Monthly Archives: August 2025

Learning How to Trust God

Posted on August 31, 2025 by mitchteemley

‘Serena et Eterna’ photo by Zu Sanchez We live in an uncertain era. In times like this I’m tempted to shout, “Why, Lord?” But then I think of our little cat Misha’s reaction after we’d give her yet another dreaded … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

2025 So Far? Caption This Picture

Posted on August 30, 2025 by mitchteemley

“It’s snowing still,” said Eeyore gloomily. “So it is.” “And freezing.” “Is it?” “Yes,” said Eeyore. “However,” he said, brightening up a little, “we haven’t had an earthquake lately.” ~A.A. Milne              “I’m a pessimist … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Think You’ve Seen Dolls? Think Again!

Posted on August 29, 2025 by mitchteemley

I became utterly fascinated when gathering these images. Dolls aren’t “just dolls.” They’re sculptures-with-attitude! Sure, some are cute, but in unexpected ways (see werewolf babies below). Others are funny or provocative. In short, they’re even more varied than people. Why? … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Popular Culture & Entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 43 Comments

Be a Survivor, Not a Victim

Posted on August 28, 2025 by mitchteemley

Stress produces strength. Body builders know that muscles pushed to their limits respond by growing thicker and stronger. Likewise, studies show that people who experience trauma often develop a “survivor personality.” They cope better when facing trials. They’re more resilient, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Votes for Women? Yes! But Why?

Posted on August 27, 2025 by mitchteemley

It seems an odd question to ask in this enlightened era (as if). But it’s worth asking every day. My country just celebrated Women’s Equality Day. And I’m glad we did. Because women will always be equal. Yet their right … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

An Unforgetable Lesson in Grace

Posted on August 27, 2025 by mitchteemley

Preachers, teachers and group leaders: Classes have resumed at schools and universities, or will soon. If you’re looking for an unforgettable illustration to set up a talk on grace, my 2-minute video Grace 101 (below) may be just the thing! It’s available from my church … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Movies, Videos | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Biggest Leap of My Life

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mitchteemley

My Real Memoir “You don’t have to cough,” I told God. To wit, “You don’t have to make a sound or produce a theatrical burst of light for me to believe you’re here.” In fact, looking back, it seemed God … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Memoir, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Writers: Use Your Stories to Heal!

Posted on August 25, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week In my fantasy novel The Wishing Map, a fierce impromptu battle breaks out between two groups of naims (gnomes) in the midst of a storytelling contest. One beloved old naim, Tuber, is fatally injured while trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Culture, Movies, The Wishing Map, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

We Are Not Alone in Death

Posted on August 24, 2025 by mitchteemley

What a strange era we find ourselves in. 2025 is, in many ways, comparable to the world war years. Reminders of human mortality assault us daily. Still, death has always been with us, as Seneca the Younger observed in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Where Do Babies Come From?

Posted on August 23, 2025 by mitchteemley

Old Myth: When a lady wants to be a mommy, a stork magically appears overhead with a baby in its beak and drops it into the lady’s house! But if the lady doesn’t want it–poof!–the stork takes it away! New … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments