A Thankful Heart
Today, I rejoice because I feel like God’s treasured possession. I know I am, but I don’t always feel like I am (and I certainly don’t wake up feeling treasured by God all the time). But today, I did. I woke up fully rested–a miracle at my age. Thank you, Lord. Thank you! Secondly, I […]
The Power of Compliments
I can read a room. I can read the mood of a room, in particular the students within a room, within the first few moments of their arrival to class. And this morning, our collective mood needed some lifting. But then? Compliments. The compliments began. “I really like your new haircut, Dr. H. It’s a […]
Let It Mean Everything
On the chilly walk, I stoop down to observe the persistent and powerful crocus. Two things: the purple astonishes me every spring, and the fact that they emerge through snow and freezing temperatures challenges my whining over my circumstances. The crocus sings. The crocus pushes up through snow, piles of decaying leaves, and empty landscapes […]
A New Month, A Fresh Start
I love a fresh, new month. Let’s make it wonderful! Think about setting goals, committing ourselves to an attitude of thankfulness and rejoicing, and increasing our faith to trust God in ever-expanding ways. What goals shall we set? What might we thank God for right now? What areas of our life require more and more […]
The Day I Found a Missing Bird
Every so often, a neighbor will post an alert for a missing house pet who has escaped. And with each alert, I wonder if today’s the day I’ll find that missing pet on my frequent neighborhood strolls. Maybe it’s because I like brining joy to people. Maybe it’s because so little happens in my town […]
They Don’t Have to Like You (And More Public Speaking Tips)
This morning, I spoke for a wonderful group of women in town. I noticed something different this time: I wasn’t quite as terrified. In fact, I enjoyed myself. I laughed. I socialized. I did my thing. I loved it. What’s changed? Well, first of all, I’ve gained confidence due to a few new tips I’ve […]
Questions that Serve a Family
Lately, I’ve thought about ways to serve others better in my family. I love these kinds of questions I ask my husband and daughters that end up blessing me and making our home fun and lively. How can I make this day easier for you? How can I serve you today? How can I pray […]
On the Go
It’s a day to drive teens everywhere. It’s a day to run errands, finish laundry, cook meals, and manage various appointments. Yet there’s always a moment to stop and reflect, to write, and to pray. It’s now.
Increasing Your Receptivity
Today I remembered the quote from a blog post I wrote nearly 9 years ago. E. Stanley Jones said, “An organism expends as much as it receives and no more; therefore, receptivity is the first law of life.” Receptivity: the willingness and readiness to receive. Below, I quote the original blog from 2011. I wonder how […]
Take a Loop
Sometimes my dear friend calls and says, “It’s sunny outside. Let’s take a loop.” She means we’ll walk around the block–the “loop” that takes only 10 minutes or so. Sometimes, when my daughters and I have been sitting for too long with our tasks, whether their homework or my writing, I’ll stand and say, “Let’s […]