by Elaine Olsen | Aug 30, 2015 | christian perfection, holiness, Lessons from the Lunchroom, obedience
I’ve been thinking about them some … my last-yearers. It’s been odd seeing them so close-by yet realizing that they’re “hands off” – not mine, not this year. I’ve kept my professional distance, and they’ve kept theirs. A few of them have made their way to my door,...
by Elaine Olsen | Jun 9, 2015 | christian perfection, discipleship, faith, kingdom, Lessons from the Lunchroom, ministry life, obedience, trust
Rough edges. I have some. They were readily exposed for me to clearly see this past year. The catalyst for that exposure? Fifteen students hand-picked by God to move me on toward my perfection! For the past several years, I’ve been incubated from such exposure; life...
by Elaine Olsen | Apr 22, 2015 | calling, hunger, Lessons from the Lunchroom, ministry life, Setting the Table for Communion
She asked if we could take an extra lap around the ball field at recess. I didn’t mind. Some conversations require an extra lap … or two. Her heart is so tender, so easily touched by these morning, God-conversations we’ve been having for the past 148 school days....
by Elaine Olsen | Feb 26, 2015 | freedom, grace, Lessons from the Lunchroom, living God's truth
Quietly, she approached my desk and inquired about her quiz grade. I perused the papers in front of me and found hers. “You made a 76.” Her distress was apparent, burying her head in the palms of her hands. Normally, a 76 wouldn’t warrant such a response from this...
by Elaine Olsen | Jan 17, 2015 | grace, hunger, kingdom, knowing God, Lessons from the Lunchroom, miracles, prayer
“When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’” –John 1:37-38 As of late, my pen has been silent. There hasn’t been room enough in my life for words. Just doing. Mostly, just...
by Elaine Olsen | Oct 22, 2014 | christian perfection, faith, holiness, Lessons from the Lunchroom, living God's truth, pain, pilgrimage, surrender, trust
It’s the heart stuff that concerns me most … both theirs and mine. Growing pains. A soul stretch. A sacred wrecking … reckoning. We’re in this together, and (at this point in the journey) we’re standing at a crossroads. Either we’re going deeper into this holy...
