Giving Yourself
Today I began teaching my new advanced writing classes. I remember what a mentor told me nearly two decades ago: Great teaching is love of subject, love of student. I am so thankful for this wise advice. I also remembered all the terrible advice I received in the early days of learning to teach well. […]
A Comforting Proverb When You’re Confused
Lately I’ve been thinking about this statement of wisdom from Proverbs 20:24: “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” In other words, God ordains the path we’re on, so when we’re confused or misunderstanding what’s happening, our faith grows as we realize God is directing. He […]
Raindrops on Spider Webs
The Farmer’s Market
Today I enjoyed the most wonderful time with my daughter at a farmer’s market in a nearby parking lot in our town. I loved running into neighbors and feeling part of a small community as we all stood in line for the coveted peaches. I also bought the sweetest watermelon and a butternut squash. We […]
Presenting the Beautiful Cover of Chosen for Christ
I love this cover design from Moody Publishers. Chosen for Christ is available for preorder at Moody Publishers or at amazon.com. The book release date is October 2. I’m so happy and so excited!
Little Benches Under the Shade of Big Trees
This morning I visited my new classrooms at Penn State. Classes start next week! Eeek! It’s a prayerful, reflective time to imagine the new students sitting in their seats and all that will happen in the weeks to come. I walked back to my office as the summer heat rose. I noticed all the little […]
A Paw Covering the Face
I love when I come upon a sleeping cat with a paw covering her face. This paw gesture of blocking out the whole world, of curling tightly in upon oneself, and of signaling do not disturb, warms my heart for some reason and beckons me to go ahead and curl up right beside this little cat […]
New Foods I’ve Added to My Diet
On my health journey these days, I’ve added in some new foods that I’m loving. I manage migraines and fatigue with nutrition as much as I can. These foods have made a difference in energy levels and have eased joint pain, too. Unbelievable! Quinoa with Black Beans and Kale: So nutritious and filling. Cook 1 […]
How to Boil Eggs for Easy Peeling
Whenever we have to boil eggs that we’ll peel for deviled eggs, egg salad, or just to enjoy by themselves, we always wonder why those eggs won’t peel well. We’ve grown so tired of tiny flakes of egg shell coming off with chunks of egg with it. I’ve been researching exactly how to boil perfect […]
Letting God Lead to Abundant Life
After all these years of trying to design my own life, and the lives of my children, I continue to learn to surrender my notion of “abundant life” to Jesus. He came so we might have life “to the full,” yet I often wonder what this life will look like. So I fret and compare […]