HIS WORKMANSHIP
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10, NIV Even in Kindergarten, Sondria had a reputation. Her escapades of bad behavior led many teachers to give a sigh of relief in September if her name did not appear on […]
PERSEVERANCE BRINGS FRUIT
But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:15, NASB About three years ago, a friend gave me some fruit and vegetable seeds even though I have never gardened before and […]
DEFIANT JOY IN THE FACE OF FALSE ACCUSATION
Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the […]
WHERE DID I LOSE MY CONFIDENCE?
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes a healthy, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:22, NIV When did I lose my confidence? As a young, unmarried, childless teacher, I had all the answers. Parents of teenagers would come with the problems that they saw in their children […]
TEACHING FOR HIM
For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV A collective shudder went around the entire school as word spread like wildfire that the Thompsons had arrived! The way the doors slammed, you would have thought the school was […]
REST IN HIS PRESENCE
And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14, NKJV When a verbal dispute broke out between two of my female students in our freshman composition course, I remained calm. When the verbal dispute nearly escalated to physical, I still remained calm and de-escalated their intense verbal exchange. In doing so, […]
GIFTS TO GIVE AWAY
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10, NIV “It’s my birthday this week,” Taniesha whispered in my ear. After I inquired if she would be getting a birthday cake, this troubled foster child informed me that she was too […]
SEEING CLEARLY
Your eye is the lamp of your body. Where your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. Luke 11:34a, NIV What am I doing wrong? Why does this student hate me? I should just quit and work where people appreciate me! It was September of my 25th year of teaching, and […]
HIS PROMISE SUSTAINS US
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50, NIV As we look for the promises of God this school year, we frame everything around the hope that lies within us. For in Christ, all the fullness of […]
COMPASSION
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14, CSB The word compassion has been on my heart for several months. All too often, I know that I can be easily […]