Tag Archives: teaching

Yes, I’m a Lifelong Learner. No, That Wasn’t a Good Question.

Posted on July 12, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Are you a lifelong learner? Yes. Next question. But the better answer is that lifelong learning means staying teachable, humble, curious, and willing to keep growing through faith, writing, teaching, marriage, mistakes, and life itself. Continue reading →

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“The Hard Years” — When Love Pulled in Two Directions

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The hard years were not the mistake years or the lost years. They were the years when love pulled in two directions, home became complicated, and God taught love to stretch. Continue reading →

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When the Villain Looks Familiar

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

There are plenty of villains who had a point. Thanos had a point about limited resources, though his customer-service skills needed work. Magneto had a point about persecution, though “global domination” is generally where the school board starts asking follow-up … Continue reading →

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My Gut Was Right. That Doesn’t Mean Life Was Simple.

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Following your gut does not always lead to something perfect. Sometimes it leads to something complicated, difficult, and absolutely worth it. Continue reading →

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I’m Inspired By the People Who Take Away My Excuses

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Some people inspire us not because their lives are easy, but because they keep showing up when life gives them every reason not to. Their example reminds me how much I have — and how few excuses I really have. Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Tasting Note You Missed

Posted on June 14, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

The whiskey did not necessarily change. My attention did. Sometimes the same is true in life. God’s mercy may be present long before I slow down enough to notice it. Continue reading →

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Confidence, Unfortunately, Requires Evidence

Posted on June 8, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Self-confidence is not built by pretending we are fearless. It grows when we stop rehearsing disaster, take one small honest step, and give ourselves new evidence that fear does not get the final word. Continue reading →

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The One Book I Still Miss Teaching Every Year

Posted on May 16, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I thought Flowers for Algernon would be an interesting science-fiction story. I didn’t expect it to become one of the books I most looked forward to teaching — or one I would miss so much after I had to stop. Continue reading →

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Career Plan? I’m Still Waiting for the Final Draft

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

I’ve had four or five career plans by now, depending on how generously we define “plan.” Teaching is the current one, writing is the dream one, and a few letters from former students reminded me this week that the work still matters. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, May 4, 2026: New Wineskins for New Faith

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Douglas Blaine

Jesus’ image of new wine and fresh wineskins reminds us that faith is not about preserving old rituals but keeping our hearts open, flexible and ready for His renewing work. Continue reading →

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