12 Ways to Give a Gift of the Heart

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Love anchors Christmas into the hearts of all those who celebrate Peace on Earth Good Will to Men. The older we become, the more we enjoy gift-giving. We want our loved ones to receive the perfect item, one they will remember and treasure. We also want to remember those less fortunate—the people we may never meet. …

What Are the Twelve Days of Christmas?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills For years, I thought the English Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” was about a girl with an incredibly long Christmas list, expecting her boyfriend or husband to gift her all those items. Turns out, I was mistaken! The twelve days of Christmas instead refers to the period between December 25 and January 6. This …

Staying Sensitive During the Holidays

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Most people speed through the holidays with excitement and enthusiasm. They enjoy the many gatherings alongside family and friends, while some people sink into a well of depression. They feel alone and abandoned. Staying sensitive to the needs of others enables us to bless those who are emotionally and physically suffering. A friend said it best, …

Love and Danger: Why Romance and Suspense Are a Perfect Match

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnn Mills Love and danger have caught the reader’s attention since the beginning of time. Storytellers gathered faithful listeners around a crackling fire and told stories that caused others to tremble with danger and swoon with romance. The match seems perfect, but why does it work? The following parts of a novel show why love and danger …

Yummy Fall Recipes

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Fall is the time of year for crisp air, football games, and yummy food. This fall I’ve tried three new recipes that hit the yummy list, and I want to share them with you. Homemade Cinnamon Raisin Bread Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Servings: 8 serving(s) Ingredients: FOR THE DOUGH: 1 …

October 22 – National Color Day

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills National Color Day celebrates how every person interprets the way  light reflects or bounces off an object. The experience is more than what we see and enjoy or avoid. The various hues and shades impact us creatively, physically, and psychologically. Color is one of my favorite literary tools to show emotion and encourage readers to join …

Listening—The Key to Navigating Life

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We’ve grown up hearing instructions to “listen,” and wisdom is woven into the word. As children, we were told to listen to our parents and others who were 1) wiser, 2) chose to protect us, and 3) had more life experience. As teens and adults, sage advice is always to listen. Learning and listening are companions, …

Don’t Use Skim Milk in God’s Recipe for Life

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills In today’s world, many of us are constantly seeking shortcuts in various aspects of our lives. Whether it’s in our diets, our work, or our spiritual journeys, the appeal of the easy way out can be tempting. But when it comes to living a fulfilling and purposeful life, there are no substitutes for the real thing. …

After the Storm: Ways to Make a Difference in Hurricane Helene Recovery

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I’m taking a break from my normal blogging post topics to focus on how we can make a difference in Hurricane Helena Recovery.  Thousands of victims were impacted from the high winds and flooding that not only took lives and property, but also continues to threaten people who need rescued. Food, water, and shelter, the necessities …