There’s something to be said for new beginnings and beginning again. I’ve had my share of both as I’m sure you have also. Some of new beginnings may not be exactly what we want or feel that we needs, but even this can be fuel enough to put things in motion. Likewise, when beginning again and again doesn't work, sometimes it's time to close the door and embrace a fresh, new beginning. Beginnings can be a bit scary, rejuvenating and even bittersweet. Both hold the anticipation of something better - something more. Each bubble with gentle grace, filled with moments of tender blossoming and sweet redemption. Leaving behind all we’ve come to sink comfortably within and braving our way toward a hope-filled tomorrow isn't easy. Loosening our grip on what we think we must have to make way Continue Reading
The Most Effective Way to Brave Anxiety
How many times in a day, week, or month do you ask, “What if…?” I know that when I start asking “What if…?” I’ve opened up the door to worry, fear, and anxiety. And that’s not a pleasant place to camp out. There is a reason God told us over 300 times in the Bible to “Do not be afraid,” “Fear not,” and “Be anxious for nothing.” He knew we would struggle. This year, as I worked on my next book for publication (releasing September, 2019) about exchanging our worry, fear, and anxiety for God’s promised peace, I had many opportunities to put it into practice. Many times “What if…?” got the better of me. “What if my husband and son have an accident on their cross-country trip to move him into his apartment?” “What if finances don’t improve?” “What if the diagnosis is cancer?” and Continue Reading
4 Life Changing Ways to Brave a Fresh Start
We all are in need of a fresh start, and it begins by knowing how and where to start. Sometimes life forces us into it by showing us a new way to live. Other times, if we make the intentional choice to breathe freshness into just one area, it creates the momentum to shape us in ways we never dreamed. Join me in welcoming Melanie Redd as she shares her story of braving a fresh start and encourages us to step out and try something new...something fresh...something life-changing. Honestly, I’m still not sure how it happened. One minute, my husband and I were walking through the parking lot after a movie. Then next minute, I was falling headfirst between two cars after stepping off a curb. The height of the curb was a little higher than expected, and I landed wrong on my Continue Reading
3 Ways to Fight the Holiday Blues
It’s the most wonderful time of year...or is it? Statistics tell us that, ironically, during the most wonderful time of the year is when people in general experience the most depression and anxiety. While I don’t like to admit it, I am one of those people who struggle with the holiday blues. Some of us experience depression during the holidays because of the stress of buying the right present for everyone on our list. Others develop the holiday blues because they have lost loved ones around this time of year. Even the fact that the sun sets earlier, so there is less light in our lives during the holidays, can cause us to be a little more down than usual. My depression stems from unmet expectations, both expected of me and expected by me. I have this mentality that the holidays are Continue Reading