–By Joanna Harader As a parent, I failed Lent this year. Or I suppose a gracious professor might give me the “at least she tried ” D. I did order and even print “An Illustrated Lent” family devotional. It looks very nice and impressive in my three-ring binder. We actually did the devotions on two, … Continue reading
by Casey Wait Fitzgerald Opening Prayer God of Love, open our hearts and minds as we consider the words of the apostle Paul. Help us to remember God’s incredible love for us, and may we give that love to each other. Amen. Scripture The apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth, … Continue reading
photo by Matt Clingan by Jill Clingan I wrote this paper in undergrad called “How to Have a Quiet Time.” When my grandparents gave me their piano a couple of years ago, I found a copy of the essay in the piano bench. I know I kept that paper, but I can’t find it tonight, … Continue reading
~by Charity Marrone During this season as we find ourselves re-entering the Story of Easter I am reminded of how grand our story of faith can be. It is often referred to as the greatest story ever told. For me it is good to remember that many contributions were made to the full story. It … Continue reading
— Jill Clingan Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~Pablo Picasso One of my goals this year is to explore creativity, both in myself and in my children. I love being creative. I love creative things. But I often do not let myself explore … Continue reading
I’ve noticed that around the holidays a lot of talk shows and magazines devote a lot of space and air time to the topic of guest rooms. Just exactly what a guest room should look like, what kind of toiletries we should place in the bathroom for our guests, even what newspapers we should be … 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
November 20, 2013 If you’re reading this in a public place, look around at people walking. Otherwise, imagine someone walking through the room where you are or past where you’re sitting. How fast is the walker (real or imagined) going? Normal pace? A little brisk, perhaps? Now take what you just saw and imagine slowing … Continue reading
As a minister and a mother, I have a relentless, nagging sensation that I should always be doing something else. If I’m folding laundry, should I instead be reading with my son? If I’m answering e-mail, should I be visiting the sick instead? If I’m reading a book about prayer, should I be working on … 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
Practicing Families 