Learn Something New
This morning I remembered a lovely quote from T.H. White in The Once and Future King. We find a moment when King Arthur feels depressed. Merlin replies, “The best thing for being sad . . . is to learn something. That’s the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your […]
Writing on the Wall: A Timely Reminder to Believe the Best
I spy this on hanging on the wall of a church office: Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.
A Perfect Little Autumn Moment
I’ve been talking to my daughter about how we don’t need to craft our own perfect day. Let God do it. He’s the source of all beauty, abundance, and true life. God is the One Who leads us besides the still waters and restores our soul as only He knows how. We often don’t know […]
Not Withholding
This morning, I read Psalm 84:11 and thought about the goodness of God: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. I think about God as a sun: He illuminates our paths, warms our hearts, and gives us joy. As a […]
Classic Autumn Day
Today felt like a classic autumn day in Pennsylvania. Great coffee, cozy sweaters, a walk as golden leaves showered down, football, and a fire pit with friends in the evening. Some days feel near perfect.
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, […]