Memorization
Well, my journey in memorizing Psalm 119 stalled. I discovered the sad truth: I’m terrible at memorization now that I’m in my mid-forties. My brain isn’t as sharp as when I easily memorized long speeches and performed them. I used to recite Elizabeth Bishop poems from memory and then delighted in memorizing the first section […]
To Help the Conversation: What Have You Been Thinking About?
Today I shared with my students a technique to help move past the awkward first question, “How are you?” Sometimes in a new situation, like in an interview or when seeing someone you’re wanting to engage, this question can stall the conversation. If you answer, “Fine. You?” the conversation feels choppy and even boring. Instead, […]
With the Right Elements
I refreshed my birdbath by scrubbing it well and filling it back up with fresh water. My husband refilled the bird-feeders. Two simple acts created incredible results: creatures have descended! It’s as if word spread around the neighborhood; we wake up to dozens of birds who act like they’ve found a luxury resort. And the […]
Upping the Gratitude
As you know, I keep a gratitude journal where I record five specific things I’m thankful for at the beginning of each day (and sometimes I do this at night as a reflection practice). I do this not only because of God’s invitation to “give thanks in all circumstances” as “God’s will for me in […]
Translucent
In Psalm 119:9, we read this: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” I wanted to learn more about this word pure, and I found something so useful. In the Hebrew, it pure also reads “clear” or “translucent.” Translucent objects allow light to shine through them. […]
Schedule It Right Now. If That Doesn’t Work, Make It Fun.
Maybe this doesn’t work for all personality types, but my best advice for anything related to changing your behaviors or accomplishing a goal is to schedule it. I mean it! Make it so you don’t have to decide every day whether you will exercise, work on your novel, or clean your kitchen. Write down the time […]
Fruit Tree Progress
I’ve transplanted my peach tree into the ground since it’s more likely to survive the winter than if I left it growing in a pot outside. I’m not sure if my potted plum will come back to life next spring after a terrible frost stripped it bare. I placed it into a nice spot in […]
Over-provided For
I love the part in Exodus when Moses must tell the people to stop bringing donations to build the tabernacle. It’s a beautiful moment of God stirring hearts to over-provide for the work. We read this in Exodus 36: Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was […]
High Above
This morning a colleague at other university sent me a psalm to focus on this semester. She suggested Psalm 27, and I enjoyed a particularly beautiful image as I read it. David writes this about God: For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter […]
As Is Your Way
I love Psalm 119:132-133; it teaches me a great way to pray to the Lord today. The writer presents to God three requests: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion […]