by Michelle Ruddell | personal life stories
“Have you ever thought about leaving this town?” Brother Anthony said that question had been laid on his heart. He waited for my answer. “Some days I can’t wait to leave. Other days I want to stay here forever.” This little rural town had been home for...
by Michelle Ruddell | Teacher Life
It’s about to get real. You’ve planned and prepped, listened and learned, decorated and dreamed. In a few short days, students will stream through the door. Names on rosters will become faces in your room. Whether you teach precious little pre-k’s,...
by Michelle Ruddell | devotional
My hiking helpers My mind and my heart love a good hike in the mountains. (not anything too crazy). My body doesn’t cooperate. I am clumsy and out-of-shape. Recently my daughter, Missy, and I took a trip to the mountains, where I knew we would be hiking. On our...
by Michelle Ruddell | Teacher Life
Like a child waiting for Christmas, I am a teacher anticipating the beginning of a new school year. There are new school supplies in a box on my kitchen table. I stepped into my classroom last week. The whiteboards are shiny, the floors are clean, and there is not one...
by Michelle Ruddell | Personal life
Why I’m Not a Plumber I was cleaning house at a furious pace that Saturday morning, fueled by conflicting emotions. Anger at abuse and betrayal by my husband collided with the giddiness of my independence and freedom in the week or so since his arrest. I was...
