The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order to eliminate the Education Department (ED), something the president has long championed. But unless he has a magic ace up his sleeve, he will need Congress’ approval to make it stick. Still, the action raises many questions, especially since new data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show scores nationwide in all tested grades and subjects remain below pre-pandemic levels. Reading assessments for fourth- and eighth-graders declined again. A third of students in eighth grade do not read at a basic level. Would abolishing the ED benefit students’ learning? Perhaps, but there’s more to this issue than just one agency.
The Fall of Education
Maybe Uncle Sam has been the problem all along, but terminating the department could be a step in the right direction. “Federal programs encourage a compliance mindset that is anathema to excellence, experimentation, and improving student outcomes,” said Michael J. Petrilli, president of the Thomas Fordham Institute, in a recent article on the company’s website. Moreover, the relentless push to promote educational equity through “well-meaning but naïve policies” forces schools “to make compromises that aren’t always good for kids.” The nation’s schools are rife with “bad ideas,” said Petrilli, “like recent efforts to ‘reform grading’ by never giving kids a zero, to ‘reform discipline’ by, well, not disciplining students, to teach reading by not explicitly teaching reading, to teach American history as a story of the oppressors versus the oppressed, and on and on ad nauseam.”
Another issue, which coincidentally seemed to develop alongside the rise of smartphones and social media, is that “over the past decade or two, those who lead and train educators got fixated on quasi-mystical fever dreams,” said Rick Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, in the journal Education Week. “The measure of a school leader gradually became a willingness to parrot the tenets of social justice.” Teachers were urged to “deconstruct privilege” and to be “on the lookout for microaggressions.” Instead of science and math, many have devoted their time to dogmatic beliefs about gender identity while “interrogating privilege,” all of which “undermine academic pursuits.”
“[M]odern teachers want activists, not educated students,” said journalist Mary Rooke in the Daily Caller. “Their focus is not to mold the next brilliant mind” but to create conformists well-versed in social justice. Some of this malaise is promoted by teachers’ unions, which have a strong presence in the majority of states. Former members are often on school boards, echoing doctrines and policies favored by the unions. Organizations such as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), the largest union in the country, are also big donors to the Democratic Party. Presidents of both organizations have proudly called themselves social justice warriors. […]
— Read More: www.libertynation.com
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
