Monthly Archives: May 2014

Water Ways: Ten Simple Assignments to Change the World

Phyllis Nissila REFRESHMENT Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, … Continue reading

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In Plain Sight, 2: More on Those Mini Metal Spies

Phyllis Nissila Since I last posted on this topic, even more technological innovations have come onto the scene. Here is part 2. Where it used to be ginormous UFOs menacing the night skies and the population, what will soon blip … Continue reading

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A Response to “Why I Miss Being a Born-Again Christian”

Phyllis Nissila IS THIS ALL THERE IS? The story goes something like this. Two guys are conversing on a plane. One of them is a Christian. After discussing the issue of faith for a few minutes the non-Christian asks, “What … Continue reading

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On Law, Grace, and the Joy of the Race

Phyllis Nissila GOING PAST THE GOLD When I think about talented runners I think about two people: 1924 Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Liddell, the inspiration for the Chariots of Fire story and film [1], and let’s call him “Charlie,” a … Continue reading

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By Grace Efficacious (Or How the Meek Inherit the Earth)

Phyllis Nissila HUMBLE POWER “Every success becomes the force of timid people,” wrote my Chinese student on the topic of self-efficacy, that is, a “person’s estimate or personal judgment of his or her own ability to succeed in reaching a…goal” … Continue reading

Posted in Bible/literary themes, elements, Commentaries, Devotionals, Easter/Good Friday themes, education and teaching, most recent posts, spiritual survival, spiritual transformation | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Staying the Mind on Peace, 2: Songs of Their Deliverance

Phyllis Nissila SONGS OF THEIR DELIVERANCE Lisa was a Laotian refugee coming up to academic speed in our middle school resource room. Her family had survived the bloody civil turmoil of the 1970s in Laos and had been sponsored by … Continue reading

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Behavior Preaching or Hope-Infused, Holy Spirit Empowering?

Phyllis Nissila Some of you reading this may wonder what I’m talking about by the title, but I bet you can relate to the following:             She (or he) enters the church with cautious expectation. … Continue reading

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