2023-03-30 18:25
When I train my mind in gratitude, it does help. It primes me for hopeful thoughts, even when so much seems to go wrong in the world. Today, I began to record what I loved.
Things I Love… Read More
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What would life look like if you could turn common moments into extraordinary ones? Find your daily flair at "Live with Flair." It just might make you happy.
2023-03-29 18:58
I love looking back over all the various ways Ashley and I have gathered people together as one of the core values of our life in marriage and ministry. And as I continue to fight the loneli… Read More
2023-03-28 11:13
In Abiding in Christ, Andrew Murray states something I’ve been thinking about for the past few years. Curiously, when I pray for God to strengthen me, He puts me in a position of more… Read More
2023-03-27 12:30
I read Colossians 1:13 where Paul writes, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son.” I notice the past tense verbs th… Read More
2023-03-26 21:16
In church this morning, I notice the repetition of a key idea: step aside.
Step aside so God can work.
Step aside so God can do what only He can do.
Step aside because you aren&rs&hell…Read More
2023-03-25 19:35
It’s a rainy, chilly day here in Pennsylvania—a perfect afternoon for a cup of tea. I recently discovered a new favorite tea flavor that tastes just like a warm dessert. It&rsquo&hell…Read More
2023-03-24 16:33
I recently heard two different people talking about “pre-deciding.” I’m hearing sermons, reading research, and listening to general conversation about the power of pre-deci… Read More
2023-03-23 23:20
I love this quote from James Clear’s newsletter today: “Your problems adjust to their true level of importance after a hard workout and a good night of sleep.” His words re… Read More
2023-03-22 19:13
Today I recalled Psalm 139: 23-24:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlas… Read More
2023-03-21 16:43
In one activity in my advanced writing class, we talk about the 5 Main Weaknesses in Academic Writing: weak verbs, delayed verbs, nominalization (making verbs into nouns), incorrect parallel… Read More
2023-03-20 14:47
I learn I need to mist my gardenia (and now also my lemon tree—I didn’t know!) twice a day. Twice! Creating the right, humid environment for such plants requires constant vigilan… Read More
2023-03-18 12:55
So far, I’ve loved reading more and more about the attributes of God in Grudem’s Systematic Theology. This morning, I considered God’s glory. I love this sentence about how… Read More
2023-03-17 15:23
After thinking more about Andrew Murray’s analysis of intercession in Luke 11, I pray God gives me spiritual food to nourish others.
Before teaching, before going into a meeting, b… Read More
2023-03-16 12:52
I’m struck by Andrew Murray’s insight into Luke 11 in his book on intercession. He taught me something I had never noticed before. Consider the passage in verses 5-10:
Then Je… Read More
2023-03-15 12:38
In Numbers this morning, I take note of God’s orderly instructions regarding when the Israelites should stay or go. It’s wonderful to think of God’s care for them in Number… Read More
2023-03-13 11:13
In Psalm 65:5, I note three interesting things. David writes, “By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness. . .”
God performs awesome deeds for us. In the Hebrew, &ldquo&hell…Read More
2023-03-12 11:39
I continue to love this theme of knowing God’s peace: well-ordered, pleasant, and righteous. His paths are best. His care for us is right, in whatever way it manifests. This morning, I… Read More
2023-03-11 13:07
I love when I arrive to Numbers 6:22-27 in my Bible reading. Here you find the blessing God gave to Aaron to speak over the people. It’s stunning:
“The Lord bless y… Read More
2023-03-10 16:53
I’m reading Andrew Murray’s book, The Ministry of Intercession, and I find myself so inspired and renewed in my prayer life. I love how Murray sets up scenarios of very busy peop… Read More
2023-03-09 21:11
I’m reading about the attribute of God as Peace and Order in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. I find myself returning to the same paragraph over and over again. He writes, &ld&hell…Read More
2023-03-08 19:28
Sometimes when I speak at retreats, I’ll ask people to call out the first word that comes to mind when they think about Jesus. I love this moment because we all learn so much about peo… Read More
2023-03-07 21:04
I love this short clip of from Alistair Begg. Watch till the end and rejoice that you know the man on the middle cross. Nothing depends on you or me. Everything depends on Jesus.
The p… Read More
2023-03-06 15:45
When I recounted my recent travel trial to my friend, she encouraged me that “everything is content”—meaning everything God puts me through is a wonderful lesson that I mig… Read More
2023-03-05 13:21
This morning I read this sentence from Hannah Whitall Smith:
“Our souls are of such a divine origin that no other joy but God can satisfy them.”
