Helping Children Have Great Conversations on the First Day Of School
I’ve been talking to some great children about feeling nervous to meet new friends on the first day of school, especially if you don’t know anyone in your new classroom. What will I say? Will I have anything to talk about? Do I just stand there? It’s never too early to help children learn the […]
Opening Your Eyes to Joy
This morning, my wonderful friend and mentor, Sandy, reminded me how to pray for people. She suggested I pray that God open our eyes to the blessings and joys around us, right where we are. We can cultivate grateful hearts, and that attitude changes everything. I know that I’ve had times in my life when […]
But What If It’s Great?
I learned something so wonderful from an elementary school counselor I met at a party. She told me that so many children struggle with the “what ifs.” What if nobody likes me? What if I can’t answer a question in class? What if I get sick? What if there’s a spider in the classroom? What […]
Transitioning to a New Season
I love the new season that’s nearly upon us! I know it’s still summer, but I’m counting down the days till September offers us fallen acorns, chilly mornings, autumn candles, and the hope of a fresh semester. I find myself full of anticipation. It’s time for new things! I’m putting this in place for the […]
Visiting My Classrooms
Classes begin next week at Penn State! I love the day I visit my assigned classroom, get a feel for the space, and pray blessing over the room and my students. This year, my rooms feel cozy, but one of them will need insulation installed to block the sound of nearby construction. I’m hoping and […]
The Right Focus in Creating
Today I remembered to focus on the art and not the sales. Someone gave me wise advice when I began my writing career to let success or money simply arrive as the “happy accident” that comes with creating your art. Of course, when you’re making a living off of your art and need the income, […]
Ordinary and Not Very Smart
I love the moment in Acts 4:13 when Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court system) and speak with boldness from the Holy Spirit. They tell all the smart leaders this statement about Jesus: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind […]
Sending Them Off
It’s that time of year when parents send their children off to college. Even though it’s my third time dropping off my oldest to college, I still feel the same sadness when I return home. Since I’m about to start reading the book of Exodus, I kept thinking of Moses’ mother sending her own child […]
Moment By Moment
It’s wonderful to do hard things—things that perhaps make you afraid or anxious. Every time I do something difficult, I feel so much more confident and proud of myself, thankful to God, and happy that I did it. Today I navigated Pittsburgh, found parking, and managed to move my daughter into her junior year of […]
God Answers and Is With Us
I love how Jacob describes God in Genesis 35:3. He says, “Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” God answers us and is with […]