The Planting of Seeds
One Day Closer
Every day now, we watch for the blooms of the Weeping Cherry that emerge like a firework and end just as suddenly. They stay in bloom for a week at best, unless the rain beats them down. We’ve learned that the loss of blooms isn’t as sad or terrible as it feels; the tree blooms […]
All Kinds of Ways to Write a Book
Just like there are all kinds of ways to live a life, there are all kinds of ways to write a book. Be encouraged! You can write your book any way you can. The important thing is to just write. Some writers write the book in order of the chapters. I rarely do this. I […]
Two Wonderful Things
My daughter buckles her seat belt and turns to me in the minivan. Her team had just lost every single game in the 5th grade volleyball tournament. Every single game. They did not win one game. “Mom,” she says slowly. I’m ready for tears. I’m ready for a complete breakdown. “Mom, I love volleyball. It’s […]
Intruding Tasks
Do you remember Ma in the Little House on the Prairie books and the daily tasks that ordered her weeks? She washed on Monday, ironed on Tuesday, mended on Wednesday, churned butter on Thursday, cleaned on Friday, baked on Saturday, and rested on Sunday. I always loved the orderliness of it all and how no task intruded […]
Writing Tip: Using Parentheses
I tell my students that parentheses are a whisper, a moment of intimacy between writer and reader. They build rapport; they signal trust. I love to use them (although I admit I forget their beautiful connecting power). Parentheses make the reader feel included in a side conversation (I’m wondering if you feel closer to me […]
Oh, the Branch and the Donkey #PalmSunday
What a glorious day to celebrate as Jesus rode into Jerusalem! I’ve read the story a thousand times in the gospels, but this morning I noticed the branches and the donkey again. Don’t you think it’s curious that people cut branches and spread them on the road? (Matthew 21:8) It was strange because this morning, I […]
Back on Track
Today I learned some ways to get “back on track” after deviating from your healthy living plan (or really any kind of plan). I learn about gathering allies to encourage you and hold you accountable. I learn about climbing out of ruts by trying new things like activities or recipes. I learn about starting fresh right […]
Spring
Doing Things That Scare You
I remember today that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). I realize that I often avoid situations that scare me or make me nervous, when really, these opportunities invite me to exercise faith in new ways. What do I do that requires faith? What am I avoiding because I can’t […]