Understanding Transformation: Growing in Love
Is emotional maturity the same thing as spiritual maturity? How does character transformation happen? I love the intersection of spirituality and the neuroscience of transformation, so this morning, I learned from a conversation between Michael Sullivant and Dr. Jim Wilder as they talk about his work with Dallas Willard and this concept of spiritual transformation. […]
Early Rising, Late To Bed
This morning, I woke up feeling tired from all the work the night before. And I couldn’t think of what to plan for dinner. And I worried that I was drinking too much caffeine to allow for good sleep. Do you not think scripture speaks to even this? I turn to Psalm 127 and read […]
A Blessing in Less Energy
I talk to some colleagues about our diminishing energy as we age. In the mid-forties, you suddenly don’t have the same energy you once had. Or we’re all just getting sick (as we do on a college campus!) Or, we just need more sleep. Whatever the reason, the fact stands: we’re tired. I’ve noticed how […]
My Favorite Ginkgo Tree
In our neighborhood, a ginkgo tree down the street turns golden every October. We were so inspired that, last year, we planted our own. I took side by side pictures this morning and thought to myself, “Everyone needs a role model!” One day far into the future, our own little ginkgo tree will become like […]
Ideas for Your Afternoon Snack Platter
Sometimes friends and students lovingly tease me about my now 12 year commitment to my after school Snack Platter. I have loved putting out after school snacks from the time Sarah started kindergarten until this very afternoon when my now teen daughters arrive home. The after school Snack Platter now happens at 4:00 PM, and […]
A Loving Eye
This morning I came across Psalm 32:8 where David reminds us of God’s intentions toward us. We read this: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 I love the description of God with a loving eye on us today. […]
Your Questions Answered About the Penn State 2019 White Out Game
What a night! Our family journeyed by bus to Happy Valley—a whopping 3 miles from my home—that would have taken 2 hours (at least) had we attempted to drive. We might have walked. Next time, we shall! It was our first Penn State football game. Hence, your questions: Why did it take you twelve years […]
The Difference Prayer Makes
Even in the midst of a Saturday bustling with tailgate food, plans for a football game, housework, and grading, I pause to pray. It’s OK to tell God everything, to rejoice, to confess, and to ask. It makes all the difference in the world to pause and simply ask for what you need and talk […]
A Fun Little Recipes
I love trying new recipes, and this one excites me: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2019/06/27/buffalo-cauliflower-wings-recipe/. Every few weeks or so, it’s fun to exercise a little creativity in the kitchen, especially if it involves adding in some veggies for the family. Last month, I found myself crazy for empanadas. A college student actually informed me of […]
The Walk Home
A student recently shared her favorite quote from clinical psychologist Ram Dass. He says this: “We’re all just walking each other home.” She loves the image of being the hand to hold to aid people on their journey home. I think of spending my whole life walking others home to true belonging, to healing, to […]