Living Real

My parents recently bought a house. The mortgage paperwork showed “mortgage insurance” that I assumed meant the mortgage life insurance that would cover paying the loan if one of them passed away. Dad’s 88, Mom’s 81. That’s a very real possibility. I was wrong. About the “life” part of that insurance. I learned this morning [...]

Back in January, I took on a challenge instead of making a list of resolutions. First I have to confess. I haven’t really focused on my word, “know” — not consciously. However, I must have had it at the back of my mind, because I’m getting there. I’m learning more every day who I am: [...]

It might be time I took a bull by the horns. One I’ve sorta, kinda, maybe alluded to in comments on others’ blogs and maybe have tweeted about. I struggle with depression. Not just the blues. Those are generally quickly snapped with a phone call from a friend, a shopping trip and a cup of [...]

I’m a procrastinator. Back at the beginning of the month my friend, Shellie Tomlinson, Belle of All Things Southern, came up with a brilliant idea to donate funds to World Vision and gather a bunch of others to help too. There are reasons for my procrastination, running the gamut of being a Compassion Blogger and [...]

I am struggling.  There. I said it. I returned home from an amazing vacation and then followed that up with a wonderful conference last week. I spoke at our church last night, and then I spoke on the phone with my son, hearing the amazing things God is doing in his life. What astounding highs! [...]

Saturday morning. After arriving home close to midnight last night, I planned to sleep in a bit this morning. Between the dog and telephone that didn’t happen. That’s okay, except for the fact that I’m really hungover. Walking into the kitchen for my coffee this morning was a chore. My actions were automatic. Answering a [...]

Imagine being at THE conference you’ve looked forward to for weeks, even months. Imagine having had a delightful luncheon at which you were tremendously encouraged as a person as and in your ministry. Imagine going back into the conference for the next session and being wrecked by the stories you hear, which, by the way, [...]

I knew we were leaving on the 24th. I knew the time lines for printing bulletins and other items for church. I knew about transcripts I had in hand. However, last Saturday got here, and I was startled by the urgency to get so much done in under a week. Why is it I put [...]

I’m learning that how you feel about how you look gets pretty much thrown out the window when you’re wearing a cast. Oh, I know, there are those who would accessorize it and make it so adorable. What I’m talking about is how you feel while wearing it. Imagine, my haute couture of this past [...]

I must make a confession. There’s a television show on A & E Television about people who hang on to items that they really can’t use, until it essentially chokes the life from their life. I am a hoarder. For years I’ve hoarded chips & dip, candy bars, too much steak & shrimp, and bread, [...]

I met a man unlike any I’ve met before. I’ve known those who feel hopeless and afraid. I’ve met those who though they spoke with little hope, their eyes showed they were filled with it. Last night, I met James. He was different. He was given up for adoption at age 5 by his parents. [...]

Did you stop on this page because of that title? Did the words resonate within you or make you angry? AWESOME! At least you’re thinking now. I have to tell you the truth, though, I will not advocate the cessation of aid to Haiti. Simply because of the facts shown in this video: Let’s recap [...]