I know a lot of people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them I teach 5th-graders (and also taught 6th-graders for the past two years). They think it’s the worst age, those kids with their attitudes and their pre-teen drama. They think middle-schoolers (and almost middle-schoolers) are scary and weird and hard… Continue reading Classroom Secrets #2: Don’t Give Up on the Awkward Kid
I discovered this quote on Pinterest recently, posted it in our national student leadership group the other night, and was suddenly struck by its profundity. I am a person who frequently feels tired. Exhausted and sleep-deprived to be more specific. Every night when I set my alarm for the next morning, I sigh at the… Continue reading Learning to Rest, Not Quit
Tonight I write for all those who understand – all those who will read this and weep because they know what it feels like. I don’t write to be pitied, to try to get comfort or attention, or to push any kind of agenda. I just write what it feels like so that if you… Continue reading Not Being Chosen
If you were to ask someone what the most boring book of the Bible is, you might be told quickly that it’s Leviticus – if there are those who have even attempted to read through it. Some may have abandoned it, finding that verses upon verses about ancient, inapplicable laws are simply too overwhelming. Others… Continue reading Three Lessons Found from Lingering in Leviticus
I grew up in a family where moving was sort of the norm. By the time I was 15, I had moved seven times. That’s really nothing in comparison to my mom, who, before moving here had never lived in a house longer than six years. And I’m sure that there are plenty of military… Continue reading The Beauty of Putting Down Your Roots
I’m choosing the easy way out tonight … because it is late & school comes early & sleep is necessary. These are just a few of the favorite quotes I’ve been discovering on Pinterest lately:
In our classroom, we have a cue that says, “We’re starting the day now” – I say to the class, “Good morning, ladies & gentlemen,” and they reply in chorus, “Good morning, Miss Kinne.” We have a cue that says, “We’re ending the day” – they line up and I high five each one of… Continue reading Classroom Secrets #1: Why We Love Our Routines
Guess what I discovered today? A letter in my desk written on September 19, 2011, addressed as such: “Letter to Lydia from Lydia to be opened in 5 years – Summer 2016.” It was part of an end-of-summer scavenger hunt I did with Emily, and I had almost forgotten about it. As I read over… Continue reading A Letter to Myself … from Five Summers Ago
Today it felt like the struggles of life were burdening my soul – not just my own struggles, but also the struggles of those I love around me. While there were moments of peace and joy and freedom (and enjoying white-chocolate-huckleberry dipped cheesecake!) – there were also moments when the effects of a fallen world… Continue reading When the Fight is Real and the Soul Feels Frail
I’ve always loved this hymn, but I love it with the newer melody even more. It floods my soul with promise. Abide With MeAbide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, abide with me. Thou on my head in… Continue reading Hymns of a Saturday – Abide with Me
The Vintage Girl 