Your Perfect Discouragement
A wise friend reminded me last week about spiritual battle and how the devil (1 Peter 5:8–I’m not making this up) often devises profoundly personal attacks against us. Something about the phrase “profoundly personal” made me ask the question of how the enemy of my soul might best discourage me. I reasoned it might be […]
Enduring the Cold Wind
Walking in freezing wind ranks up there with those things I’d rather not endure. So today, as the winter wind whipped against my home and cracked the bare branches, I considered how surely, the Danish Grandmother was incorrect to say “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.” She’d walk in this. She’d probably even enjoy […]
“Your path is following you.”
As I teach on how to write a personal mission statement and produce stellar professional documents (resume / cover letter), I find that so many students worry about finding that perfect career path. They can’t articulate their passion. They just don’t know. So I remembered this post from 2012: In an advice column from E. […]
Wait a Beat, Take a Breath
Today, my friend reminds me that when I feel stressed and pushed into rushed decisions, it’s fine to “wait a beat and take a breath.” That rushed feeling usually means I’m making a poor decision. It means I’m reacting, not responding. It’s OK to wait. Take a breath. The decision can wait a minute.
African Peanut Stew
Tonight, I’m trying this recipe for Soup and Stories. It’s an African Peanut Stew made from sweet potatoes, natural peanut butter, and kale or collard greens. It’s an icy cold evening here in Pennsylvania, so I love cooking soup to warm the kitchen. I put on a little blue apron and any music I’m needing […]
There’s No Other Way
I’ve been thinking about dying to self, about the consecrated life, and about what it means to live as “crucified with Christ.” It costs you everything. There’s really no other way. I remember in younger years the overwhelming feeling that this was all crazy. Who would do this? Who would give up everything to follow […]
She Brings Gifts of Olive Oil
The original Italian Mama (who had sadly moved away from our town), returns for a visit. We gather–minus one who was traveling– at a little restaurant. When my husband asks when I’ll return home, I say, “Well, these are the Italian Mamas we’re talking about. It could be hours and hours.” (I remembered that first […]
All the Blessings
I enter into the dark, empty classroom to enact the twenty year old ritual of praying in that sacred space before the students arrive. I pray over the room, touch each seat, and call forth blessing on the student who will sit in that seat. This is a sacred vocation. I cannot help what I […]
Take the Feedback
For 2019, I’m thinking of how deeply feedback matters. When you think about the areas of your life and wonder about your performance, who offers you feedback? Who has the wisdom and expertise to provide developmental guidance on any area of your life from housekeeping, meals, career, finances, relationships, spiritual growth, marriage, parenting, fitness, etc. […]
From Cookies to Quinoa
I need a large sealable container for the addictive and amazing Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad with Black Beans and Corn, and I reach for the faithful Christmas cookie container. That’s January: I trade cookies for quinoa.