Smile Files

LSEM > Articles by: Carolyn Mahal
Nov
02
Smile Files

Documentation is critical in any job, but for teachers the levels to which we must document things can seem a bit overwhelming.  A tremendous amount of documentation must be kept in order to maintain an effective file for each student.  That, in and of itself, is enough to keep teachers overly busy, but it doesn’t […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Oct
11
Courage*

Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Sep
23
Mind the Gap

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – 1 John 3:18 Parent-Teacher Communication is a topic that has fascinated me for as long as I have been in the field of education. In fact, the action research project I authored as the capstone assignment of my […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Sep
07
Uncommon Nonsense*

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Jun
07
The Powerful Play Goes On*

Back during my younger years, I wasn’t much of a reader. In fact, I only read four books when I was a kid. I always thought reading was passive. I had places to go and things to do. Even in school, I was always smart enough to get by without reading the texts. This helped […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Jun
01
Speechless

There are definitely times in life when we find ourselves speechless.  Guys, remember that moment when you were standing in the front of the church and as you gazed down the aisle you saw your soon to be wife standing there in her wedding dress?  The beauty of that moment: music, flowers, a church filled with family […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Apr
27
Adding Up

Life is filled with many interesting ironies.  Many things which seem to be straightforward and structured can at the same time be vague and open to interpretation.  Now let’s be clear – I am not talking about an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp” or “honest politician.”  I am talking about things which are simultaneously rigid and […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Apr
05
Not Just a Number

Remember when you were a kid?  A lot of things were different back then.  The days were filled with joy and adventure.  Summers seemed to last forever.  You used to enjoy spending the day outside in the snow.  And perhaps the greatest of all childhood memories: you didn’t have to pay bills! Yep – things […]

Posted in: Devotions,
Mar
17
Firm Foundations

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! – Psalm 118:22-25 Ask any builder what is the most important thing […]

Posted in: Devotions,