In writing I have tried to be genuine, humble, and open to listening and learning from God. I also try to put the advice into practice by God’s grace and power. As a reader I hope you approach these notes the same way. I pray they bless you and inspire you to become all God has designed for you to be and to do for his glory. He believes in you and wants the best for you. So do I. The most valuable gift I can give is to build you and others up and to help you draw near to God through Jesus. In time I hope God becomes your closest friend, your brightest future, and your deepest love.
Your friend and teacher,
Greenelsh
191 Sing of Salvation
In the last few weeks there have been several conflicts among students at my high school. Although every year fights occasionally happen, this year feels different. As I think about my students, our school, and our local community it seems like many people are...
190 Seek the Truth
Over the last few years there seems to be a significant increase in deception. Many influencers like media moguls, journalists, broadcasters, editors, politicians, lawmakers, judges, intelligence experts, social media developers, healthcare professionals, celebrities...
189 Go for Glory
Having run cross-country in the fall, my son is now competing in track and field with his high school team. Last week I enjoyed watching him run his fastest time for the mile. Even though he did well (despite a light hail during his race), I appreciate his humble...
188 See and Engage
This week as I listened to the radio on my drive to work, a desperate lady called in to the show hosts. She tearfully confessed that she felt unloved and disconnected to the point that she struggles even to love others. It broke my heart. She is disabled and she said,...
187 Be Strong and Courageous
A few days ago Russia invaded Ukraine. Although some commentators portray Russia as an evil aggressor and Ukraine as an innocent victim, that depiction is too simplistic. In situations like this, it is worth researching a variety of sources besides mainstream media to...
186 Recognize Your Need
The last couple of weeks I have been discussing God and faith with a couple of young men who stopped by my house. Currently their views on the nature of God and his plan of salvation draw from a number of sources. I shared with them key truths from the Bible, God's...
185 Be Open to Change
One of the disciplines effective people have in common is remaining open to learning. Art Costa and Bena Kallick identified this as one of 16 Habits of Mind. I try to instill in my high school students a love for learning which will hopefully continue well after they...
184 Find Peace Through Grace
Many of my high school students struggle with anxiety, which is common during teenage years. In fact, right now people of all ages seem to be battling anxiety due to the fears and uncertainty related to the pandemic. In class to help students, we discussed a few...
183 Take Root
The coronavirus pandemic has been damaging and unsettling for multitudes of people. People's physical, mental, emotional, and social health has suffered. Their livelihoods and the economy have been threatened. Relationships have been strained and communities divided....
182 Use Your Gifts
In the Capstone career readiness class I teach, my high school students explore their aptitudes. Everyone is good at something. Recognizing their natural abilities and strengths helps students identify careers which they might find fulfilling. If you follow Jesus, he...