by Connie Mann on April 21, 2012
In my German family, the term “Stubborn German” gets tossed around a lot, sometimes in a lovey-dovey kind of way. But it’s mostly uttered through clenched teeth because said “Stubborn German” isn’t giving in and doing things our way. Over the years, though, as I’ve pursued this dream of fiction writing, I’ve found stubborn can [...]
by Connie Mann on April 4, 2012
We’ve all been there. After some long, tough days, relief is in sight: finally, finally things are coming together. The doctor says the new meds are working. The boss says the promotion is in the bag. The editor loves your story, the kids are doing better in school, the marriage is on solid ground. At [...]
by Connie Mann on March 27, 2012
With Easter just around the corner, there are bunnies, bunnies everywhere, and Cadbury chocolate eggs lurk in every store. They are temptation itself in colorful, foil-wrapped packages crying, “Pick me, pick me.” Since I’m currently trying to shed my winter, ahem, insulation, I’ve deliberately shifted my attention to non-chocolate eggs and the age-old question: which came [...]
by Connie Mann on March 20, 2012
Are you living the life you want to live? If not, why not? In mulling this over lately, I’ve realized inertia and lack of awareness are two of the biggest roadblocks to a meaningful, productive life. It is easy to sit on the couch and lament our current state of affairs or to trudge down [...]
by Connie Mann on March 14, 2012
Is there anything on earth more exciting or humbling than when a child whispers their dreams for the future in your ear? So hopeful, so thrilled; they know that whatever they dream is possible. They can be and do anything they want. I caught a glimpse of just such hope recently. I heard 17 young [...]
by Connie Mann on February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine’s Day! Though I love chocolate and roses as much as the next woman, I fully realize relationships and romance are about more than just one day. It may seem an unlikely source, but I’ve learned a lot about love from our dog: No one is perfect If you’ve been in a relationship for [...]
by Connie Mann on January 31, 2012
Years ago I saw a sign at a doctor’s office that read: All of our patients bring us joy. Some when they arrive; others when they leave. Ouch. True though, isn’t it? Whether we are consciously aware of it or not, we affect those around us. Whether our sphere of influence is large or small, [...]
by Connie Mann on January 26, 2012
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this idea of “success” lately and I stumbled across a great quote: “Many people avoid discovering the secret of success because deep down they suspect the secret may be hard work.” I admit I have been guilty of that kind of thinking. Instead of working on my [...]
by Connie Mann on January 21, 2012
Many of you know I had the privilege of traveling to Romania last summer as a writer for the Wycliffe News Network. I met so many wonderful people and had the privilege of hearing their incredible stories. The stories that affected me most were the accounts of religious persecution and oppression under communism. I heard [...]