>Perhaps you’ve heard of the ten-second rule about food that falls on the floor—if it’s been on the floor less than ten seconds, it’s still good. The Myth Busters television program has dispelled that myth: any amount of time on the floor exposes food to bacteria.But have you heard about the five-minute rule for church … Continue reading >The Five-Minute Rule

>I’ve been thinking a lot about Christianity and the arts, which has gotten me thinking about Christian artists and my former Latin tutor, John Barach, directed me to the blog of Makoto Fujimura, WORLD magazine’s “Daniel of the Year” in 2005.Fujimura is not only a world-class studio artist; he’s a thoughtful and articulate writer. Reading … Continue reading >Fujimura on Art

>This morning for various reasons, I am again amazed at my total dependence on God and his remarkable grace.I am reminded of a poem I wrote many years ago.DoxologyIt's done.I stand agapeat what's been doneby OneTriune MajestyWho swellsmy souluntilthis slack-jawedmaggotsings.

>I'm helping host a bridal shower tea tomorrow afternoon and I'm bringing the teas. I wanted to bring chai for one of the options, but didn't know which brand to buy. So I bought three different types. This morning I labeled three styrofoam cups and tried them all.It was a tough decision, but I think … Continue reading >Chai!!

>Much of my recent reading reminds me that paradise will not be merely regained, but restored. Restored to a better than original state. The word "restored" even seems an inadequate description. Perhaps "recreated" or "renewed" better captures the concept of not simply a return to the original, but a remaking that surpasses the original.Today's Tabletalk … Continue reading >Paradise Restored

>Having just returned from an instense business trip and finding myself feeling a bit more overwhelmed than usual, I am reminded (as I so often am) of Elisabeth Elliot's marvelous advice: "Do the next thing."Her wise counsel has often helped me through difficult times of suffering as well as stressful times of work. It's easy … Continue reading >Doing the Next Thing

>When I get up on clear mornings, my spirit is pierced by the beauty of a single bright star throbbing like a living diamond in the dark pre-dawn sky. It always reminds me of Christ, the bright and morning star.This is an appellation that Christ gave Himself with His penultimate words to believers: “I, Jesus, … Continue reading >The Bright and Morning Star

>For years I was busy with the important work of raising our four children. I'd always longed to write, but I believed that if I honored God by focusing on my maternal calling while my children were young, He would provide another avenue of service in His perfect timing.Like a skilled surgeon, God used circumstances … Continue reading >One Talent

>My morning devotions from Ligonier's Tabletalk reminded me how our first parents tried to shirk responsibility for their actions by blaming their sin on someone else.Adam even dared to suggest that it was all God's fault; after all, it was God who gave Adam the woman in the first place. And Eve isn't much better, … Continue reading >The Blame Game

>I’m on the edge of many communities, but a part of none.I write for a magazine, but I’ve never visited the office or met the editor.I work for a seminary, but I rarely visit and am not considered part of that community.I work for a church, but have little interaction with its leaders or staff … Continue reading >Fringe Benefits