More of You
I hear a wise woman tell a friend that sometimes people want more of you. They want the real you–and lots of you. They want more of you. Lots of you! I think about the expression all day. I think about the way I hold back with people, even my own family. I think about […]
Praying for Endurance
Just this week, I pray and ask God to give my children endurance to complete their tasks. People with endurance know how to withstand difficult circumstances. They know how to complete unpleasant jobs that take a long time. Many people give up because they lose stamina. They can’t endure. I read in Romans 15 that […]
Students Who Text Their Parents Too Much: Another Perspective
I ask my students how much they text their parents. “All day long.” “At least six times a day. And we Skype. And we talk on the phone each morning to say ‘Good Morning’.” “I check in with my dad several times a day while he’s at his computer. We chat on line about everything […]
“You Make Me Feel Smart”
In class yesterday, I try to make the point about just how difficult it is to be kind in argumentative writing. I’m teaching ancient truths like the rules of civility and the lost art of listening. We’re learning about how to defer to others, to believe the best about them, and to persuade them by […]
Caramel Apples Rolled in. . . Everything
If you want to make awesome caramel apples with your friends (our Autumn tradition), you need 4 things: 1. Caramel (of course)2. Granny Smith apples (so tart and crisp)3. Chopsticks (sturdy)4. Every delicious thing in your pantry to roll the caramel apples in (nuts, crushed cookies, chocolate chips). Let’s begin: First, wash small Granny Smith […]
“In You They Trusted and Were Not Disappointed”
In Psalm 22:5, I read: “They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.” The truth resounds from the mouth of a king who feels forlorn, rejected, alone, and ignored. He must remind himself that even when feeling downcast, the truth stands that those who trust in God will […]
A Little Cattywampus
Today, I surprised my students with doughnuts. Today, I surprised myself by treating myself to a fancy coffee for no good reason. And I wore cowboy boots with yellow tights that in no way matched my camel colored corduroy skirt. Apparently, this counts as hipster. And I ate a doughnut during my office hours as […]
The Beauty of Disintegrating Things
I’m walking through the autumn leaves, and I realize how much I absolutely love the smell of dead leaves. That warm smell brings such longing with it; I think of fall school days as a child and jumping into leaf piles. That unmistakable leafy smell just makes me happy. Then I realize I’m actually delighting […]
The Blessing of Work
I thought of another secret I want to pass on to my children. It’s a simple thing, but one that has shaped how I think about my days. The secret is that work–hard work–is a privilege and a joy. Accomplishing a task and applying effort to achieve a goal brings a certain satisfaction. Each day […]
My Best Advice for an Admissions Essay
Special note: I’m not a college admissions counselor. I’m not even part of an admissions committee (although I have been part of various admissions committees before). What I am, however, is a college writing teacher who has read my share of personal statements and essays for college, graduate and professional schools, and job applications. And […]