Time for Strengthening
I move my potted seedlings (which are now rather large and leafy) out to the patio to harden them. I won’t plant them in the ground for a few more weeks. To “harden” a plant means you’re preparing it to transition from a safe, mild indoor environment (my window sill) to the outdoors (my garden). […]
Always What Costs Nothing
I remember the first time we took our girls to New York City. We still laugh about how, of all the fun experiences that cost so much money, what they most loved were the pigeons that landed all around them on the city sidewalk. Birds! The experience cost nothing. Recently when traveling, my daughter and […]
So You’ll Not Fall in Love With a Fallen World
I hear a Christian speaker—Dr. Tim Muelhoff—talk about why difficult things happen to us. He declares that God loves us too much to “allow us to fall in love with a fallen world.” I consider the ways God draws us ever so gently—but sometimes strongly—away from earth towards heaven.
The Light Overcomes
As I’m reading the gospel of John again, I realize the power of Jesus as “the light.” John tells us: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus tells us: “I am the light of the world. […]
Expect It
My neighbor, who just returned from Paris, laughed with us about how every frequent traveler knows to expect “the travel test.” He said his family has learned that every trip will involve at least one difficult situation to test their character. It’s not a surprise. They expect it. And ever since that conversation, I expect […]
Add In a Game
I’m learning about the joy of making things more fun. Today I used a “Spin the Wheel” game in class where the wheel displayed different skills we’ve learned all semester. When it was a student’s turn to spin the wheel, it felt so fun and reminiscent of something you’d do in a kindergarten class. The […]
I’m reading the book of Colossians, and I love reading Colossians 1: 9-14 again and again. It’s so wonderful to linger over and consider each word. Paul writes: “. . . Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge […]
Well, More Snow
I gathered my winter hat and mittens to endure a snow storm today. 4 inches! Just when I was ready for spring! Perhaps there’s a blessings here. The blessing might involve slowing down, praying a bit more, and enjoying more long conversations with my family. Get out the teacups! Brings out the blankets! Turn up […]
He Is Risen!
Happy Easter to everyone! I pray it’s a meaningful day of reflection and celebration on the most significant event in history. What a day! What hope and joy we celebrate today and now every day as the resurrected Lord–the Living God–rises in our hearts. Nothing else matters but this day.