Managing Middle-School Mayhem

In my 20 years teaching middle school, I have experienced curriculum changes, redrawing of boundary lines, the introduction of the Common Core Standards, culture shifts, and now a pandemic that has altered the reality of public education. Some days, I grinned incessantly through the triumphs of my students. Other days - and most recently - … Continue reading Managing Middle-School Mayhem →

Bold Humility

Photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash As I spoke with a few friends during our weekly Bible study, I was struck with the challenge of being bold for Christ and acting in humility. In our present times, it appears that humility means making little of oneself while praising others. We see this everywhere: award winners … Continue reading Bold Humility →

For a Friend

Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash A friend talks past bedtime, skittering from giggle to gasp because you’ve been fending off loneliness one day too long. A friend pours love into giant wicker baskets filled with ginger ale, Legos, lavender bath salts because being sick in a pandemic is hard. A friend swings through Seven-Eleven with your kids … Continue reading For a Friend →

Doubly Good

As the waves rolled onto shore in a friendly good-morning greeting, I slipped my sandals from my feet and squinted into the rising sun. The cool of the wet sand sent an invigorating chill through my toes and up my legs. Clutching my sandals in one hand, I resumed my walk down the beach – … Continue reading Doubly Good →

Looking Forward to Moments

“Looking forward to February!” The words greeted me from a hand-drawn bubble bursting from the mouth of a Snowman on the wrapping paper. Curious about the connection between the snowman and the gift inside, I tore open the package to reveal a pair of elegant gold earrings featuring red heart=shaped stones. “Valentine’s Day?” I thought … Continue reading Looking Forward to Moments →