Today was one of those year ending days in school when it all got a bit overwhelming with tests, test results, people who needed help. I was down and shared that with my colleague and friend David who always has a good word or joke to share. His enthusiasm and kindness are legendary. Today while … Read more
In a couple of weeks I’ll be attending classes at St. Bonaventure University’s Franciscan Institute. In preparation for that I received an instructive email from the liturgist yesterday. Each day begins with morning prayer and ends with evening prayer and in between is the Eucharist. I loved this quote taken from the mail. Institute liturgies … Read more
After completing my last post and walking along the Allegany river I thought of the words of our Secular Franciscan rule. Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Then I came … Read more
For months and even years I’ve been praying for direction. Today as I meditated and now as I mindfully walk along the Allegany river near St. Bonaventure University the answers seem to flow. All of my life I have wanted to teach, to help and heal people. I recall making tests up for my brother … Read more
I recently signed up for a course at The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University. It’s my first course in a program of study that could lead to a Master of Arts in Franciscan Studies. I’m anxious and excited. I’m a layman, a Secular Franciscan, and I’m likely to be surrounded by highly educated Friars … Read more
I found out that I have students who like to code. In fact one of my biggest challenges has been motivating a couple of youngsters who just couldn’t get enough of HTML programming today. The weather improved as the day went on and got to read the Pope’s homily for today. I’ve been pleasantly surprised … Read more
Last summer I took a one day seminar on Positive Psychology at St. Bonaventure University. Since then I’ve been trying to implement some of what I learned along with what I continue to read about positive psychology in the classroom. I figured that anything I can do to make school less stressful would help everyone … Read more
In the past five months I have incorporated a daily practice of mindfulness. Along with this I’ve incorporated Yoga and I’ve been reading everything I can about both topics. K-12 schools are in chaos around the country due to a number of reasons that include high stakes testing, teacher & principal evaluations and shrinking budgets. … Read more
I’ve been teaching middle school students how to use technology safely and effectively for three years now. It was a novel experience from the very start and it still continues to keep me on my toes looking for ways to help these young people how to learn all the while respecting each other but encouraging … Read more
Gosh, it’s been over 5 months since I last wrote! I’ve been busy. Had my first ever major surgery which scared the heck out of me. I made a mountain out of a molehill. I’m grateful to my surgeon who repaired an umbilical hernia. I’m good for another 100,000 miles now. While I was convalescing … Read more
