Todd B. Freese: Recent Episodes
Purposeful U
Today’s Readings Deuteronomy 29:1– 30:20 Luke 11:37-12:7 Psalm 78:1-31 Proverbs 12:19-20 The reading from Deuteronomy is hard to read because it is full of the things God did and will do to those who do not follow his commands. The New Testament is said to be that of a much kinder God, but in today’s […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10 Matthew 16:13-17:9 Psalm 21:1-13 Proverbs 5:1-6 As I have stated in earlier posts, I truly love Joseph on Genesis. Why? He was a planner, a man of passion and a man of forgiveness. Today’s story is reflective of that. When his father dies his brothers naturally think they will be […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 31:17-32:12 Matthew 10:24-11:6 Psalm 13:1-6 Proverbs 3:16-18 I have been touched by the epidemic this year of anxiety and depression in my own household. It is paralyzing and causes fear, worry, and the inability to do anything productive. I have been slow to arrive at this new scourge that has become a […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 31:17-32:12 Matthew 10:24-11:6 Psalm 13:1-6 Proverbs 3:16-18 I have been touched by the epidemic this year of anxiety and depression in my own household. It is paralyzing and causes fear, worry, and the inability to do anything productive. I have been slow to arrive at this new scourge that has become a […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 30:1-31:16 Matthew 10:1-23 Psalm 12:1-8 Proverbs 3:13-15 There are so many interesting stories in today’s readings. Jacob has many children with his wives and their maidservants. Having children with maidservants is an interesting topic, but we will not explore it here. However, I would be safe to say that should Mrs. Freese […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 28:1-29:35 Matthew 9:18-38 Psalm 11:1-7 Proverbs 3:11-12 Are there any young men or women who would wait for seven years for the one they love? Or wait another seven years for that same person? Delayed gratification is on display in today’s Old Testament story. 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 26:17-27:46 Matthew 9:1-17 Psalm 10:16-18 Proverbs 3:9-10 In yesterday’s reading, we read how Jacob stole the birthright of Esau for a bowl of stew. While Esau was complicit in his own failure, today it appears that Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, used deceit and treachery to steal from Esau something that was […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 24:52– 26:16 Matthew 8:18-34 Psalm 10:1-15 Proverbs 3:7-8 As I read today’s selections I see such a connection between these Scriptures for myself. In our Genesis reading Esau comes in from hunting and is starving. Jacob (ever the conniver) offers to give him some stew if he sells his birthright. As I […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 23:1– 24:51 Matthew 8:1/17 Psalm 9:13-20 Proverbs 3:1-6 I know a man who is very successful by the world’s standards. He has money, property and owns a large oil company here in West Texas. He loves to hunt and fish and has bought thousands of acres of land to build habitats for […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 20:1– 22: Matthew 7:15-29 Psalm 9:1-12 Proverbs 2: 16-22 I grew up all over the USA: Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, California and finally Denver. My fondest memories of my childhood are my days in Stoughton, Wisconsin. We lived in a simple house with no fences in the backyard. This was great for football […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 18: 16– 19: 38 Matthew 6: 25– 7: 14 Psalm 8: 1-9 Proverbs 2: 6-15 I often worry about things that I cannot control, like the weather and what others think. I can control neither, yet often I find myself wondering and worrying. If I do this what will that person think? […]
Today’s Readings: Genesis 16: 1– 18: 15 Matthew 6: 1-24 Psalm 7: 1-17 Proverbs 2: 1-5 Today I read about Ishmael and the coming of Isaac. Ishmael and Isaac are both from the same father, Abram and then Abraham, but of two mothers, Hagar and Sarai, or Sarah later. This appears to be the classic […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 13: 5– 15: 21 Matthew 5: 27-48 Psalm 6: 1-10 Proverbs 1: 28-33 Today’s readings are rich in “easy-to-follow” steps. We read in Matthew 5, the Beatitudes which are full of the “how-to’s” if you will. And then we read in the Old Testament section about the wars between the kings of […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 11: 1– 13: 4 Matthew 5: 1-26 Psalm 5: 1-12 Proverbs 1: 24-27 2 “ I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 8: 1– 10: 32 Matthew 4: 12-25 Psalm 4: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 20-23 Genesis 8: 1– 10: 32 Matthew 4: 12-25 Psalm 4: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 20-23 In today’s reading in the Old Testament, we find the flood has stopped and Noah is determining if the water has receded enough to leave […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 5: 1– 7: 24 Matthew 3: 7– 4: 11 Psalm 3: 1-8 Proverbs 1: 10-19 Today’s readings are from a wide variety of stories: The lineage of Adam, Noah, and the flood, the temptation of Jesus, David’s plea for protection and Solomon warning us to lay in wait for an innocent man […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 3: 1– 4: 26 Matthew 2: 13– 3: 6 Psalm 2: 1-12 Proverbs 1: 7-9 Today I read chapter three in Genesis. The Fall. One of the great doctrines of the Christian faith. It is so easy to look at Eve and say I would never do that. However, we all do […]
