God “Richly Provides All Things for Our Enjoyment”
Years ago, I took very seriously Paul’s promise to Timothy that God “richly provides all things for our enjoyment.” The first part of that promise to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:17 is about not putting hope in wealth that is so uncertain. God, not money, brings the pleasure and joy. At the time, I was […]
You Might Not Feel It Till Later
Last night, we say good-bye to some graduating doctoral and masters students. We’ve known them a long time–long enough to see some get engaged, find a different career path, and generally do very brave and impossible things. It’s emotional. It’s like a string in my heart’s been cut and they fly loose from me like […]
If Stung
As I walk around this spring, I’m acutely aware that alongside all the beauty of spring lurks danger. Bees! I have to carry my epi-pen everywhere. I’m deathly allergic to bees. It’s amazing to consider that all that power to kill me exists in a tiny little insect body. I stand so huge against them, […]
At Least One Reason Why
Unmodified, not enhanced, unsharpened, and taken from a phone’s camera, the blooms tell the lens to focus here and blur the background. Focus here. Let everything else blur in the background. This makes for great photography and living. A very real narrative exists behind the scenes, but there’s another story being told that’s brighter, better, […]
The Best Parenting Advice: Ask This Question
Two years ago, I asked a wise, older mother for her best parenting advice. I marveled at the way her grown children loved to talk with her and spend time with her. I marveled at how not one of them went through silent, rebellious years. I marveled at how open the children were about their […]
“I Hope You’ll Make Them Sing”
Last night, we attend my daughter’s choir concert. At certain points, the amazing music teacher instructs the audience to sing along. It was a packed house–standing room only–so when we weren’t quite loud enough, we had to sing again. We were timid, self-conscious, and unsure of ourselves. Not for long. At the end of the […]
10 Things Your Writing Teacher Wishes for You
It’s the end. Saying good-bye to students is both awkward and sad for me. This semester, I decided to give them this send-off as my hope for their futures. 1. That you will leave a legacy of beautiful words strung together from your unique and unparalleled mind to bless the world and […]
The Question Most Asked: “How Do I Stay Out of Trouble?” and 100 Ways to Do So
This morning I learn the question people ask most frequently that leads them to my blog. Aren’t you curious? Is it about happiness? God? Teaching? Parenting? No. Here’s the top question folks ask online that directs them to my blog: “How do I stay out of trouble?” From that question, people all over the world […]
An Opportunity?
I take a moment to read another chapter in Paul Miller’s book, Love Walked Among Us: Learning to Love Like Jesus. I only have five minutes because I’m just so busy complaining about all my problems today: My vacuum cleaner is broken and making strange noises. I have to clean for family coming. I am behind […]
Remember the Gamma Girls: A Must Read for Moms of Pre-Teen Daughters
I’m sitting at the kitchen table, doling out after-school snacks and casually talking to some preteen girls about their lives. I hear about the playground drama, the hurt feelings, and the popular girls who control the whole scene. (This is 5th grade, by the way.) “You have to be gamma girls,” I tell them, remembering […]