Sometimes this Christian journey is hard. Period. Sometimes as Christian educators we have to take a stand that could potentially impact our future and our employment. It’s scary, but we are called to stand firm. It is during these tough times that we have to make a decision. Is God sovereign, or is He not? Do we trust Him to take care of the conflicts, the trials, the “wrongs” in our lives? Recently, someone we love was experiencing one of these trials. It just so happened t

Spring is my favorite time of year. Sunshine, sprouting plants, and vibrant colors give me a renewed sense of energy. Given our intense winter this year, spring will be even sweeter. However, it’s this very time of year when most educators are just hanging on! The time between the Christmas holiday and spring break can be a bit long for many. Stress begins to mount as testing looms ahead, and we realize how little time is left to make sure our students are prepared for the up

Most educators go into the profession for one main reason—to make a difference. In my opinion, there is no other profession that has the potential to significantly impact the life of others like the field of education. We have the opportunity to empower children to learn, to help them believe in themselves, and to enable them to become successful. The influence one teacher can have on a child is simply too big for words. Having said this, we also know the negative impact we c

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Isn’t it amazing how God can bring to mind a song we learned as children to remind us of our calling? Over the past few months I have had several conversations with educators from around the country. While many of the conversations have been productive and positive, others contained

I recently read an article in which John Piper admitted that some mornings he wakes up and it feels like Satan is sitting on his chest. I’m sure we have all had mornings like this. Most of us probably want to roll over, cover our heads and go back to sleep! But, as Christians, we shouldn’t be surprised. Paul gave us a clear warning in Ephesians 6:12. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against m

Love is in the air this week as we gear up to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Red hearts, chocolate, flowers, and love notes (or should I say, texts) will be all the rage. I knew I had to figure out a way to get the word “love” into the title of this week’s blog. I’ve already written a couple of blogs on love (I will include those links below). So, I prayed for a new angle, and God gave me one—not one I expected. One of the comments I have made often in the past is “ Every child d

You never know when an “I know you can do it” will provide confidence. You never know when a smile will put someone at ease. You never know when a new strategy will create clarity. You never know when a second chance will give hope. You never know when an appropriate consequence will change behavior. You never know… So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the oppo

Teaching has always been a challenging profession. No question about it. When I talk to strong, veteran educators, however, they often say things have changed—teaching is harder than it used to be. Children seem to have more problems. Resources are often dwindling. Sometimes the competing demands placed on teachers—drafting standards, building assessments, learning new technology, serving on committees, attending evening activities—put a strain on personal and professional li

Having been a lifelong educator, I have learned that change is part of the journey. I realize all professions undergo change, but it seems to me that education is near the top of the list when it comes to the frequency of change. The demands placed on educators continue to mount, resulting in a revolving door of new initiatives. While some schools and districts provide adequate training, many educators are often left to fend for themselves with very little financial support w

When we think of “rich” our mind often gravitates toward financial wealth and possessions, which many believe leads to happiness and satisfaction. Yet, we all know people who are wealthy by the world’s standards but also downright miserable. Conversely, we can probably name others who have very little in terms of worldly riches but are happy and content. I dare say many of the latter are Christian educators. Financial wealth is definitely not a motivator for anyone choosing e

I’m a planner. I make lists and check things off as I do them. If I have completed a task that I forgot to put on my list, I will add it just so I can check it off! I guess it gives me a sense of accomplishment. In my mind, planning results in preparation. If I am charged with a task, I feel obligated to be prepared. That’s not to say I can’t go with the flow. I can, but being flexible is much easier for me IF I’m prepared. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Your greatest strength