3 P’s of Good Teaching
Today I talked with a colleague about the 3 P’s of Great Teaching. Positive Mood: Research shows how creating a positive mood in a classroom enhances learning and creativity. In my classroom, I increase the positive mood by playing music, asking about good news people are celebrating, or having students answer an attendance question about […]
A Time to Make Sun-Dried Tomatoes in the Oven
If you’re like me, you planted way too many tomato plants! I’m overflowing with cherry tomatoes, beefsteak, and heirlooms. Nobody needs them at church. And my neighbors who once gladly received my excess bounty now politely refuse. Everyone has too many tomatoes. What can I do with so many tomatoes? Then I remember! Just because […]
Even More
By now I should expect the surprise second harvest of raspberries, but it always catches me by surprise. Now? After I already gathered so many berries in early summer? If feels extravagant and undeserved to gather so much blessing. But I love the symbol of it. I love extravagant and underserved things that showcase what […]
Welcome Them Back
It’s the first day of school! In our town, children return in person and in masks. With one daughter at home and still in high school, it’s time. It’s time to revive the after school snacks. The snacks have been part of the Warm Welcome now for over 15 years. Your own children might say […]
As My Helper
This morning I noted the two times we see the idea of God’s helping presence in Psalm 118. I love this verse: “The Lord is on my side as my helper” (7) and “I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me” (13). Can you imagine the full weight of […]
A Commissioning
This morning, our pastor prayed over the faculty who start teaching at Penn State in the morning. He invited the professors to stand up in their seats, and he then commissioned us. He asked those around us to reach out their hands toward us in blessing. He then asked each faculty member to open their […]
Continually
In Psalm 105:4, we read this: Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! How do we “continually” seek the Lord’s presence? Practical tips: a prayer journal, worship music playing throughout the day, Bible reading, attention to thanksgiving and good gifts all day long, directing worries and stress into specific prayer requests, intercession for others, […]
Good Things
This morning, I considered the kindness of God “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5). Think about this declaration about God from David. He satisfies our desires with good things so that we feel young and fresh and strong like an eagle. So many […]
So Many
Today I harvested so many beautiful tomatoes! Our church often sets up a free produce box for people to drop off fruits and vegetables for anyone who wants or needs them. I’m excited to contribute this summer. I also love having tomatoes to give to guests or neighbors who love a garden-ripened tomato for a […]
Be the Learner and Not the Expert
As you know, I’ve been teaching for Penn State in a part-time role for over 12 years. Recently I took on more responsibilities and a leadership role that put me in a category of “new faculty.” Penn State therefore enrolled me in all the new faculty orientation programs. So I decided to attend all week […]