The Hue You Gain
The Weeping Cherry sends forth bright red buds, and the House Finches descend. Did you know that the male finch, with the bright red coloring, gains this hue by eating those red buds? The pigment from what he eats comes out in his feathers. Isn’t that so wonderful? I take this photo through the screen […]
It Wasn’t Pretty
I officially had the worst intestinal virus ever. I literally cried out to God on my knees to have mercy on me! For 5 days, I felt hopeless and miserable. I couldn’t find joy no matter how hard I tried. I didn’t feel spiritual, wise, good, or loved. Bible verses didn’t help. Prayer didn’t help. […]
Morphine Taught Me This
I went to the ER to rehydrate and manage the pain of the intestinal virus! I felt so silly and weak about the whole thing, but I had a fever of 103.7 and was more thirsty than I’d ever been in my life. I was folded over in pain the entire night. Even as they […]
At Least 20 Good Things (Even When Ill)
I’m disappointed with how quickly I sink down into the pits when I’m sick with a fever and upset stomach. The whole day seems terrible. Near evening, I remember I can choose gratitude in between trips to the bathroom. I’m thankful for: A husband who takes care of me Children coming in to visit Soup […]
Of All the Dinners I Have Ever Made, This One Wins
My awesome dad recently made this delicious dish from a recipe in Southern Living (click for recipe). It’s amazing. I mean it. Try it. They will love it. It’s called Lemon Rosemary Garlic Chicken and Potatoes. It’s made in one dish! The preparation even makes the house smell good. Fresh rosemary! Fresh lemon! And the end result? […]
Just Look at This!
Just as before, and just as they will continue to, the daffodils begin blooming. Daffodils always come into focus after a long, dark winter. That’s how it is.
It Begins on a Single Day
Today I remind my students that today might be the day they meet a lifelong friend. As they meet up in new writing groups, I ask them to imagine that these new people might just become very important to them one day. It’s a great way to think about this new day. I keep my […]
By Faith, Enjoy the Torment (A Rather Upsetting Verb in Scripture)
It’s amazing to consider the overwhelming truth of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. In this passage, you’ll find another unusual and upsetting verb: torment. Torment means severe mental or physical suffering. Paul, at the height of his joy in all of the “surpassingly great revelations” about Jesus, simultaneously experiences torment that God allowed. Paul says this torment […]