Recently, my husband and I drove part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I grew up in Dallas, so when we honeymooned in Asheville, North Carolina, I was in awe. The awe continues, especially since I now live close to the mountains. They are inspirational. We stopped at a trail for a short hike and to… Continue reading Goodness in the Beauty
Blog Posts
Intentional Kindness
Kindness is a trait that comes naturally to some. It is one that can be easily and intentionally practiced so others are impacted by your thoughtfulness. A fruit of the Spirit is kindness, or lovingkindness. It is a characteristic of God, and He develops this trait in us so we can be more like Him.… Continue reading Intentional Kindness
Unexpected Kindness
What a blessing it is for people to express their kindness! People randomly provide food, clothing, a mowed lawn, or a paid coffee for the next person in line. Unexpected gifts of kindness. Several days are recognized to specifically encourage kindness. World Kindness Day is November 13. Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on… Continue reading Unexpected Kindness
Reward in the Waiting
Patience. It is a fruit of the Spirit we don’t particularly like. Still, it is a characteristic we develop to reflect Christ. There are several examples in Scripture of people who experienced patience. Noah was told to build an ark, yet he waited 100 years for the flood. Moses was used to deliver the children… Continue reading Reward in the Waiting
Beauty in the Waiting
Patience ... This is a word we all dislike at times. Patience ... We want everything when we want it, and we don’t want to wait! Patience ... It is too hard to have patience. Patience ... Is waiting really worth it? Before a beautiful butterfly exits a cocoon, it takes various forms. I once… Continue reading Beauty in the Waiting
Pursuing Peace
There have been instances in which I have experienced undeniable peace with major life decisions, conflict resolution, job situations, or family crises. There have also been instances in which peace seemed difficult to find, resulting in unrest, fear, anxiety, and worry. Like joy, peace is internal and difficult to grasp. It is an unexplainable calm,… Continue reading Pursuing Peace
Developing Peace
Recently, I spent a day in DC with family. It was ... peaceful. The traffic was manageable. The people were friendly. The day was beautiful. Even at the end of the workday, I noticed people enjoying the outdoors by playing soccer or frisbee or walking their dog. Yes, it may have been an extraordinary—not the… Continue reading Developing Peace
Unexplainable Joy
Joy is inner, unexplainable, delightful peace. It’s quiet. It’s calming. It’s resting. It’s uplifting. Joy is a gift from God. It is fruit of the Spirit. Joy is recognizing the blessings of God and finding delight. As we proclaim our thankfulness to God for the gifts He so willingly and abundantly bestows upon His children,… Continue reading Unexplainable Joy
EnJOY the Belly Laughs!
Welcome to Connections2Excellence! A little light today, as I wanted us to take a few minutes and start our day with laughter! Thank you for joining us! Joy. It’s the feeling of getting tickled because something was so funny you couldn’t help but laugh until you cried. It’s the hilarious belly laughter of a child.… Continue reading EnJOY the Belly Laughs!
An Expression of Love
Welcome to Faith Connections Friday! This week begins a series on desired qualities and how they relate to faith. Thank you so much for visiting! The Greatest Expression of Love Image: ChurchArt Our Faith Challenge