5 Things We Haven’t Lost During Covid-19
This morning I woke up so discouraged and hopeless. Sometimes these feelings wash over me during the day as I stand at the kitchen sink and look out over the forest behind my house. Nothing feels normal. Every day I wait for news about which college or school is shutting down or what new data […]
Abundant Goodness
I’m struck by Psalm 145 and how we learn about God’s abundant goodness. In case His goodness isn’t enough, we learn it’s abundant. David writes about the Lord this: “They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” I remember that God is good. He is abundantly good to us. It’s His […]
What’s Going Well For You?
Today, my Name Game question was simply, “What’s going well for you?” You’ll find that people begin celebrating small victories, reporting good news, or talking about personal breakthroughs. Soon, the room feels happy. What’s going well for you? It’s a great question to get students primed to learn, to open their minds to possibility, and […]
The Return of the After School Snack Platter
With one daughter still home and starting in-person school today, it’s that time of year to bring back the after school Snack Platter. It’s all part of the Warm Welcome that you’ve heard about for the last 10 years at Live with Flair. You welcome a family member home with a peaceful, joyful atmosphere. It […]
All the Ways You Adapt
This morning during class, I noticed I didn’t notice my mask. At all. It’s like I forgot I was wearing it. The experience made me so happy! In just a few days of teaching in a mask, it became normal. It became a regular part of teaching, just like how I hold the chalk in […]
Patience Rewarded
They do turn red!
What It Was Like To Teach In-Person at Penn State This Morning
I just returned from teaching in-person at Penn State. I teach two small sections of an honors advanced writing course. I was so nervous that it would feel wrong and disconnected and awkward. I was nervous it would feel unsafe. But guess what? Everyone felt safe. Everyone felt thankful to be present with one another. […]
Strong and Courageous
This morning I consider what we’re doing in life that requires strength and courage. I’m reading the book of Joshua, and again I’m struck by the three-time command to Joshua to “be strong and courageous” (1:6, 7, 9). It’s also curious to note how the Lord adds in “very courageous“ in verse 7. I wonder […]
Marvelous Things Beneath the Surface
I observe the largest turtle I think I’ve ever seen in nature. My husband thinks it’s a dark boulder in the water until it moves. We stand there, delighted and in awe. We stand there know that beneath the surface, marvelous things await.
A Whisper and a Hush
We don’t know who wrote Psalm 107, but we know it was someone most likely rejoicing as the Jews returned home after the exile in Babylon. I love the language, especially the way the writer describes God’s calming power. We read this in verses 28-31: Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them […]