Core scripture: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians […]
Ten Secrets of Witnessing
Core scripture: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. […]
20 Ways to Live Purposefully This Summer
Core scripture: “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how […]
CYOKAMO 2019: Spoiler Alert … Jesus Wins!
Core scripture: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for […]
Thoughts on Father’s Day 2019
Core scripture: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” […]
God Is So Not Done!
Core scripture: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” (Psalm 119:18) Message: I was one of […]
Reflecting on 2018-2019
Core scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) […]
The Big Hairy Bear
Core scripture: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do […]
5 Ways to Finish the School Year Strong
Core scripture: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your works will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles […]
Never Doubt His Power
Core scripture: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10) Message: The rain pelted […]
Overcoming the Blame Game
Core scripture: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that […]
Pass the Torch
Core scripture: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: […]
10 Ways to Resurrect Your Classroom
Core scripture: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ […]
Just Do It
Core scripture: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in […]
Make Some Memories
Core scripture: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to […]
March Madness
Core scripture: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, […]
Tornado Season
Core scripture: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as […]
10 Ways to Find Rest Over Spring Break
Core scripture: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke […]
Seating Chart Success
Core scripture: “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25) Message: Do you ever feel like […]
Sharing the Bread of Life
Core scripture: “‘But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’” (John 4:32) Message: My […]
Surviving 3rd Quarter
Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) Message: The rhythm to 3rd quarter […]
50 Thoughts on Love for Valentine’s Day
Core scripture: “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:9) Message: Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This begs […]
Give Him Control
Core scripture: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all […]
Embracing Grace
Core scripture: “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as […]
Planting Seeds
Core scripture: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is […]
Be a Difference Maker
Core scripture: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart […]
Choosing the Right Frame for 2019
Core scripture: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what […]
Patient Endurance
I hope you all are hanging in there as we push toward the finish line of Christmas Break! As mentioned […]
The Waiting Game
Core scripture: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait […]
Listen to the Nudges
Core scripture: “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17) Message: […]
Guidance Through Grief
Core scripture: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) Message: As much as some enjoy […]
Radical, Passionate, Humble Thanks
Core scripture: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1) Message: […]
A Veteran’s Day Story
Core scripture: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by […]
Get Your John Stockton On
Core scripture: “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will […]
The Armor of God: Part 2
Core scripture: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) Message: We […]
The Armor of God: Part 1
Core scripture: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies […]
Teach Like Mr. Rob
Core scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) Message: I got the phone call about […]
Find a Way to Smile
Core scripture: “If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and be of good […]
Never, Never Quit
Core scripture: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do […]
5 Ways to Choose Joy
Core scripture: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is […]
Kick Up Your Prayer Life
Core scripture: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their […]
Hope: the Antidote to All Sorrow
Core scripture: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust […]
The Body of Christ at Work
Core scripture: The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with […]
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Core scripture: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows […]
Stay Above the Line
Core scripture: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) Message: They […]
Speaking the Languages of Love
Core scripture: “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a […]
Four Tips For Finding Friends
Core scripture: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their […]
All In For Christ
Core scripture: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind […]
Unashamed of Your Rights
Core scripture: “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, […]
Creating a Domino Effect For Eternity
Core scripture: Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. […]
The KEY to July
Core scripture: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” (Proverbs 1:5) Message: One […]
Soaking In God’s Wonders
Core scripture: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before […]
Down From the Mountaintop
Core scripture: “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, […]
Thoughts On Father’s Day
Core scripture: “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, […]
Snapshots of Summer
Core scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) Message: Pictures […]
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Core scripture: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you […]
A Noble Sacrifice
Core scripture: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for ones friends” (John 15:13). Message: I […]
Finish Stronger
Core scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). […]
Wisdom For Yearbooks
Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). […]
Before They Are Gone
Core scripture: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their […]
Helping the Helpless
Core scripture: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put […]
Life Lessons
Core scripture: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6). Message: […]
10 Ways to Crush Teacher Burnout
Core scripture: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know […]
Dealing With Absences
Core scripture: “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and […]
Savor the Time
Core scripture: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears […]
Carry Your Cross
Core scripture: “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, […]
Loving Discipline
Core scripture: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness […]
Scripture for Spring Break
Core scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing […]
Get in the Game
Core scripture: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’” (Mark […]
On Fire For Christ
Core scripture: “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” […]
Every Day Valentine’s Day
Core scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Message: Middle schoolers crack me up. Valentine’s […]
A Two-Way Conversation
Core scripture: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach […]
Bridging the Gap With Parents
Core scripture: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, […]
Open Your Eyes
Core scripture: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Message: Does anyone else subscribe to a scripture […]
Dynamic Differentiation
Core scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Message: Every child we teach is unique. […]
Redefine Your Quiet Time
Core scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in […]
What is Your Word?
