Remember to Stand Up Sometimes
Well–as you know, I write a lot. I sit a lot. I’m learning how important it is to stand up after you’ve been sitting for an hour. Walk around. Do some chores. Don’t stay in that seat! Set a reminder. Challenge yourself. Do what it takes to rise up and move out of that seat! […]
Since You Stand Firm
I love thinking about Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 3. It’s a challenge to remember a different way to live. It’s an invitation to care deeply about others. He writes, “For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all […]
When the Sun Shines
My solar-powered bird bath requires full sun to operate. Even one little cloud that might obscure the solar panel disrupts the flow of water. Each morning, I eagerly await the sun. When the sun shines in the morning–and the fountain begins its work–the birds come and fill each bowl with happy splashes as they bathe. […]
When the Goal is Weakness
My great friend and mentor tells me I’ve got the wrong goal. When I claim I’m trying to be stronger or better in order to overcome something, she reminds me of a different goal: weakness. Weakness means I depend upon God and draw upon His unlimited resources. Weakness means I stay humble. Weakness means I remain […]
A Quote I Love on Writing
I receive a newsletter from author James Clear with great advice. He shares this gem from writer Jorge Luis Borges on transforming every experience into a resource: “A writer — and, I believe, generally all persons — must think that whatever happens to him or her is a resource. All things have been given to us […]
My Friend Sent Me This and I Laughed All Afternoon
Learning New Things
When you take the embarrassment away, you can actually learn so many new things. Don’t worry if you don’t understand something. You can learn! You can really learn! I’m learning to fight any fear or shame if I don’t know something because it’s so much fun to learn. Who cares that you don’t know everything? […]
It’s Called “Puddling”
Today I learn that when butterflies gather together in a pile on the ground like this, it’s called “puddling.” It’s a puddle of butterflies! I love it. They do this because they have found a mineral rich area. They sit to absorb the salt and other nutrients they need. I love learning new verbs!
Another Beautiful Biblical Verb
This morning, I note the verb “prepared” in 1 Corinthians 2:9. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— It’s so wonderful to consider God’s work of preparation for us. We cannot even fathom the blessing of […]
Another Joyful Practice
Besides writing this summer, consider the practice of close observation, especially through photography. You can try a picture a day. I often think about A.R. Ammons (my favorite poet) and his famous quote: “Anything looked at closely becomes wonderful.” Back in the early days of Live with Flair, I found so much delight in taking […]