Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Conversation Questions
It feels wonderful to join with family without the fear of COVID. I’m most thankful for cozy living rooms with family. I love having meaningful conversations with loved ones. As you know, I’m writing a book on having better conversations. My favorite two questions for the Thanksgiving dinner conversation are these: When were you the […]
Holiday Kindness
This morning, I remember the power of kindness. Kind people don’t insist on their own way. Kind people think about what others need. Kind people focus on blessing others. They compliment freely, offer gratitude in all circumstances, and let others take the spotlight. Kind people ask others great questions and let them share about their […]
Winterizing
Today I winterized my potted plum tree. When you have a plum tree in a pot outdoors (at least in Pennsylvania), you must insulate the tree against the bitter winter cold. This tree’s roots and young trunk won’t fare well if I don’t offer some protection. You might have a potted plant that you hope […]
The Reason You’re There
Today I remembered to take each moment as it comes as a gift from God with a special purpose attached to it. Sometimes I find myself in unpleasant situations in places I wish I could leave (like the doctor’s office). But then I remember my “sent” identity and what it might mean that Jesus sent […]
In the Hustle and Bustle, Take Time for Solitude
I always remember how often Jesus retreated to solitary places to pray. I love the power of this statement in Luke 5:16: But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Jesus valued solitude for the purpose of prayer. He valued taking time away from people for spiritual purposes. During the hustle and bustle of […]
The Difference a Week Makes
I’m amazed that this time last week, I endured kidney stone surgery. But just a week later, I traveled to Pittsburgh to pick up my oldest daughter from college and enjoyed the holiday show at Phipps Conservatory. I felt so blessed to enjoy a pain-free weekend. And I loved the holiday lights!
Beautiful Disruption
This morning, in my reading of the book of John, I keep thinking about what happens when Jesus enters a situation. It doesn’t stay unchanged. When Jesus arrives, a beautiful disruption happens. When Jesus arrives, things happen. You can’t welcome the presence of Jesus and stay the same. Jesus brings life, hope, truth, healing, and […]
Little By Little
When I look at how much I must do (and how behind I am) in grading and other things, I could feel overwhelmed and stay stuck in that feeling. I see the enormity of the task instead of the small parts I know I can finish. When I choose to tackle what’s ahead of me, […]
Reentry
I’m finally feeling better after the kidney stone surgery! The stent is out! Now, I think about reentry. I’m behind in all my grading, and I’ve haven’t made any progress on my manuscript that’s due in January. I canceled so many meetings and even a speaking event. Everything in life just stopped. I haven’t really […]
Jesus’ Troubling Question
I keep returning to John 5 in my Bible reading time–the healing at the pool of Bethesda. I try to read elsewhere, but I’m pulled back to this text. Each morning, I discover something I hadn’t noticed before. Today, I read the King James Version because it includes the image of the angel who troubles […]