Welcome to this blog. In today’s superficial and often deceptive world we all need positive, encouraging truth to guide us, train us, and assure us. I find that truth in God and I try to pass it on. As a father and high school teacher I have had the opportunity to listen to, empathize with, advise, and challenge my children and my students. The following notes capture some of those interactions. Hopefully they benefit you also.

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

111 Develop Dual Vision

111 Develop Dual Vision

Last week I finished teaching high school for this school year. It was very rewarding to see our seniors graduate. Like so many people, they have been through a lot these last few months and I am proud of their academic accomplishment and perseverance in completing...

110 Rise to the Challenge

110 Rise to the Challenge

There is one week left of high school where I teach. Like most schools in America our school has been closed since the middle of March to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we have been continuing through online education. It's been a rough couple of months for...

109 Drink from the Source

109 Drink from the Source

In good times and bad times where do you draw your strength, security, and significance? In my last note, I wrote about receiving life through Jesus each day. I want to explore that further with you. The apostle, John, who was a close friend of Jesus described him as...

108 Receive Life

108 Receive Life

The other day on YouTube I watched the second episode of The Chosen an independently produced film series on the life of Jesus. There was a touching scene where a variety of people who didn't know each other, but knew Mary Magdalene, gathered at Mary's home to...

107 Cheer Others On

107 Cheer Others On

All of us experience circumstances and interact with people we could not predict nor have any control over. Fortunately what we can control is how we react to circumstances and people. This week at the dinner table my son brought up toxic people. We asked him what did...

106 Actively Rest

106 Actively Rest

Three months ago I injured my back muscles or pinched a nerve somehow. If I wasn't slow and careful with certain movements my muscles would lock up in a painful cramp. If you have every experienced back trouble, you know how debilitating it can be. With my back being...

105 Ask, Where Am I?

105 Ask, Where Am I?

During these difficult days I am sure you are asking a lot of questions and searching for answers. Asking questions is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Of course, some questions are more instructive than others. A few questions can even fundamentally change...

104 Celebrate Even in Crises

104 Celebrate Even in Crises

Just a few weeks ago my family celebrated several birthdays, a friend of mine got married, and a colleague announced his retirement. Laughter, joy, and fellowship filled those times, but these days it doesn't seem like there is much to celebrate. Are you finding it...

103 Wash Away Isolation

103 Wash Away Isolation

Difficulty gives us a fresh perspective. No doubt you have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. What have you learned about yourself or others? What have you seen in a new light? During this time when most likely you are isolated or your regular routine is...

102 Grow Your Mind

102 Grow Your Mind

For this note, I'm doing things a little differently. I'll interview a special guest, one of my favorite people to spend time with. In the studio today, which is really just a closet with a bunch of clothes that works well for sound proofing, is my daughter, Hannah....