Aging Faithfully—can this describe what it means to truly flourish; to engage in Everyday Faithfulness that guides us into a long obedience in the same direction? Perhaps the overwhelming number of resources addressing the issue of growing older should provide some perspective on how many of us struggle with our Creaturely Finitude; however, I find …
Author: Julie Powell, Ed.D.
With over 30 years in higher education, I have a passion for seeing people, not only succeed at life, but to flourish in their God-given space personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Digital Boundaries
When I pull out my lawnmower and cut the grass for the first time of the season, it can sometimes be a challenge to clearly define where to stop on either side of my property, for there are no fences to prevent me from entering my neighbors’ grass. Once that first cut is made, it’s …
Flourishing Test
“All of us want to live it. Everyone wants it for their children [and students]. But what exactly is the [flourishing] life?” Millions of people over thousands of years have been on a pilgrimage to offer some inkling of an answer to this existential question, and I am no different. A deep-rooted desire to effectively …
Habit of Attentiveness
“To thine own self be true.” Most of us find this a familiar phrase since it would be difficult to receive any education in the United States without an introduction to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. While, yes, I do agree self-care is an important part of cultivating well-being and living a flourishing life, today’s culture might be …
Abiding Friendships
Have you ever stopped to consider the Abiding Friendships in your life? Consider the individuals God has placed in your life that have a profound Power of Presence. Are these people not an amazing blessing from above? This past week I was repeatedly reminded of the importance of Abiding Friendships in my life from a …
Pay Attention
Have you ever been at your wit’s end? This college professor who dearly adores her students is befuddled, bewildered, baffled, perplexed, and mystified about how to encourage students to Pay Attention to verbal instructions and information offered in class. Consider this scenario and how you might have prepared for the class activity: One week prior …
Rare Jewel
Never having had the opportunity to inspect the quality of a stone through a jeweler’s loupe, I can only imagine how exquisite it must be to see the detail of a Rare Jewel. Admittedly, without the small magnifying glass, I likely could not identify the difference between the Diamond-Z4 available for “only $29.95” and a …
Fame or Legacy
If you were to pose the question to someone in their final days on this earth, Which outcome do you feel has been more relevant in your life, gathering fame or leaving a legacy--what do you imagine some of the responses might be? If you were granted the opportunity to ask a person who has …
Perfect Timing
If I took the time to share all of my friend Tara’s attributes, I would need more space than I’ve allowed for this blog; however, one of her many gifts that has amazed me time and time again, is her gift of Perfect Timing. Of all the friends the Lord has chosen to bless me …
Quitting Social Media
I’m too stubborn to quit much of anything; however, I am wise enough to discern that sometimes there are moments to cease what you are attempting, reflect on where things are going, and assess a best strategy for moving forward. As a Gen Xer navigating the digital age, I am finding myself Pressing Pause more …