Today’s Readings: Genesis 1: 1– 2: 25 Matthew 1: 1– 2: 12 Psalm 1: 1-6 Proverbs 1: 1-6 As I read through the first day of the year I am struck by beginnings. Of course in the first book of the Bible and the first chapter, one would expect to find beginnings. But more than […]
I have read the Bible a few times and have found it to be an amazing experience. Yet, I have failed to make it a yearly thing, even though I want to each year. Why? Time and dedication. But this year I am going to read it through using the One Year Bible. Years ago […]
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You in 2021! As I write this Wyatt Jenson Foos is one day old and in the NIC unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. It has already been an arduous journey as the little guy has a cleft lip and palate, but with some miracle medicine, surgery, and God’s […]
Today we discuss King Jeroboam and love and learn of a remarkable young woman who appeared on the TV show, America's Got Talent.
This was given to me by my friend, Ward Anderson, who along with myself is an Area Director for Man in the Mirror ministries. It is worth the read. The Inherent, irreplaceable value of fathers Published June 17, 2012 FoxNews.com On Father’s Day people tend to become sentimental and writers reflect on their own dads […]
Jesus commands us to love with all we have and to love everyone. Meanwhile, Moses gets some help.
Today’s Readings Exodus 13:17-15:18 Matthew 21:23-46 Psalm 26:1-12 Proverbs 6:16-19 There are some huge stories in today’s readings. In fact, it is hard to pick just one passage to write about, but I’m going to give it a try! In the reading from Exodus, the Israelites are finally breaking free from the bondage of the […]
Today’s Readings Genesis 35:1 – 36:43 Matthew 12:1-21 Psalm 15:1-5 Proverbs 3:21-26 Today we read a long genealogy about Jacob and Esau in the Old Testament reading. I used to think this was the boring and why did God put this into the Bible? But I realize that our history is important, where we came from […]
I read something the other day about Brad Pitt. Now I don’t advocate his ideology, but he said something intriguing to me. He was asked why he split up with Jennifer Aniston and what he said in reply piqued my interest. He said, “I ceased to live an interesting life, nothing I did interested […]
If you have never read anything by Jim Rohn, STOP NOW and read something of his. Too busy? Then just read this blog, these are nine of his principles to live by. Here are what I consider to be the principles that we must commit to if we are to leave the legacy we desire: […]
I found this at this website: Curmudgucation They never tell you in teacher school, and it’s rarely discussed elsewhere. It is never, ever portrayed in movies and tv shows about teaching. Teachers rarely bring it up around non-teachers for fear it will make us look weak or inadequate. Valerie Strauss in the Washington Post once put together a series […]
I love Saturday mornings! As a teacher the weeks are very busy. If you have children (we have four, one left in the house in fourth grade) it is even busier. Play practice, church, cheer and tumbling and lots of homework is the norm for our daughter and our week. But on Saturday, the pressures […]
This is from our marriage blog – Purposeful Marriage – we are doing a series on our own marriage as we prepare to head to Poland. Check out our website, we would love your help. As Missy and I prepare to go to Poland this summer to present our marriage seminar, I thought I would […]
We are living in such a miraculous time, the world is at our fingertips. Anything you want to know, Google it. And if you want to watch a movie, just pull up your Netflix, Amazon, Sony Vue or any one of a hundred other services and you can find it. In our last podcast over at […]
I read this post today and had to pass it on. What do you think? It comes from the great website, www.takepermission.com by Andy Traub, check it out. 84 Things About Healthy people By Andy Traub on Jan 08, 2014 08:42 pm Healthy people can help more people. Healthy people love more people. Healthy people […]
This is my second day teaching from an online school, or should I say from my home office. My home office is also my laundry room, but it works. I think I like this, at least for the time being. We have made a schedule and are doing a good job at sticking to it. […]
This post finds me writing from a position I never thought I would be in, stuck at home. The Covid-19 virus has made huge changes for us all, some of those seem surreal. Who would have thought just a month ago teachers and students would be community and learning remotely? I wouldn’t have and I […]
