by Keeva Kase I am often amazed at the spiritual insight of my nearly four-year-old son. On a recent trip to the store, Ketch asked me, “Dad, what is most important in life?” This is not like the indefatigable “why?” after each level of explanation of reasons that a car needs gas or the sky … Continue reading
Tag Archives: trust
John 17: I Have and I Will
by Erika Marksbury Scripture: John 17:20-26 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world … Continue reading
John 14: Peace Like a Rock
by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn Scripture: John 14:23-29 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, … Continue reading
Summer Boredom, Fresh Paint, and New Lessons in Parenting
-by Kelly Pittman Last week I let my 7- and 9-year-old paint their bathroom. Exactly. What was I thinking? It started with the predictable phrase that all kids mutter at various points throughout the summer: “I’m BORED.” “How about you read in the hammock?” No. “What about taking a bike ride?” No. “You could build … Continue reading
Tim Lying
My son is a liar. Except I am not supposed to say that; I’m supposed to say that he “tells lies.” Except that “lie” is a trigger word for him, so I’m supposed to say things like: “Tim, I do not understand why another student at your high school–whose name you don’t even know—would just … Continue reading
A New Prayer
“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
Knowing God
I think I am parenting “the mayoar” (spelling used by my first grader). Whenever we find ourselves in public settings, he feels the need to work the room, greet folks, share information and schmooze. Sometimes these tendencies are endearing and “cute”. Other moments, I feel my cheeks turning a strong shade of pink wishing I … Continue reading
Renewed Day by Day
Craziness or rather chaos seems to be the theme of my family’s life these days. Some days it feels like we are running around with our heads cut off scattered between school, work, homework, afterschool extra-curriculars, night meetings, and birthday parties. While I would like to think that my family’s situation is unique, I am … Continue reading
Protect or Prepare?
I did not design it, but my last several posts have developed into a series on sin and grace. All Have Sinned talked about reckoning with my own sin. Grace Rules discussed my child’s guilt over his. Today’s post deals with those who sin against us. My son’s most prized possession right now is a … Continue reading
“Sabbath is for People”: Practicing From Who We Are
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 