Snow Day: Made New

The world is made new in a snowfall. White sky, white earth. Even the light looks different. Fresher. Brighter. We know the snow is coming. The delight. The percentage of chance increases slowly on the radar until we are certain. The anticipation. We pick up extra...

Person to Self: Restoring the Relationship

In some circles, the world “self” has gotten a bad rap. Some seem threatened by discussion of the self, afraid that it will spiral into self-absorption. How I relate to and care for my self can be rescued from the condemnation of selfishness. They are not...

The Lord is Near

19 degrees Fahrenheit, cold and bright. The winter chill has hushed the world. I can see the dogs’ breath as they bask in the sun outside the window. A mug of tea warms my coaster. In the kitchen, the split peas are soaking for soup. I am still. David is at a...

Celebration Fare: Challah Bread

Once upon a time, a missionary named Judy lived in the Middle East. There, she learned a recipe for a braided, slightly sweet Jewish bread called challah. The eggs make it creamy but light and the striking presentation looks perfect for a celebration. Judy brought the...

Bear With One Another: The Prince of Peace

When I was in college, my favorite professor recommended PeaceMeal, a free email subscription to relational wisdom from Peacemaker Ministries. You’re going to receive a lot of email every day, he said. This one is worth it.  I loved this professor because he...