by Robyn Dykstra

Do You Speak The Language Of Kindness Fluently?

 

There are many languages in the world.
English, Cantonese, and Arabic to name just a few.
Also, there is the language of Love,
the language of Patience,
and the language of Thankfulness. 

This weekend I am thinking of things
I am specifically thankful for.

What’s on your list?

I have the usual stuff …
health,
home,
hubz,
happy children. 

But also electric lights and curling irons,
hot and cold running water on demand,
appliances that ease and expedite my life. 
For moms and dads and cars that start. 
For air conditioning and forced air heat. 

I’m thankful that I live in America.
I can vote,
continue my education,
and go to stores or movies
without much fear of being
blown up,
hijacked or
sold into slavery.

There is another language we must practice.
It’s kindness.

Read More›
in Christian Women's Speaker / Encouragement / God 2 comments
 by Robyn Dykstra

Are You Bound By Fears?

Are you missing out
on what God has for you because
you’re bound by fears?

My mom and dad are living their golden years
in a great neighborhood with tons of friends.
My mom, who is 76, walks 4 or 5 miles a day –
usually with her “Yoo Hoo” girlfriends.

(As the girls walk by her house, they call,
“Yoo hoooooo, are you walking today?”)
My dad, who is 85, still golfs
18 holes 3 or 4 times a week
under the blistering summer FL sun.

They live life large …
in a small radius.

Read More›
in Christian Women's Speaker / God / Life Lessons 0 comments
 by Robyn Dykstra

Everyone Wants to See A Miracle! Don’t You?

Everyone wants to see a miracle, but
no one wants to need one.
Am I right?

August 27, 2017 fell on a Sunday.
It was a beautiful day,
perfect for flying.
Clear skies, gentle breeze, ambient temps.

Exactly like Sunday, August 27, 2000
when my husband Craig and his airplane
disappeared.

Read More›
in Bible / change / Christian Women's Speaker / Encouragement / faith / General / God / Grief / Life Lessons 2 comments
 by Robyn Dykstra

To Be Known Is To Experience Love

When was the last time you
experienced the love of being known?

Last weekend, I sat in a small town diner
eating breakfast with my mom and dad.
My folks moved to Florida several years ago,
but had come back to Lodi, WI
where they had spent most of their lives,
to visit a long time friend who was sick.

Read More›
in Bible / Christian Women's Speaker / Encouragement / faith / General / God / Life Lessons 5 comments
 by Robyn Dykstra

It’s True, God Loves You!

We all long to know
we are worthy of belonging.
To have connection.
To be accepted for who we are.
To be loved.


When my boys were in high school,
one played guitar on the worship team.
The other took up acting.

Every time one of them was on a platform,
you can bet I was front and center.
I had my eyes locked on him until
he did something clever or
performed some especially challenging feat,
at which point,
I would turn to the person on my left,
elbow them to get their attention,
point at the stage and exclaim,
“See that one in the blue shirt?
That one’s mine.
Isn’t he wonderful?”
Then, I’d turn to the person behind me
and say,
“Did you see that?
Did you notice how brilliant that boy is?
He’s mine.
He belongs to me.”

Girlfriend,
it didn’t matter what they were doing.
On the stage or loafing on the sofa,
showing off or crashing the car,
my eyes are always on my boys,
loving them.

They weren’t perfect.
They aren’t perfect.
Sometimes, they weren’t even very good.

Their performance never affected
the way I love my children.

I love them because they belong to me.
They are part of me.

Read More›
in Bible / change / Christian Women's Speaker / Encouragement / faith / God / Life Lessons 3 comments
 by Robyn Dykstra

What’s On Your Summer Reading List?

What’s on your summer reading list?

Summer has plenty of holidays
that come with extra time off from work
and often a trifle more space in our calendars.

Summer is packed with opportunities for
vacations and excursions.

Reading is a great way to pass the hours
waiting in an airport terminal,
logging miles in the car or RV,
or lounging by the water.

If you haven’t already read
The Widow Wore Pink,
A True Story of Life After Loss and the Transforming Power of a Loving God,
take it along on the road,
in the plane,
onboard the boat
or soaking up the rays poolside.

And,good news!
Right now, the Kindle/Ibook/Nook version of
The Widow Wore Pink
is on sale for $1.99.

So grab the paperback you bought
when we were together,
or get the digital version for your device
and read it!

I’d love to hear what your summer plans are
and what else is on your reading list.

If you’ve already read The Widow Wore Pink,
did you write a review on Amazon yet?

Reviews are what influences Amazon to “feature”
The Widow Wore Pink to other shoppers.

Help a desperate woman find the hope she’s looking for
by writing an honest review!

in Christian Women's Speaker / Encouragement / God / Life Lessons 2 comments