Constant Vigilance
Certain people (like me!) do not have the luxury of doing whatever they please. There’s always a cost to pay for anything that tips us into anxiety or depression. Managing mental health is a full-time job for some of us, and when we see it that way, we remember to organize our day and our […]
Living Like a Levite
I often think about 1 Peter 2:9 and our new job as being part of the “royal priesthood.” Sometimes I tell myself to live like a Levite–the people described as part of the priesthood in the Bible. I remember the struggle in my heart when my husband and I first served as missionaries for Cru. […]
A Beautiful Snowfall
Even after a day of balmy 60 degree weather—with daffodils poking through the black earth—we know in Pennsylvania to expect a few more weeks of snow. And the snow indeed came this morning! Here is the view from my back window:
The Joys of Seeds
It’s that time of year again! We started our seeds in the windowsill to plant at the end of May. It’s a little early, but we have some new plants we’re trying out (and we couldn’t wait!). Garlic. Onions. A fig tree. A peach tree. Baby watermelons. Baby pumpkins. We love watching things grow. I […]
A Verse I’m Thinking About
This morning, I thought carefully about Paul’s words in Acts 20:22-24. He writes, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing […]
For Every Moment
I always look for little blessings from God whenever I travel. The practice of hunting for blessings takes my mind off the stresses of airports and multiple flights. Today, I marveled that a wonderful college student who attended the conference was booked on my same flight. We enjoyed the same ride to the airport, a […]
A Little Snowshoeing
I’m speaking at Camp of the Woods in New York and joined in the winter activities! I went snowshoeing for the first time in my life.
Everything a Teacher
I recently heard a wise woman express gratitude for a new difficulty in her life. She said, “I haven’t had a hardship in a while. I’m grateful. Pain in a good teacher.” She said this weeks ago, and I can’t get the idea out of my mind that everything can be a good teacher in […]
A Call for Patient Endurance
I’ve learned four things about how to patiently endure difficult things: Expressing gratitude and actively hunting for the new morning mercies of God. (Lamentations 3 and 1 Thessalonians 5) Having faith in the unseen and that God is working for our good. (Romans 8) Gathering with friends who support and carry us. (Hebrews 3) Living […]
Unseen Aid
This morning I found a quote from Billy Graham that gave me hope as I pray for Ukraine. He said simply this: “Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.” I pray for unseen aid against the enemy today. And I remember that in our own lives, we have both […]