I joined a book club at the school I work at this past month. It is a men’s book club, lest the books we read look more manly that a mixed book club, at least I hope. The first book chosen was, Killers of the Flower Moon. I didn’t know anything about this book before […]
First Book I just finished my first book of the New Year: Power and Empire. It is a Jack Ryan Jr. novel. It is an offshoot of the Tom Clancy novels I read in the 80’s and 90’s and loved. I have read several of these novels, a new take on the son’s exploits at […]
Happy New Year – 2019 – A look back at 2018 I intended to write a Christmas Letter, but time got away from me. So I say Happy New Year to you all. 2018 saw a great deal of changes for this family that calls Texas home: a new truck, a new house, a new […]
My daughter and Son-in-Law decided to rent a house here for Christmas. They rented a beautiful home and so Missy and I decided to come and check it out. I am glad we did! We have one more week of vacation, well I do, before I start my new job. We are glad we came […]
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. The day where we honor those who, “Gave their last full measure of devotion”. It is a solemn day, or should be, and we would be remiss to not stop and remember and thank those who sacrificed their all. I found this video and thought it to be the perfect story […]
Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, Missy Jean! We had a marvelous time, thanks to Megan and Taylor!
We recently published our 100th Show, here is a sample. And be sure to visit our website for more content.
My old diesel truck was stolen last December from in front of my house. It was a 2005, but I had grown to love her. Tori named her Betsy. So I needed a new truck and finally settled on a 2017 Ford F-250 6.2 gas truck. Here she is!
My first stop on my Civil War trip was here, at Shiloh National Military Park, it was incredible to see the site of an epic battle
I had the honor of visiting Gettysburg National Battlefield this summer, here is a short video of my experience.
I am teaching a class on the Civil War to my high school students here at Trinity School. I receive a daily email from Dr. Jim Dennison on a wide range of topics, but from a Christian viewpoint. Today I came across a fascinating article, here it is: I am writing today about one of […]
Happy New Year 2018! I opted to do a Happy New Year letter this year and wish you a very happy 2018. The Christmas card is a dying tradition, sadly in my mind, and the New Year letter or card seems to be in vogue. I just plain ran out of time to write a […]
I am thrilled to be teaching a class I could have only dreamed of teaching a few years ago. I have been blessed to be able to teach a class on the great American Civil War because of my school, Trinity Midland, has opted to allow students to choose history electives. The students are required […]
Today millions of Americans will take their children trick or treating in an effort to get as much candy as possible and show off their cute costumes. We call today Halloween in America. Its roots are in a pagan holiday that is somewhat confusing, but it is said to be a Druid’s creation. However, it […]
I have created an interactive spreadsheet for all of the Texas State Parks. I am updating it often, so check back for the latest version so check back often. You can access it by clicking below:
I have been eyeing some land in the Ozarks for a few years now. I traveled to Branson, Missouri and fell in love with the Ozark Mountains. When I got home I did some research and discovered a company that sells land in that very area, various sizes and all over the Ozark Mountains. I […]
I was hiking on a mountain with my wife in far West Texas in Ft. Davis. Cell service is sketchy there but my sister finally found me. She called my wife and when my wife turned to give the phone to me I knew something was wrong. The voice on the other end was that […]
Chad Eric Freese died on September 23, 2017, he was forty-four years old. He was born on January 23, 1973 in Stoughton, Wisconsin. He was the third of four children born to Richard Wesley Freese and Sharon Kay Freese. Chad moved to Corona, California and then to Aurora, Colorado before settling in Tempe, Arizona. Chad […]
Another school year started for me today. I find it surprising that I am still teaching school. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right thing. Is this truly my calling? I love the summer I must confess, the freedom and the ability to go there I want when I want. It is intoxicating if I am being honest. But summer cannot be enough to hold down a sacred position of trust. To teach is a trust between […]
I am embarking on my ten day adventure to the Civil War battle sites listed below: Shiloh Appomattox Courthouse Fredericksburg Bull Run Antietam Gettysburg And a day in the Washington D.C. area
Three years ago Admiral McRaven gave a speech at this alma mater, The University of Texas, in which he said the first thing to do each day is to make your bed. His talk has had over a million views and is now a book entitled, Make Your Bed. You must view this extraordinary speech.
