Conversations that Sweeten the Worst Situations

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Have you ever met someone who could soften even the hardest conversation with kindness and a few simple words of encouragement? Perhaps someone has done that for us! We experienced a gifted person soothing an angry or troubled mood or situation and successfully created an environment of peace. God desires an attitude of love: loving our …

Do I Need Tenacity?

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 …

Are We Using Positive or Negative Words?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills None of us want to be labeled with a negative attitude—that is not a trait for how to keep or win friends. Yet, many of us implore the use of negativity to get our point across and often without any idea of our harshness. Emotion draws us to the speaker or kicks us to the curb. …

Colors of the Soul

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 …

Staying Fit in Today’s World

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 …

What My Characters Teach Me

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills If I don’t change and grow into a better person when writing a story, I’ve failed —not just the characters, but also the storyline, my readers, myself, and the God who gifted me with the ability to write. My characters help me see life from a new perspective, offering deeper insights into how others live in …

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, …

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, …

Navigating Unchartered Waters

DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Guest Post: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell @khogrefeparnell Recently, I enrolled my two-year-old in a two-week swim class. Another mom friend had warned me that her daughter screamed the entire first lesson, so I prepared myself for a similar reaction—but hoped my son would do better. He didn’t. He screamed most of the class until I finally sat next …

What’s the Best Part of Getting Older?

By DiAnn Mills @DiannMills Recently I posted on Facebook the question: What is the best part of getting older? Within two minutes of pressing post, I had comments. The responses were varied, and I giggled at many of them. Here’s the ranked list: Grandkids (This one was mentioned the most. In my opinion, there is a reason they are called …