A Commissioning
This morning, our pastor prayed over the faculty who start teaching at Penn State in the morning. He invited the professors to stand up in their seats, and he then commissioned us. He asked those around us to reach out their hands toward us in blessing. He then asked each faculty member to open their […]
Continually
In Psalm 105:4, we read this: Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! How do we “continually” seek the Lord’s presence? Practical tips: a prayer journal, worship music playing throughout the day, Bible reading, attention to thanksgiving and good gifts all day long, directing worries and stress into specific prayer requests, intercession for others, […]
Good Things
This morning, I considered the kindness of God “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5). Think about this declaration about God from David. He satisfies our desires with good things so that we feel young and fresh and strong like an eagle. So many […]
So Many
Today I harvested so many beautiful tomatoes! Our church often sets up a free produce box for people to drop off fruits and vegetables for anyone who wants or needs them. I’m excited to contribute this summer. I also love having tomatoes to give to guests or neighbors who love a garden-ripened tomato for a […]
Be the Learner and Not the Expert
As you know, I’ve been teaching for Penn State in a part-time role for over 12 years. Recently I took on more responsibilities and a leadership role that put me in a category of “new faculty.” Penn State therefore enrolled me in all the new faculty orientation programs. So I decided to attend all week […]
Seek the Lord for Wisdom
When hearing the news this week of the loss of life in Haiti because of the earthquake, of the terror in Afghanistan, and of more COVID-19 hospitalizations, we can feel scared, numb, and confused about what we can do. I’m in a small town in Pennsylvania, but I look around my large house, and I […]
First Out of Zero
I just completed an online bike ride, and I could hardly believe my eyes. The results came in that I finished first! First place! Me! (I felt that it wasn’t my best ride. Maybe there was a mistake.) Then I saw the number of riders also riding with me. Zero. I was first out of […]
“Hike your own hike.”
Yesterday I read a post by my friend’s son (credit to the adventurous Nolan Wilson) who just completed a solo-cross-country trip. As he’s talking to fellow hikers, he gleans a powerful piece of wisdom to “hike your own hike.” Hike your own hike! The best way to complete a difficult hike in particular is to […]
Let Me Reassure You
When I coach writers formally or talk to anyone trying to start or finish a book project, they inevitably lament all the lost writing time from the summer. They had planned to write! They imagined long summer days of writing, reflection, and oodles of creativity. They thought that surely by August, they’d have finished their […]
You Probably Need Even More
With the weather so very hot here in Pennsylvania, I remember to drink more water. And I remember what the Italian Mama recently told me about hydration. We think we are drinking enough water, but we most likely aren’t. Whatever amount you’re drinking, you probably need even more. When it comes to hydration, you need […]