Not Just to Get to the Next Thing
I’ve noticed myself slowing down and enjoying tasks as the joyful things they are (and not the necessary thing I’m doing to get to the next thing). For example, I often rush through chores because they stand in the way of the next thing I’m doing. But what if the chores are the thing I’m […]
Watching The Nutcracker By Myself (and other Realities of Christmas with Teens)
I realize that our normal Christmas routines have changed dramatically with two teenage daughters who want to spend more time with friends than with me. It’s a different kind of holiday season. I’m making snowflakes by myself. I’m watching The Nutcracker on Netflix by myself in the afternoon. I’m frosting all the cookies by myself. Sure, […]
A Winter Walk Along the Creek
When Shining
This morning, the sun rose bright in the sky. It’s the kind of bright sun we haven’t seen in a while here in Pennsylvania. One Italian Mama texts to announce our need for a brisk walk. Oh, the walk in sunshine! I find myself so thankful for a bright winter day. I love so many […]
The Next Soup and Stories Recipe: Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken
Tonight I’m trying this recipe for Soup and Stories. It’s a Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken recipe found here. The folks coming tonight can have eggs and meat, so this recipe works when you aren’t serving vegans or vegetarians. I’m amazed at how gathering people isn’t as exhausting or stressful as one would think. If […]
A Delicious Christmas Side Dish: Pear and Pomegranate Salsa
I tasted this Pear and Pomegranate Salsa at a Christmas party, and I immediately wanted to make it. I couldn’t stop eating it! When I received a delivery of pears from my family, I knew it was time to make this recipe. It’s just 5 ingredients, and I found the recipe online. You only need […]
Transforming Insecurity to Curiosity
I often meet with other professors to learn about their courses and see how they manage their online teaching presence using our university’s digital platforms. After these meetings, I inevitably feel terribly insecure about myself as an educator. Sometimes I feel so insecure that I pledge to never look at another teacher’s course again! I […]
Far Better Than You’re Thinking
Twenty years ago, my roommate in graduate school challenged me to read 1 Kings 10 as a picture of myself approaching Jesus. If you remember, in 1 Kings 10:1-13, the queen of Sheba visits Solomon. Picture yourself coming to Jesus just as this woman comes to Solomon. Consider these highlighted phrases that show her heart […]
“I’m surprised I haven’t heard of you.”
Today during a radio interview, the host said, “I’m surprised I haven’t heard of you.” I’ve heard this line before, and I never know what to say. I’m sorry! I’m sorry to disappoint you with my lack of fame and my ordinary life! I’m sorry more people don’t talk about me on social media. I’m truly […]
They Can Ask; You Can Say No
I’m learning today not to respond in exasperation or anger when people ask me to do things I don’t want to do or am unable to do. After all, people can ask. I can say no. Why become upset? Instead of thinking, “How dare they ask that?!” I step back and think that the question […]