encouragement – Amanda Herring, Writer

Strength

When I think of “strength”, what comes to mind? Muscles. Hercules. Brut force. Maybe pushing and pulling, carrying a heavy load. Sometimes I think of emotional strength. Standing stoically at a funeral. Walking into a first chemo treatment. Testifying in court against an assailant, in front of the assailant. What about mental strength? Taking theContinue reading “Strength”

NYC Trip Highlights & Epiphanies

I was over the moon to be in New York City last week with my daughter! We have never taken a trip, just the two of us, so it was super special. We had no real itinerary either, other than having secured tickets to two Broadway shows, which made it even better. We were prettyContinue reading “NYC Trip Highlights & Epiphanies”

Underdogs. Resilience. Choice.

I admire people who make come backs after huge losses. I admire people who went through some seemingly impossible-to-survive storm then used that storm as motivation to grow and get better. I admire people who have suffered yet somehow managed to keep their faith strong anyway. I admire people who supported someone else through aContinue reading “Underdogs. Resilience. Choice.”

Rethink Your Resolutions

To “resolve” to do something is to decide firmly to make it happen. To be “resolute” is to be determined and focused. A “resolution” is the statement we make declaring what we’re about to do, often a change we want to make. Is making New Year’s Resolutions a good idea? Change is good, right? Maybe.Continue reading “Rethink Your Resolutions”

Women. Compassion. Support.

“Do you follow her on Snapchat? Did you see her kids running and playing outside in the snow? She has two of the cutest dogs, but her cat video put me over! It was on her story. Her husband travels. Did you see how thrilled she was to pick him up at the airport? SheContinue reading “Women. Compassion. Support.”

Don’t stop dreaming.

I don’t believe in placing a moratorium on dreams. Dreams should be plentiful regardless of your age, how much money is in your bank account, or whether or not you went to college. I don’t care if you are fit and spry, arthritic and slow, or fat and happy. It doesn’t matter if you’ve gotContinue reading “Don’t stop dreaming.”

Faith Over Worry

Sister, you can’t worry AND rely on faith at the same time. You’ve been worrying, and that’s fine. Now…enough of that. Remember that worry places focus on the worst possible outcomes. Faith focuses on desirable outcomes. Which should fill your head and heart? Lean on your faith, even if you only have a little. #mustardseedfaith

Goodbye, 2022.

Reflections of 2022…yep, I think many of us are in the process of looking back over the last year lately, either consciously or subconsciously, and taking an inventory of life’s events. We are reminiscing fondly with a warm smile in our hearts, or we find ourselves visibly wincing as we recount the unsavory. For me,Continue reading “Goodbye, 2022.”

Bad church? Bad church people?

People do stupid stuff. They say the wrong things. They’re clique-y and exclusive. They fail to offer a smile or speak to you when you walk by, even if you smile or speak first. Sometimes they’re envious, judgemental, gossipy, and self-righteous. Oh, and I’m talking about some people at church. Yep, we got mad atContinue reading “Bad church? Bad church people?”

Be the content.

I read a lot about how to blog, since I pretty much suck at it, at least consistency-wise. I read a tip recently that stood out… Be the content. Hmmm. I don’t know now. When I started this little endeavor a while back, I was set on being open and honest, sharing even the rawestContinue reading “Be the content.”