Anticipate the Blessings
You know how people can enter a room and live out their rejection-sensitive identities? I’ve written about this before in my Bible study, Included in Christ. Rejection-sensitive people read their experiences through the lens of rejection. They anticipate it. They look for it. They learn to seek evidence for rejection wherever they go. I believe […]
It’s Not Always Junk
I enjoyed a classic Live with Flair moment yesterday when my oldest daughter decided to check her Spam folder from her gmail account. She found a vital email from a university involving a scholarship application that was due on the very day she happened to check her junk mail. She quickly filled out the application […]
Thanks and Yes
This image came across my email today from the Center of Courage and Renewal. I love the intention to embrace all that will be. I love the simplicity of it as a prayer. Thank you, Lord. Yes, Lord!
“Just Show Up and Get to Work”
My husband reminded me of a quote that I now repeat to myself when my writing days feel uninspired. The painter Chuck Close famously quipped: “Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightening to […]
Active Recovery
I like listening to the wisdom of athletic people. I recently heard someone talk about how, during a workout, you want times of “active recovery.” Some people think of recovery as stopping all movement–of giving up and shutting down–but really, to stay healthy, you want active recovery if you’re letting your body recover from anything. […]
Connection and Laughter
What makes a great holiday isn’t how wonderful the decorations, how tasty the food, or how glamorous the gifts. What makes a great holiday is connection, and for me, laughter. Laughter, after all, signals mutual understanding. I love to laugh with others. I pray that for you and me this season. May you connect deeply […]
Some Christmas Party Ideas for You Involving Fun Beverages
When my husband and I host the annual Penn State Christian Grads Christmas party, we love to provide a nice selection of fun non-alcoholic beverages. I thought you might enjoy the tips! First, why not try a crockpot of hot chocolate with a toppings bar including candy canes, marshmallows, and whipped cream? Here’s a great […]
Letting God Plan the Day
This morning, I begin my enormous To Do List, and I feel overwhelmed with tasks and deadlines. It’s a day with too much to do, too many events, and too many people needing something. It’s a busy season! But first: coffee, Bible, and that To Do list and journal. Why? I’ve learned over the years […]
Some Good Words from Psalm 59
David writes powerful words in the midst of Saul hunting him. Imagine how terrified David must have been. Imagine how uncertain of his future. And imagine how tired and frustrated. And now, consider the comfort. David writes: But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;for you are my fortress, my refuge […]
What You Were Proud Of
To end my semester today, I ask students to tell the class about the writing they were most proud of during the semester. It’s a great question for closure and to invite students to feel a sense of accomplishment. I like this question as a dinner conversation for us all. What were we most proud […]