Because It’s Difficult
Last night I asked my friend why he decided to embark on a certain complicated project. He replied, “Because it’s difficult.” We talked about why he’s drawn so much to difficulty. He embraces difficulty. He craves it. The more difficult, the more exciting. “Aren’t you drawn to difficulty?” he asked. I thought about this for […]
When You Start Thanking God
When I train my mind in gratitude, it does help. It primes me for hopeful thoughts, even when so much seems to go wrong in the world. Today, I began to record what I loved. Things I Loved About Today Too often, after I pray about everything going wrong and all the evil around, I […]
All the Ways to Gather
I love looking back over all the various ways Ashley and I have gathered people together as one of the core values of our life in marriage and ministry. And as I continue to fight the loneliness epidemic in whatever ways I can, I want to think of more and more ways to gather to […]
If It’s Only More Weakness
In Abiding in Christ, Andrew Murray states something I’ve been thinking about for the past few years. Curiously, when I pray for God to strengthen me, He puts me in a position of more weakness. Sometimes, it’s putting me in the hospital; sometimes it’s a delayed or canceled flight; sometimes it’s a disappointment, a sudden […]
The Kingdom Already
I read Colossians 1:13 where Paul writes, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son.” I notice the past tense verbs that remind me so much of how Ephesians 2:6 astonishes me that we are already “seated” with Jesus in the heavenly realms right […]
Step Aside
In church this morning, I notice the repetition of a key idea: step aside. Step aside so God can work. Step aside so God can do what only He can do. Step aside because you aren’t going to figure this out. Step aside, be still, and wait for God to act. Step aside.
A Delicious Cup of Tea
It’s a rainy, chilly day here in Pennsylvania—a perfect afternoon for a cup of tea. I recently discovered a new favorite tea flavor that tastes just like a warm dessert. It’s the Celestial Seasonings Vermont Maple Ginger. It smells delicious, too. So cozy up. Sip some afternoon tea. Grab a cookie. Sink into a great […]
When You Keep Hearing About “Pre-Decisions”
I recently heard two different people talking about “pre-deciding.” I’m hearing sermons, reading research, and listening to general conversation about the power of pre-decision on self-regulation and achieving goals. I love learning about things like this, so of course, I start reading the social science published on pre-deciding. I learn today about how pre-decisions (simply […]
Sleep On It
I love this quote from James Clear’s newsletter today: “Your problems adjust to their true level of importance after a hard workout and a good night of sleep.” His words reminded me of the wise advice of a mentor who once told me that, sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do for yourself is […]
A Verse to Pray at Night
Today I recalled Psalm 139: 23-24: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. What I love about this verse is how God knows our hearts better than we do. He is “greater […]