A Gift of Hope
I remember how years ago I learned that the Holy Spirit is always a voice a hope. I learned that I could ask God for hope; in fact, I discovered a precious prayer in scripture. It reads this in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you […]
Something Leisurely
I had some hours of true rest today, and I knew it. How? I knew I was resting because of one adjective: leisurely. I leisurely picked raspberries. I leisurely read. I leisurely walked. No hurry. Relaxed. No pressure. If it’s not leisurely, it’s not restful. I knew the difference as I stood there picking raspberries […]
2 Professional Questions
As students build professional materials–including resumes, cover letters, and mission statements–we ask good questions to help uncover strengths and talents we might not know we possess. We ask: For what reason do people request your input or service? We share our answers, and we learn how our community perceives us and what we offer. We also ask […]
As Yourself: David’s Stones
This morning I read the familiar passage in 1 Samuel 17 of the young David’s defeat of Goliath with the stone and the sling. I’m struck once again with how God used David just as he was. Of course others suggested sophisticated weaponry and clothing, but none of it felt comfortable to David because he […]
Spontaneous
Today a friend reminds me of what powerful things happen when we allow for spontaneity. We discuss this in terms of the early church and the spontaneous growth that came about. This seemed like an out-of-control situation, but really, it was High Control if you think about it. I recall how controlling I am and […]
If There’s No Time for Wonder
It’s a busy time of year with back-to-school, teaching assignments, and writing. Add in cleaning, meal planning, clothing shopping (children grow!), and connecting with neighbors, and it seems like there’s no time to reflect or truly enjoy resting in moments of wonder. I need wonder. I run on wonder. So as I sit at my desk […]
My New Verb in Scripture
All year, I’ve been examining how God guards our lives. The verb, guard, appears all over the Bible. But it presents as protect, watch, keep, to save, and to treasure. It’s all the same verb in the original language. I’m fascinated with the truth that God guards our lives. I love how I find it […]
So Excited for Freshmen
After all these years, I’m still so excited to teach first semester freshmen. There’s this sense of overwhelming possibility, of a fresh start, of crafting an adult life, and of hope. Can you remember your freshman year of college and that first classroom with that first professor? Can you remember wondering if you could really […]
Always Infusing
I’m currently obsessed with mint and lime infused water. I chop up my fresh mint from the garden, slice up some lime, add ice, fill the water bottle with water, and enjoy. I refill the water all day long. The next morning, I repeat this process with fresh mint and limes. I’m finally able to […]
A Special Walk
Today my daughter and I took a very old dog on a lunchtime walk because her family was traveling for the day. When you walk a very old dog, you go very slowly. It was drizzling as we walked this slow journey, so the three of us looked pitiful–the black dog with shaking limbs and […]