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On Fire: Finding Your Gift And Using It

Things could get ugly—even violent—growing up. My very-afraid-and-too-stressed-out-post-Great-Depression parents might yell or hit one of their six kids who neglected their chores or talked back like a “smart alec.” The result? I learned CYA. Watched my back—always. Pleased my adult audience—always. Hid out to Stay safe. My main life skill became ducking disapproval. When I…

Today—after a halfway-across-the-country move—I pick up my pen (otherwise known as my computer keyboard) and begin again. I’ve always wanted to write. Get good. Write important stuff. Become a writer people want to read. But I’ve done other work most of my adult life—raised kids, brought home the bacon and fried it up. Everything but…

A life journey does not unfold in a straight line; the route is often circuitous and sometimes requires an abrupt stop in order to discern the next steps. -Debbie Kirk Wide Open Spaces: Women exploring call through stories and reflections  ###   The job ends. The lover leaves. The committee votes no. The last child…

Your Gift is an insight wrapped in talent and shared with others. Why find and use it? Four reasons: 1) To start down this Gift-giving path is to turn toward God and the truth you’ve been created and for a reason. 2) Finding your Gift and using it means you affirm that you matter. What…

Usually it’s alpha mare bellowing and kicking alpha gelding. Not last night. The bellowing turned frantic. Man-Son flew out of bed and ran barefooted to the corral. He yelled to let the horses know he was there. Situation: a fog had settled. Gelding, fenced off separately, could not see the other two horses. He was…

There’s a lot going on. Even country living isn’t simple. Every day I face: –Unexpected problems: The gelding and mare are kicking each other again. Through the fence meant to separate them. –Family responsibilities: Could you feed the dogs this morning? –Text and voice messages: An old friend wants to stay in touch. –Invitations: This…

In my armed chair at my computer to write. I go inward seeking a flame…smoldering embers… a spark at least. Words to keep your heart and mine burning. My blog title is On Fire: finding your gift and using it! [ Sigh ] Do I really want to be on fire? Do you? The natural,…

I thought life would get easier. More under control. Finally the time would come when I could freely and happily do what was most important—give back to God by giving my Gift. But it didn’t happen—the part about life getting easier or more under control. No matter what I do, there are always unexpected events,…

Have you stopped dreaming? You no longer: –Draw amazing possibilities in your imagination? –Invent solutions? –Craft new ways to communicate your idea? –Scheme work-arounds? –Imagine what your key relationships could be if you went back at it? –Wish for the stars? If you dream no more, I ask you—why? Blocks in your way, problems, regrets,…

Sidelined. Thoughts swirl: I’m getting nowhere I’ve got too many strikes against me You have to have money to make money There are so many people who do this and better than me. Why try? I’m not included, not part of the club  You’ve stumbled into “no man’s land” where maintaining the status quo is…
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