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Boundary Refresh
This week as I head back into my classroom, I’m thinking about boundaries. Each fall I think I’ll do better. . . and I do, a bit. . . until I don’t. Boundaries can be healthy. In Exodus 20 we read about God’s boundaries set for his people in the Ten Commandments. Why did he give these…
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Not Quite Right
The other morning I turned the switch on my lamp, but it didn’t turn on. I assumed it was the bulb, so I replaced it (and I was impressed with myself because I actually had spare light bulbs), but it still didn’t turn on. Then I looked at the outset and saw the cord wasn’t…
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Adding Value
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10 ESV I’m a teacher because I want to add value to others’ lives. But I’ve realized that a reason I feel so discontented with life is because I don’t feel like I’m adding…
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A Simple Purpose
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 ESV But what is His purpose for me? Anyone else overthink this like me, waiting for some big revelation about what I should be doing in life? (Still waiting on that text from God. . . ) I…
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People-Pleasing
I’ve discovered that I’m a people-pleaser. I didn’t realize I was until I reflected on how I was making decisions, and I was unpleasantly surprised at how much I considered the anticipated opinions of others. I’m supposed to love people (“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV). . .…
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Gather
I teach Children’s Church once a month, and these kids in grades 3-5 come up with some awesome thoughts and questions. A recent discussion revolved around how we are to be faithful followers of Christ, and this idea stayed with me long after the class was over: If I’m to be a faithful follower, then…
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With All I Am
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and…
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Who God Is: Unchanging
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 ESV Throughout Scripture, God shows us who He is. Through Job we see who God is in suffering (Job 38-42). Through David we see who God is in danger (Psalm 3). Through Hannah we see who God is in waiting (1 Samuel 1-2:11).…
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Never Tired
I get tired. A lot. True confession: I’m always a bit sorry for whichever piano student I’m teaching at 4:00 in the afternoon because I’m definitely pinching myself to stay awake. Lately I’ve been taking 5 minutes at my desk to close my eyes just to power-up for my next class. . . because if they’re tired…
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Cozy January: A Time of REST
I have one goal for January: to be cozy at home. For me that means hot cocoa every night, lit candles, blankets and fuzzy socks, and extra sleep (not enough, but I try). Because I’ve learned that January can be a bummer month for me. The holidays are over, and I’m tired. It’s cold, it’s…