life beyond the well…

Author Archives: erin.almond


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Who is/was Your Favorite Teacher?

Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week; a time where we tell teachers how grateful we are for the labor of love they devote to students every day.

I’ll hold off on my thoughts about teachers and the state of education. What I really want to know is: “Who is/was your favorite teacher? Why?”

I’ve had many favorites. Mrs. Robinson, who taught me for 3rd and 4th grade challenged me. She differentiated instruction for me to ensure that I wasn’t bored in class.

Mr. Smithson and Ms. McCormick made me love history. They told stories so beautifully and passionately and really made history come alive for me.

Ms. Hudson believed in me. And because she believed in me, she worked with me and on my behalf to make sure that my dreams came true.

Ms. Hebert, Dr. Harris, Dr. Jordan, and Dr. Morrow each took part in molding me into a better writer and thinker. They gave exceptional feedback and insight into how I could be better, time and time again.

Each of these teachers invested in me, and in many cases, took me under their wings and loved me as if I were their own child. They were phenomenal examples to me of what it means to be a great teacher.

So, these are my favorite teachers. Who are yours?


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Book Review: Max On Life

I’ve had the privilege of reading some of Max Lucado’s previous works, and until now, Fearless and Outlive Your Life were my favorites. However, I think that his latest work, Max On Life, has surpassed them.

I’ve always been a Max Lucado skeptic, because he seemed to be so mainstream. However, I’m now a believer. What I enjoy most of about his writing is that it is simple and pure, and it attempts to connect the reader with the very heart of God.

Max On Life allows the reader to engage in Lucado in a different way. The reader is allowed to sort through all of those troubling issues and questions that we have about our faith that we hesitate to mention in bible study or in our small groups because we are fearful of judgement and receive Lucado’s honest and heartfelt response; all of which direct the reader to experience God in a new way.

This book isn’t one that has to be read chronologically– there are different sections where one can sort and find the inspiration they need for where they are. I imagine that this book will be a guiding light for many as they seek to expand their faith and truly know God deeper than they’ve known before. This book is an excellent gift for anyone- a new believer or a seasoned soldier of Christ who desires to pursue God with their whole heart.