I am blessed to teach at a wonderful school, Trinity Midland, the staff, and administration go out of their way to provide opportunities for our students to grow and discover the world in unique ways. One of the long-standing traditions is the Blue/Gray ball. Mr. Bill Coombes created an event that commemorates the great Civil War. […]
Here is a list of educational movies and documentaries on YouTube, as of May 2014. Most of the PG-13 movies are OK for kids 12+, PG 8+, G for everybody. All of the following films contain little sexual content and little profanity. There may be moderate violence, as of course, this is history. Movies Some […]
Ditch That Textbook Author, Matt Miller, an Email from a Former Student and more all on TTIT 075 Congratulations to us on our 75th show! – The Diamond Jubilee! Todd gets a great email from a former student! Matt Miller Interview Purposeful Marriage is up and running Take our Marriage Course! Become a PATRON! Download […]
TTIT 074 Golf Tournament turns into Truck trouble Does your car have more trouble after you take it in than before? The Denver Broncos are experiencing some – issues. We went to South Llano River State Park The Holiday season is upon us!!! Ugh, Long Division Matt Miller to come speak at school from, Ditch […]
Don’t worry about being caught up as a teacher, just prioritize, watch some TV, read a book and listen to a podcast with 1000 episodes, all on TTIT 073 Missy is melting away as she loses the pounds We celebrated our anniversary in Ft. Davis The girls are having a mother/daughter date with Karen Kingsbury […]
I just heard that Arnold Palmer died. I loved Arnold Palmer for who he was as a golfer and business man. I remember those warm Pennzoil commercials of the 80’s and 90’s. I used Pennzoil because of these commercials. Why? Because my dad loved Arnie, he loved the whole Arnie’s Army thing. His favorite athlete […]
How to be Smarter and Consumer Christianity all on TTIT 072! A negative comment A school board member who used to be a teacher! Greenwood is a great place according to Missy Undercover Teacher? Use Google forms Helpteaching.com How to take notes? First person to email a comment gets a free T-shirt Are we “Consumer Christians”? […]
On Friday I showed my class this video. Very powerful as it creates a timeline for events on 9-11.
Today in my class we discussed the events surrounding 9-11. I showed this powerful video, The Man in the Red Bandanna. If you haven’t seen it you MUST view it! If you have already seen it do yourself a favor and watch it again.