Hannah Whitall Smith
If… Read More
2023-03-04 12:43
This morning, I remembered the miracle in John 2 where Jesus turns water into wine. It’s perhaps one of the most well-known miracles as the first public demonstration of power after Je… Read More
2023-03-03 22:17
I’m learning to trust God moment by moment. This matters for someone who needs to know the future plans, the future solutions, and the future scenarios that might go wrong. God invites… Read More
2023-03-02 12:46
I heard a pastor share something profound. He related a story about the time he was little and he and his mother visited a photoshoot inside a home that Southern Living would feature in the… Read More
2023-03-01 12:47
I heard this song at a conference, and I can’t stop listening to it. It’s a beautiful song. It’s called “Look What the Lord Has Done” arranged with Carl Cartee… Read More
2023-02-28 12:33
I love the clarity we find in Psalm 143:8, 10. David simply requests this of God:
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. . . Teach me to do your will, for you a… Read More
2023-02-27 19:00
I asked at TSA agent how he was doing. He said, “Better than I should be!’ I laughed and smiled as I passed through security and continued on with my itinerary.
I thought abo… Read More
2023-02-26 15:21
This song, “Hold Me Jesus,” from Rich Mullins, meant so much to me in college. I love the piano, especially. This isn’t an old hymn, but I rank it high as a song that helps… Read More
2023-02-25 15:13
I absolutely love “Come Thou Fount” from my days as a counselor at Camp Greystone. I learned from Libby Miller about raising my Ebenezer from 1 Samuel 7 where Samuel sets up a me… Read More
2023-02-24 15:10
Today, enjoy this version of Be Thou My Vision from Shane and Shane. If you want a beautiful way to worship right now, sing along to this:
The post Now and Always appeared first on Hea… Read More
2023-02-23 15:06
For the next several days, I’m traveling to speak on Sent and Six Conversations. While I always record my Live with Flair moments in my journal, this weekend, I won’t record on t… Read More
2023-02-22 15:05
I love returning to my old favorite gospel songs. In this version of “Because He Lives,” I’m enjoying the instruments and harmonies of Celtic Worship. I hope you love it!… Read More
2023-02-21 17:16
My friend posted something on Facebook yesterday that amazed Ashley and me. It immediately reminded me of the verse, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:… Read More
2023-02-20 14:18
This morning, I felt so encouraged by a letter from our missionary friends, John and Jenny Karraker. In it, they describe what it’s like to travel so much when things happen that you c… Read More
2023-02-19 19:37
I have been thinking about what it means to be “conformed to the image of Christ” as it reads in Romans 8:29: For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed… Read More
2023-02-18 16:16
“They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” I read these words in Deuteronomy 32:47 this morning, and they reaffirmed my love of reading, studying, and memor… Read More
2023-02-17 22:07
Today I loved thinking of how God “shelters” us. It’s a beautiful word of warmth, protection, and familiarity. I thought of Psalm 91: Whoever dwells in the shelter&nbs&hell…Read More
2023-02-16 19:19
You know how, at the end of a job interview, the recruiter will ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” Well, students often flounder here. They might try something like, &ldquo&hell…Read More
2023-02-15 16:28
This morning, I took great comfort in God’s omnipresence. He is everywhere. There is no place in your life He is not. He is present with you to bless, comfort, and protect. Just thinki… Read More
2023-02-15 02:04
I love focusing on the attributes of God. For example, God is omnipotent. He is all powerful; we are not. God’s omnipotence means He has unlimited power. There is nothing He cannot do… Read More
2023-02-12 20:31
My dear friend and mentor told me a phrase to think (and say) when I feel alone or overwhelmed in a situation. Normally, I might say to Jesus, “What am I going to do about this?”… Read More
2023-02-11 15:16
I continue to think about something my dear friend told me last week. She said to remember that Jesus “is the way, the truth, and the life.” In John 14:6, the disciples are confu… Read More
2023-02-10 18:40
Today I looked out into the garden and observed the bare limbs of my plum trees and peach trees. This spring could mark the very spring when blossoms finally appear, when plums finally grow… Read More
2023-02-09 23:01
I remembered to ask this question with full sincerity today–with suggestions to follow. Make a suggestion of how you might help. Run an errand? Do your laundry? Give you feedback? List… Read More
2023-02-08 15:23
Last night, my student invited me to attend an event on campus with award-winning poet Kwame Alexander. During the Q&A, a student asked about the best professional advice he’d ever… Read More
2023-02-07 13:07
Today I begin my Professional Storytelling unit in my advanced writing class. Students learn all about the power of narrative and how to use their best stories in professional settings. Mayb… Read More
2023-02-06 18:32
