As a wordsmith, I am constantly studying the meaning and usage of words. Words matter. Not only in how they are used, but also in our responses to them. How many of us can remember unkind words spoken to us by bullies, siblings, or even the responsible adults around us? Our childhood can be marred […]
The presenter of the webinar bragged about her use of ChatGPT. “I’ve spent hours teaching this AI tool how to write like me.” She encouraged the rest of us to invest in her program, but I declined. As a writing coach, I wanted to ask, “Instead of spending hours teaching ChatGPT how to sound like
The Problem with AI Read More »
The memories surface when I visit our church members in various senior facilities. Not the fancier facilities that offer all kinds of activities and several levels of care. But the places that are the last stop before eternity — what we used to call ‘nursing homes.’ As I enter the door, my olfactory sense is
The Smells of Aging Read More »
In those foggy moments before the alarm rings and consciousness reminds me of the day ahead, I listen hard for soul whispers. It is often in the early morning when the meditations of my heart remind me I am not alone. The treasure of Psalm 127:2 becomes reality, “God gives to his beloved even in
When Eternity Becomes Present Read More »
Ever had one of those seasons where doubt gnawed at your soul and kept you from living in abundant joy? Yeah, me, too. With a life-changing decision on the line, I followed my usual checklist for making choices: When the majority of these questions agree, then I feel ready to step into the decision-making process.
When Doubt Grows into Faith Read More »
Most of us writers majored in some type of language arts, communications, or just plain English. Even long after we attained our degrees and graduated, we are still attracted to different words, their definitions, and the ways we can construct sentences to convey their meaning. We are wordsmiths who love the written, verbal, and communicative
Language Arts – Past and Present Read More »
One of the best tools to build relationships is the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. When we know our love language and the love languages of our friends and family, we can feed care into each others’ souls. But we can also learn how to use our voice to share our own need.
Excited squeals came from the south end of Target. Curious, I maneuvered my cart toward the sounds and discovered children in the school supplies aisle. Their mothers held lists which they simultaneously check-marked as the kids shouted, “I want the red one. That’s my favorite.” “Ooh, look at this, Mommy. Can I have this notebook?”
School Supplies Season Read More »
One of the disciplines I teach my clients is to use every bit of their content. And be as creative as possible. Last week, I had the opportunity to follow my own advice. I finished my journal entry on the last page of the entire journal. The new journal was already waiting on my bedroom
Using Your Journal Content Read More »
Last week, I met another one. A woman who has been resilient and creative. Designing her own business so that her family will have an additional income during these critically uncertain times. She and her adolescent daughter have worked together to create a business that offers shaved ice. During our Kansas summer, this is the