A Question for Students: What is Your Philosophy of Work?
I ask students this question as they build their professional portfolios: What is your philosophy of work? And I don’t mean how you work. I mean why you work. Imagine if someone asked you this in an interview setting. I’m interested in what motivates you in life. I’m interested in what sustains a persevering work […]
Never Not Writing
Today I realized how, when you’re a writer, you’re never not writing. Your mind puts words together all day long, as automatically as breathing. It’s just how you live. And when certain sentences linger, and you see how you might fill out an entire paragraph with that one thought, you text it to yourself or […]
A Dad Connecting with Pre-teen and Teen Daughters
This past month, my husband, Ash, and our two daughters (12 and 15 years old), found great ways to connect and spend joyful time with one another. I read somewhere that teen girls tend to spend less and less time with their fathers as they grow––despite longing for these times. I asked Ash if I […]
All Day Long
Today, I read this from Psalm 89: Blesses are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength. . . ” All day long, I want to […]
A New Family Motto: “He Knows You; He Chose You; He Grows You”
I explain to my daughters that, in the midst of any insecurity in social settings or in school, they can trust in God’s enduring presence and care for them. He knows you; He chose you; He grows you. He’s growing you into a worshiper first and then someone sent out to do good works in […]
Overwhelmed by Him More Than By Troubles
Today I find a quote by the worship leader Matt Redman who says, “The heart of God loves a persevering worshipper who, though overwhelmed by many troubles, is overwhelmed even more by the beauty of God.” May we find ourselves overwhelmed by the beauty of God.
Pumpkin Patch Hello
In Any Condition
It’s been so humid, with a day of rain, so I know what’s coming: mushrooms! I think whimsical thoughts of fairy seats, gnomes, and the mysteries of the forest floor. I love the overnight secret work of these mushrooms. And I love how we can still find something wonderful in any condition.
Teaching on Togetherness
I woke up distressed about the news in Charlottesville as I have walked those grounds for four years as a undergraduate. I think about what it means to gather together and love people, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and teach others how to live without superiority and hate in their hearts. Is there […]
When Overwhelmed, Abide First
So many times, I want to move into action in my own efforts to solve problems, to have impact, and to make a difference. But today I remember John 15:5 where Jesus says to abide with Him. He says, “apart from me you can do nothing.” Nothing! Apart from God, we can do nothing. If […]