Stress Response
We will pause here a moment in our usually scheduled program to talk about some of the ways that we respond to stress. Why? Because—at long last—I’ve succumbed to the realization that the stress factor is in place at this point, whether I want it or not (and whether I feel like it or not)…but also because some of our stress responses are just plain funny…and probably revealing of who we are in deep and unfortunate ways.
Perfect Timing
Some days you have two full meals to choose from for dinner. Others, you have a rejected post submission. Both times, it turns out, the timing was practically perfect in every way.
Not a Waste
It felt like all the things I’d been trying to do, from the insignificant to the important, were just a sweeping waste of time.
So I sat with this verse: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Unexpected
Have you ever read a book that wrecked you in an unexpected way? You’re reading a book that should be light and easy and, before you know it, you’re sitting there with tears streaming down your face, unable to read aloud another word because something deeply hidden in your heart just had light thrown on it.
A Different Way to See (Part Two)
The idea that what we think we know about something can get in the way of actually seeing (or hearing) well even applies to how we see ourselves.
A Different Way to See (Part One)
It is very hard to look at something... What we think we know about that object gets in the way.
Why We Read Biographies
Much like travel writing, where you get to see a different part of the world without ever leaving the comfort of your own couch, biographies and memoirs enable us to experience another’s point of view, feel another’s feelings, live another’s life. This is the kind of opportunity we don’t really get even with those that we know the most intimately.
The Way the Light Bends
The darkness is always near, but God reaches out to show us himself in these seasons, not in a blinding flood of revelation (not yet!), but in streaks of goodness that seem to bend to touch our hearts, if we can look into the darkness so that we don’t miss them.
Open Eyed Asking
How do I ask wholeheartedly, and continue asking in faith, and yet, with untainted trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, leave it fully in God’s hands?
The Truth of More
We see how our faith builds, cyclically, multidimensionally: our faith enables more faith which enables more faith.
Full, not Busy
But when I slow down long enough to think about it, I realize—all the things I’m doing during a day are good things, things I enjoy, things I have welcomed into my day for a reason. So is this really busyness—frenetic activity for activity’s sake—or is it fullness, a rich life of purpose and joy?
Beauty to Share
A quartet of books to share with your kids and a couple more for you to breeze through if you need to reassess where your time is going and why.
Albatross or Ebenezer
Some kids like to sleep with stuffed animals, but for months, my daughter chose to sleep with a large chunk of concrete. Because that makes perfect logical sense. It's soft and fuzzy and feels good if you roll over on it in the night.