My Ruined Fall Photos
I live on a street where, when the leaves change in the fall, they seem lit from within like they’re going up in flames. “You just have to see the one in my backyard,” my neighbor says. I stand with my neighbor and observe this tree. I take several other pictures of gorgeous autumn leaves […]
One Little Cane, Passed On
This morning, a neighbor comes by with a shovel to uproot several of my raspberry canes to plant in his own garden. I want to offer a bit of what was originally given to me. Two years ago, I was that neighbor taking raspberry canes from another garden down the street. That neighbor was so […]
Hearty, Hearty Joy
I love mums! We buy some at the local grocery store, and my husband transplants them. I can’t help but smile when I look at these mums. Every time I pass by, I think to myself, “Hearty, hearty mums.” They withstand the bitter cold; they love the sun; they love water. I want to be […]
A Secret Place
I read this morning a King James translation of Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” I think for a long time about the secret place of the Most High. The psalmist writes that in such a place, God “covers us […]
I’ve Completed My Italian Mama Training (Photos from the Italian Mama’s Lunch)
Today, I host my first Italian Mama’s Luncheon. I’ve been in training for over a year to learn the ways of a true Italian Mama. I arrange the antipasto platter; I slice the crusty Italian bread; I spoon out the olives and roasted peppers. I’m nervous. Antipasto Platter The Mamas arrive bearing gifts: chocolates, flowers, […]
How Embarrassing!
This morning, in my rush to get to class on time, my purse catches on a door handle. I fling back against the door like a dog who has reached the end of her leash. In the commotion, I actually punch myself in the face with my flailing arms. Students look on with pity. […]
In Praise of Helpful People
I’m sitting in my office, and I realize the difference it makes when you encounter a truly helpful person. Helpful people inspire me; it’s like they actually enjoy serving others. Sometimes, I’m just overwhelmed that someone would be so helpful, especially when it brings no obvious or immediate benefit to them. This week, so many […]
Be Careful What You Pray For
This afternoon, a group of children practice their instruments together in my home. One girl drags in an enormous baritone horn, another assembles her flute, and still another positions herself at the piano. These brand-new musicians (two being my daughters) all want to practice their first song: Hot Cross Buns. It’s loud, squeaky, and all […]
What to Tell Yourself When You’re Nervous
As soon as you launch out into anything public, you might suddenly become very nervous. When I speak, teach, blog, or lead, I’ve learned that my nervousness stems from a fear of shame–of rejection–that once removed, sets me free to be myself in front of a crowd. When I wonder what others will think of […]
Arise, Go
This morning in church, I notice the verb God uses when he speaks to reluctant prophets. He says: arise. I can’t stop thinking about this verb. Arise! Arise and go! It’s such an interesting command. I learn that arise literally means to come into being, to emerge, to move upward. Arise! Come into the calling […]