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Practicing Lent
I wonder how framing spiritual formation in terms of “intentionally practicing being a child of God” might change the ways in which we engage, teach, and talk about spiritual formation and spiritual disciplines.
New Phrase for a New Year
“Things fall apart; The centre cannot hold.” The reverse of this quote (the center will hold) has captured my imagination.
Picking Our Way Through Advent
Rather than the pressure of trying to find Advent traditions that are perfect and promise to stand the test of time, I’m trying to see this season as an opportunity to pick the ones that work best this year for this season. So, without further ado, here are our best ideas for how to point to God’s in-breaking of light and love in ways our three-year-old can begin to see and understand.
Remembering the Saints
Four years ago Adam and I lost twin boys. I suspect that it is grief’s nature to be surprising as well as devastating. Yet, there is comfort in the grief if only because I never want to forget.
Spiritual Formation with Toddlers (Or Lectio in Nature)
Playing “I Spy” offers the opportunity to notice our surroundings and to pay attention to what might be calling out to us, both of which are key elements of spiritual formation. All disguised in the form of a fun game!
The Search for Sabbath in a Busy Life
How do we create space for Sabbath & rest when the tasks of life seem to require all of our waking hours?
Spirituality and Politics
Separating spirituality and politics implies that there are areas in our world where God is not present. What if instead, we are called to faithfully engage in politics in order to bring about God’s vision for our world?
Making Sense of the Charge and Benediction
How do we inspire children to do God’s work in the world and help kids hear God’s blessings for them?
9 Creative Ways for Kids to Respond to Scripture in Worship
After the hearing of the Word, most worship services incorporate a time for responding to God’s Word through prayer, music, and the giving of the morning offering. Here are 9 creative ways to adapt these practices for kids.
Defining Spirituality
There’s no “right way” to do spirituality. It’s all about finding ways to notice the movement of the Spirit in the world.
7 Ideas to Help Kids Hear God’s Word
How can we help children in worship hear God’s Word through the scripture passages that are read and the sermons that are preached?
Inviting Children to Be Aware of God’s Presence
In thinking through the question of how we can help kids become more aware of God’s presence, I keep coming back to the need for both education and experience; ritual and explanation.