Hello there from Kathy Collard Miller in the desert of Southern California near Palm Springs. But don’t worry, it’s a dry heat. Talking with a women’s ministry director at a conference, I hoped she would invite me to speak at her women’s retreat. As we sat in the lounge of the convention center, I enjoyed one of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies set before us. When she asked my opinion on some important ministry issues, I spoke with forceful and confident tones. I was thrilled to see her staring at my mouth, obviously waiting for every word I said….
Tag: hope
This is our archive pageMy Love-Hate Relationship with Flossing
Hi from Kathy Collard Miller in the hot desert of Southern California near Palm Springs. But don’t worry, it’s a dry heat. I have a love-hate relationship with flossing. Or is it a hate-love relationship? I don’t know. Sometimes I hate it more than I love it and other times I love it more than I hate it. I hate it when I’m about to do it and I love it when I’m done. And that happens twice a day. I’m motivated because my teeth are so ripe for cavities that I want to avoid the pain. Plus, I have spaces between…
God Never Stops Working on Us
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller, here in the Southern California desert. It was always difficult for my mother to relax and trust God, and even when she was in her 80’s, it seemed like the Lord was still inviting her to trust Him more. My sister and I would say to each other, “You’d think the Lord would stop working on people when they get old enough, but He sure seems to still be working on mom.” That was true up until the last few days of her life. When it was time for hospice, she moved into my home but didn’t…
What Arrows Assail You?
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the Southern California desert. When I attended my first writers conference in 1980, writing legend Woody Wirt closed the final session by exclaiming, “I want you to say right now, ‘I am a writer.’” I am a writer? It seemed dishonest to say such a thing. After all, I’d only had one article and one short story published. That didn’t seem to qualify as a true “writer.” What was a “true writer”? I didn’t know but I was convinced it didn’t refer to me. But being the People Pleaser I am, I wanted to…
Who Me? A Perfectionist?
Hello from Kathy Collard Miller in the desert of Southern California If I were to ask you whether you’re a perfectionist, you’d most likely say “no.” The explanation for saying that? “Well, I don’t get anything perfect! After all, perfectionists reach perfection.” Would you be shocked if I told you that’s not accurate? Not only is it not accurate but I would almost predict that some perfectionist tendencies are blocking your efficiency and joy in your writing. Because one definition of a perfectionist is: “A person who takes great pains and passes them on to others.” Want to know if you have…
When Glory Blooms – A New Release
When the Morning Glory Blooms (Abingdon Press Fiction) Three eras. Three women desperate for hope. Three reasons to believe it won’t come in time. Can Ivy preserve Anna’s emotion-packed, grace-hemmed memories? Will Becky’s prayers for the child of her unwed daughter be answered? And what of this baby–who brings together the intertwining stories of women across generations? As each fights a tangled vine of deception, each uncovers possibilities for hope—and the blossoming simplicity of truth. Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, devotion collections, speaking, teaching, and a history of 33 years as a radio…
In Times of Tragedy
I was raised in Colorado and my heart goes out to the people who lost their homes in the recent fires and lost loved ones in the tragic killings in Aurora.
Got Hope?
Hi! Sherry Kyle, here, writing from my laptop in central California with a word of encouragement for you. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (def) hope: 1. to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely. 2. To believe, desire, or trust. What is your hope today?
Jesus Prays for Us!
Grace Fox here with a thought that's been on my mind lately. Hebrews 7:25 encourages me, especially on days when I’m frustrated, discouraged, or doubt-filled. It says, “Therefore he (Jesus) is able once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” The thought of Jesus praying on His followers’ behalf excites me! My hunch is that He prays a lot more than, “God, please bless So-and-So today.” My sanctified imagination tells me His…
ICRS, Where the Industry Meets
Aloha from Karen, A few weeks ago I attended the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). I’ve been going for more than a decade. One convention hall fills with authors, publishers, sales reps, agents, and store owners, and all the newest Christian books and products. It’s an exciting place for anyone who loves books. Many authors sign free copies of their books. I didn’t sign this year but Faithwords gave away a huge stack of my books as I stood and watched them disappear in a few minutes. A lot happens at this show.
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