How Do You Have Time to Write?
People ask me this question sometimes, and lately I’ve asked back in response, “Well, how do you have time to eat?” Nobody asks me, “How do you find the time to eat?” You eat when you’re hungry. That’s what writing is like for me. If I don’t write, something feels starving inside, and I must […]
The Smallest Act Sanctified
Today I remember the beauty of small, humble living. I’m reading Thomas a Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ, and I’m reminded of simple acts of love that reflect the glory of God. And it just so happens that both my daughters are sick today (one with a stomach bug and the other with an infection), […]
How a Mom Spreads Cheer in Walmart
My friend posts on Facebook about her stealth mission in Walmart. She and her children secretly put googly eyes on various items. Are you laughing? I am. I’m laughing for two reason: First, it’s just silly. Second, I think of exhausted parents shopping with tantrum-throwing children who suddenly see Paula Dean with bugged out eyes […]
Lean Way, Way Back
On a walk early this morning, I spy the biggest tree I’ve ever seen in my life. I literally have to lean way, way back to see it fully. This picture is really only half of the tree! I can’t contain it! Enormous trees are sobering, humbling, and perspective-giving. They remind me that so much […]
Danger in Beauty: The Rattlesnake and the Waterfall
Today we hike to a waterfall, and I see my very first rattlesnake on the way. I repeat: I walk into a rattlesnake! We stare at one another. He rattles. They actually rattle. It’s loud and scary as he sticks that snaky tongue out and uncoils. I toss a rock near it, and it slithers […]
The Best Definition of Freedom: 4 Things
I’m reading Ruth Haley Barton’s Longing for More: A Woman’s Path to Spiritual Transformation in Christ. She writes in the introduction that “the whole spiritual journey could be characterized as a journey into freedom.” I’ve got my pen poised above the book as the early morning sun shines on me. I’m ready for this. I […]
When a Tree Goes Through Your House
First of all, it wasn’t my house. It was my neighbor’s house: A crowd of us gather after the storm to check in, care for, and –oddly–crack jokes to lighten the mood. My daughters climb up to the attic and touch the tree. It seems amazing: a tree shot straight through the house. Nobody was […]
When the Problem Is You
Today I read in the book of Isaiah the command to do away with the pointing finger and the malicious talk. I’ve been thinking so much about my own pointing finger this week. I like to blame others for the way I feel. I often consider how I’m being let down. This is an absolutely […]
Just Enough
Each new morning, the strawberry patch offers up a bowl full of ripe strawberries. It’s just enough for smoothies, parfaits, a cobbler, or a pie. Last year, we had to thin out the patch. We had so many berries that they rotted on the ground like Israelite manna stored up. This year, I’m thankful for […]
The Greatest Ending Ever: How We Say Goodbye to Graduating 5th Graders
Every student, staff, and teacher lines the school hallways and extends their hands. They form a long and beautiful tunnel. The 5th graders–who have graduated and will leave elementary school and journey on to Middle School–walk through the tunnel of cheers and tears. It’s the school’s goodbye. The 5th graders cry and hug. They are […]