Andrea F.D. Saathoff

Hanging out with Jesus

Sometimes my judgmental self and my good-person self pass one another in the hallway.  There, they have a good argument about what’s right and what is wrong.  More often than…

Man cards and the demise of the male species

I had a good conversation recently with a gentleman I respect very much.  We talked a good deal about how guys are, about friends and friendships, and about how men…

What’d ya get? | Mark’s Remarks

Every year, when school starts back up, I like to eavesdrop on my students a little. I usually hear them talking about “what they got” for Christmas. There is some…

That was the year that was | Mark’s Remarks

When I look back at this year, I can honestly say it’s been one of the worst.  I won’t begin to list all the reasons, but there are plenty. I’m…

Mismatched

My youngest daughter has always been her own person. She is still, after living almost a decade, able to be a free thinker and is true to her convictions.  She…

Christmas recommendations | Mark’s Remarks

Some of my earliest memories of Christmas involved being sprawled out in front of the television set, watching all the Christmas shows.   Back then, the early-to-mid-1970s, I don’t think…

Filling space | Mark’s Remarks

I read books that are designed for middle school students because I want to see what they are reading and what I can recommend.   I’m currently reading a story…

Letter to the Commander in Chief

Dear Mr. President: When you became a candidate in 2016, I rooted for you. I wasn’t pleased with your demeanor or with much of how you behaved, but I strongly…

Hope, attitudes and comfort food | Mark’s Remarks

I’ve been on a diet for about two months. I haven’t lost a bunch of weight, but I’ve changed my eating habits and my water intake.  However, my plan was…

Listen, my children | Mark’s Remarks

When kids get into my class, I don’t allow them to raise their hands while I’m talking. When their hands go up, they stop listening, and I try to teach…