Pause and Listen
I’m learning to talk less. Surprise! If you remember this gem of an essay (http://heatherholleman.com/2014/06/if-you-have-a-child-who-talks-too-much/) about my excessive talking, you’ll know that learning to listen more stands as perhaps one my greatest challenges. If you’re also struggling in this area, here’s a simple skill to try: We can wait 3 seconds before we jump in […]
What You Remember From Yesterday
I’m learning to ask students what they remember from the last lesson as a way to enhance their learning. As I read the research about memory and helping people retrieve knowledge, I think about applying this to my own life. Do I remember what I learned yesterday? What did I think about? What mattered? What […]
Your Promise to Take Care of Yourself
This coming Wednesday, Penn State scheduled another “Wellness Day.” Students might use the day any way they wish as they take a break from classes. My Name Game today involved the promise they would make to the class about how they intended to take care of themselves on Wednesday. I know that stating our intentions […]
Just as He Said
Happy Easter! This morning, I read the words of Matthew 28: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Just as He said! I wonder if that’s the phrase we’ll say […]
Easter Cupcakes: Carrot Cake with Little Toasted Coconut Nests
God Is For You
Lately I’ve been encouraging those who feel that God is against them, not for them. They don’t see answer to prayers. They feel distant from God. Life doesn’t look like they had hoped. I have felt this way, too. But then I remember my friend asking me, “Heather, do you really believe God is against […]
Season 2 of the Chosen Trailer is Out!
If you haven’t yet seen The Chosen, I highly recommend you watch this. Season 2 begins on Easter Sunday! This series is excellent. You will laugh, cry, and learn. You will worship!
A Funny Thing I’m Thankful For
I don’t know why, but I feel so much joy when I see animals carrying objects in their mouths. I see a dog happily trotting with a stick, a squirrel scampering with a mouthful of moss for a nest, and my cat dragging her toy mouse by the tail. I cannot help smiling. Sometimes on […]
Your 5 Fun Things a Day
Today I talk to my great friend about adding something to my journal each day. In addition to the 5 Things I’m thankful For, the 5 Things I’m Praying For, the 5 People I’m praying For, she suggests the 5 Fun Things for the Day. I love it! As the pandemic continues and the weariness […]
More Good Questions: What Are Your Major Stressors? How Can I Best Support You? Then Make a Few Suggestions.
People in our lives need more support than ever. Some have COVID. Some struggle professionally. Some need parenting help. Some battle mental health issues. I’m finding I need to ask people where they need support and how I can support them best. But people don’t always know what kind of support they need, so you […]