Today is a special day for An Extraordinary Day! To begin... let's go back a few years. After losing my job in 2009, I suddenly had more free time than I was accustomed to having. So as I was preparing to host a fall open house for my Longaberger business, I decided to go online and do a little exploring for fall decorating ideas. Spending time online was not new to me, quite the contrary. Usually I spent my time online researching things for children's ministry, or nutrition. Important stuff. [wink] I had never even thought about exploring the interwebs for home decor ideas. That bright fall day … [Read more...]
The One who spoke this world we know into existence.... He humbled Himself, obedient to death— a merciless death on the cross! Philippians 2:8 The Voice ...for you...and me. This perfect One... took that which was ours....every ugly sin and wrong thing we have ever done. So we wouldn't have to experience the punishment we deserve. It's Friday.... Jesus' followers did not know, as they watched him die this cruel death on the cross at the hands of the Roman soldiers, that this was not the end. Sure...he told them they would see him … [Read more...]
How's your day? I'm hoping that today's been a good day, or at the worst, something we can call normal. Do you mind stopping a second to look back over the past several hours? We've had numerous blessings... A bed to sleep on, a bite to eat, dishes to wash, places to go, people to see... And so much more! Consider each a blessing. Give thanks for each one. We often take these common, everyday blessings for granted. Tomorrow, things might change and we may or may not have one or more of these blessings. When that happens... our worlds just might come undone. Or will … [Read more...]
Do you have any rituals in your daily routine? For some of us, a daily ritual might include fluffing all the pillows in the family room and pushing the start button on the dishwasher before going to bed, or picking up a personal electronic device and checking email first thing upon waking. Those rituals are important to keeping our daily lives moving in a rhythmic fashion. We need them to help us function effectively in our super busy, fast-paced lives. As much as we need those functional rituals, we also need personal rituals too. Most of us don't take time for ourselves. As women, we … [Read more...]
Have you ever embarked on a new project and then found yourself overwhelmed? Maybe you've been working at something for a while, but things just haven't clicked. Or... Maybe if you read another book on the subject and get some expert advice, you'll figure things out. Most of us have hopes and dreams. Have you noticed... some people not only reach their dreams, but those dreams are spectacular when they come to fruition? While on the other hand, some seem to move from one hope or dream to another, with nothing to show. I have a few dreams which have yet to come to fruition. Last … [Read more...]
Yesterday day was Ash Wednesday. Did you observe the day in any significant way? For the last few years I've attended churches where they smudge a cross on your forehead with ashes. This year... I live in another place and Ash Wednesday was just another day... as it has been for most of my life. I missed it. Not so much having ash applied to my face... but the order of going to church... and making a plan for what I will do to observe Lent. There's much good in my world. But somehow, this year, I feel scattered and unfocused. I need to feel more grounded. Yesterday I thought I'd sign … [Read more...]
Is it me, or do you get a little excited around Valentine's Day? Maybe it's silly, but I love the idea of using the holiday to spread a little joy to those around me. For many, Valentine's Day is NOT a fun day. Though we see aisles of candies in the stores, and heart-shaped balloons floating at the ends of check lanes, many will not get a treat or any kind of "love" unless they purchase something for themselves. It's their reality... every day. Yet, they are reminded that "everyone," it seems, is enjoying something special for Valentine's Day. Except them. These … [Read more...]
Do you love secrets? I'm thinking that secretly you do. Who doesn't love being an insider and knowing and hearing the secrets behind someone's success, recipes, DIY projects, relationships, or just about anything? There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. ~ John Holmes This quote passed by my screen and I immediately loved it. And then I immediately tweaked it... There is no better exercise for the human heart than laying self down to lift others up. ~Diane Miller This is my secret. Available as a 5x7 art print … [Read more...]
Did you make a New Year's resolution? I am certain that there are many people who not only made New Year's resolutions for 2015... but have broken one or more already. Fear of failure is one of the chief reasons that so many people don't make resolutions at the start of the New Year. As the year came to a close, I decided I needed to do something for the New Year that did not include the typical Word for the Year or resolutions. I ruminated on this for some time, feeling resistant to set anything down in pen or type. My resistance was undoubtedly mixed with fear of failure and living in limbo and … [Read more...]
The clock is ticking down on 2014... and what a year it was! For the most part... I don't share what's going on in my personal life. But, if you're a faithful reader, you are aware that this year has been filled with challenges. One thing I have been so grateful for, is this blog. And considering my year, I pushed forward through it all. The reward has been new relationships with other bloggers, considerable growth, the blessing of working with brands, and YOU. Thank you so much for your faithfulness! I love reading your comments, your emails, and chatting with you on Facebook. You have … [Read more...]
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 Praying you have a JOYous and Blessed Christmas! Love, Diane … [Read more...]
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 NIV Grateful... for you for God's grace expressed in our lives for the beauty of our Creator's creation for peace, joy, life, and liberty and most of all for the Hope that lives in us. May you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving! Diane To receive FREE bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now. Let’s connect! Facebook :: Pinterest :: Google + :: Twitter :: Shop-Longaberger Lifestyle … [Read more...]
It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but until just a few years ago, I didn't have a very regular devotional life. Sure I prayed every day. And some days a lot. I would read my Bible sometimes... or even a devotional book. But, when life got busy one of things that I would let go was my time of soul feeding. Most of us eat three meals a day. When we're busy we might skip one, or two, but we don't go a whole day without eating unless we're purposely fasting for medical or spiritual reasons. So why is it that we often soul fast for days on end? Or maybe I should say soul … [Read more...]
Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind. Theodore Roosevelt Have your heard the expression talk is cheap? I think my dad used that expression when I was growing up. When I look around my world...the people who are loving, serving, and caring for others at some personal sacrifice are the people who inspire me. Great thoughts are good... but actions speak louder than words. My heart overflows with gratitude today for the benefits I have received because of the sacrifice of a friend. Several … [Read more...]
How are you today? Really....how are YOU? Most of us trudge, or breeze, through the day. The trudging or breezing has to do with the load we carry. If we have a ton of worries and responsibilities weighing us down....trudging might be a generous term. On the other hand, when we're working within our giftedness, living with hearts filled with joy and gratitude, and spending our hours with others who build up rather than discourage....we breeze through our day and the minutes seems to fly away as easily, too. If you are one who flits through the day … [Read more...]
When I was growing up I spent a lot of time looking in the mirror. You too? Each time I glanced at my reflection I hoped that my appearance would improve. Maybe it was because we had some pretty big mirrors in our house, or maybe it was because as a tween, my parents sent me to charm school at the local department store, but between there and home, I got the message that my physical appearance as well as the way I carried myself were important. At charm school, we learned how to sit and stand and even model pretty outfits for the store's style show. We learned about fashion, the best name brands, how to … [Read more...]
Live An Extraordinary Life Are you really living? Download your 8x10 Free Printable here. If you're reading this I'm sure you're living. [wink] However, I'm not talking about whether you're breathing, though I must say, I am grateful for every breath I take. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that all we have is this present moment. Yes, we have hope for the next moment, day, week, month, year. But, in actuality, all we have is this present moment. Are you in the moment? Or, are you living in the past? ....recalling missed moments, relational regrets, and a host … [Read more...]
