Encouragement Archives

Oops! Here I Go Again: 3 Things I Don’t Want You To Miss

Posted by Robin on Sep 24, 2019 | 0 comments

~ sponsored by ~

Surprise–back to back posts! I’ll be brief, but each of these things is so important to me (for very different reasons), please DO read to the end.

My (in)courage post, a $10 “They’re Real” Benefit Deal, and Great News for Hope(full)*Writers

Can You See What I See?

Today’s (in)courage post was inspired by several conversations I had while on our annual business retreat, primarily because Patricia Raybon challenged me to write about what I have been learning for a while now. I genuinely hope you’ll read the post and then let me know how it stirs your own thinking. If you’ve never thought that yours is a privileged position, I urge you to pray with an open mind and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to see what you might have previously been missing. Not that I’d dare to be your holy spirit…! Don’t miss the comment thread, either. The readers who have already chimed in this morning are one of the best reasons I’m glad I wrote Can You See What I See.

Get! Out!! $10 for up to $90 worth of make-up and beauty items including Benefit’s They’re Real mascara? Please and thank you!!

I’m a little embarrassed to be touting yet another subscription box service because I’m not exactly a beauty blogger and I don’t want to bombard you with crap you don’t want. I know how this stuff goes. But this deal includes Benefit’s They’re Real mascara, my actual mascara of choice, the mascara I hate paying $25 for but keep coming back to, despite trying other brands friends recommend. Nothing has come close to the wearability of They’re Real, and I begrudgingly shuck out that money time and again (mind you I’m perfectly happy with drugstore blush and lipsticks and glosses). While supplies last, new subscribers can sign up for Allure’s monthly beauty box and receive top-trending, editor-tested makeup and beauty picks with a $50-$90 value for only $10 for 72 hours (less, because I’m posting after the clock started ticking). After this month, boxes are $15/month

Full and deluxe products selected by Allure experts (we test more than 50,000 products a year)
A mini-mag with tips, shortcuts, and step-by-steps
New member gift: A bonus gift valued at $10+ This is what you’re getting if you sign up pronto:

Free shipping

I’m curious to try Allure’s beauty boxes and see what surprises land on my doorstep each month, but mostly I’m excited to get a killer deal on Benefit mascara. They dangled a carrot I couldn’t resist!!

Hope*writers is opening membership next week. Wanna know why I love it?

For those who aren’t familiar, hope*writers is an online community whose sweet spot is encouraging writers at every stage. This means beginners and well-seasoned writers have access to new information; hope*writers has a resource library with content and video from a broad cross-section of professionals–editors, agents, published authors, book marketers, publicists, strategists, and more.

But why I love it most (beyond my longtime affections for Emily Freeman and Myquillyn Smith, sisters and two of the four co-founders), is the smaller circle of writers with whom I’ve connected who are in the same stage and season of writing as me. Their encouragement, experience, and friendship has been incredibly impactful. Plus, at the end of the day, I consider the monthly cost a professional investment that has added real value to my work.

If you want to find out the moment they open the doors for membership, click any of the links that interest you below, provide your email, and they’ll follow up over the days to come.

Want a quick summary? Your wish is my demand!

Read, comment to, and please share (!) Can You See What I See? on (in)courage
Sign up for Allure’s Beauty Box for just $10 and get up to $90 worth of products including a sample size of Benefit’s They’re Real mascara (which has a RV of $13 itself). If you no likey, just cancel when you want.
If you’ve ever toyed with trying your hand as a writer, check out hope*writers, provide your email, and be contacted when membership opens next week
PLEASE read yesterday’s post if you missed it!! I share a book and blog update and tell you about an awesome deal for FabFitFun (but only if you like amazing bargains! Where are my Maxxinista sisters?)
It blesses me in ways you can’t imagine when you share my writing and/or engage in comments or on social media posts, like my author page, or otherwise reach out. I’m so grateful and “thank you” doesn’t begin to express how appreciative I am for you. Don’t be shy–I want to know you!

Affiliate links included.

Inspired to Inspire #OYTO

Posted by Robin on Apr 28, 2018 | 2 comments

Fat Robin

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
~ Thomas Merton

I have a love/hate relationship with social media. On one hand, I’m convinced our lives were better without it overall. We had fewer friends, sure, but they were real life flesh and blood humans who would show up in person at your back door with a meal or a paintbrush or a hug depending on your need at the moment. We trudged to the library and navigated a card catalog to research anything and we had to buy magazines to catch up on the newest fashion or home design trends. Our houses had a whole lot more color before all the home décor and DIYer instagrammers showed us over and over again how beautiful stark white could be. (It is a mystery to me how they can photograph the same room a thousand ways and we like it every time.) You knew what adult America was doing at 6pm and 11pm every night, and if anything happened after that, you could read the news in next morning’s paper, delivered right to your front door.

