Author Archives: Shirlee Abbott

Self-Talk: Constructive Criticism

I’m a writer, and I’m part of a critique group. We read each other’s work and comment on what’s good and what could be improved. We share constructive criticism — we’re all better writers for it. My self-talk is apt … Continue reading

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Self-Talk: What I [Don’t] Deserve

I’m shopping, and I find something I like. “I deserve it,” I tell myself, “because I’ve been …” (good, sick, overwhelmed–any reason will do). Something bad happens. “I don’t deserve this!” I wail. Do you know what I really don’t … Continue reading

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Self-Talk: Good Enough

The things I say to myself — oh, how I waffle! Sometimes I tell myself I’m too good for a task. Other times, I think I’m not good enough. I waffle between pride and doubt. What does God say? Romans … Continue reading

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What Say You? (to Yourself)

Talk to myself? You bet! Sometimes it’s the best conversation I have all day. And sometimes it is the worst.   I can be my best cheerleader and my worst critic. I can be brutally honest or the biggest liar. … Continue reading

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Maximize Devotion, Minimize Distraction

Luke 10:38-40 (NIV) Martha opened her home to him [Jesus]. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Jesus didn’t tell Martha … Continue reading

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Let Us Pray!

  In the US, today is the National Day of Prayer. Wherever you are, take time today to pray for your nation.     Good morning, Lord. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). We pray … Continue reading

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Maximize the Good, Minimize the Harm

We read this about the wife of noble character: Proverbs 31:12 (NLT) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Maximize the good, minimize the harm … in my marriage, my church, my community. It’s a … Continue reading

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Minimize Worries

My husband in late for dinner. It’s raining, and I worry. I imagine all kinds of horrible things: heavy traffic, a horrible accident, transport to the hospital. By the time he pulls into the driveway, I’m thinking life-support. My brain … Continue reading

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Maximize Excellence

Two little symbols at the top of my screen — a straight line and a square box — I use them all the time. Hit the maximize box and an image fills my screen. Click the minimize line and it … Continue reading

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The Gift of Intelligence

Gad gave me the gift of intelligence, along with the free will to do as I want with it. “Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose. Take my will and make it thine; it shall be … Continue reading

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