[L) to R) – Kathy Visneski, me, Kay Mitchell] “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Celebrating the Life of Deborah Kay Mitchell
Photo Credit: David N. Johnson What we think and then speak about ourselves (and others) can, with repetition, become hard-wired in our brains. This function, of which you may be familiar, is neuroplasticity. It’s super helpful with new work tasks, habit formation, and learning to play an instrument, for instance. The tricky thing about neuroplasticity … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Rewiring Our Brain – from Lies to Truth
Photo Credit: The Joy Within, Kyle Greenfield Could I be complaining about complaining? Not at all. Having already written about it twice before (and not counting my pieces on negative thinking), why revisit it? Here’s why. Complaining is bad for us. It actually rewires the brain into thinking our complaints are current reality. Whatever has … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – The Addictive Nature of Complaining and Breaking the Cycle
[Adapted from the Archives – Monday Morning Moment – Offense, Being Offended, and Taking Up Offense] Processing thoughts on the difficult subject of offending and being offended, a song drifts into my hearing from Dave’s office. He is riding his bike (on a trainer) to a playlist that matches his ride (slow/fast/slow). This particular song … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Offense Revisited
Photo Credit: Heartlight, James Houston quote [Adapted from the Archives] I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I [we] will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8 You, [Lord], will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. – Isaiah … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Word for the New Year – Focus
Photo Credit: Heartlight [Turns out I’ve written about contempt several times – if you can set aside some time – you can reference these as well.] I have a dear friend who differs with me on much of our country’s current politics and policies. However, we continue to be close. Some intentionality in both of … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Anger, Contempt, & Forgiveness
Mom and me, Tennessee Christmas [Adapted from the Archives] We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Finishing Strong – On the 23rd Anniversary of Mom’s Glorious Homegoing
Earlier today a miracle happened. The last Israeli hostages were released from Gaza. Twenty of them. Released! Israel also released almost 2000 Palestinian prisoners. Released! Hopefully the cease-fire on both sides will continue, and the Middle East can settle into a much-needed peace. Also today, I finished reading a book my daughter had long been … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Released – The Incredible Life of Corrie Ten Boom
Photo Credit: Sandjest Let’s think about friends for a few minutes. What a gift they are!! Sometimes for a season and sometimes for a lifetime. Yesterday, Pastor Cliff, continuing in a series from the Proverbs, preached on friends. It scratched a months-long itch for me, as time with friends has been a challenge. In other … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – On Deep Friendships
[Dave’s Mom, Our Adult Kids, Dave & Me – Not all the grands are on social media – but they begin the next generation of our family.] I want to write about family…well, this family right here. In fact, I want to write a letter to them. Feel free to read along. Dear Family, Yesterday … Continue reading Monday Morning Moment – Reflecting on Family