By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose. Ralph Waldo Emerson In middle school, I learned about tenacious people. I thought it was a fancy word for stubborn, and I wore the label well. But I discovered so much more, a mark of persistence that

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We all need rest and enjoyment to balance our busy lives. The old proverb: “All work and no play made Jack a dull boy” is true for Jill too! Special time to restore us isn’t limited to summer vacations but a time of planned and purposeful joy. With a little creativity, we don’t need to travel

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills The best way to eliminate fear is to remove it from our physical, mental, and spiritual world. An alliance with terror is no way to live. Spending time with fear is fiend-ship. Nothing good comes from teaming up with an enemy and falling captive to its paralyzing chains. Fear is an emotion that shows no favoritism,

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Every writer’s journey of the soul is illuminated with a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and obscure shadows. Whether we experience bright pieces of glass that sparkle and entertain us or jagged edges that sear our hearts, the result is a pattern of beauty that reflects God’s glory on our lives. “Finally, be strong in the Lord

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Staying fit in today’s world began when at age fifteen I recognized the importance of eating healthy and exercising at least five days a week. That determination has remained a part of my life longer than many of you are old. We often read articles, blog posts, and emails that focus on how to stay fit

By DiAnn Mills @diannmills I believe in the power of fiction to change lives and encourage others—no matter the reader’s age, culture, education, social status, or life experiences. Fiction is a non-threatening environment to entertain others or help them journey through problems by stepping into a character’s shoes. The visceral experience takes the reader on a journey or adventure. For

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Writers spend hours, weeks, months, and sometimes years working on behind-the-scenes research in writing a novel. I’m no different. The story must be so real to the readers that they block the outside world and become the character. Research involves thoroughly understanding the protagonist and antagonist. This includes how they live, earn a living, and react/respond

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,

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,

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.