In the “old days” yards were planted with seed. Scatter the seed, water it, wait a while, and grass grows. But we, of course, are impatient. So we use sod. Instant yards. Dirt in the morning, grass by nightfall. It’s a pretty good metaphor for the way we deal with a lot of processes. Jesus […]
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Wrecking A Classroom
Isaac Newton invented calculus in isolation. Newton was a student at Cambridge University in 1665 when students were sent home in fear of bubonic plague. Studying privately, Newton developed the basic ideas of calculus…as well as gravitational theory and optics. Most of us are not Isaac Newton. Perhaps the most powerful lesson I learned in […]
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Context
It’s been a while…last time we talked a little about sharing our experience with others. I remember my first college calculus class like it happened yesterday. I can see Dr. Cornett in front of the lecture hall, and I still remember what he explained that day. He didn’t begin with a bunch of problems or […]
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Experience
My friend John Swanson wrote an interesting blog about experience. My takeaway: If you do something for a while, you might get good at it. And if you’re good at it, then it might be a gift you can share with others. I spent 35 years in classrooms with students. Recently I’ve had a chance […]
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Notes
“Notes don’t lead to learning.” It was a common statement in my classroom. I encouraged students to take notes, the more the better, but I always tried to be clear that notes and summaries don’t create learning. Only one thing creates learning – choosing to do the hard work of understanding. And that doesn’t happen […]
Continue readingJobs Or Roles
We recently hired a local company for a small home improvement project. The two guys who did the job were remarkable. My construction experience helps me recognize people who care about their work. These guys weren’t just doing a job. Everything about their approach told you they took pride in both the process and the […]
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More About Foundations
THE FREEDOM TOUR isn’t about fundraising. That statement might surprise you since we support a group of kids rescued from human trafficking. Obviously, that support requires money. But when I ask you to join us, I hope it’s not a fundraising appeal. I hope it’s an invitation to follow Jesus’ call to seek justice for […]
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What’s It Built On?
My friend Rob talked about foundations last weekend. His church recently completed a new building. Rob described his frustration with the foundation phase of the construction process. So much time, effort, and money spent on a part of the building no one will ever see. Rob spoke about Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish […]
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Going Together
Yesterday I entered my miles for the HOPE & FREEDOM CHALLENGE. Since I’m still cranking my indoor trainer, I had this initial thought that my paltry 15 miles didn’t amount to much. At $1 per mile, $15 doesn’t seem like much compared to the huge need of the kids we support. But then I looked […]
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Examples
A reader asked if I could provide some examples of my theory concerning needs versus preferences. Remember the first day of class, the ritual of calling role? The simplest way is for the teacher to read the names and have the students respond, right? Works great for most students, except maybe that kid with the […]
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A Theory
I’m grateful to live where I live. Lots of reasons. Great weather, mountains, amazing bike paths. But I’m especially grateful that my community goes above and beyond to make it easy for me to get around. There aren’t many places I cannot go because of my wheelchair. It might seem sort of self-centered, but I’m […]
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Scattering Seeds
A few more comments to follow up on the last two posts about legacy & making a difference. After my talk on Saturday, people were gracious – as always. All sorts of comments about the impact of the story and how I’ve touched so many people along the way. I appreciate the kindness. But comments […]
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