Neither Poverty or Riches
I read in Proverbs 30:7-9 another great passage about life’s pleasant boundaries. The wisdom reads as follows as a request to God: Two things I asked of You, do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is […]
Slow and Steady
I make the weekly plans to clean the house and organize some closets. Normally, I clean in a frenzy. But I feel tired today. So I consider: There’s no rush. Why rush? A little here, a little there. One room here, one room there. I used to clean frantically and race car driver fast because […]
When You Fear the Future
I’m working on an article for a women’s ministry site to address the profound fear of the future in young adults especially. I encounter many students, for example, who arrive to my office in tears, overwhelmed with decisions and possible outcomes. One student said, “I want the life my parents have, but I have no […]
Yes, If
Today I remember both the leadership advice and parenting tip to say “yes” as much as possible. Instead of “no, because,” I’m challenged to say, “yes, if.” Yes, if changes the environment of the meeting or home to possibility, encouragement, hope, and innovation. It opens up conversation. Yes, if makes things happen. The onslaught comes […]
6 Great Requests
I read in Psalm 119 six great prayer requests from verses 33-38. We read: Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees. . . Give me understanding. . . Direct me in the path of your commands. . . Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain Turn my eyes from worthless […]
The Fence
It Will Carry a Blessing
Perhaps the greatest mystery in life is the problem of pain and suffering. Today I read Hannah Whitall Smith’s reminder from scripture that all things serve God. This sentence astounded me with hope: “While the Lord does not inaugurate the evil, when that evil is directed against His children, He makes it His ‘servant’ to […]
Showing People Their Beauty
Today I came across Jean Vanier’s statement that to love someone “is to reveal the beauty of another person to themselves.” I expand the quote to include revealing the value, intelligence, or talent to them.
Offering Work as a Gift and Blessing
Once a woman asked me how I handled criticism and praise. Praise or critique once mattered so much to me that it could paralyze me with pride and self-importance on the one hand, and shame and fear of rejection on the other. Over time on this journey of public speaking, writing, and teaching, I’ve learned […]