Writing and Speaking Update
This summer, I’m finishing the revisions for a middle-grade novel based on Seated with Christ, due to Moody Publisher by August. I’m excited to see what will happen with this adventure into fiction writing. A little girl who lives down the street asked me when she can read my book and she reminded me that […]
Spring Things
Two Books I’m Reading This Month
I’m excited to grow spiritually this summer, especially in the areas of “keeping a quiet heart” and in deeper freedom from any areas of comparison or insecurity. I realize that, now matter how hard we try to escape it, we breathe in the air of shame like it’s oxygen. We cannot escape it. Social media, […]
A Poem Read at Graduation
Some Special Parts of Being a Professor
Now that I’m a full-time professor at Penn State and serving in the Schreyer Honors College, I’m invited to several graduation ceremonies and parties for the first time in nearly 15 years. I’m so excited to celebrate my students! I’m so excited to have participated in a life’s journey; now I stand as a witness […]
Keep the Structure. You Never Know What Will Happen.
As you know, I’ve been blogging every day since March 2010. That’s a lot of writing. I’ve kept that ritual up because I never know what’s going to happen. Some blog posts have been truly inspired and have been used widely to bless others. Some blog posts indicate I just showed up and don’t have […]
First Little Sparrow Nest
My Love of Psalm 16
I loved reading Psalm 16 this morning. Psalm 16 is my favorite psalm and the first one I ever memorized. I hope you love it as much as I do. My favorite parts of Psalm 16 include these few verses: I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” and […]
10 Things to Do with Psalms 1-10
At the start of each month, I often go back to the Psalms for encouragement and refreshment. These verses especially encouraged me these last few days and currently give me something to “do” when I feel discouraged or confused about my next steps. Join me in May in reading the Psalms as part of your […]
May Mindset Shifts
Today I thought more about what it means to accept people unconditionally, to believe the best about them, and fight a critical spirit. When I feel tempted to criticize or try to improve others, I remember to fight a critical spirit with thanksgiving, acceptance, and celebration. This applies to church, workplace relationships, and even between […]