Can and Will
This morning, I learned something so wonderful in Exodus 6. I loved it so much that I already told my husband, my daughters, my sister, my friend, and now you! In Exodus 6, God says something very unusual to Moses. He says this: “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to […]
Now Go
I’m reading in Exodus after my journey through Genesis and Job. I pause at Exodus 4:12 because I realize it’s exactly what so many of us–perhaps even you–need to hear in a fresh way. If you remember, God gives Moses a wonderful (if not terrifying) assignment to speak first to the elders of Israel and […]
The Undecorating
Five years ago–during this very week, I wrote this about the beauty of taking down the decorations. I reread it every year, and I thought you’d enjoy it today: I notice today that nobody ever posts photos of undecorating. Nobody wants to see a house dismantled of its glorious holiday adornment. I find it curious […]
Halfway Through a Month of Encouragement
Today I realized that most writers think they must write a book. You don’t have to write a book! You might write any number of amazing pieces in your writing life. Write! Think about poetry, song lyrics, newsletters, magazine articles, opinion pieces for the newspaper, short stories, ethnography, devotions, how-to guides, advice columns, letters to the […]
Kitchen Terms that Might Change Your Life
One of my daughters and I spend the majority of our time cooking together. We’re always in the kitchen prepping complicated recipes or challenging ourselves with a new food project (like sushi!). We love to use the French terms for our cooking space. I’ll call out, “OK! Mise en place!” Mise en place: It means […]
Poor Air Quality Alert and What It Taught Me
Just now, I received an alert I’ve never received in my life before. It was a “Poor Air Quality” alert for our county. We’re supposed to limit our time outside. We’re supposed to understand that the air outside, for whatever reason, contains fine particulate matter that will aggravate people with respiratory problems. We are in […]
The Wonder of Ordinary Things
Sometimes I just sit and marvel at profoundly ordinary things. For example, I love maple syrup as a sweetener, and it suddenly occurred to me how marvelous it is. A tree weeps it out. God made trees that, when cut open, bleed out a sweet treat for us. How did God even think of this? […]
Roasting the Cauliflower and Chickpeas
I found a great seasoning combination for roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. It’s part of a Forks Over Knives recipe called Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, but I actually just love eating a bowl of the roasted things. Mix in a big bowl the following: 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 4 minced garlic cloves […]
A Theology of Writing
I’ve loved encouraging writers this month on social media. Today, I remembered how God developed in me a “theology of writing.” Tomorrow, I’ll encourage writers to pause and reflect on writing itself. Here’s the sneak peek: Tip: Pause and Reflect. Today we reflect on writing as a spiritual practice. This helps connect us more deeply […]
Wherever You Go
This morning I wrote in my journal the words of the Lord to Jacob in Genesis 28: 14-15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” I note how God is a God who is with us, who […]