A Role Model to Yourself
This morning I woke up thinking about some things I should do but had no desire to do. This list included cleaning my bathroom and doing my exercise program. The day began. As I read my Bible and drank my coffee, I kept thinking of the idea of a role model. But instead of choosing […]
Always Turning
I love the book of Deuteronomy. Jesus quotes frequently from this book (and also the Psalms!), and once a seminary professor of mine said, “Jesus had a favorite book of the Bible. It was clearly Deuteronomy based on how much He quotes from it. Wouldn’t you want to study Jesus’s most beloved book?” I think […]
A Challenging Way to Love Yourself and Others: A Valentine’s Tribute
The Italian Mama recently wisely advised me to take the best care of myself as I can in my 40’s because in the 50’s and onward, it’s terribly difficult to retain your fitness and muscle mass in particular. The more you invest in your physical health in your 40’s (and before!), the stronger and healthier […]
Maybe Wait Till March
I’ve learning to truly hibernate in February—at least creatively. It’s bitter cold, snowy, and dark out there. I used to feel like something was wrong when I thought my only possible work this month was survival. But lately, I just embrace it. I’ll be creative in March! Doesn’t that sound lovely to say it’s OK […]
When You Cannot See Your Way Ahead
I’ve talked to friends just like me who enjoy certainty and clear future plans. As the COVID pandemic continues, we ask questions about our semesters, our summer plans, and our expectations for the fall. Who knows? We cannot see our way ahead. I love how the Holy Spirit will remind us of comforting passages of […]
And Then You Grow to Like It
Snow falls again here in Pennsylvania. We wake up, blanketed by white again. This means we bundle up to shovel the snow again. But it’s a joyful thing. I’ve grown to love sipping hot coffee, throwing on my thick coat and boots and gloves and scarf and hat. I like the quiet of the cold […]
Mostly Encourage
I’m learning that teaching, grading, parenting, married life, friendship–all the things I do (and all the things you do in whatever category) should mostly involve encouragement. People are already too hard on themselves anyway. Their internal criticism runs all the time, and I don’t need to pile on feedback and criticism and correction. Even in […]
The Good Foundation
After my neighbor let me borrow a pair of hers, I ordered some Yaktrax so I could walk more easily on ice and snow. They are like little tire snow chains for your feet. You secure the Yaktrax around your snowboots or regular shoes, and they provide all the traction you need to walk. I’m fearless […]
So You Might Pass Safely Here
As my husband and I walk out onto the frozen lake, it occurs to me how we’re walking on water. I marvel at the strange beauty of it and how just recently the lake existed in a totally different form. It’s bitter cold as the wind whips our faces. It’s a stark and darkening landscape–empty and […]
Just Three
I think I’ve discovered my perfect grading strategy. Three at a time! Just three projects / portfolios / essays–whatever it is, I just grade three of them at once and then do something else for a while. And then I change locations. Grade three. Do something else. Start again in a new location. It’s working! […]