~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
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
“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
By Jennifer Mills-Knutsen Have you seen the trendy new poem-statement-manifesto that people are posting in their homes (and on Facebook and Pinterest)? You can buy them from all kinds of Etsy shops and online crafters, as signs or vinyl wall decorations. They are often referred to as “House Rules.” I don’t have one in my … Continue reading
“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” ~Exodus 20:12 At the church I serve, we are studying our way through the Ten Commandments in weekly worship. This past week, I had the opportunity to preach on the fifth … Continue reading
While playing at her water table this morning, our young daughter took a truck in one hand and a cup filled with water in the other. As she dumped the water over her truck she looked up at me to say: “I baptized it!” Two months ago when I was leaning her head back under … Continue reading
“The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a … Continue reading
Spring has begun, and in Kansas the weather has turned pleasant. Sparrows, starlings, and robins visit the feeders in our backyard. The crab apple tree in front now displays a few buds, and the grass is slowly changing from brown to green. My daughter Joy, now three, asks to spend time outdoors, a welcome change … Continue reading
Christianity is a treasure trove of wisdom. But, as the book of Proverbs tells us, wisdom must be sought. And, again as in the book of Proverbs, it is helpful when we are supplied with father and mother figures who would point us the way, who would instruct us in wisdom so that we might … Continue reading
Practicing Families 