Aug 14, 2013 | The "me" you want to be, What inspires you? |
Are you feeling insignificant, unimportant or unworthy?
Are you questioning what the heck you are trying to accomplish?
Are you unsure of your purpose or your passion?
Do you feel like your contribution is so small it would not be missed?
This song touched my heart and lifted my soul in a way that nothing else had in a long time. At a time when I was questioning my purpose and doubting my potential and ability, gratefully, someone had the courage and inspiration to share this song with me.
It proclaims, “Even a small star shines in the darkness, for someone somewhere to see…” It points out, “No one ever sees their own magnitude.”
I hope it brings YOU the encouragement and strength YOU need because you ARE needed. Your life does matter. You are important. In fact, you and what you contribute to this world of ours is essential. Big stars, small stars – each and every one of us shines a light that makes a difference to somebody.
So find your courage! Somebody needs you!
Jul 30, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, Queen of Damn Good Advice, What inspires you?
Looking to learn some fresh ways of making a busy life more fun, I decided to ask several friends for their suggestions. Here’s a recap of their responses:
One very wise friend reminded me that there is
always joy to be found in everything.
She’s right. I thanked her for the reminder. A change in my point of view has often changed my outlook from drudgery to joy.
The idea of having fun may sometimes seem far away or unreachable, especially when we feel too busy to take time to do any of the fun things my friends have mentioned. But I think this could be due to a limited view of what having fun means or under what conditions that fun is supposed to happen. Perhaps we need to broaden and expand our definition. My friends gave me more possibilities of fun to consider. I hope you’ll find their list helpful as well.
Finally, in the words of yet another thoughtful friend: “May we all find a little fun whenever we need it.” Maybe we could make our own fun by imagining our favorite song playing while we dance up the stairs. I can just imagine my daughter dancing up the stairs on her way to teach a history class. I still remember her doing pirouettes down the grocery store aisles when she was a very young girl. (Oh the FUN memories I have!!)
Want to read more?
This is an excerpt from:
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Jul 21, 2013 | Queen of Damn Good Advice, What's new
In celebration of my new book
I’m launching a
Reader photo contest!!
And the 10 top photos will get some great prizes:
1st place gets $100 gift card to amazon.com
2nd place gets $50 gift card to amazon.com
3rd place through 10th place gets a “Queen” tote bag full of surprises
On the front cover of my latest book you see the silhouette of a girl reading the book. I want to inject some life into what she stands for by inviting readers to submit pictures of them reading the book in some sassy and creative settings. Those submitting the ‘top ten’ images will win an exclusive tote bag filled with ‘Queen Surprises’ and the top two winners will also receive an Amazon gift card.
Submit as many photos as you like in different settings as it can increase your likelihood of winning a prize.
Just “like” my Facebook page and post your images there with the hashtag #DamnGoodAdvice.
Then use my website contact form to tell me you posted your image on Facebook and tell me your name, email and mailing address (in case you win I need that information to send you your prize!).
Read the contest rules here.
I can’t wait to see your photos!
You have until August 31, 2013 to submit.
And for the record, this contest is for women of all ages and stages in life!
Jul 9, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, Queen of Damn Good Advice, Remembering a lesson learned, Southern Women Writers, The "me" you want to be
Listen up, princesses!
http://www.last.fm/music/Happiness
You are the woman of God’s creating—made in her image. Your innate nature includes the qualities of poise, confidence, strength, courage, compassion, love. Be true to yourself.
Happiness is found in being who God made you to be.
You can do it. Your thinking is your most powerful weapon. Use it. Follow your heart. Don’t hide your light and love. Be the spiritual self that God intended. Don’t be shy. Be yourself—freely, unconditionally, and fearlessly. You’ll be much happier if you do.
This is an excerpt from:
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Jul 2, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, Good book club books, Queen of Damn Good Advice, Remembering a lesson learned, Southern Women Writers, The "me" you want to be, What inspires you?
One day an email landed in my box that inspired me. It told about a group of students who were asked to name what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. The wonders that received the most votes included Egypt’s Great Pyramids, Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon, Panama Canal, Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica, and China’s Great Wall.
But apparently one student had trouble finishing her list, stating she could not make up her mind because there were so many to choose from. The teacher encouraged her to share her list aloud with the other students to see if they could help. She read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh, and to love.”
This unexpected list was followed by a poignant reminder—“The most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.”
This student listed “wonders” that I never thought much about until one day a few years ago when my husband and I took my friend, Shirley, for what turned out to be her final jeep ride.
Riding in the jeep was not a big deal to me, perhaps because it was “old hat” as some might say. But Shirley, then in the final stages of her battle with cancer, noticed details I never had and she relished every moment of her ride. I was captivated by her adoration and reverence for what she was seeing and by every breath of fresh country air she took in so gratefully. She passed on a few months later.
My jeep ride with her taught me lessons I will never forget. I discovered colors in the sunset I didn’t know were there. I learned that each of our cows has its own distinct bellow and some have really long eyelashes. I noticed that the deeper the hole you drive over, the harder your laugh will be. I found that looking out over big Texas pastures reminds you of the broad expanse of God’s love. I was informed that gazing at the horizon when the sun is setting fills you with a peaceful sense of the infinity of life.
How do we keep our sense of wonder?
How do we maintain our appreciation of all the everyday miracles that compose our day?
How do we never overlook the blessings that make up each life moment?
Even to ask such questions is a good beginning. Pausing to ask these questions also requires pausing to explore for the answers. Our sincere desire to cherish life is a prayer in and of itself—and one that will be answered.
As I learned in my jeep ride, the more acutely aware we are of what and who shares our days, the more meaningful and satisfying life will be. Savoring and mindfully using any of the wonders of sight, hearing, taste, touch, feeling, laughter, and love will guide you to even more of the wonders that God promises for her beloved children.
Start right now—this very moment—and keep yourself in a constant state of awe, admiration, and respect for every ordinary and extraordinary wonder in your day. You don’t want to miss anything. I sure hope I don’t.
This excerpt is from:
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It proclaims, “Even a small star shines in the darkness, for someone somewhere to see…” It points out, “No one ever sees their own magnitude.”
