An Invitation to Struggle
I realize this morning the discomfort struggle creates for students–both college students and my own younger daughters–when asked to do difficult tasks that require higher level thinking. I see the mind at work: it grapples (my favorite verb), sifts, synthesizes, and mulls. It struggles to find resolution. It seeks harmony and peace and resolution. And […]
Another Lesson from the Oaks
Over the years, I’ve learned so much about living well from the oak trees. If you remember, I learned about holding your ground from a little fortune cookie, about our perfect timing compared to others when my oak wouldn’t drop her leaves, about what to do with bitterness from the day we made acorn flour, and about how to reconsider […]
“We put on our stories before our clothes.” William Wenthe
This morning I find that @WritingSisters on Twitter have posted a quote from the poet William Wenthe. Wenthe writes in his poem, “Water Dish,” the following: “We put on our stories / before our clothes.” We put on our stories before our clothes. The line deeply resonates as I’ve completed a Bible study of Ephesians that […]
For the Purpose of Prayer
When I find myself critical of someone, I think I’m being discerning. I remember the words of an older mentor: “Discernment is not for the purpose of criticism but for the purpose of prayer.” I turn the negative thought into prayer: a prayer of love and wisdom and growth. I pray into the situation rather […]
A Little Pattern in Psalm 80
This morning, as I read Psalm 80, I note a pattern of God at work. The psalmist writes in verse 8-11 (and refers to the Israelites as a “vine”): You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The […]
In This Moment
It’s a strange March: we count icicles hanging dangerously off rooftops, some three-feet long and growing; we slide on ice and turn back with our chins tight to our chests as we endure bitter wind and drive to school instead; we think about hot chocolate and sleds. But it’s all wrong. We had already, hadn’t […]
An Italian Mama Lesson: The Miracle of the Meal
I recently invited a graduate student to join us for our family dinner. I’m on the phone with the Italian Mama, and I’m telling her how this student asked with astonishment if I prepare family dinner like this every night. She sounded like I once did when I complained to the Italian Mama about the time commitment and […]
Snow Days–Again
The neighborhood today! We walked everywhere we needed to go.
Fresh Encounters
What my husband and daughter expressed most of all regarding their mission trip was a fresh encounter with God, His love, His power, and His work. They glowed from it. I realize the importance of fresh encounters with God. Sometimes, I know we rely on past experience, past emotions, past revelations. Instead, we aim to […]
5 Questions to Ask Friends When They Return From Mission Trips (or Any Trips)
My husband and oldest daughter return from their mission trip today! Today’s the day! We’ve had no contact except for a 1 minute phone call on his birthday. I’m so excited to reconnect. I’m visiting with my friend who reminds me of this post I wrote last year. I had been worried about what to […]