TGIM Reflection -- 12/5/2016

Welcome to a brand-new week!

Our TGIM Reflection for today is brought to us by Jesus, Himself:


"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." -- John 10:10


Interestingly, I had chosen a different reflection for today, but while studying the gospel of John, this was the scripture that stood out to me.

Not so surprisingly, this is the season of "abundance." This is the season of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all the other catchy names that stores have to draw us in and pull out the plastic and "plata," as Cubans say, from our wallets. It's the season when the supermarkets are as full as our pantries and fridges. There's lots of abundance out there at this time of year.

But there is plenty of lack, too, as we all know. Besides people who don't have much money for their kids' presents or even a bed to lie in, there are those who are struggling in other ways. Perhaps having lost a loved one or having gone through a painful divorce, or another difficult trial.

Today reflect upon Jesus' promise to us--a promise for the abundant life that only He can give. An abundance that can reach past tears and sadness, that brings peace and comfort. He came specifically to bring us not just life, but a life that if full of hope and promises from the One who never breaks His promises.

There is nothing we can do to deserve that abundance; it is a gift from His hand. All we have to do is accept it, with a grateful heart. It can't be found in the stores. It is paid for not with earthly money but with the shed blood of a Risen Savior.

True abundance that doesn't depend upon our credit score or our status in life or our circumstances. True abundance that is a gift from the Good Shepherd. Jesus has already won it for us.

Have a blessed Monday, sisters!

TGIM Reflection -- 11/21/16

"Be still and know that I am God." - Psalm 46: 10 KJV

Good morning! And yes, I know--it's Monday and I'm reminding you of your Father's words to be still.

That is our TGIM reflection for today: That sometime today, you take out a few moments to steal away to someplace quiet. Somewhere that you can push aside the worries of this day or week...where you give yourself permission to stop thinking about the trial you are going through, or the hectic day ahead, or the person who said cross words to you today.

Find that place. Quiet your mind. Take a deep breath. Be still. You don't have to say anything, either. Just let your heart rest in knowing that He is God--El Shaddai, the Creator of the Universe, the One who conquered Death and the grave. And yet, this powerful God is also our Good Shepherd. The Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. His Son, Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Take time to let Him wrap you in His everlasting love.

Be still and know that He is your God.

Happy Monday!

TGIM Reflection 11/14/16

Good morning & Happy Monday, sister!

Are we ready for today? The Monday that follows a long weekend has an even worse reputation than your average, every-day-Joe Monday. But that's all right: We're facing this day with the Good Shepherd.

And here is our reflection to carry you through this beautiful Monday:

"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise." -- Mother Teresa

That is what Mother Teresa said about the poor and sickly that she spent so much of her life helping. We may not be on "the front lines," as she was, but we all have our own mission field in this world.

Do you look for Jesus every day? You may see Him today...and on MONDAY, of all days! He may be disguised as that coworker who is going through a hard time, who could use an encouraging word and someone to listen. He may be a client, a customer, a patient, a student, anyone who needs to see the Light of this World through your smile and kindness. He may be the stranger that you pass on the street today, who may look distracted or sad, who desperately needs your prayers. It could be anyone who, at this time of year, asks for help in some way, either for food or clothing or a small gift to give their kids.

There's a song that Sidewalk Prophets sing that demonstrates Mother Teresa's words. If you get a chance, you can hear Save My Life here. Here's a little snippet from the lyrics:


Tell me what I need to hear
Tell me that I'm not forgotten
Show me there's a God 
Who can be more than all I've ever wanted
'Cause right now I need a little hope
I need to know that I'm not alone
Maybe God is calling you tonight
To tell me something that might save my life.


We never know what form He might take, so let's look for our King today in everyone we meet. May we make it our prayer that He will bless others through us, that we will love our neighbor, as He has asked of us, all to His glory.

Have a great Monday!

Half-Year Resolutions?

Why not?

Every year, it seems you can't find a parking space and you have to hunt down an available treadmill at the gym...but only after January 1st. By February, you have your pick of the litter as far as the machines are concerned, because people didn't lose 20 pounds in January and they gave up. There's something very sad about that.

As writers, I think a lot of us rummage through our workspace, realize our New Year's goals/resolutions are in there (and now the paper's all wrinkled and the ink is faded) and either chuck them or leave them there, saying, "Ah, well, maybe next year."

Listen, why not this year?

The good thing about a year is that it's 12 months/365 days long. Like Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over 'til it's over." With the last week of June upon us, why not review your original goals or revise them?

Think of this as your "Half-Year Resolutions." Guess what? You still have 5 months to make it happen, whether we're talking about health/fitness goals or writing goals or whatever accomplishment you wanted to undertake.

Six months is also a long time. Maybe your situation has changed. Maybe you've moved and there's not a gym for miles around, so you have to improvise. Maybe you didn't get that book contract; maybe you're about to embark on the journey of indie publishing. Maybe your well for contemporary romance fiction is dry and you've always wanted to try your hand at an historical mainstream novel.

Get those original goals out--plus some white-out! If you have them in electronic form, it'll be that much simpler to change. Or if you tossed your goals/resolutions out in frustration, that's fine. Write some new ones and keep all of this in mind:

1. Be realistic. You have 5 months left to the year. You won't be writing 5 novels, especially if you're a busy stay-at-home mom or a grandmother who works full-time. Better to write one well written book that readers will love than 5 hastily written ones. By the same token, you might take longer to lose those 35 pounds. Be gentle with yourself and resolve to taking baby steps and being happy with the weight you do drop.

2. Keep in mind that you don't HAVE to be constricted by a time frame. You may not reach your writing goal or fitness goal by December 31, and that's all right. The important thing is that you begin, and that you work steadily, each day, towards that goal.

3. Think quality, not quantity, in whatever you do. You can lose 20 pounds on a fad diet and gain it back by Christmas, or you can resolve to treating yourself well and eating healthfully. You can take Zumba, yoga, kick boxing and feel like exercise is another full-time job, or you can start walking every day and enjoy that time so much that you will feel like you're missing something if you don't get that walk in by 7 PM each night.

4. Don't be hard on yourself. Approach your Half-Year Resolutions with enthusiasm and faith in yourself and your work. Today is a new day.

and

5. Your Half-Year Resolutions can be a secret. Nobody but you has to know about your resolutions and/or goals. But you can share and inspire others when you accomplish them!

Got all that? So you're off to a good start! May God bless you in all your endeavors.

Words To Live By

One of my friends on Facebook posted these words, which are attributed to the late and amazing Mother Teresa. I, myself, needed encouragement this week, and these words were timely, straight from the Lord. May this passage bless all who read it. And pass it on for others! These are truly words to live by.


People are often unreasonable and selfish. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it was between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

--MOTHER TERESA