Do You Know What Quiescent Means?
It means “tranquil repose.” I find the word this morning when trying to determine if it’s true that my daughter’s silky dogwood has grown this winter. Can trees and shrubs grow in winter? We stand on the back porch in our rain boots. Huddled together in the pouring rain, under a huge blue and white […]
Screaming “Base!”
Today I chase my daughter around the living room to tickle her. At one point, she defiantly stops in her tracks, places one hand on the couch and screams, “Base!” “I’m safe! I’m safe on base! You can’t touch me!” she insists, nodding her head and putting one hand up as a stop sign. I […]
Why I’m Jumping Up and Down
Yesterday, I receive a large, bumpy envelope in the mail from the Baker family. I know it’s gonna be good. This is from the mother who advised me that the sign of a happy childhood is dirty children. This family doesn’t own a television set, and the children don’t play computer games. Whenever they […]
I Have Proof!
Bright Yellow Crocus On the walk to school this morning, I see the crocus blooming. I turn to examine the daffodils, and a ladybug greets me. We made it through the winter. The crocus symbolizes encouragement, hope, resurrection, and joy. It’s a victory sign that the unrelenting winter has passed. Hello, Ladybug The ladybug, in […]
The Exploding Green Waffles and Why I’m Making Memories
I’m not crafty, imaginative, or even energetic when it comes to holidays. I wish I were a mom who decorated better, thought of more exciting traditions, and planned memorable and delicious meals. I’m not that kind of mom. But when it comes to children, even the tiniest (and I mean tiniest) efforts don’t go unnoticed. […]
A Very Important Person
Today in my class, we discuss dignity. What gives a person worth? Why do we esteem other people (and ourselves)? It is because of what they accomplish or because they have inherent value? These questions matter. Our answers determine how we view others and ourselves. We tend to make ourselves into commodities; we believe that […]
This Is the Day
Who knows what a day will bring forth? For the past week, I’ve become aware of how precious each day is. I put out the flag (as usual), but I see things differently today. Because of the time change, everything looks strange. We walk to school as the sun rises. Illuminated by a new light, […]
Rearrange the Day!
This morning, I scrape egg off of a blue and white plate. I overhear a pastor, Tim Keller, speaking about work in a sermon video. I wipe my hands on the dish towel and strain to hear. Keller says, “Work is rearranging the raw material of a particular domain for the flourishing of everyone.” I […]
Some Pictures of Hope
The landscape in Pennsylvania, for the most part, still frowns with the weight of winter. Trees raise their arms in surrender to a blank sky. After church this morning, my youngest daughter pulls on a double layer of pants and says, “Mom, let’s go on a hunt for daffodils.” (How can I not follow her […]
Vinegar for the Soul
Today, I learn that I can clean my crusty microwave by mixing 1/2 cup vinegar with 1/2 cup water and letting it boil for a few minutes inside the microwave. I’m doubtful as I stand waiting with one arm resting on a mop and another wiping down a counter top. I don’t think the website […]