One year ago today, a very precious friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. She was incredibly sweet and servant hearted. We became friends when I was living in Houston several years ago. When I moved away, we maintained contact through phone conversations every few weeks and in-person visits once or twice each year. Before her … [Read more...] about Keeping in Touch with Friends from Your Past
Memorizing Scripture (Part 2)
Last week, in light of my goal of memorizing at least one Bible verse or passage each month during 2013, I described some reasons why scripture memorization is beneficial. Today, I’ll discuss some approaches to memorizing scripture. No approach is necessarily the “best.” Instead, the most efficient and effective approach for each of us depends … [Read more...] about Memorizing Scripture (Part 2)
12 Lessons Learned in 2012
Every day of 2012 presented opportunities to learn something new. When I reflect on the days of 2012 collectively, several of the lessons I’ve learned stand out. Make keeping in touch with friends from your past a priority. With so many obligations vying for my time and effort, it is tough to maintain contact with friends from my past. In … [Read more...] about 12 Lessons Learned in 2012
Memorizing Scripture (Part 1)
I memorized scripture regularly during my teen years and as an undergraduate student. Over the last several years, my memorization has become sporadic. Thanks to some introspection and goal planning, this is about to change! I’ve set for myself the goal of memorizing at least one Bible verse or passage each month during 2013. Today, I’ll … [Read more...] about Memorizing Scripture (Part 1)
Recycling Christmas
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of waste produced by Americans increases by 25% during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. (This is approximately 1 million extra tons of trash each year!) Personally, I think the best way to have an environmentally conscious holiday season is to plan ahead. Unfortunately, my … [Read more...] about Recycling Christmas
Reflections on Christ’s Humility
This Christmas season I have found myself drawn to an account of the humility of the one who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; … [Read more...] about Reflections on Christ’s Humility
Setting Goals for the New Year
In just a few days I will begin my annual phase of faltering when writing the date. My brain will recognize the error a split second after my hand automatically writes “2012.” The New Year is often conceptualized as a fresh start or a blank slate. My husband and I have chosen to capitalize on this concept by setting goals for the coming … [Read more...] about Setting Goals for the New Year
Tragedies as Teachable Moments
Much has been—and will continue to be—said in the wake of the December 14th shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. No matter how eloquently, passionately, or convincingly spoken, it is all powerless to restore the lives that were taken on that day or erase the pain being felt by so many. I’m not sure that I have anything exceptionally … [Read more...] about Tragedies as Teachable Moments
