Some Powerful Moments in Psalm 119
I love meditating on Psalm 119. What a beautiful treasure in the Bible! I noted a few special moments in this psalm this morning that work as powerful prayers. First, I love verses 35-37 as a prayer for my family: “Direct [us] in the path of your commands, for there [we] find delight. Turn [our] […]
Look Around: There’s Always Something
We notice so many blue jays on our cold walks. Why are they here? What are they doing? Why are they so active right now? I learn that blue jays are strange, strange birds. Nobody knows quite why they do what they do. Sometimes they migrate; other times they stay right where they are if […]
All Must Go Right
This morning, I read Hannah Whitall Smith’s words of great encouragement: Wherever the Lord is, all must go right for His children; His presence is enough. She explains how God’s presence assures of us comfort, rest, and deliverance, and if we could truly understand this, “a wellspring of joy would be opened up in our […]
Adding in the Joy
Today I thought of a fun question: How can I add joy here? In any situation, I might contribute meaningfully to reflect the joy of the Lord in endlessly creative and unexpected ways–through speech and action but also prayer.
A Day to Celebrate
I’m so thankful today! Today marks the last day of in-person instruction at Penn State. I made it! I didn’t miss a single class due to illness! What a great day.
The Greystone Devotions for Your Children
Several years ago, I wrote some devotional material for Camp Greystone campers that added to Greystone’s collection of great words of encouragement for children and teens alike. Greystone sends out a short, daily devotion written by counselors and former staff. They are so good! I love reading simple, clear, and powerful words of instruction intended […]
Less Than You Might Do
Especially around the holidays, we exhaust ourselves. But living through a pandemic with all its uncertainty and fear means we’re adding this stress onto what’s already exhausting us. Do you remember 10 years ago when I wrote about making your Not To Do List? The Not to Do list can start now as you list things […]
What You Need to Put Up With This
I’m learning from some great professional development coaching questions from Andi Saitowitz that she provides in a personal development journal called Rise and Shine. She invites readers to pick something in their life they cannot change. Then, she challenges them to accept this thing and then see that thing as a blessing (hard to do!). […]
A Bible Verse to Encourage You Today: Psalm 84:11
This morning I read Psalm 84:11. I took a picture of it and texted it to my daughters to enjoy. I told my husband about it. Then, I wrote about it in my journal. Now, I’m telling you. After you read it, consider a person you might tell who needs it desperately today. Consider memorizing […]
Low Expectations While Hopeful
Another thing I’ve learned from living in a pandemic: keep expectations low, but stay hopeful. With a rapidly changing situation with infections rising, I wonder if interstate travel will stop for a while at least in Pennsylvania. Will this mean no outdoor Thanksgiving with my family in other states? Will this mean no Christmas gatherings […]