Teaching the Children: Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This bold and risky proclamation shouted to the world that the thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule but were “free and independent states.” Today, fireworks, parades, and cookouts will mark the day, and...
What’s in Your Cup?
I enjoy my morning coffee (and sometimes an extra in the afternoon, and a bedtime hot chocolate or herbal tea). I’ve collected a variety of mugs over the years, each with some sentimental meaning. Every one of them reminds me of a person, a place, or a moment that...
Teaching the Children: Friendship
This title could easily be “What Children Taught Me about Friendship.” No inhibitions. No prejudices. Nothing to prove. As I watched a group of 3–7-year-olds during Bible class, I witnessed the beauty of connection. Children of different backgrounds and skin tones sat shoulder to shoulder, holding hands during the...
Leap of Faith: from High Ropes to Letting Go
For the past several years, my son has spent his birthday away at camp. We often celebrate before he leaves or when he returns. For birthdays at camp, the female counselors gather around the male campers and sing Happy Birthday to various other tunes (this year it was the...
Who do you see?
The memories feature on Facebook occasionally contains a past writing that did not make it to the blog. I often take those memories and share them with new insight or updated illustrations and applications. Today, one crossed my feed that doesn’t need changing but absolutely needs sharing: On...
Teaching the Children: Through the Chaos
Teaching—whether in a formal school setting, at home, or in Bible class—is a source of great joy in my life. While I don’t have experience in a traditional classroom beyond my own time as a student, I have over 17 years of experience teaching in the home and Bible...
Teaching the Children: Inauguration Day
For the second time in United States history, a President will serve for two non-consecutive terms. It is only the third time Inauguration Day and MLK Day coincide (the second inaugurations of presidents Bill Clinton in 1997 and Barack Obama in 2013 being the other two occasions). Homeschooling allows...
Holiday Memories in the Making
Do you have specific holiday traditions? I believe in making the most of every day and creating memories. Whether it’s an official holiday or a movie marathon, these memories often start in the kitchen. I enjoy cooking and making treats. However, my treat-making started because of food allergies. It’s...
Remembering Grandmama
Both Thanksgiving and Christmas were my Grandmother‘s forte. She prepared the turkey, dressing, and most sides for many years. She enjoyed this time, even when it was stressful. She would complain or fuss about some things, but go on about her work (sometimes, we thought she fussed for fun)....
Teaching the Children, Beyond Election Day
As I think about, pray about, and teach about the election this year, I am not focused solely on Super Tuesday. I’m not even worrying about the outcome or its implications. Rather, my focus is teaching my children about OUR election. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,...