Darla's Dash of Salty Grace

Life is full of goods and bads, bigs and littles, the predictable and the come-at-you-from-out-of-nowhere kind of things. But no matter what, we have total control over how we handle any and all of it. We can respond or react. We can let life deal with us, or we can deal with life. Most of the time (nobody's perfect) I do my best to respond with what Bible calls 'salty grace' (Colossians 4:6) which is to say and do things the way Jesus would. This blog is my salty grace to you. -Darla

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Here's a Thing or Two...or Several to Think About

Throughout the month of November, I posted some of my favorite quotes and Bible verses on my Facebook page-one per day. My posts were all over the map, you might say. Some were funny. Some were serious. Some were uplifting. Some were a reflection on where I am in my life right now. I can see why some people might question my chain of thought-wondering how my mind works...and why. First of all, let me say that it would be pointless to try to figure it out. I know this to be true, because half the time I can't even do that. Secondly, I don't believe I'm all that different from anyone else. Doesn't everyone's mind travel in all different directions from time to time? Yes! The answer to that question is yes.

Depending on our surroundings, the condition of our families, work, finances, friends, etc., and physical things such as our health, the weather, and our moods, our thoughts and feelings have the capacity (and tendency) to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. It is even possible for us to think and feel more than one 'way' at a time! So, going back to the comment I made about not being all that different from you, I want to round out this year's "Salty Grace" by sharing with you some of what I shared with my Facebook friends. I want to share these things because I believe you...yes, YOU, just might need to tell yourself it's okay to feel/think this way, too. Because something I share here might be the very thing you need to share with someone in your life. Because I want you to know (or be reminded) that it's okay...it's more than okay to protect yourself from those you can't trust, entrust your thoughts and feelings to those you can (trust), to not be afraid or embarrassed to be yourself, and to always...ALWAYS remember that God is never not there. He's always present. Always active. Always listening. Always doing what's best for us, when it's best...even when we can't or don't see it.

So, if you're ready to laugh, think, ponder, and realize you aren't alone....

*"Someone asked me if I knew you. In that moment a million memories rushed through my mind. But I just smiled and said, "I used to."

*"God didn't remove the Red Sea. He parted it. God doesn't always remove your problems, but he always makes a way for you to get through them."

*"A mother's job is to teach her children not to need her anymore. The hardest part of the job? Accepting the success of doing it."

*Remember: God gives his toughest battles to his best soldiers."

*"Yes, I'm talking to myself. I need expert advice."

*"Trying to be more like Jesus always works out better for us than trying to be a better version of ourselves."

*I am proud of my heart. It has been played, stabbed, cheated, deceived, and stomped on. Yet it still works."

*"Remember when I asked for your opinion? Yah, me neither."

*"Stay away from people who make you feel that you are hard to love."

*"Whatever you do today, do it with the confidence of a four-year-old wearing a Batman cape."

*"Sometimes you just need to be done. Not angry or upset. Just done."

*"A discussion about your feelings should never, ever end in an argument."

*"Some people should use a glue stick instead of chap stick."

*"You will never even consider not standing for and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag if you are ever handed a folded one."

*"If God is for us, who can be against us?"

*"Strong is forgiving someone who isn't sorry and accepting an apology you never receive."

*"Never will I leave you or forsake you."

Be salt and light,

Darla, aka, Momma D

Who am I?

I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself. I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

What do I write?

Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.

What do I say and who do I say it to?

*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.

*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!

*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.

*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!

*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.

*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

Where can you find me?

My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore or order on my Square Store

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Who doesn’t enjoy a little (or a lot of) Christmas music? Okay, so I know a few people who don’t, but hey….

Anyway, have you noticed how a lot of favorites don’t mention anything about why Christmas is even a ‘thing’—the true and actual reason for the season? Think about it. “White Christmas” is the number one all-time best selling most popular Christmas song. I’m also going to say that next to “Away in a Manger”, it is my favorite, too. Two more widely popular Christmas songs: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. Hhmmm....

Go ahead—I’ll give you a couple of minutes to run through the lyrics in your head.

No mention of Jesus, is there?

Does that make these songs bad or wrong? No. No, it doesn't. But it does make them misguided and remiss when it comes to their message. For one thing, the prettiest sight you’ll see has nothing to do with holly. Rather it has everything to do with a miniature barn made out of popsicle sticks, bark, or even finely crafted ceramic. A barn with people, sheep, a donkey or two, and a rough looking box…with a tiny baby tucked neatly and safely inside.

