—Joanna Harader Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 (Beatitudes) –The above link will show you both the New International Version of the scripture and Eugene Peterson’s translation from the Message. It is interesting to look at these familiar words in a fresh way. Here is a video of these verses put to song. Prayer: Dear God, We … Continue reading
By Bromleigh McCleneghan Many children attending public schools have the day off in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 20th, and the occasion can provide an important time to share our commitments around race, justice, peace, courage, hope and love with our children. I struggle with how to talk about the ongoing struggle … Continue reading
Earlier this week I was thinking to myself I had done a pretty good job of keeping it peaceful and calm and not cramming too much in among all the special events that show up on the calendar this time of year. Okay, I was feeling just the teensiest bit smug. Then on Monday night … 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
~Rebecca Seiling Scripture: James 5:7-10; Luke 1:46-55 Thoughts: Advent is a wonderful exercise in patience. Counting down, waiting, expecting good things. This year, as I looked through the plethora of creative Advent calendar options on Pinterest, I felt that God was calling me to be still. That to really dive into the Advent adventure this … Continue reading
I have been thinking a lot about prayer lately. I had my bi-weekly appointment scheduled with my spiritual director this week, and I wanted to talk to her about my thoughts on prayer, but she was sick, so I have been hashing this one out on my own. So, let’s pretend that you are all … 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
“Can we pray Shegofa’s prayer, Mommy?” Eden asks. She’s anxious again; her 7-year-old yearnings for a world of peace arise at bedtime. Shegofa comes in to Eden’s room, spreads out a small mat on the floor, and leads Eden in an Arabic prayer. As I listen, the soothing words wash over me. I 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 