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I’ll Get to It
As I sit at my desk, I am overwhelmed by all the piles around me. I have a habit of placing files or books on my desk when I think they are important and I don’t want to forget them. In teaching, however, there are a number of things that are priority, and so I often end up with a perpetual mess. Let’s face it – we have all done it. We pile stuff, collect things, leave messes, and so on, usually with the mindset that we will get to it later. Or perhaps it is the emails unread and unanswered or financial matters that need our attention that are…
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What Are You Looking for in This New Year?
I am definitely a bargain shopper. It started back in university days when I had to put myself through school and every penny mattered. As a young stay-at-home mom, my bargain hunting skills increased to help meet the needs of my growing family and work within our limited resources. It is still an adventure to scout out and seek a good deal. While fun and productive, it is time consuming. Yet the benefits are great as I find ways to stretch our finite dollars. Because saving money matters to me, I find it worth my time and beneficial for my well-being to find opportunities to be more cost effective. Time…
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Grow in Grace
The tree is up. Presents abound under his branches – those gifts of love to those who matter the most to us. Perhaps there are duty gifts there as well, for those to whom we feel obligated. It takes time to prepare gifts or search for those that suit the needs and wants of others. It is worth the effort to bring joy and happiness to those around us. Some people go to great extremes trying to show their care to others by extensive gift giving. Our Heavenly Father lavishes us with gifts also. His gifts are ones that don’t tarnish or break. God’s gifts are good and perfect. The…
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Following the Pattern
It is rare these days to buy furniture entirely ready-made. How often do we see a lovely item in the store, only to discover when we go to purchase one that it comes in a box with numerous pieces and must be assembled? Wading through the assembly instructions can be daunting. Trying to find the correct parts and the corresponding screws is time consuming and frequently frustrating. The temptation is to just get the job done and put it together the way we think is best. That can lead to disaster though, as we end up with spare parts or things not working right. Each of these projects does come…
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Preservation
Terry Fox was an amazing young man who did an incredible job raising awareness for cancer research. In our class this week, we talked a lot about Terry’s cancer journey and his drive to provide hope to those with cancer. As we prepared to do our Terry Fox walk, we talked about the original Marathon of Hope and how Terry wanted it to continue, even if he was unable to do so. Trying to define “hope” for my students was a challenge. For them, the word conjures up images of wishful thinking. Yet, for the Christian, it is so much more than that. Hope is having confidence in our faithful…
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Hope for the Seeker
A new school year. For the most part, my students are eager to be at school and hopeful they will succeed and enjoy their year. They look forward to all the adventures the school year brings. I also have many hopes and dreams for my students. I want to build a strong classroom community and I want them to grow and learn throughout the year. I hope that they will be caring and kind to one another. My aim is that they will become the best students possible. Do these hopes come to fruition if I sit and do nothing? Not at all. It takes many hours of hard work…
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Planting Things Right
I am an early morning person and I love going out to my garden in the cool of that time of day. I find each journey outside a new adventure. At times it seems as if things have sprouted overnight and I marvel at the wonders of God’s creation. As I move about, the sights and sounds inundate my senses – the massive bird chorus, the pink sky of the dawn, the squirrels chattering, the trees gently rustling in the breeze, and so on. I find my garden to place of peace and contemplation. While the work in my large garden is considerable, it is a place where I relax…
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Reaping a Harvest
The day was sunny and bright as we returned from a short camping trip. As we approached our deck, something was amiss. The lovely flowers that had graced my entry way now looked smashed. My first thought was about what creature might have been at my plants. But then it dawned on me – there had been severe weather when we were camping, perhaps it hit at home as well. With trepidation I went out to my large garden, fearing what storm evidence I would find. Sure enough, hail had wreaked havoc to most of my plants and fruit trees. I cried. And then I had moments of just wanting…
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Forget What is Behind
Often, I read and take to heart Paul’s words in Philippians “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV) I am a goal-oriented person and this verse appeals to me. I like the idea of working towards something. Of course, I know I cannot earn salvation – that is God’s free gift. I do like the encouragement this verse brings to keep on going in the walk of faith – knowing that God has the “prize” awaiting me as I look heavenward. What I often don’t consider is the verse that comes prior to this…
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A Beautiful Spirit
“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:4 ESV) I grew up with this verse demonstrated to me daily. My mother, a precious gift from God, has a wonderful gentle and quiet spirit. I am truly blessed by her example. She lives a life of faith and hope. My whole life, her bright blue eyes have shone Christ’s light into my life. She has surrounded me with love and support. I am who I am today because of the foundation she laid. Although frail and elderly now, my mother…
