Category Archives: education and teaching

On Law, Grace, and the Joy of the Race

Posted on May 19, 2014 by pbn

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)

Posted on May 17, 2014 by pbn

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

Posted on May 8, 2014 by pbn

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 →

Posted in Commentaries, Devotionals, devotionals and commentaries featuring technology, education and teaching, encouragement in hard times, most recent posts, spiritual survival, survival tools | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Works in Progress (Devotional)

Posted on July 23, 2013 by pbn

Phyllis Nissila The other day I ran into a girl who was in one of my old high school writing classes and who is currently working on her degree at the community college where I now teach. She greeted me … Continue reading →

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A Different Kind of Commencement Celebrity at Our College

Posted on June 22, 2012 by pbn

People who achieve incredible feats, overcome great obstacles, and/or succeed against great odds inspire and encourage us. Precious few reach the headlines. We honor them with invitations to inspire others as, for example, speakers at graduation ceremonies. At our school, … Continue reading →

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No Less Loved (Devotional, Hebrews 4:15-16)

Posted on June 20, 2012 by pbn

Phyllis Nissila Slight of frame with sandy hair and gentle eyes, “Sam” came to our middle school resource room when Friedreich’s Ataxia, a degenerative disease that attacked his nervous system, necessitated a more sheltered environment. His case was especially aggressive. … Continue reading →

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