As I’ve been thinking about “joys multiplied,” I enjoyed a special little joy this past weekend. As you know, I love the show Gilmore Girls, and I especially love Emily Gil… Read More
2023-02-05 20:47
I memorized Psalm 16 as a graduate student back in 1998. I love reading it every month and thinking about what words or phrases now mean something different to me. For example, for the first… Read More
2023-02-05 00:23
Deep Conversation at the Book Signing Table
The post Some Pictures from a “Surrendered and Sent” Retreat appeared first on Heather Holleman Read More
2023-02-03 13:56
I loved reading this from Hannah Whitall Smith that she wrote in her book Everyday Religion back in 1902. She writes, “The only thing that can bring unfailing joy to the soul is to und… Read More
2023-02-02 14:39
I follow Bob Tiede’s blog Leading with Questions, and today, I learned another great question to ask those you lead (or even family members). His guest post from Dan Rockwell on &ldquo&hell…Read More
2023-02-01 20:32
Among so many other things in life, I cannot control this little orchid. It blooms and blooms, year after year—sometimes in summer, sometimes in March, sometimes right now. I hardly wa… Read More
2023-01-31 13:02
I’m so thrilled that this marks the last day of January and tomorrow starts a fresh month in the Psalms. My neighbors in Pennsylvania always brace themselves for January; it’s a… Read More
2023-01-30 19:31
Today I talked to friends about how often we feel insecure in our various professional roles. I remembered the email a Cru leader in Faculty Commons (our graduate student and professor minis… Read More
2023-01-29 13:24
This morning, I loved thinking about Isaiah 30:15 in various translations. I like this one from the Berean Standard Bible: For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “By repen… Read More
2023-01-28 18:25
Today the neighbors headed outside. With slightly warmer temperatures, blue skies, and sunshine, we walk about on sidewalks glistening from snowmelt. The world is so bright from the sun refl… Read More
2023-01-27 20:40
Today I took comfort in Ecclesiastes 3:1: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. In January in Pennsylvania, my friend and I talk about livin… Read More
2023-01-26 17:59
This morning I read a beautiful quote by Dannah Gresh: “Your hardest day with Jesus by your side is always better than your best day without Him.”
I immediately remembered Jo… Read More
2023-01-25 14:20
This winter, I’m trying out some fun 1950’s desserts. I love having pretty little dessert treats to help us through the dreary January days. I found this cute website listing all… Read More
2023-01-24 22:50
As I learn more and more about teaching and how to prepare a brain to receive and remember information, I added three key components to my college classroom: more fun, more hands-on activiti… Read More
2023-01-23 15:13
As I read and delighted in Psalm 119 this morning, I paused and asked God for the very wisdom the priest mentions:
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it a… Read More
2023-01-22 22:20
I love decluttering. You can declutter spaces, and you can declutter your mind. Try this:
In any space, challenge yourself to get rid of 10 things you don’t need or haven’t w… Read More
2023-01-21 18:13
I love the image in scripture from Ezekiel 34: 25-27 of the “showers of blessing.” The Lord promises this:
I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wil… Read More
2023-01-20 17:58
I love learning about prayer from others. How do they pray? Where do they pray? When do they pray? What do they most talk to God about? How do they experience God in prayer? What is it like?… Read More
2023-01-19 22:15
For years, I’ve resisted using the calendar on my phone and all the organizational tools available to me. I wanted to live as tech-free as possible. But the time came; I’m now fu… Read More
2023-01-18 12:32
I love Psalm 90:14-17. It reads like this::
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have aff… Read More
2023-01-17 21:08
Do you remember how Mr. Rogers always did the same thing when he arrived back home on the show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood? He opens the door, waves to us, sings a song, takes off his spo… Read More
2023-01-16 15:00
I always pause when I read the word “pilgrimage” in the Psalms. Most notably, I love Psalm 84:5: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrima… Read More
2023-01-15 13:35
I’m driving in a confusing rental car up Seven Mountains to get home to State College. Because of my bad knee, I can rarely drive more than 20 minutes without immense pain. So when tra… Read More
2023-01-14 21:06
I just returned from a wonderful women’s retreat in Lancaster. For the theme of “Belonging,” I spoke on Seated, Surrendered, and Sent, and I enjoyed true fellowship with so… Read More
2023-01-13 17:00
Today I chuckled about how I can make even something like simplicity overcomplicated. Many of my friends and students deeply value “simplicity.” I think to myself all about what… Read More
2023-01-12 12:35
This morning, I enjoyed a wonderful thought: What if I served as an answer to someone’s prayer today? I wrote in my prayer journal to God that He could send me today to be an answer to… Read More
2023-01-11 15:03
