The Practices We’ll Surely Keep
I ask my students what they’ve been learning most about themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how much–despite all the fear and sickness in their particular communities–they enjoy the simple pleasures of a daily walk, a nap, a meal with their families, and the connections with siblings they wouldn’t otherwise see. Some talk about […]
The Verbs of Philippians 4:4-9
My husband told me of something he began to consider as he read Philippians 4 yesterday. Of course I was delighted because his insights centered on the strong verbs of Philippians 4 as opposed to the one weaker verb. I’m not sure of the technicalities of translating all the verbs in the Greek, but I […]
Sustainable Teaching: An Update
After realizing the exhaustion of teaching virtually, I’ve learned some things. I’m too tired, and I don’t know why. As my wise friend stated yesterday, online instruction involves all the work and intensity of teaching without the joys of in-person relating. It’s not rewarding in the same way for some reason. It’s a shadow of […]
The Certain Things
In a time of so much uncertainty, I take more delight in certain things. I note how the Weeping Cherry will bloom on schedule. I see the evidence against a stormy sky. Tomorrow, we may see those fleeting blossoms, certain in their transience.
When You Start to Compare Your COVID-19 Situation to Everyone Else
It’s bound to happen. I can already see it. We might start comparing our lives. Some people shelter-in-place in lavish, well-stocked vacation homes, far from urban centers. They can ride this virus out for six more months with joy and endless provisions. And others sit comfortably in what has become a 1950’s neighborhood of fathers […]
A Loving Question During a Pandemic
I don’t know about you, but if I’m having a bad moment as I think about COVID-19, I feel overwhelmed when people call or text and ask, “How are you doing?” Of course, that’s how I personally lead off in conversation, but something doesn’t feel right about it lately. I began to wonder if there’s […]
What I’ve Learned After Two Weeks of Teaching Virtually
After two weeks of teaching virtually at Penn State, I’ve learned some things: Teaching virtually is not the same thing as launching an online class. When you teach virtually, it’s a synchronous classroom where students join you during your scheduled class time for virtual instruction via Zoom (for example). An online course does not necessarily […]
Until the Disaster Has Passed
This morning, I read David’s words in Psalm 57: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Until the disaster has passed! I note the word “disaster” and consider the COVID-19 […]
The Bible Verses Ministry Leaders Cling to During COVID-19
This morning, I was so encouraged as I joined in our daily prayer time with Cru graduate student ministry leaders. Ashley asked everyone to share and pray through the passage of scripture they had been meditating on and clinging to during this COVID-19 pandemic. As I humbly listened, my heart overflowed with assurance of God’s […]
When Dad Holds “Office Hours” for the Family
With all of us working together at home, it’s been difficult to figure out how to be together while giving one another space. My husband, for example, found that our daughters are constantly interacting with him, asking for help on projects, or needing him to fix something. He found a clever way to manage all […]