A Tribute to That One Teacher
Last night I learned that my high school typing teacher passed away. Pat Renner taught a business class at West Potomac High School where I attended in the 90’s. I’ve hardly thought of Mrs. Renner since I took her typing class, but not a day goes by that her class doesn’t impact my life. I […]
Slow Transformation
Things take time. I’m not a patient person, so I’m fascinated by what it takes emotionally to invest in something without immediate returns. It’s good to grow into this kind of patient person who takes the long view of things–physically, socially, financially, and even spiritually. Take weight training, for example. I’ve heard this quote: It […]
And One Day
I remember the day an older mother with teen girls told me that, one day, I’d sit with my girls and we could all watch a movie together and eat popcorn. I couldn’t believe it. As I wrangled my toddlers and felt completely exhausted, I couldn’t imagine a day when I’d enjoy a movie that […]
All the Steadfast Love
I keep noting the number of times the phrase “steadfast love” appears in the psalms. Over and over and over again. If I’m to know anything about the Lord after reading the psalms, I believe it’s this singular characteristic: He is a God of steadfast love. In fact, the phrase appears 127 times. But what […]
If You Like Journaling: A Fresh Daily Practice
As you know, I keep a detailed prayer journal. But it’s really more than a prayer journal; it’s a rich devotional practice based on a lifetime of connecting with the Lord through simple and joyful practices in that journal. I thought I’d share my journaling secrets with you. Grab a pen and your journal and […]
Some Joy in Finishing Last
I always chuckle after I finish my bike ride on my Echelon bike because I’m usually in close to last place against all the other thousands of virtual riders. Your place shows up on the screen, on your phone, and in an email summary of your ride. It’s like a billboard in lights to my […]
Backyard Sun After Days and Days of February Grey
The sun finally broke through this afternoon. The plants soak it up! My plumcots are growing too quickly!
Keep Looking
I consider a quote by Charles Spurgeon on the secret to Christian happiness: “We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, […]
Helping Others When They Feel Overwhelmed
Several friends recently felt so stressed out and overwhelmed. As I watched and listened, I could see them grappling with so many things that felt out of control in their lives. As I let them talk for a while, I then remembered what helps me most of all when I feel overwhelmed. It’s so simple […]
A Prayer for Our Work
I read Hebrews 13 this morning, and I embrace the prayer here: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what […]