My oleander bush won't bloom. Everyone else's oleander bushes have a riot of magenta blossoms covering the dark, glossy leaves. I just have dark glossy leaves. Which are quite beautiful in their own right; however, if one owns an oleander, one wants the oleander to bloom. I have pruned my oleander. I have watered my... Continue Reading →
For me, it happened gradually, like an oak tree losing its leaves in autumn. Sometimes one at a time, floating silently to the ground when the final thread of stem at last gave way; sometimes whole clumps, torn violently by an icy wind and hurled to the frozen ground. It took a long time for... Continue Reading →
My students and I recently studied William Wordsworth's poem, "A Sketch," which describes a man "....to whom Long patience hath such mild composure given That patience now doth seem a thing of which He hath no need." The words "long patience" caught my attention, because I don't know about you, but it seems I've had... Continue Reading →
The first and most well-known question of The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks the question this way: "What is the chief end of man?" The answer: The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Wait. What? What about spreading the gospel? Raising godly children? Caring for those in need? Yep.... Continue Reading →
Ever feel like the woman in this picture? Is life an arduous, up-the-back-side-of-the-mountain-by-yourself kind of struggle every single day? I've been there. And some days I still am. But here's something I've learned. When you feel like giving up, try looking back instead. I'm not advising you to replay your regrets or wallow in what-if's.... Continue Reading →
Every January, my students and I read the allegorical fairy tale, The Golden Key, by George MacDonald. The main character, a boy named Mossy, has found a beautiful golden key, but he is unsure what the key unlocks. All he knows is that he is compelled to search for the keyhole. As Mossy begins his journey, he... Continue Reading →
Amy K. Rognlie 