Transforming Insecurity to Curiosity
I often meet with other professors to learn about their courses and see how they manage their online teaching presence using our university’s digital platforms. After these meetings, I inevitably feel terribly insecure about myself as an educator. Sometimes I feel so insecure that I pledge to never look at another teacher’s course again! I […]
Far Better Than You’re Thinking
Twenty years ago, my roommate in graduate school challenged me to read 1 Kings 10 as a picture of myself approaching Jesus. If you remember, in 1 Kings 10:1-13, the queen of Sheba visits Solomon. Picture yourself coming to Jesus just as this woman comes to Solomon. Consider these highlighted phrases that show her heart […]
“I’m surprised I haven’t heard of you.”
Today during a radio interview, the host said, “I’m surprised I haven’t heard of you.” I’ve heard this line before, and I never know what to say. I’m sorry! I’m sorry to disappoint you with my lack of fame and my ordinary life! I’m sorry more people don’t talk about me on social media. I’m truly […]
They Can Ask; You Can Say No
I’m learning today not to respond in exasperation or anger when people ask me to do things I don’t want to do or am unable to do. After all, people can ask. I can say no. Why become upset? Instead of thinking, “How dare they ask that?!” I step back and think that the question […]
“What do you want me to do for you?”
This morning, I recall Jesus’ words in the gospels when individuals approach Him. He asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” The question resonates with another statement God makes in 1 Kings 3:5 when He appears to Solomon. He says, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” I imagine God […]
Soup and Stories Part Two
I find myself so happy making soup. This week, I attempt a Potato Leek Soup and a Rich and Cream Vegan Corn Chowder. I wanted options in my kitchen tonight. I also keep a bowl of fresh thyme and homemade croutons (slice homemade bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and fresh garlic, salt, and […]
An Easy Christmas Bouquet
My daughters love to grab a candy cane on the way out the door, and I simply replenish the candy whenever the bouquet looks thin. I used cinnamon sticks, candy canes, and some pine to create a simple decoration that smells great and invites you to take a bite.
Tiny Thread
A friend reminds me of all that goes into building a life–all the influences and teachers and experiences that shape faithfulness and maturity in another person. When we encounter someone, we become a tiny part–a little thread–in the tapestry of that life. And we can be tiny. We don’t have to be everything. We aren’t […]
Increasing a Capacity for Joy
This morning I note the beauty of daily morning chores: I feed the sourdough bread starter; I brew the green tea; I stir oatmeal; I clean the breakfast dishes. These chores feel like small, beautiful rituals that make up my whole life. The daily things: this is living. Later in the morning, the Italian Mama […]
Particular Care
As I washed my hands in the kitchen sink this morning, I remember I did indeed recognize a flair moment yesterday (the day I didn’t blog). It’s because I glance up at my nearly dead orchid in the window sill to see that it sent out a hearty spike with bright green buds. It’s going […]