Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6-14 Memory Verse: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” ~2 Timothy 1:7 Prayer: Dear God, Sometimes we feel afraid. Give us your spirit of power. Sometimes we feel upset. Give us your spirit of love. Sometimes … Continue reading
I met our neighbor, Tommy, the other night. He had ridden his ATV over to our side of his fence, and after living here three weeks I suppose it was time we were all neighborly and said hello. Jack immediately ran over to him, brandishing a plastic sword and introducing himself as only a six-year-old … Continue reading
I did not design it, but my last several posts have developed into a series on sin and grace. All Have Sinned talked about reckoning with my own sin. Grace Rules discussed my child’s guilt over his. Today’s post deals with those who sin against us. My son’s most prized possession right now is a … Continue reading
Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-13 Memory verse: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 2:5 Prayer: God, be in my mind and in my understanding. Let your thoughts be my thoughts. Let your words be my words. Amen. Reflection: It is hard to change the way we think. Proverbs 4:23 … Continue reading
Parenthood has made my life fuller. It has brought more chaos and more joy. More activity and a lot more love. Unfortunately, it’s also brought more worry and anxiety. Some days it feels like I do nothing but worry. Are my sons safe? Are they happy? Are they healthy? Are they eating the right things? … Continue reading
September 18, 2013 I recently listened to an interview Krista Tippett did with iconic Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber. As someone who is usually very down-to-earth, I love Nadia. It was very interesting and almost humorous to listen to her have a conversation with Krista Tippett, the soft-spoken, spiritually ambiguous host of “On Being.” Nadia is … Continue reading
Epistle Lectionary Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the … Continue reading
There have been some fairly harrowing moments in the past few weeks. Moments upon moments. Hours upon hours. Days upon days. Lots of screaming. Shrill screaming. My youngest seems to think that the best way to rise above it all is to let his frustration be known—-by screaming. Repeatedly. At the top of his lungs. … Continue reading
An idea I brought to the family a few years ago, revolved around the concept of “margin.” Raising five children, I quickly realized that I needed help. When they were younger, things like dinner didn’t always happen at nice, tidy times. Baths, getting dressed, ready for bed, wake and sleep schedules, nothing seemed to neatly … Continue reading
Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-10 – God Throws a Party! Luke 15:1-10 (NRSV) Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having … Continue reading
Practicing Families 