Even in my youth, I knew that teaching children is both a calling and a gift and that God was calling me to the teaching profession. Heeding that call, I have spent more than twenty-five years in the classroom, working with students of various ages and abilities. Perhaps some of the lessons I have learned there, as well as from raising a daughter and son, may help other parents to improve their children's academic performance—and to emerge from the often tumultuous school years with sanity intact! Continue »

"God has a plan for your life." I have heard the phrase countless times and never really doubted it. In fact, my husband and I have always loved the Scripture passage from Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Continue »

As the new school year begins, parenting magazines, chat rooms, and talk shows come alive with suggestions for success in the schoolroom. There's enthusiasm, and often good advice, for ... Continue »

Sometimes, the first day of school feels more like New Year's Day than the first of January does. Classes are back in session; fall sports, religious ed, and other activities and meetings resume—a new year has begun! It seems like a logical time for making a "back-to-school" resolution. Continue »

It doesn't take Doppler radar to reveal the storms in our lives. Apart from global terrorism and local violence, every family experiences turmoil: mismatched expectations, needy relatives, rebellious children, mounting debt, sudden unemployment, perplexing choices, beginnings and endings full of uncertainty. Yes, we are "battered by the waves . . . for the wind (is) against" us (Matthew 14:24). Continue »

In my late teens and early twenties, I could often be found in dark, smoke-filled clubs, hanging out with my friends and listening to alternative rock music. Typically, the band members played loud, angry songs and sported earrings and spiked hair.  Continue »

“Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) Continue »

Savvy adults know that every minute with young children is an opportunity to communicate values and ideals. They also realize that "teaching moments" don't have to be heavy to be effective. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons slip in unawares Continue »

The Christmas countdown is on, and people are shopping, planning festive menus, and merrily dashing about. But the season can wear a different face for those of us who live alone -- who haven't yet married (or fear we might never), who have aged and watched our parents die, or who live far from our folks and siblings. Others of us have spouses who are far away, perhaps on necessary business or even in combat. For these and other reasons, we may find ourselves largely isolated in this season of family togetherness. Continue »

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20). To me, these words of Jesus describe what we are all trying to do during Advent. Spiritually, we wait, anticipate, and open the door wider for the coming of the King. Continue »