A freak accident took over our 4th of July celebration. Netflix is cued up, popcorn is on the stove, and hot chocolate is next on my agenda. I open the cabinet door, and before I can react, a ceramic Christmas plate from the top shelf […]
Do You Trust Your Training?
“The bar is loaded for Alida Sharp, 260lbs.” I make one last adjustment to my belt as I advance toward the bar. I’m staring down at a weight I’ve never lifted before. But, I trust my training. I have confidence it will move, and it […]
25 Things I Can Control
My dog killed a squirrel this morning. Nothing is safe if it gets within her reach. Birds, lizards, and now a squirrel. I have no control over her actions. She barks too loud, she likes to play even when we’re tired, and she’s a hunter. […]
Psalm 20 A Prayer For Us All
After a week of heavy-heartedness, I have a sense that we need something—a prayer for us all. Many times when I am at a loss for words, I pray using scripture. Have you ever tried that? Using God’s words is a powerful way to pray. […]
How Much Does it Cost to be Me?
Staying true to our core values can be difficult for some of us. Think about it. Are there parts of yourself you hide or change to suit others? In this age of social media, the struggle to find our authentic voice is real. When we’re […]
True Strength is a Mindset
I wholeheartedly believe that a woman’s true strength is a mindset. I’ve been studying Jael lately. Her short story is found in chapter four of Judges. At first glance, Jael’s tale is one of remarkable physical strength. Yet, it goes much deeper than that. Her […]
Dare to Clap for Yourself
When was the last time you dared to clap for yourself? Or is that hard to do? So often we set goals or test a new habit, and get discouraged when no one else notices our progress. But, what about us acknowledging our personal progress? […]
Seeds, Meditations, and Prayers
Our thoughts are seeds, meditations, and prayers. In Genesis 21:14-19, Hagar’s thoughts left her hopeless. But in Mark 5:25-29, the bleeding woman’s thoughts were hopeful. As I ponder these two women and the situations they faced, I grow more and more curious. How do we […]
Now What?
Have you ever accomplished a goal and wondered, “Now what?” That’s me this week. On Friday I take my final exam. My degree will be complete. Forty years after graduating high school, I am graduating from university. Now what? What do we do when we […]
Comparisonitis Leads to Envy
I am recovering from a horrific case of ‘comparisonitis.’ I’ve discovered it’s highly contagious. And that ‘comparisonitis’ leads to envy. Scrolling through Instagram, I marvel at the strength of a few women from the gym. Their videos make me question, “why aren’t I as strong […]