What’s more, most of the country rarely experiences a white Christmas. Only three states typically have a greater than 60% chance. So, instead of dreaming for what probably won’t be, I want to suggest we focus on what always has been and always will be—God’s love for us and the sending of Jesus to be our Savior.

I say these things to remind you that while you are having all sorts of fun enjoying a variety of festivities which are a part of Christmas, (as you should), don't forget Jesus. Don't forget to make it all about him, so that this beautiful truth doesn't get lost in the hustle and bustle, and so that you impress it upon the hearts, souls, and minds of the people you love.

Be salt and light,

Darla, aka Momma D

Who am I?

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

What do I write?

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

What do I say and who do I say it to?

Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

Where can you find me?

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Bring Back Those Bench Seats

Hello! I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and is looking forward to continuing in an attitude of thanks as we move toward Christmas. I sincerely do, but now I want to move on to what is really on my heart and mind to share with you.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, several articles have popped up on my newsfeed pertaining to the issues, aka, problems in the workplace when it comes to Millennials and Gen-Z's. I didn't stop to read all of them, but I did click on four (maybe five) links to see what these writers had to say. One was a 'Top 10' list of reasons why these two groups were undesirable to employers. Another one was more informational or essay-like in nature. The other two I remember reading were actual interviews with various companies of all sizes which offered a variety of goods or services. The employers interviewed for these articles were both male and female, lived in different parts of the United States, and ranged between the ages of thirty-something to almost seventy. In other words, the demographics were broad. Yet the message was clearly the same.

Across the board, every single one of these articles stated that the biggest concerns and problems businesses face in hiring these two groups of people are:

A: Their inability and their resistance to be relational-to communicate in person.

B: The inability and their resistance to make and hold eye-contact, shake hands, and work as a team in-person.

C: Their lack of commitment and loyalty to the company. The mentality is to job-hop for personal satisfaction and gain.

D: Their inability to receive constructive criticism.

E: An overall attitude of entitlement and unwillingness to earn their way to 'the top'.

F: Lack of respect and appreciation for tired and true methods and practices.

Before I go any further, I want to say I do NOT believe everyone in these two groups fits this description. Furthermore, neither do the writer and individuals interviewed for these articles. In fact, some of the managers, bosses, and CEOs interviewed are Millennials (and even a few Gen-Z's)! So, what am I trying to say?

I'm saying that each of these problems all share one thing in common: the lack of connection and the inability to connect.

That's the 'what'. Now I'm going to take you on a journey through my brain to tell you why we have these problems. I know. Getting inside my head is even a little scary for me sometimes, but in this case, it's okay. I promise. Are you ready? The reason why these young adults have so much trouble communicating and connecting with people is because the auto industry got rid of bench seats. You heard me. When they stopped making cars with bench seats in front (the last being a 2013 Chevy Impala), the arts of communication and connection took a nosedive.

Think about it. The adults in these age groups wouldn't have had the pleasure of cruising around town with their date snuggled up next to them. Hey, when you were sitting so close a bobby pin couldn't fit between you, you were 'front seat official', which by the way, is way more official than being 'Facebook official'. Just sayin'....

Anyway, by the time these kids were old enough to date, the only cars that had bench seats were the big ole' grandma cars...if that. And we all know they wouldn't have been caught dead in one of those. Plus, when they got to where they were going (probably a movie), talking and __________ weren't an option unless you wanted to get 'shushed'. Tables became way more popular than booths in a restaurant. Activities that 'forced' you to socialize with each other-like roller skating and bowling-weren't cool, thanks to the 'awesomeness' of video games-games that require total concentration, i.e., no room for conversation.

Do you see what happened? Do you see how young people lost the ability to communicate and connect with one another? Do you see why these things have become problems within our society? Do you understand why we need to turn this thing around?

Bringing back bench seats and other things like board games and bowling and doing away with workplace practices that allow reclusiveness and solidarity won't fix everything. But it's a start, and if we don't start somewhere, we'll never get anywhere.

Be salt and light,

Darla, aka, Momma D

Who am I?

I’m Darla Noble—Author and Speaker with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.

I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, hanging out with my mini-dachshund, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.

What do I write?

Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.

What do I have to say and who do I say it to?

*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. NOTE: Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).

Where can you find me?

I am winding down the season of speaking and book signings before the holidays, but if you 'like' or 'follow' me on FACEBOOK you will know about any and all upcoming events.