FAITH NEWS SERVICE – Gilbert, Arizona – Monday, August 25, 2025
Michelle Ruddell’s “From the Playground to the Battleground” will be available tomorrow, August 25, 2025 and ebook free to download for five days through August 30, 2025
Teaching today is more than lesson plans and parent conferences—it’s a battleground. In her new devotional, “From the Playground to the Battleground: Finding Joy and Strength in the Classroom” (Redemption Press, 2025), veteran teacher Michelle Ruddell equips Christian educators with Scripture, prayer, and real-life encouragement to thrive in both the joys and struggles of their calling.
With forty devotions written from the trenches of teaching, Ruddell provides a lifeline of perspective and hope:
- Biblical encouragement tailored to educators
- Prayers for daily classroom challenges
- Practical reflections to carry joy home
- Inspiration to rekindle passion for shaping young lives
“Because what you do matters. What you say matters. What you give matters. You matter,” Ruddell reminds.
A Lifeline for Weary Teachers
Ruddell speaks honestly about the pressures of modern education: “In a calling and career where we are teaching with one hand and protecting ourselves and our students with the other, how do we find joy?” Yet she also points teachers to God’s sustaining presence: “As you face the beginning of a new school year, remember it is more like a playground than a battleground—soak up that joy. Use it for strength. The battle is coming.”
Her blessing over educators captures the heart of the book: “May your paycheck stretch like loaves and fishes and your heart stay open to new ideas … May you reflect the light of Jesus no matter where he calls you.”
Michelle Ruddell’s paperback will be available on August 25, 2025; with the e-book free to download on Amazon for 5 days through August 30, 2025. “From the Playground to the Battleground” debuted to rave reviews! Here’s what just a couple of the reviewers have said:
Scherri
5 Stars A Great Devotional for Teachers
“As a retired teacher, I love this book! The short story for each day brings back so many memories for me of my 29 year career. Michelle has hit the nail on the head about teaching having battlegrounds and playgrounds! I love her short story on each day reminding me of some of my own battles and good days. I love how she shows us God’s word can help us refocus from the battle to a playground. I am enjoying journaling my memories and being thankful for God’s daily help to show “my kids” they were loved. Finally I want to thank Michelle for praying for us each day! I will be sharing this devotional book with many friends -some new teachers and others retired teachers!”
Andrea Lende
5 Stars A Breath of Fresh Air for Educators
“From the Playground to the Battleground is such a gift for teachers! Michelle Ruddell, a retired educator, has poured her heart and experience into 40 devotions that walk teachers from the beginning of the school year to the very end… In a profession where challenges often feel overwhelming, this book is truly a breath of fresh air. Michelle reminds teachers that joy and encouragement can be found even in the hardest days, and her stories feel like they come from a trusted colleague who understands. If you’re an educator—or if you know one—this devotional is a treasure. It uplifts, refocuses, and inspires, and it’s one I’ll be recommending to teachers who need strength and refreshment throughout the school year. I highly recommend this book!”
For interviews, contact: michelle@michelleruddell.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Ruddell, a retired educator turned author and speaker, brings a wealth of teaching experience to her writing. With degrees in elementary education and curriculum and instruction and a teacher certification in secondary math and other subjects, she now focuses on inspiring others through her books and speaking engagements. Michelle balances her passion for writing with community involvement, church leadership, and cherishing her role as a grandmother in Central Texas.
