Things You Learn When You Observe Other Teachers
Today I observe another college instructor to provide feedback, encouragement, and gain insight for future recommendations. I sit there with a pad of paper for notes, and I hide somewhere in the back of the room to watch what’s happening. As I observe other teachers–especially the quiet, peaceful personalities–I learn that some teachers aren’t afraid of silence. […]
The First Treat of Christmas
My daughter requests a treat for a class event tomorrow, and since it’s December 1st, we have no trouble embarking on the first of the Christmas Treats: Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons. The first treat of Christmas! It’s here! We use this recipe but dip the tops in melted chocolate. So easy and delicious if you […]
Every Situation: An Opportunity
I read this morning how highly confident and successful people have a mindset that every situation (every setback or failure, but also every success or invitation) is an opportunity. Everything that happens to us represents an opportunity: for growth, for worship, for dependence, for wonder, for gratitude, for character and maturity, and for innovation. Whatever […]
We Meet Jesus as Healer
Sometimes I go back and reread the gospel of Mark because it’s what a woman told me to read first in the Bible when I was in 3rd grade. She explained that it was an easy book for a child to understand. She said I would learn about God in that book. So I read […]
Happy for the Happiness
For the past few days, I have loved all the beautiful photos and holiday cheer on social media. I have loved being around excited shoppers at the malls with packages spilling from every arm. I have seen more happy Thanksgiving family photos than I can count. And I was so happy like I was right […]
Your Best Environment for Growth
Today I consider that where I live, with whom I live, and how I live (with the resources I’ve been given) represent the best environment for my growth. When we start wishing for more, different, or better, we can know that we are where we are because a Good Shepherd led us here. And why […]
And One Day
Someone told me that you live a second life after 40. It’s like this: You don’t think about yourself so much; you’re not obsessing about your weight or your hair or your clothes. You’re comfortable and at ease with yourself. You don’t need much from other folks. Instead you have so much love to give. […]
Catch the Wind
One can learn so much from flying kites about the Spirit-filled life. You let the wind do all the work. You send up your life, catch the wind’s direction, and fly. Sure you can run about and fuss, but the one who gently delivers the kite to the wind will stand there in perfect peace.
Relaxing Into Stress
I’ve been thinking about the difference it makes to stop resisting feelings of stress, anxiety, and any kind of discomfort. I know it’s strange to think of relaxing into that feeling that you’re trying so hard to eliminate, but–at least in my experience–doing so changes the power and influence of the distressing feeling. It’s like […]
Always at Home
I definitely wrote Guarded by Christ because it contains truths I most needed to learn. Dwelling from my inner being–where Jesus lives within me–has provided a stability and more continual experience of His guarding presence than ever before. No matter where I am or what’s happening around me, I settle into His peace. I stay in […]