The Right Focus in Creating
Today I remembered to focus on the art and not the sales. Someone gave me wise advice when I began my writing career to let success or money simply arrive as the “happy accident” that comes with creating your art. Of course, when you’re making a living off of your art and need the income, […]
Ordinary and Not Very Smart
I love the moment in Acts 4:13 when Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court system) and speak with boldness from the Holy Spirit. They tell all the smart leaders this statement about Jesus: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind […]
Sending Them Off
It’s that time of year when parents send their children off to college. Even though it’s my third time dropping off my oldest to college, I still feel the same sadness when I return home. Since I’m about to start reading the book of Exodus, I kept thinking of Moses’ mother sending her own child […]
Moment By Moment
It’s wonderful to do hard things—things that perhaps make you afraid or anxious. Every time I do something difficult, I feel so much more confident and proud of myself, thankful to God, and happy that I did it. Today I navigated Pittsburgh, found parking, and managed to move my daughter into her junior year of […]
God Answers and Is With Us
I love how Jacob describes God in Genesis 35:3. He says, “Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” God answers us and is with […]
Asking for What You Need
Today I applied for two university micro-grants to fund some new initiatives I’m hoping to try in the classroom. One involves an art project and another involves securing the money for a premium Kahoot! license. Why not ask? A micro-grant is something under $500 dollars that funds something you want to try in your classroom […]
God Thinks About Us
This morning, I read these beautiful words in Psalm 40:17, written by David. He writes, “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!” Sometimes we think God has forgotten about us and doesn’t stand ready to […]
Only Yourself
Today I remembered how the more you you are, the better. As I continue to speak on various stages and interview on the radio, I’m becoming more myself. It’s so much better to be oneself rather than try to be someone else. This applies to everything from how I teach, how I market my books, […]
Not the Best
My watermelons don’t taste the best. I learned that I’m not the best at growing watermelons. I think that next year, I’ll try different heirloom tomatoes and peppers. I’m so glad I tried my hand at watermelons and pumpkins; now I know it’s not my thing. I love trying new things and realizing you can’t […]
Inquiring
I love how in the book of Genesis, Rebekah is confused about what is happening to her, so she inquires of the Lord (Genesis 25:22). I love the simplicity of it. In present day, when I’m confused, I gather my friends’ wisdom; I read the latest book; I google; I fret; I research. But do […]