I recently began asking students to share their favorite music for us to create a class music playlist. I’ve learned how much people love to connect about music. As a music lover who a… Read More
2023-01-10 21:21
I love picturing ideas in my head to help me understand God’s activity in my life. Biblical images, for example, of God’s guarding care prompted the book Guarded by Christ. I lov… Read More
2023-01-08 20:43
All night and today (with a terrible migraine!) I meditated on Psalm 37:11: The meek shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in abundant peace. I spent some time thinking about the wo… Read More
2023-01-07 19:43
Something I always worry about involves a migraine striking on a day I need to teach or speak. Well, this morning, a migraine came! Perhaps the colder weather, perhaps something I ate, perha… Read More
2023-01-06 15:16
This semester, I’m on a new committee to think about student well-being and success. Serving on the Student Well-Being and Success committee for the Schreyer Honors College at Penn Sta… Read More
2023-01-05 16:25
I want to move into 2023 with clarity. I want to know I’m making the right decisions about where to spend time and invest energy. As I plan my To-Do list today, I realize how many choi… Read More
2023-01-04 21:48
Do you remember how I told you that I read Psalm 18 as a young woman so much that it disintegrated? It’s true! It’s missing from my old Bible, worn away from highlights, notes, t… Read More
2023-01-03 21:16
This past weekend, I spoke at the Cru Dallas Winter Conference on Seated with Christ. I began speaking on Ephesians 2:6 in 2013, so I’ve been giving this message for 10 years! What a j… Read More
2023-01-02 19:01
I’ve learned a few things after over a decade of public speaking and 25 years of teaching in college classrooms. The one thing I know now is that you can never really know what people… Read More
2023-01-01 18:58
As you’re reading this, I’m in Dallas at the Cru Winter Conference to speak on Ephesians 2 on being seated with Christ. What a life-changing message I continue to preach to mysel… Read More
2022-12-31 18:48
Since most everyone considers New Year’s resolutions today—as they prepare for 2023—I thought about the two essential practices that I would start if I were telling a young… Read More
2022-12-30 14:58
My wise mentor tells me she’s praying for “unexpected joys” on my travels. The phrase sticks to my soul; I’m eagerly anticipating the Lord’s “unexpected j… Read More
2022-12-30 00:30
I’ve learned a few tricks to endure long car trips. Because our families live in the south, we must take day-long road trips to visit them for holidays. It’s one of my least favo… Read More
2022-12-28 21:28
One of our family mottos (besides “Every rejection is God’s protection) is “Every delay is God’s way.” Today, we learned this lesson in such a happy way. While… Read More
2022-12-27 21:47
I find myself on a walk in North Carolina alongside the Longleaf Pine. These trees don’t grow in Pennsylvania; this explains why I’m marveling over their enormous pinecones. Thes… Read More
2022-12-26 11:53
In Romans 5:5, Paul writes a transforming verse that, when applied to our lives, provides a perspective for our current reality. He insists that “hope does not put us to shame, because… Read More
2022-12-25 20:36
This morning we enjoyed a lovely, simple, and meaningful Christmas church service. We sang hymns and conversed with one another about our lives with Jesus. Little clumps of people gathered t… Read More
2022-12-24 17:52
Today I notice Gabriel’s words to both Zechariah and Mary in Luke 1. First of all, Gabriel tells Zechariah this: “I stand in the presence of God.” It’s the first thin… Read More
2022-12-23 16:36
With the bitter windchill, it’s feeling like -30 degrees outside. Years ago, this would astonish me, but apparently, I’ve habituated. I stay bundled up. I heat the car for a few… Read More
2022-12-22 15:18
Today I journeyed in a snowstorm to drive my daughter to school. With low visibility, icy roads, and tons of traffic, a 10 minute drive took 45 minutes. Despite the danger and the delay, the… Read More
2022-12-21 18:44
Every day now, I pray that God would “pour out His spirit” and call people to Himself. I’m not the only one seeking God in this way; perhaps you have been asking God to rev… Read More
2022-12-20 21:50
I love how so many times in scripture, we’re given a promise God will fulfill (either within the pages of scripture, in history, or at a time still to come). There’s always a sen… Read More
2022-12-19 14:35
This morning, I remembered that God is always giving more than we can expect or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He knows how to uniquely bless and equip us through His word (2 Timothy 3:17). God&r&hell…Read More
2022-12-18 20:54
I love reading Psalm 112 and thinking about all the promises from the Lord. I highlight a few of my favorite parts here, and I particularly love the NIV version:
Blessed are thos… Read More
2022-12-17 16:38
I’m growing in the area of dependence on God, especially when I feel overwhelmed. For example, when I receive a task to complete that feels too hard, too confusing, or too much, I norm… Read More
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