The Togetherness
Today our town endured several alerts for flash flooding (the remnants of Hurricane Ida) in our neighborhood, near the high school, and at Penn State. Our phones all buzzed with notifications throughout class. The problem? Several inches of rain in a short amount of time. We sat together, soaked through and shivering. And the rain […]
A Time for Every Task
When I feel overwhelmed with multiple projects, I remember the wisdom of setting a time for every task. This way, I can direct my full attention to a project without distraction. In your own life, you might set a specific time for writing, home projects, correspondence, etc. If you feel scattered, one simple modification might […]
Something Beautiful
This weekend, a dear friend shared this painting with me. It’s called “First Day In Heaven” by Egyptian artist Kerolos Safwat. I can’t stop looking at it, and it brings tears to my eyes. I don’t know anything more about this painting or this artist, but I hope this image blesses you like it has […]
More Power
This morning I thought about how much I desire God to display His power more and more in and through my life. What do we have to do to release this power? I thought about this all morning, and then I realized this beautiful thing: In the Bible, the most powerful one is the humble […]
Rebuild You
Someone recently quoted a special verse from Isaiah 54 that helped him in a time of difficulty. I loved thinking about it this morning. The imagery in these verses refers to Zion, but my friend liked to think about his own heart when reading it. I think it’s both! O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not […]
3 P’s of Good Teaching
Today I talked with a colleague about the 3 P’s of Great Teaching. Positive Mood: Research shows how creating a positive mood in a classroom enhances learning and creativity. In my classroom, I increase the positive mood by playing music, asking about good news people are celebrating, or having students answer an attendance question about […]
A Time to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes in the Oven
If you’re like me, you planted way too many tomato plants! I’m overflowing with cherry tomatoes, beefsteak, and heirlooms. Nobody needs them at church. And my neighbors who once gladly received my excess bounty now politely refuse. Everyone has too many tomatoes. What can I do with so many tomatoes? Then I remember! Just because […]
Even More
By now I should expect the surprise second harvest of raspberries, but it always catches me by surprise. Now? After I already gathered so many berries in early summer? If feels extravagant and undeserved to gather so much blessing. But I love the symbol of it. I love extravagant and underserved things that showcase what […]
Welcome Them Back
It’s the first day of school! In our town, children return in person and in masks. With one daughter at home and still in high school, it’s time. It’s time to revive the after school snacks. The snacks have been part of the Warm Welcome now for over 15 years. Your own children might say […]
As My Helper
This morning I noted the two times we see the idea of God’s helping presence in Psalm 118. I love this verse: “The Lord is on my side as my helper” (7) and “I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me” (13). Can you imagine the full weight of […]