearing a mask only when I ventured out in public. Cleaning protocols were simple because there weren’t many visitors in my home. In fact, quarantining had its perks. I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of change this pandemic had wrought on those whose work required ... read more
When God Calls
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV) Every story has a beginning, middle, and end, referred to as Acts I, II, and III in theater. I’m in ACT III of life. I thought my path was set. I was coasting along. I was happy. I had time for the grandchildren, time to write my ... read more
Facebook Exploits the Brain’s Attraction to Divisiveness
In May, reports surfaced that Facebook had conducted an internal study to determine if claims were true that the platform polarizes its users. And indeed, the Facebook study concluded that the company’s algorithms “weren’t bringing people together but rather driving them apart.” The study team went on to say that ... read more
Blessed are the Peacemakers
I traveled to Minneapolis last week to visit family—a trip planned long before the riots incited by the pivotal murder of George Floyd. The occasion was a happy one, to meet a new grand baby. In this home filled with peace, love and joy, it was hard to wrap my head around the events that had occurred fifteen short minutes ... read more
