When You Need Strength for the Week Ahead
Sometimes I pray for a circumstance to change, but when it will not, I know it’s time to pray for strength. I think about three promises from scripture when I feel weak and scared inside: 2 Chronicles 16:9: For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully […]
A Little Thing Supports a Big Thing
At the pumpkin patch today, my daughter chooses a pumpkin with an unusual stem. Part of it branches out into far reaching curly cues. I lean in, noticing the design. This pumpkin comes wrapped with her own curled ribbons on top. I love observing pumpkin stems. Such a little thing supports such a big thing. […]
Aflame
In May, she quietly houses Northern Cardinals, but in October, she sets herself aflame in autumn color. Can you believe the difference? In one season, this bush serves a particular quiet purpose. In another season, everything about her–even her look–changes. I think about this particular season when I feel aflame with a stressful schedule, too […]
A Meal to Deliver
Several years ago, a friend delivered a delicious meal to our family after the birth of my second child. We loved this meal so much! After all these years, I still think about this one meal. I recently heard that everybody tends to bring lasagna to neighbors who need a meal (and sometimes lasagna gets […]
Every Moment Sacred
Last night, some friends discuss the sacred. We wonder if every moment might become sacred; we consider how even grocery shopping and washing dishes might be set apart with the power and presence of God. Can we have sacred moments in our ordinary routines? Yes! Yes! We invite God into it all. I look into […]
More of You
I hear a wise woman tell a friend that sometimes people want more of you. They want the real you–and lots of you. They want more of you. Lots of you! I think about the expression all day. I think about the way I hold back with people, even my own family. I think about […]
Praying for Endurance
Just this week, I pray and ask God to give my children endurance to complete their tasks. People with endurance know how to withstand difficult circumstances. They know how to complete unpleasant jobs that take a long time. Many people give up because they lose stamina. They can’t endure. I read in Romans 15 that […]
Students Who Text Their Parents Too Much: Another Perspective
I ask my students how much they text their parents. “All day long.” “At least six times a day. And we Skype. And we talk on the phone each morning to say ‘Good Morning’.” “I check in with my dad several times a day while he’s at his computer. We chat on line about everything […]
“You Make Me Feel Smart”
In class yesterday, I try to make the point about just how difficult it is to be kind in argumentative writing. I’m teaching ancient truths like the rules of civility and the lost art of listening. We’re learning about how to defer to others, to believe the best about them, and to persuade them by […]
Caramel Apples Rolled in. . . Everything
If you want to make awesome caramel apples with your friends (our Autumn tradition), you need 4 things: 1. Caramel (of course)2. Granny Smith apples (so tart and crisp)3. Chopsticks (sturdy)4. Every delicious thing in your pantry to roll the caramel apples in (nuts, crushed cookies, chocolate chips). Let’s begin: First, wash small Granny Smith […]