Holding Joy and Sorrow
I recently received sad news about the death of a friend’s son. My heart felt so heavy this morning, but I still had to start my semester at Penn State. I asked God this question: “How can I teach my classes when I am also grieving with my friend?” I turned to Matthew 14 where […]
The Ice that Freezes You In Place
Today, we endured an actual ice storm! Nearly half an inch of ice currently covers our whole outside world. (I’m in the process of finally buying a new phone with a nice camera, so one day, you’ll see better pictures here. For now, you’ll have to use your imagination.) Imagine every object, tree, and sidewalk […]
It Doesn’t Have to Be Everything
I’m learning the secret to people who stay a long time in their careers and who never seem to suffer from boredom or burnout. It’s the advice I received 12 years ago from a mentor who said, “Don’t let this job be everything. It’s a job. It’s not your life.” It’s a job. It’s not […]
Some Worship Songs I’m Loving
Sometimes you just find songs you cannot stop listening to. I’m currently loving “Jireh” from Maverick City and Elevation Worship. Jehovah-Jireh translates to “The Lord will provide.” Here is a great youtube video to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OHSHd9wyA I love the opening lyrics of this song: I’ll never be more loved than I am right now Wasn’t […]
He Takes Hold of You
I love looking at repeating patterns in scripture. Today, I noticed the phrase in Matthew 14–in the account of a terrified Peter about to sink in the waves–how Jesus “immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him.” I remembered another time we see God reaching down to take hold of us. In Psalm […]
The New is Here
Today I think about all the times “new” shows up in the Bible in reference to our identity. Today is a day for new, fresh things. Out with the old! It’s time for new wine and new wineskins! Remember all the beautiful promises: We are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17); God gives us […]
An Affinity
Last week, I heard someone pray that others would have an affinity for that person. She was serving in an emcee role and so nervous. The person simply asked God that others would feel an affinity for her. I couldn’t stop thinking of that word and that wonderful prayer. An affinity means a spontaneous or […]
Back to It
After a long break, it’s time for a fresh semester and a fresh writing schedule. If you’re interested in setting a writing schedule to finish a book, I recommend writing no more than 4 hours a day, 2-3 days a week. Essentially, I aim for just 12 hours of writing a week. That’s not bad […]
Put Joy In My Heart
This morning, I read Psalm 4 and find the hope of the new year: David recounts a question that “many are asking.” The question? Who can show us any good? Or, in another translation, Who can bring us prosperity? I think of those who live in dire situations all over the world and those of us […]
A New Year Blessing
May the Lord grant you a new friend who makes you laugh so hard you cry. May the Lord give you deep, refreshing sleep. May this be the year something broken becomes mended, something sick becomes healed, and something lost becomes found. May you see marvelous things in God’s creation this year; you live in […]