Advice for an Organized Mind
My friend tells me that she chooses one day of the week and spends 6 to 10 hours on all her least favorite, most annoying tasks. On that one day, she accomplishes everything she must do but does not want to do. Because she devotes this one day to these undesirable tasks, it frees her […]
Intense Observation
I’m flying home from a trip, and the woman beside me discusses her profession. She’s a criminal investigator who has become an expert in observation. She’s highly trained to notice patterns and inconsistencies in a person’s mannerisms. She’s also trained to gather incredible amounts of personal information about a person within a few seconds of […]
As You Go
I’m learning new things in new roles. When I’m in new situations, or when I’m asked to serve in new roles, I often say, “I haven’t done this before. I don’t think I’m the best person for this.” Because I haven’t learned how to do something, I don’t try. Isn’t this ridiculous? How will I […]
Overcoming
Today I hear a speaker use a timely turn of phrase. He says, “You don’t need to try to overcome your sin. Instead, let Christ overcome you.” Everything follows from that. I think of being swept away, overcome by the majesty and power and beauty of God.
2 Lessons from Dr. Henry Cloud
I’m listening to Henry Cloud answer questions based on his expertise in leadership and clinical psychology. As guests present problems and ask for personal advice, I write down as many of Dr. Cloud’s golden words as I can. I glean some wisdom I needed! He imparts that one of the goals of parenting is helping […]
If You Have a Sleepless Night
I’ve had two sleepless nights that fill me with anxiety that, because I’m sleep-deprived, I therefore cannot manage my emotions, perform at my best, and display patience and kindness. I think I’m able to endure many things, but enduring a bad night’s sleep is on my list of personal development goals! I’m just a wreck […]
How Did It?
I meet with a student who wants to start a blog on just this question: “How did I see God working today?” I think of the astonishing verse in John 5:17 when Jesus says, “My Father is always at work, and so am I.” I think about the beauty of Philippians 2:13 that “God works […]
With This Now Gone
Our microwave broke two days ago. You would think this would be a terrible, terrible thing. Oh, but the things we have cooked–slowly and beautifully–without it. I became old-fashioned like grandma, turning bacon in the pan. The smell filled even the upstairs. I became slow and patient, listening for the song of the tea kettle […]
I Write Like a Mom
I love to write in a clean environment with absolutely no distractions, noise, or clutter. I would prefer a cup of coffee, a light snowfall, and a crackling fire. In this scenario, someone will deliver morning tea on a silver tray with delicate pastries. After all, I’m working hard; writers cannot be disturbed from their […]
Prosper
I’m reading in Psalm 1 about the person who “delights in the law of the Lord” and who “meditates on it day and night.” This person gains a special privilege. We’re told that “whatever he does prospers.” Prospers! Don’t you think of wealth and success? Don’t you think of some kind of gain? I’m learning […]