The Day I Found a Missing Bird
Every so often, a neighbor will post an alert for a missing house pet who has escaped. And with each alert, I wonder if today’s the day I’ll find that missing pet on my frequent neighborhood strolls. Maybe it’s because I like brining joy to people. Maybe it’s because so little happens in my town […]
They Don’t Have to Like You (And More Public Speaking Tips)
This morning, I spoke for a wonderful group of women in town. I noticed something different this time: I wasn’t quite as terrified. In fact, I enjoyed myself. I laughed. I socialized. I did my thing. I loved it. What’s changed? Well, first of all, I’ve gained confidence due to a few new tips I’ve […]
Questions that Serve a Family
Lately, I’ve thought about ways to serve others better in my family. I love these kinds of questions I ask my husband and daughters that end up blessing me and making our home fun and lively. How can I make this day easier for you? How can I serve you today? How can I pray […]
On the Go
It’s a day to drive teens everywhere. It’s a day to run errands, finish laundry, cook meals, and manage various appointments. Yet there’s always a moment to stop and reflect, to write, and to pray. It’s now.
Increasing Your Receptivity
Today I remembered the quote from a blog post I wrote nearly 9 years ago. E. Stanley Jones said, “An organism expends as much as it receives and no more; therefore, receptivity is the first law of life.” Receptivity: the willingness and readiness to receive. Below, I quote the original blog from 2011. I wonder how […]
Take a Loop
Sometimes my dear friend calls and says, “It’s sunny outside. Let’s take a loop.” She means we’ll walk around the block–the “loop” that takes only 10 minutes or so. Sometimes, when my daughters and I have been sitting for too long with our tasks, whether their homework or my writing, I’ll stand and say, “Let’s […]
Collectibles
I know that others collect fine wines, cigars, or comics. Some collect stamps, coins, or classic cars. Me? I’m still adding to my list of vivid verbs. Today, I collected shrinks, implicates, recoils, and deems. What began as a way to help students avoid saying, “this author says,” or “this argument says,” now stands as […]
More Space
It’s time to replant the lemon trees into their own separate pots. Now, they’re competing for nutrients. They need room to grow. Otherwise, they simply won’t thrive. I think of when we put our girls into two separate bedrooms. I think of those times in life when it was better to separate from certain people […]
4 Requests: Psalm 119:33-37
This morning I turn to Psalm 119 and discover something I hadn’t noticed before. The psalmist asks God to do four things : Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path […]
A Little Shake
I tell my daughters to think of life like a kaleidoscope: just a little shake, and the view changes entirely. After a disappointing day, remember the truth that all it takes is a little shake of some tiny, new thing—and you have a new picture. Give it a little shake. It’s a new day. And […]