by Erika Marksbury Scripture Reading: John 21:1-13 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon … Continue reading
Author Archives: Practicing Families
John 12: With You Always
by Erika Marksbury Scripture Reading: John 12:1-8 (NRSV) Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume … Continue reading
Luke 15: Celebrate Love
by Joanna Harader Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 This week’s Gospel reading is the familiar story of the lost son—often called the Prodigal Son. Your children might enjoy watching one of these versions on YouTube: • A reading of the text with an actor and accompanying drawings • The story acted out by Lego characters • A social … Continue reading
Psalm 27: Letting Go of Fear
by Dena Hobbs Scripture: Psalm 27 (NRSV) “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour our flesh – my adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall. Though an army … Continue reading
Parental Self-Care, Redemption, Restoration, and the Cross
by Horace McMillon I’ve found parenting to be a long journey filled with twists and turns, joys and sorrows and outcomes unknown. I’m blessed to be the father of two – Julia, a sophomore in high school, and Horace, who is now in his final year of middle school. I’m very blessed to have a … Continue reading
Pressing the Red Button: Thoughts on Entering Puberty
by Dena Douglas Hobbs My family and I went to see Inside Out recently at the movie theater. It was a wonderful film shedding light and wonder on the thought processes of a child. At the end of the movie as the main character Riley turns twelve, her brain gets a new control panel equipped … Continue reading
James 1: Being Slow
by Joanna Harader Scripture: James 1:19-22 (New International Readers’ Version) My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. Human anger doesn’t produce the holy life God wants. So get rid of everything … Continue reading
The View From the Back Seat
by Corey Fields I took the risk of asking my children, who are in second grade and kindergarten, what kinds of things they remember my wife and I saying and doing while they’re in the back seat of the car as we travel from place to place. We do a decent amount of driving, between … Continue reading
On Stories, Sadness, and Spoilers
by Jennifer Mills-Knutsen (This piece tries to avoid giving away exact spoilers for Harry Potter, but there are hints. I’m guessing that six years after the book’s release, most adults have already read it or don’t care.) I was pacing in the living room. My son had been making his way through the Harry Potter … Continue reading
Making Excuses
by Joe Greemore The girl simply would not stop singing! In the car, in her room, living room, backyard, bath time, you name it. Our middle child was hopelessly addicted to mental reruns of “Let It Go,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and any other familiar-to-her-ears tune along with any particular combination of words, anywhere, … Continue reading