Amazing.

On the other hand, we never have to be dumb or ignorant for very long. We hear immediately when a Royal goes into labor, gives birth, reveal’s the new little prince’s name. We know the nanosecond a celebrity dies (except for Abe Vigoda who never could make up his mind) as Facebookers or Twitterers race to the internets to offer their public condolences, a thinly veiled ruse to be first in letting you know how well they’re connected, which always strikes me as funny. And it is cool to engage with people you admire, to have an inside glimpse into their behind-the-scenes lives. And sometimes you make a real connection that translates to real life and geography doesn’t really matter.

Social media has it’s lovely sides, too. What we see or read can inspire us to go and do likewise.

Recently, a real life friend of mine I haven’t seen face to face in forever began posting images of watercolors she painted. Oh…my…her work was beautiful and I would have guessed she was an art major before becoming a full time mama. When I asked if she was taking classes, she admitted she was just trying something new.

Well….

Slap me naked and hide my clothes–girlfriend just unearthed an incredible gift.

And here’s the beauty: Rebekah inspired me to try something new because she tried something new.

Right after this, our church hosted a two-night water color class. I signed up immediately. With low expectations, high hopes, and a few butterflies fluttering around my stomach, I walked into class. The first night we were instructed what to paint (a landscape), but the second night we could choose on our own.

I knew exactly what I wanted to paint: fat birds, like my friend, Rebekah.

While my little creations were far from perfect, I absolutely love both! Watching them come to life and at least resemble what I was going for thrilled me. Starting with a blank page and swirling a paintbrush into a little color you create something from nothing.

Fat Bluebird

Painting is magic!

I begged Rebekah to send me an original, and I meant it. I would have bought one (I love having my friends’ art on the wall). When she asked for my address I crossed my fingers and yesterday I received her prize: Fat Robin’s pretty cousin! We must’ve drawn inspiration from the same image, and looking at the differences between her painting and mine, I learned a few things. Again, Rebekah is teaching and inspiring me by being herself and doing something she loves!

Rebekah also sent me a beautiful journal with a strong call to action (thought she’d never see it as anything more than a word of encouragement):

Keep trying new things!

If that isn’t a challenge for One Year 365 Opportunities, I don’t know what is.

Don’t miss the important takeaway: if Rebekah hadn’t tried something new herself, when would I have tried my hand at watercolor? I would’ve missed out on a delight of my heart, a creative opportunity that feeds my soul. By pursuing a new thing, a new passion, my sweet friend inspired me. Sometimes inspiration begets inspiration.

This is when I love social media: Rebekah and I haven’t seen each other since I moved from Chattanooga five years ago (I don’t think?) but we’re able to stay connected through Instagram. Her friendship continues to be a blessing.

You have no idea who you’re inspiring just by being you. And if someone has inspired you by simply being who they are? Tell them!

Aging and Aquamarine

Posted by Robin on Mar 29, 2018 | 2 comments

Right now, in this hair’s breadth of a moment, you are both as old as you’ve ever been, and as young as you ever will be again.

Interesting thought, isn’t it?

It is not unusual for me to think about time, in general, and aging, more specifically this time of year; March is my birthday month.

Aging comes naturally, but if your wish is to age gracefully, you’re going to have to be intentional.

Aging can be like a riptide, forcing you off course and threatening to pull you under. It can knock you off your feet in a single wave and leave you disoriented and wondering How in the world did I get here?

Neither aging nor aging gracefully are destinations; they’re journeys. One is completely left up to chance, the tail wagging the dog, que sera sera; the other is intentional, contemplative living, controlling and planning for a preferred outcome. The latter also involves accepting what you can’t control and making the best of it.

A positive attitude ignites your ability to age gracefully; it enables you to receive all of life as this big, incredible, magnificent gift–all of it. That doesn’t mean you’re immune to hardship or disappointment. It means you’re better able to navigate those seasons when they arrive.

When I was a kid, choosing a birthday gift for a friend was always easy: something birthstone-related or Zodiac sign-related. That’s so funny to me now; I don’t think I ever got anything related to either of those for gifts when my own children attended their friends’ birthday parties. My birthstone is aquamarine, and I’ve always loved it; it’s one of my favorite colors to wear, clothing or jewelry. Maybe it’s why I long for and love the ocean so, exquisite aquamarine sea. And though I never bought into Zodiac stuff in terms of practice or belief, I know I’m Aries and it’s associated with fire, and there’s something in that I appreciate.

While the four seasons are like my children in that each one is my favorite but for different reasons – I see the signature beauty in each – I find myself thankful to have been born in the spring. Spring is colorful, alive with promise, with hope, with life! Aquamarine finds her way into spring.

