I usually love my group exercise class. The strength training routine is choreographed to ten tracks of music and almost makes working out fun. But in yesterday’s class, worry and a growing to-do list distracted me. I tried to follow the instructor, but I wasn’t fully present. As my thoughts wandered, I’d find myself ... read more
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Sabbath in the Garden
I wipe the bead of sweat trickling toward my eye before plunging my garden trowel into the fertile soil. Softened by a rain shower the night before, the ground is easily pliable. An earthworm slithers out of sight. Perfect conditions for setting out new rows of begonias. I inhale the musky scent, and God draws near. ... read more
Like the Sandhill Crane
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10 ESV I didn’t see the crane when I first climbed onto the jetty. I stilled, so as not to startle him. The sandhill crane is a strange bird. His legs are a mile long and his neck isn’t much shorter. A patch of bald red skin atop his ... read more
P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Request, Admit, Yes!)
Do you have trouble staying focused when praying? I do, and that’s why I keep a prayer journal. It’s not very formal and doesn’t follow a set format. I use different structures on different days. This practice keeps me focused and guides me as I pray, thus leading to more effective prayer time. P.R.A.Y. P.R.A.Y. is ... read more
The Most Important Thing To Do Today
As intended, the subject line of the email captured my attention: The most important blog post After clicking to open, I read — It’s on the most important blog. Yours. Even if no one but you reads it. The blog you write each day is the blog you need the most. It’s a compass and a mirror, a chance to put a ... read more
Our Gentle Giant
A 16-year-old girl, who didn’t know how to process the emotion flooding her upon hearing the news of her mother’s death, bolted from the hospital into the crisp darkness of the night. She found refuge under a pine tree, lay in the grass, and cried. That girl was me. It was my brother, Eli, who found me under the tree and ... read more
In the Company of Trees
One of the joys of spring is observing recently desolate trees showcasing new foliage —seemingly overnight. A sure sign of hope, reminding us the time to don short sleeves and sandals, eat burgers off the grill, and smell freshly-mown grass is near. Oh, but trees do much more than proclaim spring’s arrival. Obviously, ... read more
Dusk – A Natural Pause
All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.Selah! Psalms 66:4 My husband and I like rituals. One we practice at the beach is to stop what we’re doing to watch the sunset. We either settle in a balcony chair or stand by water’s edge to drink in the sight. As ... read more
My Year Reading Through the Bible – Part 2
In my last post, I told you about my fulfilling year of reading through the Bible and why I finally succeeded. You can read Part 1 here. Today, I share the nuts and bolts of what worked for me. What Worked for Me: The A, B, C’s A. Find a plan. Many methods and suggestions for reading through the Bible ... read more
My Year Reading Through the Bible
Just before Lent last year, four things motivated me to read through the Bible in one year—something never-before accomplished by this sixty-plus year-old Christian. The four things A minister I follow suggested adding a practice to grow us spiritually during Lent, rather than give something up. The seed was ... read more
