There You Are
I pull out an old classic, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, by Elizabeth George. 15 years ago, I underlined so many bits of wisdom for marriage, motherhood, and keeping a home. One of my favorite things she writes is in a chapter on spiritual growth and fellowship. She quotes her friend, Anne Ortlund, who […]
And It Shall Be Given
Today we remember to ask God. For anything. For everything. It’s strange how we try, over and over again, to work things out, to orchestrate, to solve, to try, to cultivate–all on our own strength. So we remember to keep the ongoing dialogue, like breathing–ask and receive, ask and receive, ask and receive–because everything is […]
Packing the Thermos with Soup
My youngest daughter has discovered the joy of taking a thermos of soup to school for lunch. We heat up chicken soup or noodles in the morning, put them in her soup thermos, and send her on her way with a spoon and a napkin. It’s amazing that four hours later, she opens the thermos […]
Coming Back Different
Sometimes, when you’re all scattered and upset, you just need to leave the house, walk around the block twice, and come back a different person. I love what a walk can do. Twice around the block is enough for me.
Everything We Need
Today I read this comforting, empowering, and peace-giving verse in 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Everything we need! We have everything we need! Right now! To know the truth of […]
Layering Up the Leftovers
Today I remembered how much I loved Shepherd’s Pie at Camp Greystone. It arrived to our dining hall table as a pile of pure delight: mashed potatoes on the bottom, then ground beef, then cheese and onions–oh, we gobbled it up! It isn’t a pretty dish or even an artful one (it’s potatoes and meat!), […]
A Question About New Opportunities
Today on the walk to school, we wondered how the trees know when to stop growing. Why do all the trees before us stop at the same height like that? What determines how high they grow? I didn’t know the answer, so of course, I must find out. I learn that trees want to grow […]
In Good Time
My flight from Colorado Springs now arrives exactly when my Chicago flight departs for State College. Oh, flight delays! I detest them! I approach the ticket agent for help, and I remark, “I’m praying the Chicago flight has a delay! Then I’d make the connection.” The agent looks up from her incessant typing and pauses, […]
5 Things I’ve Finally Learned about Public Speaking
I had an incredible time speaking to the wonderful women at the Woodmen Women’s Conference in Colorado Springs this weekend. As I prepared to go on stage, I was laughing with one of the conference coordinators about all the little things I’ve learned from experience that nobody teaches you about public speaking. So far, I’ve […]
Little Pleasures
I recently discovered the Dutch treat called Stroopwafel. It’s a toasted waffle filled with caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla. In my town, I can only find them at a little store off the beaten path. They’re made in Holland! They are amazing! You set the round Stroopwafel on top of your coffee mug, and the steam […]