Unfinished Business
Today I teach my little chefs what it means to “parbake” something. It means to partially bake the pizza dough or pie crust before you add all your toppings or fillings. But why? It’s all about timing; the toppings will cook much faster than the crust, and you’ll often have a charred top with a […]
His Consolation
Today I read Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your love was consolation to my soul.” I look for the consolations of the Lord’s great love today, in all forms! I teach my children to cover themselves in the consoling love of God.
So Quickly!
So many things happen so quickly around here: one daughter’s baptism; another’s beginning her Red Cross Babysitting Course. Orthodontist appointments come and go; more cookies are made in this kitchen; more music rises up from various rooms of the house. We have summer sleepovers. One goes off on a bike ride; older neighborhood boys stop […]
Much Clinging
I’m reading just how often Joshua tells the Israelites to “hold fast” to God. Normally, we hear the admonition to love God with all your heart and soul, but what’s stated before this command in Joshua 22:5 and 23:8 is “hold fast” to Him. The Hebrew words mean “to cling to” and “pursue closely.” I think […]
Letting Others Tell It Like They Want To
Lately I’ve been thinking about ways to encourage others to talk about themselves and tell their stories without providing them any kind of apparatus or guiding question. People don’t experience life the same way as I do. They don’t always want to talk about the things I might think matter. They come from different cultures, […]
All Leaves and No Fruit
Today I realize my garden has become a jungle of lush green leaves. The blackberry stalks present the healthiest looking leaves you’ve ever seen. One would think this was beautiful, productive, and right. But look closely: no fruit. I learn that perhaps the nitrogen levels in my soil are too high. Too much nitrogen creates […]
How My Publishing Dream Came True
As you can tell from the title, my publishing dream came true! My new book, Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison, will hit the shelves this October. How did this happen? How did this dream finally come true? I will tell you. I hope that those of you writing your own […]
Maybe It’s Like Rahab
I’m reading in Joshua chapter 2 about the prostitute named Rahab who hides the Israelite spies from the king of Jericho. Her words to the spies about how her people fear the Israelites and know the Lord has given them this land empowers and encourages the Israelites. Her report, her actions, and her boldness in […]
Before the Mixer
As you know, we love making unusual treats in the kitchen. Today’s challenge for children is to create without electric mixers or heat. It’s a no-bake freezer challenge that I’ll judge this afternoon. We talk a moment about life before KitchenAid, microwaves, and gas stoves. I like to remember a different, slower time.
Absorb It Then Change It
Our mildew problem has taught me many things this week. I’m amazed at what sunlight can do, for example. Mildew has no chance to survive against the power of direct sunlight, so I have a back porch covered with all the dress up clothes and stuffed animals I’ve cleaned. They dry in the sun, and […]