Faithful to God’s Word, Not Approval
As I speak in Colorado this weekend, I remember my goal: present God’s word. Rather than seeking approval, I seek alignment with this singular goal. (If you don’t hear from me, for a few days, it’s because I’m high in the mountains with poor reception.)
A Fun Quote: The Juice is Worth the Squeeze
I read this today, and I laughed: “The juice is worth the squeeze.” It’s such a good reminder that whatever you’re going through–whatever crushing pressure or squeezing stress–is worth what it produces: dependence on God and humility. The juice is worth the squeeze. I think about perseverance, of setting hard goals, and about being uncomfortable […]
Another False Resting Place
These past few days, I’ve been so nervous about my fall speaking schedule. Will I do a good job? Will the women feel connected to God? Will my words make sense? Did I choose the right scriptures and stories? I keep asking God to give me confidence and an overwhelming sense of peace regarding these […]
Reaping a Harvest from a Single Seed
My pumpkin patch continues to amaze me. A single seed! Planted in compost because we tossed a rotting pumpkin out like garbage! Something we don’t tend or care for! And yet! This one, for context, is about the size of a large toaster oven. I think of letting God in—even a little bit, like a […]
By My Spirit
I’m excited to read the book of Zechariah because my sister reminds me of the key verse I needed to hear today: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” I remember what God does by His Spirit, not by any other form of strength, intelligence, planning, money, or other […]
Daily Collection of Joy
Since the pumpkin patch overtakes the raspberry canes, I resign myself to a diminished harvest. Even now, with the blue sky, the bright red berries, and my little bowl balanced on the beam that helps stabilize my blackberries, I find myself filled with joy. Ordinary, simple. These, I eat with yogurt or alongside afternoon tea. Or, […]
A Joyful Losing
As I peer into the enormous pumpkin patch, I note the once dark green pumpkins slowly begin their transformation to bright orange. It’s so exciting! They turn colors much as the leaves do; they stop producing chlorophyll with the longer and cooler fall nights. The green pigment fades, and we begin to see the carotenoids […]
A Peek in the Classroom
It’s been an amazing semester here at Penn State. We’re in week three of advanced writing, and so far, students designed stunning professional portfolios that included a resume, cover letter, and personal mission statement (all with vivid, shimmering verbs!). Now, we move on to the professional “signature story”—a short single-event memoir that showcases the student’s […]
Inner Certainty
Today I read about cultivating “inner certainty.” What a beautiful phrase! In the midst of so much uncertainty—not just in our political climate but also in something so precarious as weather–we move about our days lacking any certainty. With so many students shaking in my office out of fear and uncertainty, I wonder how to […]
Advice from a Leadership Consultant
Last night during a church dinner, I sat next to a leadership consultant. I asked her to summarize her absolute best advice for any leader. She said: “Be helpful.” Indeed. Great leaders serve. Great leaders help. I think about her advice and how most of us characterize our leadership with other words like visionary, decisive, […]