What to Do with So Many Cucumbers
First of all, I planted one tiny, little cucumber plant. From this one little plant, we gather hoards of giant cucumbers. We picked six today! Can you relate? Who can eat so many cucumbers? We slice the cucumbers and place them in a marinade of apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup), sugar (1/4 cup), finely chopped […]
A Writing Process
I’m in the middle of writing something, and it’s terrible. So I scrap it and start fresh. I remember that’s how it goes. You hold things loosely and know when to let go.
8 Favorite Teaching Quotes
I love collecting quotes on teaching and learning that helped shaped my teaching philosophy over the years. They resonate with me in various ways and inspire me as a new semester approaches. I thought I’d share some of these gems with you: 1. “We teach what we most need to learn.” ~Parker Palmer, Educator and […]
Eggplant
When I Go Back to Poetry
Every so often, I discover a new poem, and then I’m hungry for poetry all over again. I gather stacks of poetry anthologies and go back to poetry. I find a new one from my favorite poet, A.R. Ammons, and I request the book, The Really Short Poems of A.R. Ammons. I love this one from the […]
A Simple and Fun Way to Know Your Neighborhood (I Can’t Believe I Haven’t Tried This Before)
Carry dog treats as you walk around your neighborhood. That is the secret. Dog treats. My uncle recently encouraged me to carry a bag of dog treats on my daily walk around the neighborhood. I had been complaining about how I’m so distant from the neighborhood now that we’ve outgrown the Walk-to-School campaign, Neighborhood Fitness […]
An Undivided Heart
I return to Psalm 86:11 where David asks: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Another translation says, “Give me an undivided heart.” Even after years of knowing God, walking closely with God, and trusting God, David still penned a new prayer […]
Without Water
I return to the vibrant vernal pond only to discover this: Without water, it’s dried out, hosting no life. All the eggs and creatures gone. It’s ghostly quiet. It’s not there. I think of the Living Water and rejoice over the rivers Jesus offers to the soul.
Make Your Own Current
I’m floating down the Juniata River with my Uncle Bobby, and I hear my daughters say, “We can’t find the current!” when their inner tubes slow to a still. “Make your own!” he says as he paddles happily down the river, using his arms as oars. I think about all we blame when we feel […]
The Great Place of Weakness
Today a wise mentor reminded me about the “great place” of weakness. It’s a greater position! It’s a greater posture to then receive the power and sufficiency of Christ. What a mystery! What a curious thing to grasp! We offer weakness and know, by experience, that “God’s power is made perfect in weakness.” The New Living […]