Tag Archives: encouragement

We Don’t Need Tough Love, We Need Tough Love.

Posted on February 3, 2015 by lightthelie

I’ve heard the phrase so many times, “It’s just a little tough love.” Typically after a parent, teacher, mentor, coach, or friend says something that sounds quite opposite from love. Do you enjoy receiving this kind of ‘tough love’? I … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Encouragement, Family | Tagged Beautiful, Children, Choice, encouragement, Love, Marriage, Mom, Parenting, Teenager, Tough, Work | 7 Comments

Competitive Sports: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Posted on January 27, 2015 by lightthelie

Within the last generation or two, a surge of competitive sports has began taking over families everywhere. Mom vans, and carpools. Half time snacks and loads of laundry. Dinner through the drive thru and homework in the car. Early mornings … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, Family, School | Tagged Advice, athletics, balance, College, competitive, encouragement, Family, High School, Parenting, Sports, Teenager | 2 Comments

Writing Changes Things

Posted on January 22, 2015 by lightthelie

Why do I write? The question has echoed in my head more than once, maybe you’ve heard the same? This question is healthy–sort of a reality check. Without a vision of where we’re heading it can be hard to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Encouragement, Vulnerable | Tagged Accomplishment, Achievement, Advice, Affirm, blog, Career, encouragement, value, Work, Worth, writing | 12 Comments

Skip the Homework

Posted on January 21, 2015 by lightthelie

You’ll be fine. Really, it’s not that important. You’re smart enough. I remember vividly in High School telling myself I could get by without doing the homework. As long as I kept my grades up, I did as little as … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, School | Tagged Advice, Career, College, encouragement, Faith, homework, Marriage, school, Success, Teenager, Work | 11 Comments

Who is the Next Version of You?

Posted on January 20, 2015 by lightthelie

Take a look where you’ve been. Who you were. What is different about the person you are right now? Are you more patient? Do you spend your money differently? Do you think about your future more? Do you keep up … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement | Tagged Advice, Christian, encouragement, Faith, Family, Goals, improvement, Marriage, Parenting, school, Self | 10 Comments

Receiving Encouragement to Give Encouragement!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by lightthelie

I cannot tell you enough how wonderful and inspiring Miss Julia is over at crippledatYourtable is. I have gotten to know her over the past few months, and she leaves inspiration all over me every day! When she nominated me for … Continue reading →

Posted in Awards, Community, Encouragement | Tagged affirmation, awards, Encourage, encouragement, Friendship, Love, Sister, thankful, travel, world | 24 Comments

Rushing with Grace

Posted on October 15, 2014 by lightthelie

There are going to be days when we have to rush. We have to rush because of earlier choices we’ve made. We’ll watch the clock and wish for more time, but we’ll see it continue ticking away without a care … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, Peace, School | Tagged Accomplishment, Criticism, encouragement, Grace, Life, Rush, school, Success, Time, Work | 18 Comments

Surviving Divorce as a Teenager

Posted on October 14, 2014 by lightthelie

They say 50% of marriages end in divorce. The statistic was only a number until my family became a part of that statistic. They say as we get older, we handle divorce better. They say it is easier. They say not … Continue reading →

Posted in Encouragement, Family | Tagged Children, Divorce, encouragement, Hindsight, Hope, Life, Love, Marriage, Parents, Survival, Teenager, Tips | 23 Comments

You’re More Than A Stranger

Posted on October 13, 2014 by lightthelie

I don’t know your name. In fact, I can’t even recall your face–for you are a master of disguise. You don’t wear a cape and you are as humble as they come. Remember the time you held the door open … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Encouragement | Tagged Acts of Kindness, Affirm, Alone, Busy, Community, encouragement, Every day, Hero, Life, Stranger, thankful | 29 Comments

Not Just A Dream

Posted on October 9, 2014 by lightthelie

Earlier this week I drove by an empty lot with a for sale sign posted in the front. This lot has sat empty for 10 years due to the murder of two precious, beautiful, teenage girls. Two small crosses sit … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Encouragement | Tagged Accomplishment, Dream, encouragement, Hope, Life, Love, Redemption, Safe, Teenager, Work | 41 Comments