Spring holds the darkest day in Christendom and the brightest. Jesus, in full surrender and submission, enduring a gruesome spectacle of death, demonstrating an incomprehensible love, and ultimately conquering the grave and bringing reconciliation of man to God through His atoning sacrifice. Spring is beautiful and reminds me of our hope in Christ.

I am at the age now where milestone birthdays have lost the meaning they do in our youth. Remember when you couldn’t wait to

turn double digits
become a teenager
get your learner’s permit
get your driver’s license
vote
order a cocktail (or beer or wine…)

I am at the age now where sometimes, dammit, I have to check the last box. I wish that didn’t phase me, but it does. I’m also at the age where my body betrays me, alternately catching fire or my hair changing color or just plain hurting from sitting too long. Seriously–sitting too long can hurt? Who knew?

But hear me loud when I tell you this: I am no victim of age. Neither are you.

I am at the age of incredible opportunity.

I have lived 17 years longer than my own mother, who didn’t get to see her babies beyond grade school. I’m enjoying the incredible privilege of knowing my children as young adults, of seeing them on the way of becoming who they’ll be.

I’ve lived long enough and gained the experience that convinces me Romans 8:28 is true–

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

I’ve lived long enough to learn that there’s more than one way to the other side of the mountain, and that one day you will make it to the other side.

I’ve lived long enough to understand the difference between “have to” and “get to”–

I get to clean my house because I have a house to clean.

I get to wash our clothes because we have clothes to wear (and a washing machine to do the actual washing).

I get to do yard work because I have a yard.

I get to give money to those in need because I have money to give.

I get to spend time getting to know God through His word, because He’s preserved His word in scripture.

I get to praise and worship the Lord because He has given me life now and forever.

Aging gracefully relishes Get-to living. Have-to living puts you under the chains of obligation. Be free, my friend. You get to be free. Let go of those chains.

I’m at the age where hindsight is a masterful teacher. Age allows you to see the veil lifting to reveal more and more of the big picture, all the tiny puzzle pieces of your life fitting together into something lovely.

I’m at the age where I can tell you it is never too late to:

learn something new

follow your dreams

try something that scares the snot out of you.

I’m at the age where I believe it is always right to:

lead with love

forgive, then forgive again. And again.

be generous

be kind, because everyone is dealing with something beneath the surface.

I am at the age where I want to steward my time well, love the people in my life well, and honor, serve and love Jesus well. In my past I have wasted time, taken friends and family for granted, and resisted God and what He asks of me.

An incredible opportunity has come my way that couldn’t have happened before now, unquestionably a God-gift. One year, 365 opportunities, and this one is huge. Tomorrow I turn 55, and 2018 is the year I will write my first book. It took me a long, long while to get to the age when, finally, my life is not my own.

Soli Deo gloria.

Oh Happy (#AMomentToBreathe Book Release) Day!

Posted by Robin on Oct 3, 2017 | 2 comments

If you aren’t yet a subscriber, how about today?

Our world is reeling these days, isn’t it?

Collectively, we feel the tragic news out of Las Vegas, horrified that one man could rob so many of so much; for too many, their lives. I can only imagine that those who are directly affected wonder how anyone can go on in a world gone mad?

There’s no reconciling the absurd.

There are times when faith comes easy. This isn’t one of them for a lot of folks.

I know all the Christian platitudes, the things we say at times like this. But I can’t bring myself to say any of those things out loud – even if they are true – because sometimes the loudest lament is silence.

God hears the cry of the broken ones, and he alone offers hope during obsidian days.

So, we mourn with those who mourn. We ask a lot of questions. Yes, we want answers, but the truth is we’ll never be able to make sense of it.

This world we find ourselves in is still spinning, sun and moon nudging us into the next day and the one after that.

And, here’s the important thing to remember: even in the darkness there are beacons.

We need light to guide us to where we are going, yes? We need light to show us the way.

Months ago (a year ago?) the date was set for A Moment to Breathe to release. No one could have anticipated the timing, that this collection of “365 devotions to meet you in your everyday mess” would launch right after the deadliest mass shooting in our nation’s history. Eighty authors, inspired by scripture and for the glory of God, poured their hearts and lives into its pages, hoping it would bring light into the lives of those hopeful or desperate to find a beacon.

I’m proud of this book, thrilled and honored to have seven devotions included. There’s a part of me that feels guilty for being happy when so many of our neighbors have suffered unimaginable loss – before Las Vegas, the multiple earthquakes in Mexico, hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and those awful west coast wildfires. Unresolved racial tensions and political discord add to our collective grief. And beyond these national tragedies and disasters are countless more personal tragedies and disasters. Every day our neighbors are facing financial ruin, infidelity, addiction, illness, difficulty with children, debilitating accident, death…. Maybe you are the neighbor.

