-
Dear Future Me
Do you ever write notes to your future self? When I’ve completed a task, a lesson plan, even a party, I’ll jot down thoughts for the next time around. I just know by the time I open a file a year later, I will never remember such details as “buy more forks” or “take two days for this lesson” or “don’t forget name tags!” Reflecting on the year 2018, what would you tell the future you? What are some lessons, simple or profound, you know you’ll probably forget in the future? Here are a few to get you thinking: Dear Future Me: In this new year be more flexible. You…
-
Free Samples!
Did you know if you try a little sample of fudge in all the candy shops on Mackinac Island, you will have consumed 1 pound of fudge by the end of your tour? Yummmm! Who doesn’t love samples! I am especially fond of the warehouse stores whose friendly representatives entice me to try things I may never have considered before. They know I might be more willing to invest in their product if I take a little nibble first. Today I want to share another kind of free sample. In the heart of the Psalms, we hear the invitation: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 24:8a Taste…
-
Beating Burnout – Four Possible Steps
Tired. Weary. Exhausted. Sometimes we’re just having a busy day. At other times, we experience seasons of hard work and long hours. Unfortunately, not all labor produces obvious fruit and we can feel like we’re spinning our wheels, a common feeling in ministry. Obviously, if our path is leading to burnout, something has to give. It’s time to take a step, even if we’re dead on our feet. Sometimes we just need to take a STEP BACK – a break, a hiatus, or a vacation. How many people really take a day off or a true Sabbath rest? I know I’m guilty of dragging work home with me on…
-
It’s April!!
This morning I wanted to write something snarky on Facebook like “Would someone PA-LEEZE tell Wisconsin that the calendar has flipped!” Then the words of my son came back to me. “Mom,” he once said, when people complain about this weather, it’s not spring they want but summer! This IS spring weather – at least in Wisconsin.” I used to LOVE spring as a kid! April was my favorite month of all! But maybe that had more to do with an April birthday and the fact that I lived farther south. Now I live in The Land of Eternal Winter and by the time my boots are put away,…
-
Can I Have a Word with You?
That question coming from someone in authority can be a little daunting. From a boss it can invoke fear and trepidation. What does he/she want? Did I do something wrong? From a family member, it might strike a fear of another kind…bad news? But from God….well, THAT’s a different story! Below is an excerpt entitled “Can I Have a Word with You?” from my husband’s monthly newsletter. It came up in a recent conversation between us and sheepishly I admitted I hadn’t read it. When I did, it had such an impact not only am I sharing a snippet with you below, but it sparked an idea I’ll explain at…
-
A Psalm 136 Christmas Letter
Last week I started a Christmas letter. Determined to NOT skip another year, I hastily (because I’m busy) and concisely (because I dislike long epistles) shared the “highlights” of the year. Why? Good question. It stems from the days prior to Facebook and Instagram to keep everyone up to date on our lives. In the “old” days, Christmas letters let far-away relatives know what we’d been doing – vacations, moves, etc. We’d share glowing reports of our kids’ activities – soccer, band, lessons, scouts, dance, you name it. In keeping with tradition, I replayed that old record. Then I hit delete. Something didn’t set well. Something wasn’t right. Oh, everything…
author and speaker
