IN THE BALANCES THEY GO UP
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14, NASB 1995 Over the years, I have wasted a lot of time and resources obsessing over what people think. I vested too much of my self-worth in the approval of others. Worse, I sought the […]
A DELIGHT
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5, NIV Even a child is known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11, ESV Joey had the best smile. Not only that, he had the sweetest disposition and easily became a favorite of his teachers. Joey […]
LESSON FROM THE MASTER GARDENER
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot… Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, NIV “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1, ESV At the beginning of […]
TITUS 2 TEACHER
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Titus […]
INSIDE THE BOX
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24, ESV As all teachers with kids and teachers’ kids know, existing in the same building day in and day out has its perks—and drawbacks. I currently attend school each day with my 7th grader, Adam, and my 10th […]
FEAR NOT
Do not be afraid, land of Judah, be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! Joel 2:21, NIV Fear can be a powerful force. And throughout the years, although not intentionally, I have given into fear more than I would like to admit. It’s not always bad. In fact, it can save […]
BUILDING EACH OTHER UP
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, NIV Real Talk: Have you ever faced adversity and wished you could handle it with more dignity and […]
WE ARE NOT PERFECT
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26, ESV We all have been there—the morning begins wrong and gets progressively worse. Every little thing rubs us the wrong way. Irritation after irritation assails us when finally, the inevitable happens—we lose our cool. […]
THE “FOSTERS”
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8, NIV Over the years, I taught numerous “Fosters” in my classes and chorus. They didn’t share many of the same family […]
LOCKDOWN
“Do not be terrified or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, AMP I was six months pregnant with my third child, crouched on my knees under the desk. It was now dark outside at 6:30 pm. I wondered how much longer we might be there. Thirty-one freshmen […]