Psychologists tell us that a person’s relationship with his or her mother has a profound impact on the way they grow up and how their thinking is shaped. It makes sense—our mothers carried us closest to themselves in our earliest stages of development and nurtured us in our most vulnerable, helpless state. As a teacher,… Continue reading Things My Mother Taught Me
The book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt is sweeping the country as an instant bestseller—and for good reason. As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it, especially since it was showing up in every… Continue reading A Book Review of The Anxious Generation
This time of year always makes me a little homesick for England, even though it’s been sixteen years since I lived there. The scent of Cherry Blossom, a cool breeze through a window after a rainstorm, the Pride and Prejudice theme music—all of it can take me back in a moment. It was spring of… Continue reading Five Things I Learned from Living in England in My Twenties
This fall, I went to one of my junior high boys’ football games. And while I understand very little about the sport itself, I smiled when I saw those boys, working as a team, strategizing, and channeling their energy into something worthwhile. They had something to fight for. Then I thought about the centuries past… Continue reading Young Men Need Something to Fight For
I’ve heard it in their desperate voices. I’ve seen it in eyes shaded with hurt. I’ve wondered it a thousand times myself: “What if he prefers blondes to brunettes?” “What if I’m a little too chubby for him?” “What if my face isn’t like her face?” “What if I wear too much make-up—or not… Continue reading Single Woman Questions: What If I’m Not “His Kind of Pretty”?
AI (or artificial intelligence) has exploded in the world around us over the past year. At the same time, ethical debates surrounding its use have also sprung up. And yes, English teachers were some of the first to hear about this “magical” site called ChatGPT that could write a student’s whole essay for him or… Continue reading AI: Killing or Fostering Creativity?
Who can deny That there is brokenness Everywhere all around us? So many problems That can’t easily be solved— People without homes, Without food, without love, Without money, without joy, Without health, without hope. Who can deny That we all long for a hero To swoop in and save the day? Someone… Continue reading We Are All Longing for Resurrection
Since the beginning of the year, our church has encouraged us to read through the four gospels to study the life of Christ between Christmas and Easter. This study has brought me so much joy as I’ve observed so many different things about Jesus’ life and ministry here on earth. But we are now standing… Continue reading The Character of Christ During Holy Week
Originally penned on 5.18.23 Lord, When I am tempted To seek the mirror More than your face, Draw me away. When I begin to worship My own beauty Rather than yours, Rebuke and humble me. When I long For the fleeting compliments Of men and women, Turn my heart back to yours. … Continue reading A Prayer of the Vain-Hearted
I remember around age 30 talking to a guy who had just graduated from college and was trying to figure out next steps. I mentioned something about being a teacher and getting ready to buy my first house. This guy looked at me with wide eyes. “Wow. You really have it all figured out,” he… Continue reading Single Woman Questions: Am I Too Intimidating?
The Vintage Girl 