Lessons Learned from Gardening

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Lk 8:14-15)

Before the first freeze last fall, I brought my herbs inside my house. Each one grew in its own container, so I made a place for them in my laundry room, which receives a lot of sunlight. There were four: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

One by one, the herbs died until the oregano was the only one left. At first, I watched it diligently for rot or dryness. Soon, I became distracted and forgot to check it as often as it needed. One day, I noticed its dry leaves and realized with chagrin that I had forgotten to water it. Overnight, it seemed, many of the leaves dried up and fell on the floor. My neglectfulness led to the eventual death of the oregano plant. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Gardening”

Winning the OWFI Writing Contest

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms…” (1 Pt 4:10)

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, I officially became an award-winning author. After almost 10 years of entering the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) annual writing contest, I won two awards: first place for blogs (nonfiction) and honorable mention for mystery/suspense novel.

If you’ve read my work for very long, then you’ve read about the winding journey that led to my starting the blog in 2010. (Read about my journey here.) Continue reading “Winning the OWFI Writing Contest”

A Mother’s Influence

This post was originally published in 2018.

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Prov 31:28)

Since Mother’s Day is today, this seems like a good time to acknowledge the women who have influenced me the most in my life. From my mom to her mom to my dad’s mom, these women have provided strong examples of who a Christian woman should be. Continue reading “A Mother’s Influence”

Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI

“He [David] cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (Ps 78:72 NLT)

For the last year, I’ve served as the 2019 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) president. As of today, my tenure as president is over, but not my involvement in OWFI or my local writing community. (In last week’s blog post, I wrote about the transition I was facing. You can read that post here.)

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a leader because I’m introverted and quiet. I don’t like making decisions, but I do believe in standing up for people and doing the right thing. Over the years, I’ve held various leadership positions that, in hindsight, I know prepared me for this one. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI”

Transitions

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Dt 31:8 NLT)

In just one week, my life will change, and something in which I’ve invested countless hours during the last two years will come to an abrupt halt.

My term as Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) president will end around 9:00 p.m. CST, May 4, 2019. While I’m looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things that will happen under 2020 President (and my friend) Shelley Pagach, I know it means a significant transition for me. In keeping with the 2019 OWFI conference theme, I’m “turning the page” of my life. Continue reading “Transitions”