When New Recipes Bring You Joy
Tonight I’m trying a new recipe: Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale! Link also here: https://themodernproper.com/tortellini-soup-with-italian-sausage-and-kale I’m thrilled to try this new recipe. I find myself so excited to settle into the kitchen, play some Christmas music, light a candle, and enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking a delicious soup.
A Pause in My Writing Day
Well–the Lord is so kind. I set a writing day for myself today (if you remember, my last writing day involved my emergency room kidney stone surgery!), and I hardly believed it would happen. Would I find the motivation? Would my mind feel clear? Would I want to write? Would another health crisis befall me? […]
Coming From Faith
This morning I remember Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” I consider what I’m doing without faith. I want to earnestly seek God and live a life of faith down […]
Snow in the Neighborhood!
Just Add Water
I find it’s not as difficult to stay properly hydrated if you just add water to everything. A glass at every meal. A water bottle in your hands in between meals. A tall glass after dinner and right when you wake up. Just add water. Not surprisingly, you’ll gain energy, better skin, and better sleep. […]
Flexible
Sometimes, scheduled plans get cut short or grow longer. You adjust, stay flexible, and trust God’s sovereignty. I learned to surrender to unpredictability this month. And now, because of upcoming snow, we’ll return my daughter to Pittsburgh a day early. I think of the time I’ll miss with her, but I realize the power of […]
Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Conversation Questions
It feels wonderful to join with family without the fear of COVID. I’m most thankful for cozy living rooms with family. I love having meaningful conversations with loved ones. As you know, I’m writing a book on having better conversations. My favorite two questions for the Thanksgiving dinner conversation are these: When were you the […]
Holiday Kindness
This morning, I remember the power of kindness. Kind people don’t insist on their own way. Kind people think about what others need. Kind people focus on blessing others. They compliment freely, offer gratitude in all circumstances, and let others take the spotlight. Kind people ask others great questions and let them share about their […]
Winterizing
Today I winterized my potted plum tree. When you have a plum tree in a pot outdoors (at least in Pennsylvania), you must insulate the tree against the bitter winter cold. This tree’s roots and young trunk won’t fare well if I don’t offer some protection. You might have a potted plant that you hope […]
The Reason You’re There
Today I remembered to take each moment as it comes as a gift from God with a special purpose attached to it. Sometimes I find myself in unpleasant situations in places I wish I could leave (like the doctor’s office). But then I remember my “sent” identity and what it might mean that Jesus sent […]