Poor Air Quality Alert and What It Taught Me
Just now, I received an alert I’ve never received in my life before. It was a “Poor Air Quality” alert for our county. We’re supposed to limit our time outside. We’re supposed to understand that the air outside, for whatever reason, contains fine particulate matter that will aggravate people with respiratory problems. We are in […]
The Wonder of Ordinary Things
Sometimes I just sit and marvel at profoundly ordinary things. For example, I love maple syrup as a sweetener, and it suddenly occurred to me how marvelous it is. A tree weeps it out. God made trees that, when cut open, bleed out a sweet treat for us. How did God even think of this? […]
Roasting the Cauliflower and Chickpeas
I found a great seasoning combination for roasted cauliflower and chickpeas. It’s part of a Forks Over Knives recipe called Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls, but I actually just love eating a bowl of the roasted things. Mix in a big bowl the following: 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 4 minced garlic cloves […]
A Theology of Writing
I’ve loved encouraging writers this month on social media. Today, I remembered how God developed in me a “theology of writing.” Tomorrow, I’ll encourage writers to pause and reflect on writing itself. Here’s the sneak peek: Tip: Pause and Reflect. Today we reflect on writing as a spiritual practice. This helps connect us more deeply […]
Wherever You Go
This morning I wrote in my journal the words of the Lord to Jacob in Genesis 28: 14-15 “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” I note how God is a God who is with us, who […]
Very Near
Did you know that Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of need”? Maybe you’ve read that verse to say “an ever-present help” but the Hebrew translation is indeed “very.” It means exceedingly present, more and more present, super-duper present! It means, most accurately, especially present. God […]
What God Sets Up From the Beginning
I cannot help myself: I’m starting again with Every Word: A Reader’s 90 Day Guide to the Bible. I just love structuring my morning with this Bible reading plan. When I start Genesis, I always wonder if there’s anything else to learn. I mean, I’ve read it a hundred times maybe. But today, I discover […]
When You Don’t Know What to Do: The Comfort of Psalm 25
I love Psalm 25. It pulls my heart! It’s such a perfect psalm for anyone reading who doesn’t know what to do next. David writes this: “Show me your way, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is […]
A Moment of Insight While Feeding a Cat Tuna Flavored Treats
This morning as I fed my neighbor’s cat, I remembered to offer him a few treats from his treat box. I found a little squeezable pouch of this tuna flavored paste. I quietly tore open the pouch. Instant insanity! The cat went crazy with joy! The cat ran faster than any creature should to my […]
Back to Work–And Making the Most of It
It’s back to work after the holiday break. I consider this fresh season of work with a new semester and a new year, and I know one thing the pandemic has taught me: Make the most of today because you don’t know what’s coming. The phrase resonates all day: Make the most of today. It’s […]