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
091 Do What’s Right
This week I attended a workshop on restorative practices with a group of educators from across our county. We explored several exercises for working with youth that can help them build relationships, be heard, take responsibility for their actions, change their...
090 Hope in God
My heart goes out to several students and their families which have suffered in the last two weeks. One is a student who was shot to death in his car, most likely related to his drug dealing. Although he put himself in danger with his choices, it's still tragic....
089 Realize You Are Special
Recently in my video production class one of my students asked if I thought people are special. Before I could answer a few other students gave their opinions. One person declared that people aren't special. They are merely the result of random chance, evolutionary...
088 Base Your Life on Truth
Some friends of ours are avid gardeners. Today I ate some of the surplus tomatoes they generously shared with us and was impressed again with how much better home-grown produce tastes and smells compared to the typical produce sold in stores. The color and sweet,...
087 Be Willing
I’ve been riding my bike to school this year at least once a week, sometimes twice. The morning ride to school is the best. It’s quiet, even serene at times. The traffic is relatively low and I get to experience the sun rise. The return ride home takes a little more...
086 Don’t Give Up–Give In and Give Out
That's it. I give up. I've tried different approaches and paths, but it's just not like it used to be. Walking along used to be enjoyable and I felt like I was progressing toward a brighter future. Now my steps are labored. I feel the roughness of the terrain and I...
085 Find Help in God
Last week I backpacked for a few days up in the Sierra Nevadas with my wife, daughter, and son. This was different than last year's hike to Island Lake, but just as beautiful. We all enjoyed it, except for the elevation gain and relentless mosquitoes. It's always good...
084 Consider Each Day a Gift
As summer winds down and I start back to school next week I encourage myself to make the most of each day even when circumstances are difficult. All any of us have is today and I want to be thankful, stay positive, and live it to the fullest for Jesus. Each day is a...
083 Reflect Goodness and Beauty
This morning before I ventured into the yard to battle advancing forces of weeds I was pleasantly surprised to discover sparkling drops of dew decorating the grass. I couldn't help but take a few pictures. Each droplet of radiance reflected what is beautiful and good...
082 Simply Care
This morning I enjoyed one of the simple pleasures of summer. I added apricots from the tree in our backyard to my oatmeal breakfast. Yum, tastes like freshly baked fruit pie. There have been other pleasures too. It's been a blessing to play disc golf with my son,...