Abiding in Well-Being
I started to read a fresh, new Bible–the ESV study Bible–because my precious green NIV study Bible has fallen to shreds. I actually read them side-by-side to see the slight variation in translation. It’s a joy to think about fresh insights, fresh highlighting, and fresh commentary on the most beloved psalms. Today, I look at […]
Three Ways to Start Your First Sentence
A friend asked me for my best advice on how to start her writing project. She need actual sentences to try. Maybe you need a template like this to just get you started. I told her three things that might help, especially for short pieces like social media posts or blogs. These three tips also […]
When You Feel Ashamed and Far from God
I remember the day I read Romans 5:5 and how “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” It’s such a powerful image. Think of God pouring His love into us–like from a great heavenly pitcher. It’s abundant and free-flowing. It reminds me of […]
An Icy Little Word
I love the icicles forming all over the neighborhood today. I even the love the very word icicle. It’s an icy, dangling sort of word. Icicles form as snow melts–only to freeze upon its descent. It’s an almost / not yet kind of winter object. I marvel at the various icicle shapes along the walk. […]
A Generous Life
Today I thought about living a more generous life. It’s a beautiful way to live. It’s the best way to live. It’s profoundly biblical. Yet I find myself more protective than ever of my time, my comforts, and my possessions during COVID. I’d rather spend the day with my own cozy schedule than give of […]
The Snow Shoveling Strategy
Our neighbors discuss our snow shoveling strategy. It’s what you do in the winter in Pennsylvania. Our strategy involves shoveling several times a day during the storm and not waiting till the snow stops falling. Obviously, we debate this. Every neighbor has their own opinion and their own good strategy. We judge not. But when […]
Leaning into Winter
My neighbor from Denmark tells us to “lean into winter” as we discuss the coming snowstorm. He’s already snuggled into his warm, fire-lit kitchen and making homemade donuts for us. He’s the same neighbor who tells us “winter is the warmest season.” He’s probably already been cross-country skiing through the neighborhood. I think about leaning […]
4 Ways to Move Forward with Wisdom for February
Lately I’m thinking of a few pieces of wisdom to guide February’s choices: Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Jesus said “no” to certain tasks often (Mark 1:35-38). Jesus also followed the exact instructions of the Father and did not go beyond this (John 14:31). Lots of activity isn’t the same […]
The Winter Windowsill Garden
Growing things indoors in winter makes me so happy. I love the fresh basil in particular since I’ll harvest a few leaves for our stuffed spinach shells tonight. Having windowsill basil in the winter means you always have fresh basil for pizza toppings, in pasta, or on sandwiches. I have the orchid and the growing […]
A Great Prayer for You and Others
I love Psalm 141:3-4. It’s an odd prayer to pray when you’re dealing with all the things David dealt with. In fact, if you notice how this psalm begins, David says this: O Lord, I call to you: come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. Doesn’t it sound so urgent? […]