We are judged by the house we live in, the car we drive, the title we hold — and who is on our arm. The superficial stuff can be read at a glance. And people are generally in a hurry. Besides, they tend to play it safe with what can be quantified.

You don’t have to! It’s tempting, though, because even after you learn what matters, you still have an awareness of what is perceived.

I remember moving from a “big, beautiful house” into a condo after a divorce. I had never felt so happy and free in my life. Soon after that, I started writing full time, because that’s what I really wanted to do. Still, I remember people feeling a bit sorry for me … “losing the house and all.” I think I convinced them that I was OK!

When you are truly at peace, people know it. They see what you feel.

So, don’t worry about how people view you or the person on your arm. Don’t take on their criteria for what makes somebody a good catch. Use your own, and stick with it.

When you’ve been married for a while, you may find yourself picking at your partner — not based on what’s important to you, but based on what society gives the most points for.… More

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Dear Friends,

Prayer for me is mostly getting my heart in the right place, knowing the truth and believing it.

Then I have few words to say. And they’re words I know God wants to honor.

I don’t presume to know what’s best–a long life or a short life, this house or that house, a best-selling book or another not-so-best-selling book. Smile.

But if I can come from a pure, loving heart, then I share God’s heart. I can pray, and dream, with a quiet knowing that whatever happens serves my highest good.

All is well with my soul.

Love smiles,

Jan… More