Aflame

In May, she quietly houses Northern Cardinals, but in October, she sets herself aflame in autumn color.

Can you believe the difference? In one season, this bush serves a particular quiet purpose. In another season, everything about her--even her look--changes.

I think about this particular season when I feel aflame with a stressful schedule, too many writing projects (all good!), grading deadlines (not fun!), speaking events (all exciting!), and parenting challenges (all challenging!). It feels red with energy and pace.

It didn't help that I had a fever for two days and now feel two days behind. 

My husband reminds me that it's a season. I'll have my quiet May. I'll have my deep green, soothing, shaded May.

Besides, red has its own astonishing beauty if I just step back and take it all in. 

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Are you in a stressful season?

A Meal to Deliver

Several years ago, a friend delivered a delicious meal to our family after the birth of my second child. We loved this meal so much! After all these years, I still think about this one meal.

I recently heard that everybody tends to bring lasagna to neighbors who need a meal (and sometimes lasagna gets boring), so I remembered this recipe when it was time to help a neighbor recovering from surgery.

Kids love it. Husbands love it. I love it.

It's a Cheesy Kielbasa Bake, and since I'm in bed with a fever today, I thought I'd just send you to the website that has the recipe.

If you need to deliver a meal that's not lasagna, this one tastes great and lasts a few days. Enjoy! (Deliver with salad and brownies!)

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What's your favorite meal to deliver to a neighbor that's not lasagna?

Every Moment Sacred

Last night, some friends discuss the sacred. We wonder if every moment might become sacred; we consider how even grocery shopping and washing dishes might be set apart with the power and presence of God. Can we have sacred moments in our ordinary routines?

Yes! Yes! We invite God into it all. 

I look into my daughter's eyes. I brush her beautiful hair. I walk to school in the dappled morning sunlight. I think of the beauty of words. I meditate on the sacred vocation of teaching.

Even tying my shoes, buttoning my coat, and pulling on my mittens, I think about the Almighty God who fills the whole earth with His glory.

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Did you find a sacred moment in a common thing?