Today we are doing our annual 9-11 class and I found this in my files, I wanted to share it with you: It was a glorious late summer day in New York City and Washington D.C and a sleeping little village in the Pennsylvania countryside. Who could know that the serenity and beauty that day […]
TTIT 070! We went camping – a lot is continued – a lot We saw Grandma The Bourne Movie Pete’s Dragon Wall Drug Show Links Poland Marriage Mission – Link to the Video My Book: Teaching Isn’t for Wimps TTIT on Facebook Two Teachers in Texas Youtube Channel Visit Todds’ blog and get his take on everything […]
TTIT 070! We went camping – a lot! We were moved by the beauty of Yellowstone, awed my the majesty of Mt. Rushmore and amused at some of our camping neighbors Show Links Poland Marriage Mission – Link to the Video My Book: Teaching Isn’t for Wimps TTIT on Facebook Two Teachers in Texas Youtube […]
TTIT 069! School is almost here again, yeah, arrgh! Our summer was so busy! We went to Poland! We conducted a marriage enrichment event! We had trouble getting to Poland Even ordering water is a challenge for us! Here is my theory on teaching! Show Links Poland Marriage Mission My Book: Teaching Isn’t for Wimps […]
TTIT 068! Teaching is Intense! A Fresh Start Each Year Today is Opening Day in Baseball!! Will Collective Impact Work? Are we really ready to change our school system? Many are saying the time for change is NOW? Mrs. Freese has an “AHA” Moment! And she is Teaching in Ground Hog Day. Lots of Entertainment […]
TTIT 067! H.E.B. – The proper way to shop Diesel vs. Gas – The Battle Good Friday School Culture – How Different What comes first? Chicken or Egg? Do you feel appreciated at your school? Expectations Matter!!! Donate to Poland Mission Show Links Poland Marriage Mission Our Patreon Page My Book: Teaching Isn’t for Wimps […]
We’re Back!!!!!!, New School, New look and more all on TTIT 066! Back after months – Sorry we Podfaded 5000 miles in an RV last year A New School for Todd – Trinity Midland New Grandbaby – Emma – She Rocks! Private School v Public School Should we allow Students to Fail? Backpacks in no Danger […]
Happy Memorial Day, We have sold almost everything, Ten Steps to be Successful, all on TTIT 065! Happy Memorial Day We have one week to go in our home Seems to be the hip thing to do, living in an RV How to be successful, ten easy steps Todd preached on James 5 Why do we […]
We are moving out of our home and spending ALL summer on the road!!!!! Todd wins an award, Happy Birthday George Strait and TK Graduates all on TTIT 064! We have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! TK Graduates We lost our fish We are selling EVERYTHING – almost! We are going to be Full-Time RVers – for the summer at […]
I love cook! We had some old bananas that were, well, ripe, very ripe. So why not make banana bread, will work perfectly for family night tonight. Recipe here is taken from Allrecipes .
When I was a boy my family took a vacation to Yellowstone National Park. It was one of the highlights of my young life. I was amazed at the beauty. Yellowstone is even more magnificent as an adult. My wife and me took our ten-year-old daughter Tori, up to this beautiful historic National Park, if […]
This is from our marriage blog – Purposeful Marriage – we are doing a series on our own marriage as we prepare to head to Poland. Check out our website, we would love your help. If you read yesterday’s post you know that I had just met Melissa in the picnic area of the baseball […]
Today we celebrate the holiest day of the year for Christians: Easter. Without Easter our faith would be without power. Jesus Christ came into the world to die, he was sent to be an atonement for our sins, to be our sacrifice, the sacrifice above all sacrifices. The Christian faith has a leader who died […]
I have the honor of being the golf coach at Trinity Midland School. Yesterday we played in a golf tournament here in Midland. Below is an article that was written about our up and coming girls golf team: Earlier this academic semester, seven girls walked into the office of Trinity Athletic Director Jeff Young with […]
My daughter, Taylor Foos, is taking a writing class in college. I think it is pretty darn good, give it a read: I grew up in the big state of Texas, the eldest of five sisters, all with different fathers. Mother was a loose woman, and was proud of it. She had me at the […]
I used to teach in the public schools, loved it, hated it, today I teach at a private school. I loved the people I worked with and, for the most part, my students. I didn’t like all of the red tape, needless paperwork, lack of discipline and I could go on and on. I used […]
Dear Friends and Family, Another year in the books, time marches on, the candle grows dimmer and so on and so forth as they say. I love the holiday season for many reasons: the food, the gifts, gatherings with loved ones and a way to measure time. As I have gotten older I have realized […]
