Have you ever painted a sunset?
Some of my fondest memories of my youngest daughter are the times we used to paint the sunset. She was probably about three years old, and whenever we spotted a sunset, we’d pull out our imaginary paintbrushes and paint, together. We’d make flourishes with our brushes, in oranges and yellows and reds. And then we would dab […]
Courted by the King
My life is a courtship. I think it must be. I decided that upon reading the Upper Room meditation today called First Love. The author writes of rejuvenating her long-standing marital relationship with regular “dates.” And I think, my life is a courtship, with the Love of my life. An ever-extended date where we get […]
Taking the low road to get to the high road
God’s idea for me today was… “sometimes you have to take the low road to get to the high road.” Now, I have never considered myself a settle-for-average-or-below kind of person. (And let’s face it, when my kids say they “failed” a test, they are usually worried they may not have gotten an A.) But […]
The Tipping Point of Resolve
What is the magic of January first? People invest it with such power. The attraction of the clean slate. The leaving everything behind and starting fresh. My resolution is…I firmly resolve…this time I will get it right…starting tomorrow. Why wait? Why not start right now? I’ve worked with people who have made all the usual […]
Giving and taking, it’s all part of the Dance
Some say there are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. Givers give because: they’re generous/have the gift of generosity or they want people to like them or they want to be sure they are good enough some want to be sure they are good enough for God Takers take because: they […]
In Mary, God became flesh (actually)
How soon the Christmas carols that were being piped over speakers and intercoms everywhere are silenced. At the gym yesterday, there was no music. Just the sounds of people doing what they do in the weight room, on the track, in the locker room. I noticed the silence. This is odd because, as my kids will tell you, I […]
Navigating the Neutral Zone
How do you come to the table? the decision table, that is. A person I respect offered, “Come to the table with your contribution but not with your mind made up.” Such good advice, if you can pull it off. My problem is…I am a leaner. I am not sure I am ever neutral. I come with […]
Nix the Cardio-loading and Balance Your Fitness This Year
This is gonna be a decidedly low tech Christmas and new year for me. I have just read Lenny Bernstein’s blog in the Washington Post magazine highlighting a couple of “science fitness” options: an ear bud who whispers sweet workout feedback into your ear and a hovercraft that badgers you to stay on pace. Not […]
Teachers are heroes: “Just Do What Works”
Mrs. James is my hero. She teaches the 4th grade at an elementary school near me. I am the fortunate recipient of two “pals” from her class. On Wednesdays, I get to go and play games with them for half an hour during their “lunch period.” If you can call 10:30 am a lunch period. […]
God along the Touchline
In a split second. In the blink of an eye. I can be changed. Do I believe this? I have been the kind of person who, okay religiously, sits before God and “does devotions” each morning and then launches out into my day. This blog is part of the product of that time. But the God-presence in […]