This morning I have been thinking about how grateful I am for several recent parent experiences I have shared with my kids. My oldest said to me today, “Dad, I can hear you on your Zooms sometimes, and it sounds like you’re really helping a lot of schools.” His recognition and understanding means the worldContinue reading “Young people have a deep need for familiar connection amid a society glued together with impersonal, transactional exchanges. -Springtide Research Institute”
Author Archives: drmikedaniels
The Beatitudes are no spiritual “to do list” to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is a spiritual “done” list of the qualities God brings to bear in …people. Ronnie McBrayer
Yesterday in fourth grade religion I explained the Beatitudes to my son as “be” attitudes taught by Jesus. In his Sermon on the Mount, I believe that Jesus gave a clear indication of how we – as People of God – can care for our earth and for one another. Compassion, positive intention and actionContinue reading “The Beatitudes are no spiritual “to do list” to be attempted by eager, rule-keeping disciples. It is a spiritual “done” list of the qualities God brings to bear in …people. Ronnie McBrayer”
While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together. Amanda Gorman
Last night I enjoyed playing a tech support role for my daughter’s Zoom Tinkering Club. She built this great machine-like structure, and was happy to e-connect with her friends for this monthly group activity. In the concluding appreciations reflection exercise, she stated: “Tonight I am grateful for my family, all of you, and our dog.”Continue reading “While we might feel small, separate, and all alone, our people have never been more closely tethered. The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown, but how we will weather this unknown together. Amanda Gorman”
“Understand the movement. Be patient. Be persistent.” -Steve Stine
Last night I heard this above quote in an on-line guitar lesson. While the words were intended for application to the instrument and the learner, this quote struck me as excellent advice to consider during this Black History Month. On Monday I had the privilege of virtually speaking with hundreds of educators from our NorthernContinue reading ““Understand the movement. Be patient. Be persistent.” -Steve Stine”
“You can’t see the whole path ahead, but there is usually enough light to take the next step. And then…trust God’s guidance in the moment.”- Henri Nouwen
Yesterday during 3rd grade religion I was fortunate to be able to teach my daughter about Saint Louise de Marillac, the namesake for my former school. My middle son’s face lit up so brightly once he mastered the concept of rounding in Math class. And my oldest son exuded sheer joy when explaining the legoContinue reading ““You can’t see the whole path ahead, but there is usually enough light to take the next step. And then…trust God’s guidance in the moment.”- Henri Nouwen”
“The pain, uncertainty and fear, and the realization of our own limitations brought on by the pandemic have only made it all the more urgent that we rethink our styles of life, our relationships, the organization of our societies and, above all, the meaning of our existence.” Pope Francis
The words of Pope Francis (from Fratelli Tutti) and the picture of this passage I pulled from Twitter a while back capture the range of emotions so many of us find ourselves swimming in these days. Trying to articulate the surreal nature of last week’s riots at our nation’s Capitol to our children provided justContinue reading ““The pain, uncertainty and fear, and the realization of our own limitations brought on by the pandemic have only made it all the more urgent that we rethink our styles of life, our relationships, the organization of our societies and, above all, the meaning of our existence.” Pope Francis”
“True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
On this feast day of the Three Kings, I find myself reflecting upon the notions of journey and hospitality. Throughout my morning walk, I thought about the values of patience and persistence as we live through the tenth month of our experience of this pandemic. In terms of hospitality, I find irony in my beliefContinue reading ““True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” -Eleanor Roosevelt”
Be satisfied and be grateful. For what you have. For what you receive, For what God has given you. -Rabbi Albert Lewis
This week I am grateful for how much I enjoy serving in educational leadership. I am thankful for my faith and my family. I appreciate my health and the privilege I experience in being able to work from home. In this excellent piece, Hang in There, Help is on the Way, the significance of perspective,Continue reading “Be satisfied and be grateful. For what you have. For what you receive, For what God has given you. -Rabbi Albert Lewis”
“The more you devote yourself in prayer, the more you will do well in your work.” John Baptist de La Salle
This long week concludes mid-day Friday with the start to Christmas break for my kids. We are all very ready for a break from screens, Zooms, printer glitches and virtual meetings. Teachers and kids are all doing their very best given the circumstances, but the cumulative toll is real. Tired from this unnatural experience ofContinue reading ““The more you devote yourself in prayer, the more you will do well in your work.” John Baptist de La Salle”
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This quote from today’s Gospel seems appropriate. While I presume Jesus was preaching of the Kingdom of God, and how God can provide the nourishment that we need, I also hear it this morning from the perspective of prayer. This past weekend I spent time in the woods, in the Pacific Ocean, and with myContinue reading ““Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.””
Keeping the Faith 