Easing the shock of yet another month all but concluded, I rejoice in a glance back at my October Offerings joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month. The four categories remain the same, something loved, something read or heard, something treasured, and something ahead. The premise…
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October Offerings: Share Four Somethings
Taming Anxiety with the CALM Technique
Some days simple distraction, a walk or mindful breathing capably arrests my anxiety. On other days I feel more like a prisoner in need of a serious jailbreak. On one such day recently, enlisting the help of the CALM Technique, I moved more easily towards taming my anxiety. anxiety in charge Well managed through daily quiet times, scripture memory and…
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Joy Conversations with God
If you join me monthly for my One Word 2021 journey with JOY, you know for a tiny word, it speaks in huge ways! As I pondered my ten month expedition into the uncharted territory of biblical JOY, rich lessons greeted me often from unexpected places. My joy conversations with God moved me from a myopic view of JOY to…
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How to Trust God with Your Anxiety
Fleeing the comfort and protection of home, betrayed by the son once so beloved, the bedraggled figure shoulders stooped, eyes barely seeing the next step clouded by tears, stumbled along the path. Breath shortened by the tightness gripping weary lungs, helplessly wondering, “how to trust God in the midst of this suffocating anxiety? the faithful are not exempt from anxiety…
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What My Garden Taught Me About Resilience
They speak in many ways these plants and flowers of mine; but only for ears bent in listening. Whispered lessons of sheer delight arrayed in finery bedazzled by the afternoon sun, somber strains of wilted strength slain by heat, even the sadness of wounds endured; all offered to the ear keen for listening. But the best lesson of all lingers…
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Reduce Overwhelm and Enjoy Life
I know better. Still, I sit staring at my outlook calendar, steno pad full of unfinished tasks, editorial calendar and goal review sheet. Clenching my pen tighter with each forced inhale, eyes closed in a weak attempt at silencing my inner critic, a frustrated exhale escapes despite my efforts at controlled breathing. It all started with a fleeting thought: reduce…
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Are You Walking in the Light?
While autumn delights me in many ways, one particular change ushered in by the autumnal equinox troubles me. Along with the shift toward chillier temperatures, the incremental shortening of daylight hours robs me of the positivity of sunlight. Instead of evenings walking in the light of a slightly fading sun, my walks encompass the dimness of autumn dusk. Joining my…
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Embracing Change Without the Anxiety
With the chilly days of Autumn sauntering in this past weekend, subtle changes appeared among the wildlife, flowers and trees in my yard. Autumn delights me every year as my cherished among the seasons with its vibrant changes; but not all of life’s changes bring me equal pleasure. In fact, change often invites uneasiness; yet, embracing change without the anxiety…
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September Serenity: Share Four Somethings
Easing the shock of yet another month all but concluded, I rejoice in a glance back at my September Serenity joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month. The four categories remain the same, something loved,…
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