Scripture reading: John 5:1-9 Reflection: Biblical healing stories are tricky business in our family right now. Our 6 year old friend Nolan recently died of brain cancer and our family felt crushed. We had prayed, cried, even begged to God for his life. But his healing came in the form of death, which to my … Continue reading
William Willimon, in the introduction to his book Pastor, says something that I can only imagine would connect with a lot of pastors like myself: Seminarians are forever complaining about the gap between their expectations for the church, as engendered in seminary, and the reality of the church they experience as new pastors. That gap … Continue reading
Earlier this week I was surprised to hear an NPR reporter refer to “random acts of kindness” at the scene of the Boston bombing. I had to think that if ever there was a situation where kindness must be direct and intentional, it would probably be at the scene of a bombing. Perhaps the reporter … Continue reading
One winter morning two years ago, I was rushing my children down the Kansas City Union Station steps to see a children’s play. As I was scurrying them along, Amélie caught a glimpse of about forty people, presumably Amish, who were gathered around, waiting for a train. “Who are those people,” she asked? “I think … Continue reading
Scripture: Psalm 148 Below is a responsive reading adapted from the psalm; a leader reads the plain text, everyone reads the bold together. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens. Praise God in the heavens above. Praise God, sun and moon. Praise God, all you shining stars. Let all of them praise the … Continue reading
After I had my first son, my life was scheduled as it had never been scheduled before. Every three hours I would nurse him, but since I had trouble getting enough milk into him that way, each session was also followed by a bottle of pumped milk, a bottle of formula, and then another pumping … Continue reading
Some nights, I wonder how long he will let me keep this up. My son is six, almost six-and-a-half, as he would be quick to remind me. Since he was a newborn, I have been singing him to sleep every night. My husband sings to him too. He outgrew my ability to cradle him and … Continue reading
Prayer: God our Shepherd, You guide us away from danger, Carry us when we’re weak, And You are there to watch over us. You truly care. You are our good shepherd! Amen. Scripture: Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me … Continue reading
I have noticed that those who spend time with children in a variety of roles get titles. Some titles I have been given include: VBS volunteer, leader, Sunday school teacher, team member of children’ spiritual formation, mentor, teacher, guide, shepherd…oh, and MoM. Titles suggest that we are the ones in charge, right?! With each of … Continue reading
Spring has begun, and in Kansas the weather has turned pleasant. Sparrows, starlings, and robins visit the feeders in our backyard. The crab apple tree in front now displays a few buds, and the grass is slowly changing from brown to green. My daughter Joy, now three, asks to spend time outdoors, a welcome change … Continue reading
Practicing Families 