And Winter Approaches
We wake to an unexpected first snow that makes the Winterberry bush stand out, red and eager, against the landscape. Soon, the Northern Cardinals will return to backyard from wherever they’ve traveled. My husband will place fresh seed in the feeders for all our winter backyard birds. I walk around the neighborhood as I navigate […]
A Simple Verse That’s Everything
With so much confusion in my heart and sadness over our nation and more terrible news—mass shootings, wildfires, political controversies—I read the book of Isaiah for perspective. I read these simple words under the section called, “Invitation to the Thirsty” (Isaiah 55:6-7). Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he […]
Return to the Refuge
On days when I’m overwhelmed by despair about news reports, suffering, or the sin in my own heart, I remember that the Lord is my refuge. In Psalm 94:22 we read this: But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He is a fortress of peace, power, hope, […]
The Autumn Wonder of Golds and Oranges
I stop and marvel at this tree yesterday. Then, this morning, I walk in the morning sun upon the fallen gold of the ginkgo tree. What a marvelous season.
The Blue I Wait For
Monday Night: Our New Favorite Dinner
Tonight we’re having Orecchiette with Rappi and Meatless Sausage. Don’t worry! It’s not as strange as you’re thinking. (After trying this recipe just once, my family insists we now serve it every Monday night. The girls will take any leftovers for lunch tomorrow.) First, some definitions: Orecchiette: Italian for “little ears.” It’s a kind of […]
Scented Holiday Pinecones
I walk past the scented pinecones in the grocery and craft stores, and I think about how I might make them myself. Sure enough, I find a recipe for Holiday Scented Pinecones that I cannot wait to try. I enter the forest and find the trail of pine trees. I gather my collection as the […]
Perhaps the Best Hospitality
Last night, I stayed at a complete stranger’s home. A family from the church that brought me in to speak agreed to host me instead of placing me in a hotel. I didn’t even know the name of the family. I just knew I’d sleep in a bedroom, and that I needed to “be OK […]
Traveling: My Top 10 Tips
I’m an expert traveler now! For those of you beginning your travel life or for those wanting to prepare for a new season of travel, here are my favorite travel tips: Wear a scarf or sweater for chilly planes. Use a drop of lavender or cinnamon oil on your scarf or sweater to calm you […]
“You are a delight.”
In honor of my birthday today (43!!), I think about how wonderful it feels to have others delight in you. Perhaps it’s such a treasured experience because it reflects something beautiful and often overlooked about God: He delights in us. Consider Deuteronomy 30:5 and God’s declaration that He will delight in His people, or Psalm 18 […]