Right Around This Time, It Happens
I feel one special joy that comes with growing older (that I’ve thought about three or four times just this weekend). Growing older means you get the joy of helping younger people grow into themselves. It’s happening more and more: I’ll be somewhere–a party, in my office, in my neighborhood, at church, anywhere–and younger people […]
Oh, Loved!
Today is my 39th birthday! I feel so loved by sweet messages, gifts from friends, all sorts of goodies from my family, time to write, and dinner I’m not making. It’s a great life! This morning, as I journaled about another year gone and a new one coming, I just loved the excitement and comfort […]
Holding Your Ground
Today we read the message inside a fortune cookie that says this: “The mightiest oak in a forest is just a little nut that held its ground.” I love that the nut literally holds onto the earth around it in order to grow. But I also know that the expression, “hold your ground,” means two […]
6th Annual Boo Platter: I’m a Legend
I balance the 6th Annual “Boo Platter” in my hands. Former teachers cry out, “The Boo Platter! Oh, I miss the Boo Platter!” My youngest daughter’s teacher says, “I’ve heard about this Boo Platter! The Boo Platter is here!” In honor of the Boo Platter, I’ve included the best three below from years past. Enjoy! […]
A Whole New Day of Marvels
On the blustery and dark walk to school this morning, we shuffle our feet in the damp piles of leaves that rise up like the banks of a river about us. We’re now traversing the wooded hill when my daughter points out an enormous toad just hopping along beside us. What else awaits on this […]
If They Were Never Here at All
Today I thought about how much the ladybugs entering my home drive me crazy. They’re everywhere. In our county, the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Ladybug) invades homes in search of warm places to overwinter. We’re not talking about one or two bugs. We’re talking about tens of thousands, according to Penn State University. I vacuum […]
“Every experience God gives us. . . is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.”–Corrie Ten Boom
I love thinking about everything that has happened to me–and everything that will happen to me–as “perfect preparation” for the future in store for me. It’s so hopeful and comforting! I know this to be true already (although I couldn’t have seen it back then!). I think of how particular kinds of suffering were “perfect […]
How Shall We Win Her Back?
We’re currently training our new kitten, Merlin, to enjoy us. It was the same with Jack; you have to convince the cat that you aren’t going to harm him. You have to persuade him with treats and brushing and scratches behind the ears. Soon, the cat realizes how good you are, and he approaches you freely […]
Instead of Excuses
All day I’ve been thinking about barriers to the kind of change I want in my life. When I see a barrier, it’s an automatic excuse. Instead, I want to see the barrier as an opportunity. I know how to do this in some areas of my life, but I can’t apply it to other […]
Certain Things I Didn’t Realize About Quoting People
I’m learning so much as I get ready to self-publish Live with Flair: Seasons of Worship and Wonder. I thought I’d make a little list of what I’m learning in case you’re thinking of self-publishing anything (or writing blogs where you quote people). 1. Publishers actually own the rights to certain Bible translations. You must […]