What Matters Most: A Journey Out of Micro-Managing
I find myself returning to old patterns lately. These life scripts try to narrate what matters most. For me, it’s the Three A’s: Appearance, Affluence, and Achievement. I find that I’m healed over these false sources of security and identity for myself, but they rear their ugly and devious ways in how I parent my […]
Survey Your Territory
This morning my husband and I laugh about a cat that’s just sitting on top of a house. This little cat surveys his territory with such authority–such superiority–as if it all really belonged to him. In contrast to the huge house, and the whole neighborhood for that matter, this cat appears tiny. But he doesn’t […]
Honesty, What Could Be Better?
My youngest daughter always says exactly what’s on her mind. There’s no beating around the bush, equivocating, or flattering. So when she invites my dear friend to dinner (who is also her most favorite person in the world), she’s flabbergasted when the friend declines. My friend has other plans. My daughter puts her hands on […]
Who Cares About Your Blog?
This morning, I spy two different blue jays. I watch their behavior all morning. I recall the day in May 2010 when I saw other blue jays in my yard. It’s been over three years, and that blog springs to life in my memory today. I loved reading it again, and I hope you will […]
The Greatest Temptation in the Christian Life
I’ve been a Christian a long time–since 1985–and I find that one thing tempts me more than anything else. It’s the temptation to live a life of self-effort rather than one of spirit-filled dependence. I rely on myself. I do it in my own strength. I am filled with anxiety with all my micro-managing. I work […]
It Looms
This morning, my youngest receives an invitation to loom. Yes, the boys and girls gather to loom. They bring their Rainbow Looms and their tackle boxes of little rubber bands, and they weave all sorts of designs. They make bracelets, necklaces, rings, and anklets. They weave the fishtail, the triple single, the hexafish, the rose, […]
I’ve Gone to Seed
Today, I consider things that go to seed. The expression, “go to seed,” normally refers to loss; things that deteriorate, worsen, devitalize, or fall apart have “gone to seed.” It’s a funny expression, especially when you think about gardening. In gardening, allowing plants to “go to seed” means you let them enter into a new […]
Subtle But Wonderful: It’s Happening
On campus today, I notice the beginning of something new. Subtle but wonderful, the leaves begin to change in Pennsylvania. I love this new season. I’m walking in a painting. I’m traveling through a dream. I love autumn.
A Simple Way to Improve Your Teaching
No, it’s not more name games (although they help)! It’s one thing I often forget. During every class, teachers neglect the need to assess for understanding. Regularly. Two or three times per concept! But how? Some ways include asking students to summarize verbally or in writing; to demonstrate the concept; to teach the concept to […]
4 Things I Learned from Camping with the Youth Group
Well, I survived! I actually slept in a tent (sort of), roasted my dinner over a fire, and endured a torrential downpour on the way to the bathroom. All in all, I loved it. I learned some amazing things, too. 1. It’s emotional. I forgot how full of zeal and joy young people are. I […]