Today is the day we have set aside for giving thanks, a non-religious holiday, or is it? The Pilgrims set aside the time to give thanks for making it through the winter with the help of some new friends. Washington set aside the time to give thanks to the “Almighty” for deliverance. And Abraham Lincoln […]
I am reading the book, Ditch That Textbook, and came across how Google would give their employees one day a week, or twenty percent of their time to work on anything they wanted, as long as it could somehow benefit Google. I decided to try the same. I gave my classes one class period and […]
And just when you thought it was safe to read the blogs again – I make a reappearance. I took a hiatus due to a huge job change. I have been trying to get acclimated to my new surroundings. It has taken much more time than what I had anticipated. I love my new job, […]
Yes, you read that headline correctly, 5,000 miles in one month. You may have noticed that I haven’t written very much lately. Two reasons for this: 1. A job change and, 2. We spent the summer in our RV traveling across the map. It was a marvelous summer with lots of visiting friends and family, […]
It was a glorious late summer day in New York City and Washignton D.C and a sleeping little village I the Pennsylvania countryside. Who could now that the serenity and beauty that day would be shattered by the roar of jets and the ominous sounds of steel and glass be broken and shattered, like the […]
Hi all! It has been quite some time since I posted and for good reason. I got a new job! Yup, after almost ten years at the same place I have moved to a different school. This school is so different from San Jacinto. This is a private, or independent school. I was surprised to […]
I recently decided to leave my job of almost ten years. If you listen to my podcast, TTIT, you might be surprised I didn’t leave earlier. I have made frustrations with MISD and public education known. However, the time was not right for my departure until recently. I still felt a sense of mission […]
Is 19 too young to be married? Nine year old girls are SCARY, Can you believe coaches get$125,000 Josh McDowell gives us the hard truth about the “last” Christian generation and a big announcement still to come all on TTIT 063! Conroe Trip Visit with Megan on the Way Wedding School has only 5 weeks […]
Is Back Surgery Worth it, do we Teach to the Test and a Huge Announcement! TTIT 062! We are on Patreon – Please become our patron! Back Surgery A great recipe Do we teach to the test? Do you know the history of the multiple choice test? A HUGE announcement Show Links Our Patreon Page […]
Bad Back is a Challenge, Why are Doctors So Expensive??? 50 year old Men Need Lots of TESTS! Happy Ash Wednesday! TTIT 061! We are on Patreon – Please become our patron! Todd has had some medical issues (besides brain problems) Things I learned from a week of a Bad Back Looks like our Bond is […]
This week I missed the entire week of school because I was unable to sit, lay, move, stand or do anything without a great deal of pain. I have been cursed with back issues, you don’t want them! As I write, my right foot is numb and I can’t move my toes, weird huh? I had my first bout with back pain 18 years ago. I was having some discomfort, but when I picked up my then toddler, TK. from his crib and twisted (never, ever do that by the way), something in my back gave way. I was told later I ruptured a disk. Wow, pain like I have never known. I went to the emergency room and missed two days of my life as they gave me some wonderful drugs, at least that is what Melissa tells me.
Ten years later I had another bout of back issues and found myself in the emergency room once again. This time I received great treatment, but only missed a few hours of my life. I learned to exercise and do rehab and after a few weeks it was life normal again.
Last week I recognized the same pain as I had before, and knew I was heading to the emergency room again. It took me four days to get there, but I finally relented and went. I received four shots for my pain (they gave me this stuff that feels like fire going it, but it works).
While on my back I learned some important things:
- You are surprised by the people who go out of their way to care for you and check on you.
- You are surprised by the people who DON’T do anything to check on you and care for you.
- You realize that health is THE MOST important thing you have in this physical life.
- You realize your wife is THE MOST IMPORTANT person in your life.
- You realize that you are blessed on those “normal” boring days more than can ever imagine.
Today I am going back to the doctor to see if they can help me get rid of some of the numbness. I don’t mind, I am just glad I can go back to work and hug my family. Sometimes it takes pain in our life to help us appreciate the blessings we have everyday, at least it did for me. Until next time, peace.