Even in Winter. Maybe Because of Winter.
Today my husband and I took a walk along Spring Creek. What a stark contrast from the turtles and ducks of summer! Instead, we enjoyed the bare trees, the water that rushed over rocks sounding distinctly icy rather than what sounds like singing in spring. I saw no speckled trout. I smelled no sweet flowers. […]
Because He Wants You to Hold On
Writers deal with deadlines. They normally keep to writing schedules. These past few weeks, I’ve learned a key spiritual lesson: When God delays your schedule or thwarts your writing plan, it’s because He’s teaching something you need for the writing. If you’ve been following along, you know it’s a season of surgeries and recoveries for […]
What They Remember
At the end of each semester, I always ask students what writing they most remember from the whole course. Which sentence from the writing we’ve read all semester (books, journal articles, sample student writing, etc) stayed in their minds? It’s a great activity because I’m able to prove how we latch on to sentences with […]
Walking in the Night
During the Christmas season, it’s fun to take our walk at night to see all the Christmas trees lit up inside homes; to see the outdoor lights; and to experience the world a little differently. With all the Christmas lights shining, we don’t need a flashlight. It’s quiet. We listen for owls. We think we […]
When New Recipes Bring You Joy
Tonight I’m trying a new recipe: Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale! Link also here: https://themodernproper.com/tortellini-soup-with-italian-sausage-and-kale I’m thrilled to try this new recipe. I find myself so excited to settle into the kitchen, play some Christmas music, light a candle, and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking a delicious soup.
A Pause in My Writing Day
Well–the Lord is so kind. I set a writing day for myself today (if you remember, my last writing day involved my emergency room kidney stone surgery!), and I hardly believed it would happen. Would I find the motivation? Would my mind feel clear? Would I want to write? Would another health crisis befall me? […]
Coming From Faith
This morning I remember Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” I consider what I’m doing without faith. I want to earnestly seek God and live a life of faith down […]
Snow in the Neighborhood!
Just Add Water
I find it’s not as difficult to stay properly hydrated if you just add water to everything. A glass at every meal. A water bottle in your hands in between meals. A tall glass after dinner and right when you wake up. Just add water. Not surprisingly, you’ll gain energy, better skin, and better sleep. […]
Flexible
Sometimes, scheduled plans get cut short or grow longer. You adjust, stay flexible, and trust God’s sovereignty. I learned to surrender to unpredictability this month. And now, because of upcoming snow, we’ll return my daughter to Pittsburgh a day early. I think of the time I’ll miss with her, but I realize the power of […]