A Few Things Well
As I’ve grown older, I realize the importance of developing expertise in just a few areas. It’s helpful to others and joyful for you. By now, I’ve become an expert in writing instruction, an expert in finishing manuscripts, and an expert in public speaking. I want to become an expert in theology and an expert […]
I Still Paint the Acorns
Last night, my daughter and I invited some children to our annual acorn painting evening. We had so much fun!! Go collect acorns. Grab all your old nail polish or paints. Invite people over. Paint the acorns! Display them in a bowl somewhere for a whimsical, bright, and joyful decoration.
The Anchor and the Peaceful Eye
I love two particular images–one sent by a friend and one sent by the Wise Big Sister–of staying calm and strong in the midst of chaos. So many of us have so much going on and too much to do. We often feel overwhelmed, like waves are crashing all around us or everything is spinning. […]
As a Father Carries His Son
I love the way Moses describes God as he speaks to the people in Deuteronomy 1:29-31: “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God […]
Another Fun Question
I discovered a new attendance question from my neighbor. She likes to ask, “If you could be an expert in anything and write a book about it, what would you be an expert in?” She asks me, and I immediately blurt out, “The Eastern Box Turtle!!” I loved the laughter that followed. I love turtles, […]
Flee to the Refuge
This morning, I finished the book of Numbers. I found myself so struck once again about the cities of refuge designed by God for people to flee for protection. I began to think of the times in scripture I see that word “refuge.” I turn to Psalm 45 and see how the writer proclaims, “God […]
Gather!
This morning, our across-the-street neighbors hosted a Donuts in the Driveway event with us. (They did most of the work; we brewed the coffee and brought the creamers!) What a wonderful autumn activity to gather the neighbors together. We bundled up and chatted outside from 8:00-10:30 AM. I loved the conversations and warm connections! We […]
Of Delights
I love Psalm 36:7-8 and the language inviting us into a different kind of living. We read this: “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of […]
A Wonderful Promise: No Weapon Against Us Will Succeed
This morning, I woke up thinking of this wonderful promise in Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. Nothing that comes against us will succeed. No enemy attack, no […]
Just the Start
I peek out of the window and see that traditional autumn blue sky. It’s just now beginning: the burnt oranges, the reds, the golds, the burgundies. Each new day, I’ll see more of the beauty of fall. And I’ll treasure it so much because it’s so fleeting.