Monthly Archives: December 2018

The Ugly Time

Posted on December 11, 2018 by mitchteemley

I used to consider late autumn with its leafless trees and sullen skies the ugly time But then I grew up and came to understand its barren beauty how it saw the loss and longing in me and sent its moons … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher

Posted on December 10, 2018 by mitchteemley

Our students are about to go on winter break. And soon all the schools will be empty. But the teachers will still be thinking about their kids. Their spouses and friends will heckle, “Give it a rest!” But a true … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

A Real Person of Prayer

Posted on December 9, 2018 by mitchteemley

The philosopher-theologian Evelyn Underhill penned these words a hundred years ago.(God, grant that I might live to personify them.) “What then is a real man of prayer? “He is one who deliberately wills and steadily desires that his intercourse with … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

No Santa Claus?

Posted on December 8, 2018 by mitchteemley

I was six when my parents told me there was no Santa Claus: My response (according to my mom) was, “Whew! You finally know?  I’ve known for a long time, but I wasn’t sure you did, and I didn’t want … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

The Christmas Experience

Posted on December 7, 2018 by mitchteemley

While still newlyweds, my wife and I visited Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts, the impossibly authentic re-creation of America’s first Pilgrim colony occupied by role-playing historian-actors who literally live out the daily lives of the original inhabitants. During the course of our day … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith, Story Power | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

The Holidays are Upon Us!

Posted on December 6, 2018 by mitchteemley

“Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.” ~Dave Barry “I bought my brother some gift-wrap. I took it … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Real Problem

Posted on December 5, 2018 by mitchteemley

My Featured Blogger this week is the creator of Russellings of the Spirit, now in its 10th year. Russ is a wise, warm, and frequently witty Kansas City pastor whose frankness and transparency make him a relatable communicator to believers … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Complete

Posted on December 4, 2018 by mitchteemley

Here’s the paradox in Jesus’ teaching: What I want I must give. But I don’t have it to give because I am incomplete. Remember? So what must I do? I must let him invade me, must let him live in … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Poetry, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Be Who You’re Called to Be

Posted on December 3, 2018 by mitchteemley

I once dated a struggling British actress. We talked about how hard it was to make it in the movie biz. She mentioned meeting a 35 year old actor who’d wrapped work on a “kid’s movie” at London’s Elstree Studios. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Advent

Posted on December 2, 2018 by mitchteemley

The season of Advent has begun. The word advent means “to arrive” in a notable or surprising way (Oxford Dictionary). Hence, it serves as the root of our word “adventure,” which implies daring, the unknown. In short: An experience that can … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , | 24 Comments