Core scripture: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Message: Where do […]
Light in the Darkness
Core scripture: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Message: Our family was in […]
Patient Endurance
Core scripture: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will […]
A Recipe For Prayer
Core scripture: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy […]
When Grace and Humility Collide
Core scripture: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than […]
Blessed Be Your Name
Core scripture: “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your […]
The Blessings of Serving
Core scripture: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, […]
Keeping the Faith
Core scripture: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). […]
A Living Sacrifice
Core scripture: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living […]
Finding God’s Fingerprints
Core scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day […]
Crush the Complain Bug
Core scripture: “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for […]
Forgotten Kindness
Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience …” (Colossians […]
Open a Book Today
Core scripture: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18). Message: What do you […]
Persistent Patience
Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Message: God has a sense of […]
Dealing With Jealousy
Core scripture: “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). Message: Alright, […]
Chunk By Chunk
Core scripture: “Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over […]
Prioritizing the Rocks of Your Life
Core scripture: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Message: Do you ever […]
The Greatest Joy
Core scripture: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Message: One of […]
Spice Up Your Prayer Life
Core scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it […]
It All Starts With Love
Core scripture: “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish […]
New Format/Teacher Survey
Although I liked the format of my blog last year, this year we are going to tweak it a bit. […]
Rising Above Inservice
I LOVE the first day of school. Everything is new. Fresh. You can change anything that didn’t work from the […]
Enthusiasm For God
It is almost here. Can you feel it? The excitement. The anticipation. That nervous twitch you feel when you are […]
Be Fruitful
It was a week or ago when the idea struck me. Coming up with a theme and scripture for the […]
How to Navigate This Blog
I created this blog over Winter Break of 2013 to reach out to the teacher Bible study and prayer group […]
Rifle Shot Prayers
My family was headed home. One week in Minnesota last week was quite precious. Seeing family, exploring nature, celebrating the […]
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
One blessing of being a Christian teacher is extra time over the summer to watch movies. I love inspirational flicks. […]
Just a Little Risk
Core scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” […]
God’s Will vs. Your Will
Core scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing […]
The Body of Christ
Core scripture: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians […]
Stretched to Perfection
Indian Trail’s FCA supporting Harper’s Hugs and Whitney Rodden Core scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. […]
Three Truths to Bring it Home
(https://www.pinterest.com/lssignorelli/bible-notebook-fruit-of-the-spirit/) Core scripture: “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, […]
God’s Sense of Humor
Core scripture: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8: 21). Message: God has […]
Undeserved Grace
(http://www.avalonchurch.net/ritchies-blog/2015/1/21/if-you-want-to-receive-grace-be-willing-to-extend-grace) Core scripture: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4: 32). […]
True Appreciation
(http://www.ves-pta.org/programs/teacher-appreciation/) Core scripture: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3). Message: Today in the great state […]
Never, Never Quit
Core scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify […]
Under the Radar
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/misconceptions-introverts Core scripture: “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the […]
Easter Part III: Time For a Resurrection!
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-resurrection-story-700218 Core scripture: “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for […]
Easter Part II: Carry Your Cross
http://www.daltonrushing.com/2015/03/march-1-sermon-take-up-your-cross.html Core scripture: “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, […]
Easter Part I: Not My Will But Yours
Gethsemane: Not my will but yours Core scripture: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ […]
Taming the Tongue
Core scripture: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as […]
Time to Look Up
Core scripture: “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5: […]
Put On Your Coaching Hat
Scott Wright: One of my greatest encouragers on the gridiron Core scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, […]
Safe Songs
Core scripture: “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” (Psalm 105: 2) Message: I ache […]
Unconditional, Unbreakable, All-Powerful Love
Core scripture: “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no […]
Wisdom For Conferences
Core scripture: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4: 8). Message: […]
Save the Drama for Your Momma
Time to listen up! Core scripture: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man […]
Technology Temptation
Core scripture: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let […]
Para Power
Core scripture: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John […]
Thank God for Snow Days
8:02 pm (night before) … I get the word. It comes through an e-mail. And then again on TV. And […]
Be the Change
Core scripture: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, […]
One Step Away
Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12: 12). Message: A few years ago […]
The Birth of Something Big: Part 2
Core scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify […]
The Birth of Something Big: Part 1
Core scripture: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’” (Mark […]
The King of Capitalization
Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs: The king of capitalization on the football field Core scripture: “Live wisely among those […]
Blaize of Glory
Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3: […]
Money Management
I found this old devotion that I wrote back in the 2nd year of our prayer group, probably in the […]
True Thanksgiving
Core scripture: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107: 1) […]
50 Ways to Pray
Core scripture: “I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to […]
Jesus Would Vote for Trump
Core scripture: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” […]
Dropping the Bomb on Bullying
Core scripture: “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other […]
Breaking the Chains of Worry
Core scripture: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. […]
Empower Your Students
Core scripture: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3: 23). Message: My six-year-old […]
Self-Reflection Time
Core scripture: “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t […]
Molding Character
Core scripture: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you […]
Taking Someone’s Spiritual Temerature
Core scripture: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and […]
Message From God: I’ve Got This!
Core scripture: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to […]
Right Now!
Core scripture: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied” (Proverbs […]
Fun With Fellowship
Core scripture: “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their […]
Polish to Perfection
Captain Daniels? Core scripture: “Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. But Jesus knew their thoughts, […]
Validation
Core scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing” (1 Thessalonians 5: […]
He Knows My Name
Core scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; […]
Back in the Saddle Again
Core scripture: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 […]
Serving With Humility
I have this dream. It started way back in 2013 after I was saved. The dream percolated in my mind, […]