Salting the Path
We awake to a thin layer of ice over every walkway. I join the neighbors in salting the sidewalks and driveways in the freshly lit morning. Soon, the ice turns to slush. We can walk without danger. When I think about salt–and the biblical metaphor of letting our conversation be seasoned with salt and being […]
Keep In Step
This morning I thought of the expression “keep in step with the Spirit” from Galatians. When you keep in step, you aren’t far behind and you aren’t far ahead. You’re in step. Your right next to God in the very place you’re supposed to be in the moment. You’re in step. I remember to keep […]
But Can God Make Me Happy?
I’ve always been told that “God isn’t interested in making me happy; He’s interested in making me holy.” So I built a theology around God as someone sanctifying me towards holiness in a way that wouldn’t encourage or protect happiness. Instead, I would grow into holiness and misery. Well, I don’t think that’s true. Not […]
I always love it when I reread Isaiah 30 regarding the promise of God to His people. While I understand these words as a promise to the Israelites, I think it also reflects the character of God and His heart towards all believers. Isaiah writes in Isaiah 30:19-23: People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, […]
A Little 80’s Valentines Nostalgia
This morning, I had frilly little Valentines ready for my teen daughters as they arrived downstairs for breakfast. The gift included essentials of chocolate, a fun pen, a new journal, and something I added that I couldn’t resist: Scratch and Sniff stickers (to adorn the journal pages). When I found these in Michaels, I experiences […]
What They Want You To Ask Them About
Today in class, I asked my new favorite Name Game Question: What question do you like people to ask you? I learn so much. I learn who wants me to ask about what factors make for a good Hip Hop artist, about her fascination with criminals, about his puppy at home, about her love of […]
Make It Symbolic. Make It Mean Something.
I’m often motivated to do something I don’t want to do if I can make it meaningful or symbolic. For example, on Tuesdays, I wash the sheets and pillowcases to freshen the beds. It’s tedious to remake these beds. But what if the act of remaking my daughters’ beds became a meaningful way to pray […]
Ingredients You’ve Never Tried
I’m attempting a Jackfruit Jambalaya. I love trying new things and experiencing something fresh. I’ve never in my life cooked with either Jackfruit or Creole seasoning, so I’m particularly excited. When you’re in a rut and want to spice things up (literally), try some new recipe with ingredients you’ve never tried or maybe never even […]
“Everything Serves to Make Us Grow in Love.”
Today I read a beautiful and freeing quote from French writer Rev. Jacques Phillipe (someone recommended to me years ago by my wise counselor). He writes this: “Yes, we know suffering and sorrow, but everything that happens serves to make us grow in love and in the fact of being God’s children. What happens and […]
“You Won’t Hear Me, But I’m Working.”
I’m apologizing to the United Customer Service Representative as I shake with the phone in my hand. They’ve canceled my flight back home, and after an already exhausting and stressful trip out, I cannot imagine how I’ll make it emotionally if just one more thing goes wrong. I’m fighting back tears and anger. “I’m so […]