CARPOOL
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV It was a Wednesday morning. […]
THE “TURKEYMAS” TREE
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21, NIV Every November, I put up a “Turkeymas” tree—a lighthearted tradition with a Thanksgiving twist that entails placing a big stuffed turkey in the middle of a Christmas tree. Students enjoy decorating the tree with literary vocabulary ornaments, creating a warm atmosphere […]
RENOVATED
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18, NIV It was no surprise that my elementary school—the oldest building in town—needed renovations. There was no way around it. And the process […]
APPLY AND GLORIFY
And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14, ESV I don’t know if there is anything more frustrating to a parent, educator, or boss than to watch someone fail to reach his/her potential. As educators, we search […]
ON THE FENCE
…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… Joshua 24:15, NIV Fence lines—not harmful insects or birds—are my nemesis in the garden. It is such a pain to keep them weed-free! As an organic gardener, I clean them out by hand weeding, not weed killer. In the spring and summer, this is intensive work. […]
LIGHT WINS
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5, NIV October is full of the beauty of fall—crimson trees, crisp air, cozy layers. But for many Christian teachers, it also means a mix of decorations, costumes, and themes that don’t sit well with our spirits. Have you ever felt […]
OUR HOPE
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in this holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalms 33:20-22, NIV Do you ever feel a little hopeless? With everything happening […]
TRADING BURDENS FOR REST
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29, NLT What a comfort it is to know that we don’t have to put on a mask with Jesus. We don’t need to pretend to be stronger, better, […]
THE GOD WHO SEES
So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Genesis 16:13, ESV She walked into my classroom and hid inside herself. She was one of those “gap kids”—the ones who slip through the […]
UNEXPECTED LESSONS
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10, NIV I was certified to teach secondary French and English, but after a planned move to Chicago fell through, my only available position was in […]