Schedule It Right Now. If That Doesn’t Work, Make It Fun.
Maybe this doesn’t work for all personality types, but my best advice for anything related to changing your behaviors or accomplishing a goal is to schedule it. I mean it! Make it so you don’t have to decide every day whether you will exercise, work on your novel, or clean your kitchen. Write down the time […]
Fruit Tree Progress
I’ve transplanted my peach tree into the ground since it’s more likely to survive the winter than if I left it growing in a pot outside. I’m not sure if my potted plum will come back to life next spring after a terrible frost stripped it bare. I placed it into a nice spot in […]
Over-provided For
I love the part in Exodus when Moses must tell the people to stop bringing donations to build the tabernacle. It’s a beautiful moment of God stirring hearts to over-provide for the work. We read this in Exodus 36: Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was […]
High Above
This morning a colleague at other university sent me a psalm to focus on this semester. She suggested Psalm 27, and I enjoyed a particularly beautiful image as I read it. David writes this about God: For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter […]
As Is Your Way
I love Psalm 119:132-133; it teaches me a great way to pray to the Lord today. The writer presents to God three requests: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion […]
Deal Bountifully
As I study Psalm 119, I’m drawn to verse 17 and this request: Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. I think about the need to experience God’s goodness and bounty in order to continue living obediently to God. As I read this verse, I think of someone saying to […]
Psalm 119–Over and Over
I’m challenging myself to read Psalm 119 in the morning and in the evening; I’m trying to commit the whole thing to memory! If you’d like to read Psalm 119 every day in September, let’s do it together. I’ve heard Charles Spurgeon recommended that everyone memorize this psalm, and it’s also said that William Wilberforce […]
In Poor Conditions
My friend reminded me this morning of a beautiful principle of living with flair: thriving in poor conditions. She showed me a picture of her morning glories that “only bloom when not well-watered or fertilized.” I immediately remembered my orchids which seem to “thrive on neglect.” I also thought of my daughter’s wise words about […]
Greek Night for Dinner
If you need a great idea for dinner, don’t forget the the simplicity of stuffing pita bread will all sorts of fillings. I love how everyone can customize their pita. We lay out a platter of sliced tomato, cucumber, lettuce, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta and goat cheese, red onion, assorted olives, and tzatziki sauce. […]
Work Your Plan
Today I learned about the best time of day to make decisions about your day. It’s in the morning (for most of us!) In the morning, when you feel great (perhaps after your coffee, Bible reading time, journaling, showering), plan out your day. Choose what you’ll eat in advance. Decide when to exercise. Choose what […]