Perfect Conditions
This afternoon I harvest raspberries in the rain. It’s perfect this way; the bees stay hidden, so I don’t need an epi-pen. Once again, I learn the principle that God creates the perfect conditions for protection and joy. Even if it looks like the bad luck of rain, it’s filtered through God’s permission for our […]
The Best We’ve Ever Had
Do you remember the story about my raspberry bushes? We received the canes from a neighbor and learned about passing on great things to our community. I also, back in 2010, learned a powerful lesson about fruitfulness from My Huge Gardening Mistake. I learned that you must not let your berry bushes produce fruit that first or […]
Make It An Offering, A Gift
Today my wise friend reminds me that when I make teaching, writing, or speaking an offering to God and others–rather than something I’m doing to gain something for myself–I experience true freedom. We don’t have to imprison ourselves by measuring outcomes like money, influence, power, or prestige when our work is an offering, a gift.
Every Day: Sent
It’s simply amazing to think we are, every day, sent. In John 20:21, Jesus says, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Jesus sends his followers out as sent ones to deliver something. What am I to deliver? What good news, what encouragement, what blessing, what aid, what prayer, […]
Some Pictures of Late Summer
On the walk to school, I remember the patterns of late summer. I recall other years of capturing photos of acorns. I love these green ones, fresh from the tree. I’m so excited for a new season. Come Autumn! Come quickly! Right now, it just feels hot, muggy, and heavy. It’s overflowing, sticky, and almost too […]
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” Jonathan Swift
I recall the quote by Jonathan Swift that “vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” I think about having great vision for the beauty of this day (that so many things attempt to obscure). It’s invisible–the underlying joy, wonder, and peace here–so we use a different spiritual vision to experience it. […]
Gross and Delicious
I only have a five more back to school dinners for my oldest daughter. In five years, she’ll be in college! I suddenly want to make tonight’s dinner so special for this back-to-school night. I know just what my daughters love: Honey chicken! Honey chicken isn’t even fancy; it’s just chicken tenders lightly breaded in […]
Just Begin Even If You Can’t See It
Do you remember how God cut off the flow of the Jordan river as the priests set foot in the water? It wasn’t before; it was as they walked. If you reread Joshua 3, you’ll find that Joshua says the famous lines, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” It’s […]
Do Not Deprive Your Children of This One Pleasure
I find myself increasing controlling as the new school year begins. I worry about my daughters’ teachers, their friends, their activities, their health, and their happiness. Even after all these years of seeing God’s faithfulness, I still want to micromanage and craft the perfect childhood for them. This morning, I find myself full of fear […]
Worth Trying for a Great Night’s Sleep
A older friend of mine and I were discussing how absolutely fantastic we feel after a great night’s sleep. We talk about the health benefits, of course, and that incredible feeling of waking up at 6:00 AM having slept deeply for 8 full hours. Sleep changes everything. I’m nicer. I’m myself. I’m able to solve […]