
Winters’ Day In
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author Talena Winters.
Pour a cuppa and stay awhile.

What I Decided
While looking for a way to make my writing business sustainable, I discovered that the answer was in front of me all the time. Life is good.

Please, Get Uncomfortable
Christians tend to grab a flag—and a sword and pitchfork—whenever we perceive that our “rights” or our “faith” are being threatened. But as the standard-bearers of Christ, are we really crusading for what we think we are?

Equilibrium: What a Rush!
Today, I had an epiphany. I realized that my idealized state of “balance” and true homeostasis are not the same thing. This is going to change everything…

Embrace It
No matter your age, it’s not too late to chase your dream. Maybe you’re already doing it, which is awesome. Or maybe we are closing out another year where you have still been making excuses about why you didn’t go for the longing of your heart.
Life is long, but it’s also short. Do you really want to spend a minute of it not living up to your potential?


The Benefits of "Escapist Fiction"
Humans are made of stories. And, no matter the "world" that a story may be set in, at the heart of every good story is a character who is overcoming difficult situations that must be relatable to the reader in some way, or the story would not resonate with us. In this post, I talk about some ways that fantasy and other genres of fiction have benefited me, and why I think everyone should read or watch it.

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?


When You Just Can’t Do It All
Lately, I've been getting that too-familiar "overwhelmed" feeling. Looking back over the first six months of this year, I am coming to a difficult conclusion: I still can't do it all. So it's time to reset some priorities.

The Healing Power of Community
Two years later, 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.

Reworking Working from Home
My Left and Right Brain are having a showdown and I need to figure out how to make them play nice together! Do you have some pointers?

Photo Friday: Become Patient
Patience is what happens when we are presented with opportunity. Because no opportunity worth having ever comes easily.

Photo Friday: Become Gentle
Sometimes it is easier said than done to be gentle on yourself. Use this wallpaper as a reminder. Happy Friday.