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Testing Season
Most of the readers of this blog can probably finish the Biblical phrase “testing produces …” without too much trouble. If you can’t, please look up James 1:3. As we are nearing the end (finally) of our state testing window, this phrase has been on my mind quite a bit. In fact, I have questioned it. As a special education teacher, I am called upon to give the same test multiple times, often with different accommodations. Some of these sessions have been with students who may have a known disability that impacts their test taking. Others have simply been make-up sessions for students who were absent from the general population…
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A Reminder for Parents
Parents… …do you ever get frustrated because your children do something wrong after you’ve told them what was right? …have you ever been hurt because your “good child” did something truly rebellious? …do you ever wonder how this kid could be so foolish? …do you ever feel pain because you want to spend time with your child, only to see them choose something else? …have you ever talked and talked to your child about right and wrong and felt as if you were talking to a brick wall? …do you ever dream of a better future for your children, but wonder if they actually want to do better? …have you…
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Fame
I’m going to revert to a technique I used in my former life as a high school teacher. I’m going to give you a pop quiz. Unlike the pop quizzes I gave then, this one only has two questions. 1. Who sang the theme song for the 1980 movie Fame? 2. How many members of the cast can you name? I find it a little interesting if you are having a difficult time with either or both of those questions. That is especially true since these two lines are repeated throughout the song: I’m gonna live forever.Baby, remember my name. Since I never saw the movie, I’m totally unaware of…
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When Your World is Spinning
Have you ever felt like you were in the middle of a whirlwind? You know what I mean – everything is spinning out of control and you feel like each day gets busier than the last one. With so much going on and only a limited amount of time to get it all done, you may want to just stop the train you’re on and get off at the relaxation station! I’ve felt that way lately. I try to plan my days so I can accomplish what I need to get done that day. Sometimes I make written lists and check them off so, at least, I feel like I…
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Building Up the Preacher’s Wife
She–along with elders’ wives–holds one of the most difficult “roles” in the Lord’s Church. It is difficult because it is not defined in Scripture, but is often “defined” by each member of a congregation, and she’s just expected to know that. From talking with dozens and dozens of families over the years, allow me to let you in on a little secret. You may not believe it at first, but I promise you it is true. It is this: there is a very high likelihood that your preacher’s wife feels very lonely. Her husband has dozens of people come up to him each week and basically tell him how great…
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Which Lesson Was Learned
She seemed like a very sweet little girl. From her actions, it seemed obvious to me that she was not in the habit of attending a worship service – at least not on a regular basis. At various times, she looked at the young lady sitting next to her. Her expression seemed to ask a question. The question may have been, “What does this mean?” It could have been, “What are we doing now?” It was obvious to me that, if it was not one of those two questions, it was something like one of them. It also seemed very obvious to me that she was genuinely interested. I watched…
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Legacy Recipe: Skinny Pie
With warmer weather approaching and many people trying to get in better shape for their summer clothing, I thought I would share this recipe. It is not original to me. I got it from a group of friends who are all supporting each other in their health journey. Enjoy! 1 small box sugar free Jello (any flavor) 2 low fat yogurts (same flavor as Jello) 1 tub sugar free Cool Whip 1 graham cracker crust (can do the Keto crust for even lower carbs) Mix the first three ingredients together until smooth. Spread in crust. Can either freeze or chill. Serve cold and enjoy! (Editor’s Note: I forgot to move…
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Jesus vs. Family
One of the teachings of Jesus that is often just quickly passed over has to do with family. In Matthew 10:34-37, Jesus stated: Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Often, when we…
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Unimaginable Culture Shock
It is a blessing to participate in Bible classes that are both doctrinally sound and practical. I’ve recently had that privilege. To me, it is always an added bonus when the teacher gets me to think of something I had not really previously considered and/or helps me to consider something from a new perspective. That was the case recently when the teacher was discussing what was actually a minor part of the lesson for that day. While that may have been the case, this point that he made almost in passing has occupied a major part of my thinking since hearing it. I may never “get over it.” In fact,…
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Why Stop?
I read something a little while ago (I can’t remember where), and one statement within the context made an impact upon me. The statement was, “As long as you can make an impact, why stop?” I jotted it down on a piece of paper and it has been on my desk since I read it. I’ve looked at it several times and thought about it even more. You see, when you are my age, most people begin to slow down and do less because physically it is harder to accomplish what you want to do. I had really focused on the last two words, but failed to really think about…
