A Glimpse of My Worth

Friday April 18, 2014 

What am I worth?

And how in the world can I relate to a God who sits in the heavens?

 Easter, the cross—they proclaim my worth.

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite, a quote that reminds me how an age-old story rings clear and true today.


I’m linking up with the ladies of Friday’s Fave Five, as we recount our blessings for the week. I’ve been away for a while, busy with life. So this will cover more than this week!

My favorites:

1. Oklahoma! Our fine arts students did an incredible job of performing Oklahoma, and a good time was had by all. They simply outdid themselves—as did our new director, Rachel Cox. I was honored to be her assistant, but I did little, in reality. The coolest thing about this? Ten years ago she was my student, and now she’s my colleague. The Drama department is in capable hands. She’s the best. So proud of her and our students.

2. Some time off. We have our Easter Break now, and I’m enjoying every second of it. It’s a little harbinger of summer, which is not too far away for us. And part of what I’m enjoying is the end of research paper grading! This big project is over for this year, thank heavens. I’m enjoying reading, writing…all of those good things.

3. A night at the theatre. My sweet husband got us tickets to The Screwtape Letters. It was awesome. Entertaining, thought-provoking, a great night out.

4. An opportunity for ministry. I write for The MOB Society (for moms of boys), and I’m enjoying being part of their Titus Two Team. We answer questions sent in by moms every Saturday. Last week a question about losing it with your kids prompted our leader to open a Facebook page called “No More Angry MOB,” and in one day, over 1000 moms had joined. The dialogue on the page is heart-rending as moms begin to realize they’re not alone in their struggles, as they search for ways to raise their children with a sense of the gospel, as they pour out their hearts and seek practical solutions for the challenges of motherhood. It’s a real blessing. If you are—or know of—a mom who would be interested, you can read more here in “How Do I Stop Yelling?”.

5. A quote that reminds me of what’s important about Easter:

“The Cross provides a stunning glimpse of my value in the sight of an omniscient God. The suffering and death of Christ is the price tag that God has set to secure my everlasting life WITH HIM. How much more valuable could I be in the sight of God -- whose appraisal is the only one that matters? There is no room for pride; there is no room for despair; there is ONLY room for humble worship and gratitude!” (Sam Kastensmidt)

Hoping you sense your worth to Him today,

In Praise of Rest

Friday March 14, 2014 

Who wouldn’t praise rest? 


We all need it—crave it, in fact—yet we turn our backs on rest and turn back to our tasks.

It’s so easy to buy into society’s notion that work equals worth…but that never brings peace.

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite today, as usual a quote—one that extols the value of rest.

I'm joining the ladies of Friday's Fave Five today as we recount the blessings of the week. Won't you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. Time. Spring Break this week has yielded time to read, write, wonder, plan, create. It has been wonderful.

2. Lunch out! My hubby just called and offered to take me to lunch. Another perk of Spring Break!

3. The beginnings of a book proposal. I got a major brainstorm while at Florida Christian Writers Conference, and I’m working on a proposal. I’m excited! Bonus #3: The opportunity to guest post this week, where I shared the story of amazing lessons learned in the darkness. And Adelle Gabrielson, my host, made a beautiful pin you can see here on my blog and at her place.

4. Oklahoma! The next couple of weeks promise to be busy ones, as we near opening night for Oklahoma!, our school’s spring musical. Love Rodgers and Hammerstein, and love the kids of the cast and crew!

5. A quote: 

“O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) 

I’ve had several “rest days” this week, and they have indeed been beautiful and fair. They make me long for more days of rest, but they also give me fuel to go on.

You’re getting two quotes for the price of one today because I have to share what Shelly Miller wrote on the subject:

“[R]esiliency is fueled from previous rest periods, of quiet and stillness abiding in His presence. By neglecting Sabbath for work, the result is often a lesson in futility...When we allow our outside environment to dictate our inner worth, identity becomes lopsided…Abiding in Christ through routine rest is the secret to flourishing….” 

Too often, I let my outside environment dictate my inner worth, and tasks take over.

Wadworth’s quote is short, sweet, and easy to remember: “O day of rest! How beautiful, how fair.”

Wishing you times of rest this week,