As a seasoned traveler, I readily admit it took me too long to get smart to one thing… I have finally started strategizing when/where I travel based on weather. Well, let me preface this by saying that because I’m a teacher, my travel options are more limited as far as timing goes. Teachers have the…
Category: Christian Living
Why My Impatience Makes Me Grateful
Teachers’ pet peeves can be an interesting topic of conversation. This list could include anything from lying or cheating to lack of effort or disrespectfulness. What about this one… You just gave thorough, detailed instructions for the team project students are about to begin. As soon as you say, “Go ahead and begin,” a student…
The Good Thing about Feeling Weak and Helpless
On a beautiful Friday last May, I had one of those days where I left school thinking only about how much I love teaching. All the reasons why I’ve stayed in the classroom for 18 years were running through my mind as I left the building and headed home, and they stayed in my mind…
10 Ways to Grow a Deeper Faith
So what are your thoughts on icebreakers? They’re not my favorite, honestly, but I know some people love them. Every teacher knows that those staff meetings at the beginning of the school year are notorious for their icebreakers… Of course, they are beneficial for building community, strengthening connections, and welcoming in new staff members; but…
The Best Morning Routine to Start Your Day Right
My mom used to say, “Get news from God before you get news from the world each morning.” When I was young and growing up, there were probably days when I didn’t have an extremely high appreciation for this advice. But now, looking back, I am thankful for that seed she planted in my mind. …
The Ultimate Coach Preparing You for the Future
This past school year, I used more PTO than I ever have in the course of a school year. I actually had two different times when I was absent from school for a few days at a time for some fun trips. Whenever I need to be absent, whether for a few days or just…
Planning But Not Really Planning on the Plans
Just a quick thought to share today… Mostly about how humbling (and sometimes comical?) it is to be reminded that no matter what kinds of plans we make, God’s ways are higher, better, different and wiser. No matter how well you might have a situation or plan mapped out, God will do what He wants…
How to Amplify God’s Words Above All Others
Music has always played a significant role in my life. I started taking piano lessons when I was 5 years old and continued through high school graduation. In third grade, I began learning to play the trumpet, which I continued to enjoy all the way through college graduation. Participating in the Cornhusker Marching Band at…
A Small Mindset Shift That can Make a Big Difference
Cool Runnings… The Babysitter’s Club… Angels in the Outfield… We weren’t a huge TV and movie family growing up, but these three movies I can distinctly remember watching many times. So many times, in fact, that it’s shocking how many of the lines I still remember when I take a trip down memory lane and…
The Change Made Possible by One Single Moment
I have a little routine I follow in the mornings with my alarm. Do you? So I set two alarms, one for 4:43 a.m. and one for 4:51 a.m. Here’s how the sequence typically goes. -BEEP BEEP! 4:43 a.m. alarm goes off –push snooze -go back to sleep for eight more minutes –BEEP BEEP! 4:51…