Winters’ Day In
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author Talena Winters.
Pour a cuppa and stay awhile.
Work Afraid
Here’s a secret: We’re all afraid. Every person who succeeds at something has had to confront fear at some point to get to where they are. The trick is to start anyway.
Healing from Loss, One Bite at a Time
There is an old joke that goes, "How do you eat an elephant?"
"I don't know, how do you?"
"One bite at a time."
The not-so-hidden truth in here can be applied to so many things—projects, goals, ginormous meals. But today, I'm going to talk about how I have found this true when tackling emotional hardship.*
*No elephants were harmed in the making of this blog post.
Why God Didn't Stop the Shooting
So often in the aftermath of tragedy, Christians who have been raised to think of God as their protection charm turn away, and atheists mock the impotence of the God we declare to be firmly in control. But is it possible we have God—and his view of human tragedy—all wrong?
Could Your Story Change the World?
You might think your story isn't that special, that you have nothing to give. But if you think about it, you'll probably realize that you have already learned some life lessons that others would benefit from. Have you ever wondered how your story might be a powerful blessing to others?
The Healing Power of Community
Two years after losing our son, we are still completely humbled when we consider the massive wave of support we received when Munchkin died. I am convinced that the support of our community through that first difficult year had a good deal to do with the progress we made in our healing. Yes, the work of grief must be done on an individual basis. But knowing that we were never alone had a significant impact on how brave we were in approaching that work.
Photo Friday: The Wonder of Everything
When one travels, it is easy to look in wonder at the big buildings, the different customs, the strange food, and wonder, "What is that for? Who made that? Why do they do it that way?"
The truth is, wonderful things are all around us, no matter where we live.
Photo Friday: Become Brave
The theme of my life for the last several months has been about becoming brave. My life has become less about protecting myself, and more about how my life can bless others. Sometimes, the things I have done have cost me. But for the most part, they have helped my heart and my courage to grow. Here are some lessons I've learned on the way.
Photo Friday: Become Patient
Patience is what happens when we are presented with opportunity. Because no opportunity worth having ever comes easily.
3 Secret Weapons for Amazing Productivity
With so much to do in every day, staying organized and meeting deadlines can be a nightmare. Discover three powerhouse tools to start achieving your goals today!
Photo Friday: Become Gentle
Sometimes it is easier said than done to be gentle on yourself. Use this wallpaper as a reminder. Happy Friday.
After the Storm (Photo Friday: Become a Gift)
I know that sunflowers think their job is to propagate their species by creating seeds. But today? It was to teach me that even when we've been hammered by life, and everything seems wretched, and we are broken all over the ground, we can still be beautiful.
How Being Unselfish Heals Us
Bitter or better? We can choose how we heal from loss. It's all in what we focus on.
Stories That Matter: Kindness in Crisis (Photo Friday)
Stories matter. But stories like this—that show real humans being brave and loving and compassionate—they are what matter most.
The Double-Edged Sword of Technology
With all of our knowledge, I wonder if we have lost the basic skills required for survival in the real world? Does technology create simplicity, or destroy it?
Slow Fade (Poem for my Grandma)
Now, all I see is the slow fade
When you look at me, who do you see?