by Joe Greemore Scripture Reading Live in true devotion to one another, loving each other as sisters and brothers. Be first to honor others by putting them first. – Romans 12:10, the Voice Reflection During my college days, I had a friend who was a talented football player and an outspoken proponent of his faith … Continue reading
by Joanna Harader Scripture: Mark 1:14-20 Memory Verse: “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.” ~Mark 1:14 Reflection: Think, for a minute, about a time in the past few days that you were working–at school or at your job; fixing supper or doing laundry or cleaning your room. Whatever work you did … Continue reading
—Joanna Harader Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 Prayer: Dear Jesus, May we welcome you into our lives with joy. May our words and our actions give you honor. And may we follow you, even when it is difficult. Amen. Reflection: We might expect an important person to ride into the city on a big horse with … Continue reading
~from Jennifer Difrancesco Gathering: Joseph Engaged to Mary Pondering, Angels visit He did as was told ~Elisabeth Paulk (age 8) Prayer: Open our ears and speak to us, O God. Let us hear you in our watching, waiting, hoping, dreaming, rejoicing, and embracing. And let us be visited and assured by Your Word. Amen. … Continue reading
When we moved into our house this past July, just four months ago, the previous owners left us so many surprises…like REALLY GOOD surprises. A lawn mower. A wheelbarrow. Stand alone storage cabinets. Mid-century modern shelves. A cozy vintage chair and footrest. Tools and a work bench in the garage. Even a Star Wars collectible … Continue reading
Prayer: Encircle us and embrace us, God. As the days get shorter, visit us in the busyness of our lives. Awaken us with crisp winds to see your blessings all around us. You are here. We are here. Encircle us in your love. Amen. Scripture: Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going … Continue reading
“For like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be.” Isaiah 65:22 Ever since taking a week long tree identification course in the forests of Southern Ohio two years ago, I’ve been trying to be more like a tree. Getting to know the names of our natives trees was valuable enough, … Continue reading
–by Joanna Harader Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Memory Verse: Luke 19:10–“The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” Prayer Dear God, Thank you for loving us– whether we are short or tall, old or young, rich or poor. Help us to reach out to other people who need to know that … Continue reading
Halloween is still several days away, but in many homes, the excitement and preparation has been going on for several weeks. In our family, the kids are planning their costumes, imagining ever-more-intricate ones. I love their creativity, and want them to have fun and feel great about their costumes, but some of the logistics of … Continue reading
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:97-104 (NRSV) Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep … Continue reading
Practicing Families 