#FMFparty

A new kind of Notice

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Do you ever feel invisible? Think about it. Here’s what I mean by that. It isn’t that you want to be on display, receive applause, or even be the center of attention, but maybe simply to be noticed. We all go through times when we want someone, we care about, to notice us. Maybe we … Read more

Convenient is no match for Compassion

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The phone rings and I hesitate as caller ID flashes into view. I don’t have to press ‘answer’. I already know the question. My eyes wander back to the screen where the half-written email waits patiently for the return of my attention. Reaching for the phone now. “This isn’t a convenient time,” I thought. “Say, … Read more

48 years: It Gets Better

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When I was a teenager who knew everything, adults who seemed ancient to me at age 55 or 60 kept talking about how tough marriage was. When I knew everything, I wondered why these people stayed married then. After all – if it’s so hard, just make it easy and don’t stay married. Go get … Read more

Creating Value in Thanksgiving

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Yesterday was ThanksgivingLiving Day. I’ve been thinking ….. We can give thanks or we can live thanks. We can celebrate Thanksgiving once a year or we can add value to every day by living with an attitude of gratitude. ThanksLiving.  I know …. finding ways to be thankful even when we have to drag in … Read more

Here’s why ONE is not the loneliest number

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When I was in high school the musical group Three Dog Night sang from every juke box in the country convincing us that, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do.” If you know the lyrics, you will remember that life doesn’t get any better with two because something bad divides them. Who listens … Read more

Relief and joy from whole hearted trust in God

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“It’s hard being so far away when things like this happen.” Those words have been on repeat this last week. When someone we love is thousands of miles away and we can’t go to them, helplessness is its own form of trauma. Waiting through a medical procedure, wondering but hoping the prognosis isn’t as bad … Read more

Let’s Talk

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Once Upon a time – and the story has a beginning. Do you ever wish for a place to let down all your defenses, a place where every curtain could be opened, a place where you could say whatever is on your mind, a place to be at peace? Where is that place for you? Where would you … Read more

The Voice of Inspiration

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Three years ago, I was inspired!  I shared dinner around the table with a children’s book author. I know. You’re ready to click ‘done’ and move on. I hear you.  “So, what?” you ask. Stay with me here because I promise you, there is something remarkable about author, Lori Hastings. Can I have just 90 … Read more

Refining Grace