Another Work Tip: “Just Five”
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I tell myself, “Just Five.” In order to feel successful in a task before me, I say things like this: I will grade just five papers. I will tidy this room for just five minutes. I will write just five sentences. I will walk outside for just five minutes. I […]
Consistent
Today I thought about the wisdom to behave in ways consistent with the person you would like to be. I’ve learned to ask these kinds of questions (and imagine hypothetical scenarios) to build consistency of character: How would a healthy person act right now? What would they do? How would a godly person behave in […]
A Great Deal of Living
This morning a friend mentioned the wonderful hymn writer Frances Havergal (who I wrote about in 2018). I searched the internet to learn more about her, and I discovered many words of wisdom from this godly woman. Here are my favorites: “In perplexities-when we cannot tell what to do, when we cannot understand what is […]
A Good Day’s Work
I love to work. And then I love it when the work ends. What does it look like to put in a good day’s work and then allow yourself the pleasure of rest? I know many people who don’t stop working. They wait till they collapse in exhaustion, and then they wake up and start […]
The Sharing of Recipes
I’m thankful for the sharing of great recipes. My friend tells me I must make a butternut squash manicotti. I might make some version of this but will most likely use boxed manicotti or large shells. I do love asking friends if they’ve tried any new recipes. It’s always a wonderful conversation that connects us […]
The Quotes You Keep in Your Purse
Sometimes at speaking events, I’ll mention the quotes I’ve kept in my purse or on my phone. I tell the audience how certain quotes ground you on unsteady days. During the book signing time, a woman approached my table with a weathered piece of paper, crumpled and even smeared with the dough from pie crust […]
Some Photos: A Speaking Event
First Little Dusting
It always feels a little magical when you wake up to snow. Even a little snow–like this first dusting–brings back the joy of a childhood always waiting for snow in the wintertime. I love looking up into the streetlights to check for signs of snowfall in the cold, dark evening. I love watching the swirl […]
Remember Gratitude
If you don’t know where to start when talking to God, remember gratitude. I love writing down all the things I’m thankful for. It cultivates a happy heart. I especially love thanking God for things that seem disappointing, painful, or hard because it demonstrates faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty. I run through the day […]
Everything You Need
This morning as I prayed for my children, the same verse kept resonating in my mind. It brought such comfort to my soul and provided a rich promise. In 2 Peter 1:2-4, we read this: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his […]