Just For Fun
I’ve been reading about helping your children enjoy life rather than only achieve things. I took this to heart. I’m learning to enjoy life more and more as I age. And I love the Bible verses related to enjoyment. I’ve been on a journey to live out the truth of 1 Timothy 6:17: Instruct those […]
Savoring and More Savoring
Ashley and I traveled this weekend for two different events. We are learning our “capacity” for travel and speaking events, so it’s been fun to talk about. We spoke in Harrisburg for pastors on Thursday and Friday, and then we hopped on a plane to Atlanta to speak for parents on having better conversations in […]
A Month of Seeking Wisdom
I recently asked a seminary professor who taught both Old and New Testament what his favorite book of the Bible is. Without hesitating even for a moment, he said, “Proverbs.” I thought about this choice for a long time. Why Proverbs? His response led me to think seriously about devoting November to a careful study […]
Three November Intentions
I love a fresh, new month. I woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground, and it looked like powdered sugar on a waffle as it clung to autumn leaves and brown branches. I love setting new intentions for a new month, and since today is also my birthday, the activity seems all […]
Resting Anywhere
I’m learning to rest anywhere: on airplanes, on stages, in hotel rooms, and in any stressful situation. I think about abiding in Jesus, and I check in with God through simple conversation. I thank Him for whatever environment I’m in. I notice where I am, and I ask why I’m there. Is there someone who […]
Conversations About Morning Routines
Last night, Ashley and I enjoyed a great conversation with dear friends that started off with someone asking about our new morning routines now that we are empty nesters. What’s the morning like for you now? Even a question as simple as your morning routine sparks fascinating discussion about values, productivity, spirituality, joy, and meaning […]
The Acorn People Craft
I’m still enjoying fun autumn crafts, even if my own daughters are off in college. Today, I wanted to perfect my “acorn people,” so I invited the neighbors over. For an hour and a half, we each made our own creations. As long as you help with the glue gun, a small child can enjoy […]
Poetic Moment from a Child
This morning, I sat in my Adirondack chair while a little neighbor perched on the tree swing. The oak tree stood, tall and burnt orange, rising up into the rosy blue morning sky. When the wind picked up, the whole landscape turned into a downpour of swirling leaves. I told the little girl that if […]
When You Sit
When you sit in your Adirondack chairs in the front yard, you’ll find you can’t move because of the beauty of blue autumn skies with golden leaves falling like party confetti all around you. You stay in that seat, sipping coffee and talking to all the neighbors and their dogs as they pass by. You […]
Frame It As a Question
I find that asking great questions matters most of all when beginning a writing project in particular. This method applies to other areas, but in writing, asking this question helps so much: What question will this writing answer for the reader? Sometimes, in service areas, I wonder, “What question is my audience asking about God, […]