*Writer Kendra Cherry defines happiness as, an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction. How often can you expect to be happy? About half the time. When I heard this recently, I confess that … Continue reading What is Happiness?
Drowning in stuff Some days my house could be featured on one of those shows where they share the before and after home organization transformation. Mostly, I would be a great candidate for before pics. I’ve practiced that Marie Kondo method, joined some groups on social media, and even did one of those “40 bags … Continue reading Do You Have a Cluttered Heart and Soul? Psalm 15
Are you weary? Do you long to find soul sustaining rest? Maybe you need a session of soul tending in your day? Check out my blog post for some soul tending guidance. My name is Anthea Kotlan, and I have a passion to equip and empower women to build God's kingdom. Join me on this … Continue reading Welcome
Years ago, we sold a home, and a few weeks after closing got a call from our realtor. She explained that the home buyer had reported that the gas logs in the house we sold were not working correctly. There had been an incident, and she had been burned. The buyer wanted to know who … Continue reading Flammable Foolishness – Psalm 14
The printed factory recall letter slipped out between two pieces of junk mail. Typically, it can be rather tricky to open the multipage document with perforations along the side. As the owner of an older car, this is not my first notification. I slipped it open and read the fine print indicating the need to … Continue reading What do you choose in the waiting? Psalm 13
Many of us spend hours gathering clues, watching for evidence, and hearing interviews from our favorite true crime podcasts and documentaries. What draws people to listen to this content that continues to grow in popularity? Mysteries grab our attention, and we all have a desire to solve puzzles. It is thrilling to dive into a … Continue reading Up and Vanished – Psalm 12
(a bird flying away) Anxiety I have always known the stranglehold of anxiety in my life. This unwelcome guest bullied our family at every event and gathering for as long as I can remember. Looking back, I realize how both my parents struggled with the burden of anxiety. My mother shared her list of worst-case … Continue reading Fight or Flight – Psalm 11
(Prison cell) During World War II, Louis Zamperini survived 47 days at sea in a raft after his plane crashed and then tragically became a prisoner of war for two long years. While being held captive, he experienced terrible abuse and almost daily beatings at the hands of some ruthless guards. As I have been … Continue reading Can Forgiveness Set Me Free? Psalm 10
During my season of parenting teenagers, there was one thing I could always count on -- inconvenient conversations. Just as I was nodding off or felt beyond exhausted, one of my teens chose to begin a meaningful conversation. Suddenly, words poured forth freely, and the opportunity to truly connect arrived. These conversation opportunities opened up … Continue reading Do you have time for a conversation? Psalm 9b
When I was a little girl, the days spent between Christmas and New Year were filled with the arduous task of writing thank you notes. Looking back now, less than ten notes to write loomed large over those days. For my sister and me, the challenge felt overwhelming. I sat for hours at the dark … Continue reading Can I Cultivate Thanksgiving? Psalm 9a
In the cool dark recesses of the cupboard under the stairs, I carefully placed my newly potted bulb. My father made it clear that I was not to pull it back out into the light for a few months. At seven years old patience was not my strong suit, and I desperately wanted to take … Continue reading What is God doing in the dark? Psalm 7
Anthea Kotlan 