Bama Gramma Tells the Nativity Story with a Cookie Recipe Yet another Christmas Skit: I have an alter ego: Bama Gramma. She shows up at Christmas celebrations to share the story of the birth of Jesus with students. She is old-fashioned, wears her hair in a gray beehive, and speaks with a slow, deep-Southern drawl. Adding her own brand of “old folks'” humor, Bama Gramma is loved by those who meet her. This year she is going to tell the... Read more
In the Aftermath of an Attempted Suicide One week ago today, the small Christian school where I work had an experience that we pray no one will ever face. A precious ninth grade student attempted suicide. She was discovered in time (Praise Jesus!) by another ninth grade student. Let me briefly warn, this is not unusual. It is epidemic. Talk to your children. Talk to your students. Talk to your friends. Don’t be afraid to have the conversation. This... Read more
Am I worthless? The National Institute of Mental Health states that feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness can be hallmarks of depression, especially if you experience these feelings every day for most of the day for 2 weeks or longer. Many people feel worthless sometimes. During those times it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects of life, rather than the positive ones (Positive aspects or qualities are often ignored or dismissed since they do not... Read more
Three Points and a Poem for Encouragement It’s a classic lesson structure; it’s nearly trite–overused. Can a message like that be encouraging? I say, “absolutely!” Here are three points and a poem to encourage you, from David the king who knew how to encourage others–and himself! The scripture narrative: From 1 Samuel 30: David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it, and... Read more
Things That Go Bump In the Night “From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!” The phrase is from a traditional prayer or litany that has been traced to the folk traditions of Cornwall and Scotland and included in George Oliver Onions 1911 collection Widdershins. As the days get shorter and nights get colder and the leaves begin to fall, what is it that draws us to thoughts of... Read more
41: Trial to Triumph Numbers Over Words … Sometimes I am a word person. I have always viewed numbers as, well, the enemy. Thanks to TikTok and social media, weird number combinations seem to be popping up all over these days. There are “angel numbers,” the work schedule “996” (9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. six days a week), and the meaningless-but-funny “6-7” fad. We remember 9/11, July 4th, and Friday the 13th. Added to that are the traditional college football rankings, stock... Read more
Exploring the Narrative: Exodus as Literature Next week I will begin teaching from the book of Exodus. This is a Christian school, but when I teach about Exodus in my 10th grade English class, I teach it as literature–as a work of art, as a narrative from the Master Story-teller. All scripture is art from the greatest creative mind of all, and He, before any renowned author, invented the literary techniques that sell books. Any book of the Bible can be... Read more
This I Believe, the Radio Show Edward R. Murrow was an acclaimed newsman for CBS Radio. From 1951 to 1955, he hosted a radio show called “This I Believe” where individuals from all walks of life presented their personal philosophies. Here is a portion of the transcript of the introduction to This I Believe by Murrow: “We hardly need to be reminded that we are living in an age of confusion. A lot of us have traded in our beliefs for... Read more
The National Road Bikeway Last Saturday, I woke up to a lovely, end-of-summer morning. I wanted to get out and walk–a healthy option to housework, I thought. Instead of our regular path, Marty and I decided we should check out a hidden gem in our little town. This information is not only because things have been so tense in the country lately and we could all use a place like this, but also to suggest that if communities get... Read more
Psalm 42:7 “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.” Three Days in Niagara Falls, New York Every year, my husband gives me a short trip for my birthday. I don’t know if it’s because we have far too much stuff in our house to keep adding more “gifts,” if he knows school is about to start and I need one last boost of freedom, or if he just... Read more
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