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ABCs of Thanks
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and for some, it is a time of enjoyment, light-heartedness, and joy as they feast and celebrate with their family and friends. For others, this season can be mingled with difficulty. The leaves change, but the hardships of life might still be ever-present and fresh.…
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Remind Yourself
I have this post-it note above the sink when I am washing dishes to remind me of the truth, from when I am not thinking about anything to when I am over-thinking. It provides something to steady me and bring me back into focus. It is from Psalm 107:9 and…
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Statue of Sin
She stood there rigid on the playground. Her body was unmoving, and her gaze was unwavering. Lips sealed, jaw tight, fists clenched, holding on to the truth and not letting it go, no matter how much I persisted. “What’s going on?” I inquired. My student’s stubbornness responded with cold silence. …
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Knowing & Doing
Growing up, my dad had a phrase that he repeated often: “Knowing and doing are two different things.” For instance, as a little girl, my dad would tell me, “Rachel, I need you to fold the clothes,” to which I would sometimes respond with “I know” instead of “yes, sir”.…
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Singleness & Hospitality
Do nothing from selfish ambition, or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to the interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 2:3-5 Being single does not…
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I Have To Be…
Perfectionism looms heavily over one of my students. It is a dark cloud that constantly drags, demands, and only leaves them feeling sullen and unforgiving. I was walking around the room checking on another students’ work when I noticed out of the corner of my eye, this student was starting…
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Handle
Too much to handleHands seem unfit for the task“Humble me,” I pleadAs plates shatter and clatter Withered on the groundThoughts wrinkled in time“Help me,” I beckonHis word enfolds the void Handle, He provedNail-scared, on the cross for me and youSilent he sufferedRedemption ringing through Withered in powerThe curse left in…
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Think Time: I Did Nothing
I needed a break from one of my students, and they needed a break from the room. They were not behaving, but disobeying and breaking my rules from left to right. Nothing I was saying or doing was working. My patience had already worn thin, and I needed help, and…
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What Are You Bringing?
By the end of the school day, my desk is swarmed with various drawings from throughout the day. Some seem very insignificant, with just a drawing of a cute little strawberry with my name next to it. Others look more extravagant, from their dedication to adding more color to the…
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There’s Something About…
I am a sucker for them. They captivate my attention and enamor my heart. Sunrises and sunsets make me pause from the different hues that streak across the sky to the settling warmth that beams from their source. I could admire them all day long. And every morning, I have…
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Decision Fatigue
Ms. Whisman, may I sharpen my pencil? Ms. Whisman, can I grab a tissue? Ms. Whisman, look what I just drew! Can you tie my shoe? Ms.Whisman, do you want to know what I ate for breakfast? Ms.Whisman my stomach hurts. Ms. Whisman, what are the directions again? Ms.Whisman, she…
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The Pendulum
When expectations are not met, hopes are deferred, or patience wears thin, we tend to gravitate to doing the exact opposite and using absolutes to help cope with the situation. We might say to ourselves, “I will never ______,” or “I will stop hoping that ______ will ______.” We try…
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Hidden Conviction of a Seven-Year-Old
While sitting next to one of my students, she brought her eyes towards me and shared, “Well, that was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…” I responded with, “What was?” “Forgiving him. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,”…
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Prayer Requests from a Teacher
Another school year is on the horizon for me this week. A new crew of 2nd graders will be walking into my classroom. Some will be hesitant, shy, paralyzed with nerves, and eager to say absolutely nothing but just try to make it through the day unscathed. Others will burst…
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Excellence Over Perfection
Last week, I said adios to summer and stepped back onto my elementary campus for the start of teacher professional development. At the beginning, our Principal directed us to greet one another, and I met one of my new co-workers. It is her first year teaching, and it was refreshing…
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A Heart Aflame
There is much noise in Christianity today on what to do to love God more. There are different “practices” or “disciplines” that pastors and influencers have inundated Christians with. So much noise that it is challenging for Christians to decipher what is helpful. The more options given, the faster it…
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In a Cage
Crashing. Clanging. Charging.Out, I want out.Change.My soul’s desire.Stuck in the cyclical cycle of the mundane.Knocking…no answer.Trying… results, none that my sight can see.Pleading…only hollow echoes.Dissatisfaction and discontentment lurking around the corner.Oh God, change my circumstances.Quiet, near silence.Ripples of tears steadily stream down. To His word I lean as my reprieve.Consolation…
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Pray Together
It made me pause. Not the silence nor the quiet, but the low rumble that rippled across the sanctuary. The tender, faint whisper of others praying out loud together over the prayer requests made known to us that morning by our Pastor. Every week at Church, we stop after singing…
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Who Hindered You?
“What is that to you? You, follow me!” -John 21:22 I can hear Jesus’ correction, “Stop looking at what other people are doing, comparing yourself to them. Return to me, and keep your gaze steady on me.” When I have become lazy, more slothful, and lax in my pursuit of…
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Not Worth It
While my neighbors, who are more like family, were away, they asked me to collect the ripe figs off their tree. As I was gathering them, I taste-tested a couple just to make sure they were all good (great post-run snack if you ask me). One was a little sour,…
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Rachel Whisman 