Before you try a new restaurant, do you check out the menu online? As a vegetarian, I always make sure a new place will have good veggie options. If someone else suggested the meet-up, I need to know if I should snack beforehand. Checking out the menu in advance has another value: it builds anticipation. … Continue reading Use anticipation to build the good.
Tag: joy
Resilience
A tree in our neighborhood speaks to me of resilience. Its roots had grown under the fence so that they had to cut space for them, yet its canopy had withered. They called a tree company to cut it down. I always hate to see a tree go, but they didn’t cut it down completely. … Continue reading Resilience
The Benefits of Paying Attention
I am over-the-moon that (in)courage has shared my article today. It begins: Last summer our family (my husband, teenage son, and I) took a month-long road trip through the United States as part of Dave’s pastoral sabbatical. We made a loop from our home in Northern California through the Southwest to Kentucky and back through … Continue reading The Benefits of Paying Attention
Gratitude as Joyful Self-Care
What book has made a lasting positive impression on your life? If you’re a reader, you know: some books are more than good. They’re life-changing. Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts has been one such book for me. Though Voskamp has endured heartbreaking tragedy within her own family, she found her way to gratitude and, through … Continue reading Gratitude as Joyful Self-Care
Want to Be Productive? Add Joy!
When our younger son was diagnosed in middle school with inattentive ADHD, I discovered that I have it, too. Our older son has what most people think of as ADHD: capital-H Hyperactive. Our younger son’s personality is so different that we had no idea. Turns out, ADHD doesn’t always look the same. I thought I … Continue reading Want to Be Productive? Add Joy!
Five Types of Prayer to Refresh Your Joy
How do you feel about prayer? I’ll admit I have mixed feelings. I grew up in churches. I attended a Christian college and seminary. I have been involved with countless ministries. I have worked at churches. And I have prayed silently and out loud in every one of those contexts. Still, for much of my … Continue reading Five Types of Prayer to Refresh Your Joy
New Shoes
At one point, I couldn’t imagine wearing out two-plus pairs of shoes per year. Now each day begins with pavement pounding. My junior high mile run time was slower than my current walking mile time. I loved school and books and writing, but hated PE. I snail-crawled my way through the mile “run,” followed by … Continue reading New Shoes
Happiness as an Animal? Meet the Quokka
A writing friend sent me some writing prompts. One in particular caught my eye: “Compare happiness to an animal.” My animal-loving son sat nearby as I read her email. I love animals, you may love animals, many of us love animals. My son takes loving animals to a whole different level. Like to an animal … Continue reading Happiness as an Animal? Meet the Quokka
Easter is Over
Jesus died for love of us.Jesus beat death for love of us. He is risen, He is risen indeed. Easter is over … yet your season of grief may continue.I’m sorry. Life is hard, and there are so many occasions for grief. Jesus longs to turn our wailing into dancing, to swap our mourning clothes … Continue reading Easter is Over
5 Healthy Habits for 2021
Last year I set a goal to drink more water. I wobbled for a while before the habit took hold. Initially, my skinny water bottle needed to be filled 4 times each day to meet my goal and I kept losing track - was I on bottle #3 or #4? Eventually, I recognized the bottle … Continue reading 5 Healthy Habits for 2021