If You Like Journaling: A Fresh Daily Practice
As you know, I keep a detailed prayer journal. But it’s really more than a prayer journal; it’s a rich devotional practice based on a lifetime of connecting with the Lord through simple and joyful practices in that journal. I thought I’d share my journaling secrets with you. Grab a pen and your journal and […]
Some Joy in Finishing Last
I always chuckle after I finish my bike ride on my Echelon bike because I’m usually in close to last place against all the other thousands of virtual riders. Your place shows up on the screen, on your phone, and in an email summary of your ride. It’s like a billboard in lights to my […]
Backyard Sun After Days and Days of February Grey
The sun finally broke through this afternoon. The plants soak it up! My plumcots are growing too quickly!
Keep Looking
I consider a quote by Charles Spurgeon on the secret to Christian happiness: “We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, […]
Helping Others When They Feel Overwhelmed
Several friends recently felt so stressed out and overwhelmed. As I watched and listened, I could see them grappling with so many things that felt out of control in their lives. As I let them talk for a while, I then remembered what helps me most of all when I feel overwhelmed. It’s so simple […]
A Prayer for Our Work
I read Hebrews 13 this morning, and I embrace the prayer here: “Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what […]
A Role Model to Yourself
This morning I woke up thinking about some things I should do but had no desire to do. This list included cleaning my bathroom and doing my exercise program. The day began. As I read my Bible and drank my coffee, I kept thinking of the idea of a role model. But instead of choosing […]
Always Turning
I love the book of Deuteronomy. Jesus quotes frequently from this book (and also the Psalms!), and once a seminary professor of mine said, “Jesus had a favorite book of the Bible. It was clearly Deuteronomy based on how much He quotes from it. Wouldn’t you want to study Jesus’s most beloved book?” I think […]
A Challenging Way to Love Yourself and Others: A Valentine’s Tribute
The Italian Mama recently wisely advised me to take the best care of myself as I can in my 40’s because in the 50’s and onward, it’s terribly difficult to retain your fitness and muscle mass in particular. The more you invest in your physical health in your 40’s (and before!), the stronger and healthier […]
Maybe Wait Till March
I’ve learning to truly hibernate in February—at least creatively. It’s bitter cold, snowy, and dark out there. I used to feel like something was wrong when I thought my only possible work this month was survival. But lately, I just embrace it. I’ll be creative in March! Doesn’t that sound lovely to say it’s OK […]