Sparklers

My sister and I were out and about a few weeks ago, and she found and purchased a couple boxes of sparklers. Oh, the memories! When we were kids, Mom wasn't thrilled about the marks those black snakes (little pods you lit and they sort of grew) made on the sidewalks. We also weren't much for firecrackers. But sparklers... sparklers were fun and pretty and safe if you didn't touch the end after it burned out. We'd make loop-the-loops and alphabets and other designs, sometimes with a sparkler in each hand. I'm looking forward to reliving those days on Thursday, and hope you're planning something special for the Fourth of July as well



Friends in Faith: Karin Ebert

In the three years I have known her, I have never seen Karin Ebert look anything other than engaged in any situation… whether it’s a few of us sharing about our struggles, listening to a presenter, or enjoying a meal together. I’m betting that engagement shines through in the classroom too.

You see, Karin is a middle school Spanish teacher in a large public school system. She encounters children every day who are challenged by a lack of parental involvement, peer pressures, and more. She’s a tough but fair and invested teacher, the kind students come back to five or ten years later and say “thank you.”

Karin’s also not afraid to share her faith with students and colleagues. I learn from her not to be so concerned about what anyone other than the Lord thinks of me.

On the Nightstand: A Season of Grace

I had a plan for this month. I was going to read Heather King's new book, Ravished: Notes on Womanhood. Except, well, I took it along on my annual self-directed silent retreat and finished it the first night. I recommend it highly. That means A Season of Grace: Embracing God's Gifts in the Autumn of Our Lives by Carolyn Bassett is at the top of my nightstand now. The book consists of 75 two-page reflections that remind us that the best is yet to be, regardless of what our joints and graying hair tell us. I'm getting to know Carolyn because she's going to speak at the October Future with Hope Women's Conference, and I'm betting the gentle spirit I've experienced via email and the phone comes through on each page of her book.

I'm often asked for spiritual book recommendations, so my website now has a section of books that resonate with me. See what you think in the Shop section.