Here’s the beautiful, liberating thing: humans are a complex and multi-dimensional creation, capable of simultaneous, opposing emotions. (Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.) In other words, the “guilt” I’m feeling is a false guilt, the kind the enemy of my heart loves because it has the potential to defeat, paralyze, or confuse me (sometimes all three). False guilt materializes in a thousand different ways, and often it’s rooted in comparison; for me, at least.

With all tenderness for those who are suffering, I can still celebrate the happy and good things happening in my world (if you need permission, I’m extending it to you, too, because sometimes we just need someone else to tell us so). It doesn’t have to be one or the other. It’s essential to have compassion for those in pain, to pray for, help and support those who’ve suffered loss. It’s also important be light for those walking in darkness (Matthew 5:16).

A Moment to Breathe is a disco ball of light.

You will find it to be a lovely, hardback devotional, rooted in scripture and the stories the authors first lived before sharing, with prayers and calls to action. It can be found at any bookstore that sells Christian books, or here are a few links (including affiliate):

—

For fun, Sarah Mae and I talk through the question,“What does ‘a moment to breathe’ mean to you?” (Why didn’t anyone tell me to smush my shirt down in front so my stomach didn’t look so poofy??)

Please Join Me October 14th in Nashville for (in)real life: FRIENDED #inrl

Posted by Robin on Sep 13, 2017 | 3 comments

(l-r, top to bottom) Robin Dance, Holley Gerth, Kristen Strong, Alia Joy, Jen Schmidt, Aliza Latta, Jennifer Lee

I suppose you could say it’s been years in the making: a gathering of friends old and new within hugging distance.

(in)courage and Lifeway have teamed up to bring (in) real life : FRIENDED, “an event for women that unpacks what makes healthy friendships tick.” OF COURSE, our greatest hope is that you can come in person, but because we care so deeply about community, relationship, and the ways women need one another, event planners are offering a simulcast option. The upside? You can bring #inRL to your church, or, if you’re game for the coziest option of them all, from the comfort of your home! The downside? I won’t get to meet you face to face. Boo. Hiss.

Featured speakers include Lisa-Jo Baker, Chrystal Hurst, and Annie Downs; Meredith Andrews will lead worship; and Jamie Ivey, host of The Happy Hour podcast, will emcee. I’m thrilled to join a panel of real-life friends and fellow incourage writers (Holley Gerth, Jennifer Lee, Aliza Latta, Jen Schmidt, Kristen Strong, and Alia Joy Haganbach); we’ll all be sharing a message of hope and encouragement as it relates to friendship, practical calls to action, and personal testimonies about the beauty and brokenness we’ve all experienced with friends.

This is an event like no other, one that will have you looking inside and out, and most important of all, looking up to the One who designed us to be in community with one another.

It’s going to be special, y’all, and it’s very affordable as far as conferences go (in Nashville AND the simulcast). Please decide right now that you want to take part, whether in Nashville, at your church, or even from home with a few friends. Click the (in) real life : FRIENDED website to find out everything you need to know for each option (plus a bonus add-on for Friday night if you’re able to get to Nashville!).

Craving Connection Book {Order before December 15th & get a second free!}

Posted by Robin on Dec 9, 2016 |

A year or so ago an opportunity was presented to me that sounded intriguing: submit a chapter for a collaborative work published by incourage in partnership with Lifeway.

This first book project by incourage was to be all about community, its tagline, 30 challenges for real life engagement. Other than that, I knew my chapter was to be based on John 15:12-17 and needed to be between 2,000-2,500 words. It was an easy “yes” and sounded like fun.

When I sat down to write I wasn’t sure what to share, but once I put pen to paper, 20 years of my life poured out. Amazing how you can squeeze over 7,000 days into 2,500 words.

A few weeks ago I received an early copy and joined a small group of people who agreed to read the daily chapters and take part in one (or all) of the challenges associated with each piece.

Well.

I don’t know exactly what I expected, but friends, I’m here to tell you, it exceeded whatever expectation I had! Day after day I was encouraged. Just about every chapter was something I could personally relate to. The material was accessible and inspiring, and I was so glad and grateful to be a part of such a solid, God-glorifying collaboration.

It was a blessing to be with two dear friends when my copy arrived. God love ’em, they let me read my chapter out loud to them. Because it had been so long since I submitted my piece, and I had never read it aloud – essentially “hearing” it for the first time – I was surprised that it moved me to tears. I mean, it’s not like I wasn’t familiar with the material.

In any event, Craving Connections releases in hardback on January 10, 2017. It’s available for pre-order now, and if you order by December 15th, you get a second copy free along with a few other fun incentives.

Of course, I hope you’ll support this work (because I KNOW you’ll come away encouraged!), and if you do, please DO share your thoughts with me! I reallyreallyreally want to hear!

« Older Entries

Robin Dance

essays on faith, aging, parenting, wandering and wondering