Unexpected Opportunities: Seize the Moment

November 5, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Unexpected opportunities can sure mess with our schedules. A moment packed with potential presents itself, and we’re met with the dilemma of either staying on task or pulling away and taking advantage of the opportunity before us. Which will we do?

More and more I’m learning to seize the moment before it disappears. Whether it’s taking time to take photos of beautiful birds at the birdbath or feeder or putting my work on hold to offer some encouraging words, to help someone, or to take time with our kids and grandkids, I’m learning to set aside my agenda and give attention to the things God brings before me.

I admit I feel guilty and frustrated many times when I don’t get as much done in a day as I’d hoped to. But we type-A, goal-oriented people need to learn that God’s plan is sometimes different from ours—and his is better.

Let’s be ready to accept the gifts of potential-packed moments God sends our way. Let’s take time to unwrap them. Let’s seize our opportunities.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

*What unexpected gift of opportunity have you unwrapped lately?

*The new issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, came out yesterday, but it’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*My photo

Filed Under: advice, balance, blessing, encouragement, Gift, life, opportunity, time, trust, work Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

A Special Touch: The Kiss of God

October 15, 2024 by 2 Comments

Special touches from God—those moments that fill and warm the heart. Those moments when we feel his presence so vividly. Our spirits long for such moments, don’t they?

I think God may give more special touches than we recognize. We may know we’ve been touched by joy or peace or contentment. But sometimes we fail to recognize the Giver of these good gifts.

Let’s not miss him. Let’s not miss the kiss of God.

The Kiss of God

Sometimes it catches us
completely unaware,
other times it answers
our longing.
The kiss of God
a balm so sweet,
the touch that washes us
in his love.
The warmth of spring sunshine
on our skin,
the liquid life-giving drink
to a dry desperate earth,
the word that refreshes
a parched soul.
Forgiveness given
and arms extended,
a moment of comfort divine,
needed words received
at just the right moment,
it’s more than coincidence—
it’s the Lord.
A touch from him
to savor forever,
the moment we’re changed—
the kiss of God.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights . . .” James 1:17 NIV

*When have you felt the kiss of God?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regular issue, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber (new or current) will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash

Filed Under: blessing, comfort, encouragement, faith, fellowship, Gift, giving, joy, love, peace, poem, refresh, touch, treasure Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Power of An Encouraging Word

October 1, 2024 by Leave a Comment

We all go through them. Periods of discouragement. A day, a week , a month when we feel like we’re not making any headway. We wonder if what we’re doing is making a difference. We may even contemplate giving up.

Different things cause discouragement for different people. For writers, discouragement tries to move in for various reasons. Maybe it happens when a rejection letter comes or when our newsletter readership doesn’t grow or—oh, the horror—declines. It can also happen when book sales disappoint or when we’ve put our words out there but then don’t hear any feedback from readers. The list goes on.

One of these things alone may not send us spiraling downward, but let the blows come one on top of another, and you may find us in a corner clutching our blankies.

You know what can change our whole outlook, though—writers as well as everyone else? A simple word of encouragement or appreciation. Such a gesture boosts our spirits and provides the renewed energy we need to keep pressing on. Such a gesture makes all the difference. There is power in an encouraging word.

Who can you encourage today?

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

*How has someone encouraged you recently? 

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, comes out in early November. One lucky subscriber will receive a $15 gift card to Starbucks and a signed copy of my book to use personally, give as a gift, or donate to a library. Sign-up is free! *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*My photo

Filed Under: Above and Beyond, blessing, cheer, disappointment, encouragement, Gift, joy, life, refresh, thanks, writing Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Planning Help During Summer Blogging Break

July 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Mother of the Bride, I’m taking a blogging break until mid-August, but never fear—I will not leave you without some help. Below you’ll find a variety of ideas and links to help you with you and your sweet girl’s wedding planning while I allow myself a little blogging vacation.

So here you go—hope you find tons of ideas that will really help!

Here are five resources from yours truly:

  1. Read my book Mother of the Bride: Refreshment and Wisdom for the Mother of the Bride. Allow me to be your friend for the journey!
  2. Look through the list of Favorite Posts on the sidebar and click the links to the ones that spark your interest. (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click View Full Site to find the sidebar items.)
  3. Use the Search bar. Simply type in any topic you’d like to find some ideas or info for and see what comes up!
  4. Check out my Pinterest page. Among other things, it features eighteen wedding-related boards!
  5. Glance through the roundup posts I’ve written. They are listed below. Roundups can be very helpful:

Wedding Photography: Bridal Portrait Roundup

Roundup: Popular Mother of the Bride Blog Posts

Bridal Bouquet Roundup

Wedding Cake Roundup

Wedding Registry Roundup

Wedding Photo Ideas Roundup That Star the Groom

Finally, if your daughter is in the beginning stages of gathering ideas and investigating her options, try Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides.  And if she wants a rustic wedding, check out Rustic Wedding Chic.

Hope this helps you and your sweet bride-to-be daughter, MOB!

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride and also my Wedding Inspiration cards, check out my Books/My Work page.

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, comes out in early August. Sign-up is free and to the right! Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*Flickr photo by smcgee, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: Above and Beyond, advice, blessing, blogs, bride, encouragement, groom, help, learn, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Bride book, mother of the groom, organize, preparation, variety, wedding Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Healed by God’s Word

June 4, 2024 by Leave a Comment

“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalm 107:20 NIV

Our celebration of Easter each spring reminds us that Jesus “was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) Praise God for the healing that comes from his wounds! For the price he paid for our sins.

But not only are we healed by his wounds, the verse above from Psalm 107 points out that we are healed by his word as well. When the pain is great, when defeat looms large, when confusion rules, our precious Father sends his word to heal us and to minister to us.

He’s done if for me time and again when my need has been great. He’s sent the healing touch of his word in a variety of ways—everything from my daily Bible reading to a scripture I see posted on social media or to reassurance he whispers to my spirit. The avenue can vary but his word stands the same. And his word heals.

Praise God for the healing that comes from his word!

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name LORD God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

*How has God sent his healing word to you?

*The next issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter with a giveaway in every regularly scheduled issue, will come out in early August. Sign-up is FREE. *Temporary problem with Life Notes sign-up. To sign up, just contact me.

*For info about my book Mother of the Bride check out my Books/My Work page.

*My photo

Filed Under: blessing, comfort, encouragement, faith, faithfulness, heal, help, holidays, joy, life, miracle, praise, provision, refresh, salvation, sin, variety, word, Word of God Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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