I remember their comments so vividly. Maybe you heard them too. “Color inside the lines.” “Brighter colors would stand out more.” “This photograph needs to be sharper.” “You have a gift for run-on sentences.” “This writing would offend my wife.” The gift of creativity sometimes does not seem so much of a gift. It seems there is a nakedness to… Read More
the story must be told.
Stories are powerful. They grip your heart and put real humanism behind the everyday ordinary. What’s your story? Maybe you’ve never written your story before or told it to anyone. Maybe you’re afraid of what others will think or even to experience the emotions that your own story might bring. But there is power in a story. I encourage you… Read More
i quit.
Today marks the day that I quit. I’m tired, worn and weary. The fight isn’t worth it any longer. I’ve had enough! You’ve probably seen it coming for awhile. The lack of inconsistency, the tired look upon my face, and the overall lack of enthusiasm in my life. So I’m sure this isn’t taking you by surprise. Persevering is hard…. Read More
it’s time to step out of the crowd
I’ve been listening to you all in this community. I treasure your comments, posts, and messages. They each stir my heart to rethink how I’m living out this journey called life. As I listen, I hear you saying: Alene you have helped me step over my fear and into an unknown world. Thank you for challenging me to serve others…. Read More
enlarge my territory.
I prayed a prayer asking God to enlarge my territory of influence. I wanted to go somewhere grand. Africa. India. Cambodia. I had a dream of making a difference and it seemed all the cool stories of difference-makers were from foreign countries. I never made it to those foreign lands. God instead chose to enlarge my territory by placing me… Read More
3 things to do when love hurts.
Have you taken a risk for another person lately? A risk that might have left you raw and exposed with your heart laid out barren for all to see. Risking for the sake of others means you will be hurt. [tweet that] Sometimes that hurt is not even intended, but it comes as heartaches and tears. I’ve spent the better… Read More