Sometimes we look back and are disappointed how things have gone. How did we get off to such a bad start? We didn’t do what we said we were going to do. We did or said things we said we were not going to do or say. We didn’t begin well. And now we are …
Author: Erin White
Stop, and then Start
There are times I just wish I could start over; I wish things went differently. No one hopes for a bad ending. This may sound strange, yet could really pay off in the long run — before starting, try stopping. That sounds counterintuitive. What runner would stop after the gun is fired? When the proctor says, “It …
Just ask
The last two posts discussed beginning with God and looking outward. This time I want to suggest “beginning” by asking for help. Beginning a new year can be exciting, but it also can be full of unknowns and questions. As a child, I was hesitant to ask a question in class. I was afraid I …
How to begin well
Today, the blue sky could not get any bluer and the green grass any greener. It is one of those days that looks and begins to feel almost perfect, yet there is a bird in my backyard ready to attack. Usually birds leave me alone, yet this bird keeps a watchful eye on me as …
Traffic in My Heart
The other day my eight-year-old son was complaining about the traffic. “Why are there so many cars? Why is it so busy? Why do we have to wait? “ he asked. I do not think anyone enjoys traffic. Now that students are returning to town, there are more cars on the roads. Fortunately for my son, we do …
Finding Blessings in the Disruptions of Life
I am the kind of person who likes the evaluation time at our staff meetings. I enjoy improving things. It is just a part of me — wanting to edit and make things a little better or attempting to repeat what has gone well. I use to think this was an odd characteristic of mine …
Maybe the B-Team is not the B-Team after all: Living Right Where God Has You
I am the kind of person that if I have a choice, I want to be on the A-Team. Most of us probably do not aim for the “B”-Team. Growing up, my goal was to be the team captain for kickball or, at least, be one of the first kids picked. I relished in getting …
Beware of the front and center
I discovered some valuable lessons at the fabric store the other day. I quickly observed that, as people, we don’t thrive for long “up front and center.” Needing to be “right” or the focus of attention is not always pretty. The need to be noticed, or feel significant does seem to be in our nature. Who …
Signs of Another World
Do you ever wish you could just have a sign from heaven? We want signs to tell us what to do or to give us assurance in our faith. Or do you wish, like me, you had a sign to show others who are close to you who don’t believe? Perhaps they believe in the …
Naturally Sharing My Life and Faith in Normal Everyday Ways
We want our lives to be ones of influence and impact, yet often it seems like we should be doing something else, or going somewhere else. What if I said, “Our lives can have significant influence and impact right where we are, right now — where we live, walk, study, text, or work?” You might …
The Hidden Problem in Discontentment
Who wants to be around someone who is discontent? It is this ugly thing I want to avoid, yet I see it regularly in myself. Why is it so difficult to be content? Isn’t it because I want what I can’t have? Or, is it because I am not happy with what I do have? Maybe, I …
The Ultimate Blueberry Pie that You Gotta Share!
Summer is officially here, according to the calendar, even though it has felt like summer for weeks now! With summer, comes the blues– that is blueberries. Can I tell you how much I love blueberries? Everyday is a blueberry kind of day, for each morning I have blueberries on my cereal. They not only taste great, but …
Hearing for a Change. We’re talking Life-Changing Hearing.
The story was so familiar, I was tempted to pass over, not hear or ponder it one more time. But familiar things, the tried and true, tend to be what I and my family need most– not the latest idea, newest teaching or passing fad. What is best for me, is usually sensible, ordinary things– like …
Four Things my Family Needs for Building Cohesion
Something amazing was done for my family — something we could not have done for ourselves. It came unsolicited, uninvited, yet God knew we needed it. We were given a week at a family camp. Even though, it could not have been easier for us to go — no expense to our account, only an hour …
Living Missionally: Lights in a Dark World
This is Keri’s story, mom friend and Aggie alumni. I enjoy Keri’s wit, depth, and creativity. I also appreciate her passion for engaging with others about faith in a comfortable and non-threatening way. I think you will enjoy this post from her blog, “His Story, My Song,” (the link is below)- A college mentor of …