Boldness, Character, Discipline, Excellence, Faith, Freedom, Influence, love, Prayer, Purpose

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

Boldness, Character, Discipline, Excellence, Faith, Freedom, Prayer, Purpose

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

Character, Discipline, Excellence, Freedom, Purpose

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

Boldness, Character, Creativity, Discipline, Excellence, Faith, Freedom, joy, love, Music, Purpose

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

Character, Discipline, Excellence, Faith, Family, Friendship, Influence, Prayer, Purpose

A Growing Faith

We’ve examined many bridges and connected them uniquely to excellence and our faith. As we conclude this series, we identify what may be necessary to keep our bridges structurally sound and long lasting. These bridge connections include intercession, foundation and support, legacy, relationships, and using gifts in ministry. Over time, if intentional maintenance is not… Continue reading A Growing Faith

Character, Creativity, Discipline, Excellence, Family, Friendship, Influence, Purpose

Bridge Maintenance

Welcome back to Connections2Excellence! We have looked at types of bridges, covered bridges, bridge construction, bridge foundations and support, bridges around the world, unique bridges, bridges in our relationships, and bridges in the arts. On Faith Connection Friday, we connect these concepts to our faith. As we draw this bridge to a close, we recognize… Continue reading Bridge Maintenance

Creativity, Discipline, Excellence, Freedom, Music, Purpose

Bridges and the Arts

Welcome to Connections2Excellence! We have been a series on connecting bridges to excellence. Today, let's consider other types of bridges instead of physical structures. The arts allow one to bridge to creativity and expression--creative arts, visual arts, and performing arts, among others. Creativity is demonstrated through pottery, ceramics, needlework, sculpting, painting, drawing, or woodworking. Unique… Continue reading Bridges and the Arts

Boldness, Character, Discipline, Excellence, Faith, Friendship, Prayer, Purpose

Bridges to Faith Relationships

In my early 20s, I made an unexpected friend that has lasted for decades. Initially, it involved a conversation about a cute guy. Somehow, the conversation turned to other things, and another friend joined us. We frequented Denny’s for coffee and eventually became the best, inseparable friends. Relationships are a way of life. We all… Continue reading Bridges to Faith Relationships

Character, Creativity, Discipline, Excellence, Family, Friendship, Influence, Purpose

Bridges to Honor

The month of June is dedicated to celebrating our fathers. To celebrate this special day, I have chosen to honor one of the best fathers I know—my husband, Todd. We have one son, Calvin, and Todd has always been an amazing father. Todd’s vocation is a minister, and we have been blessed that he has… Continue reading Bridges to Honor