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Year-long lesson planning calendar for ministry.
Latest Entries
Cairn Building: Thoughts from Spring Break
One of the highlights of our spring break travels to Arizona and Utah was an unplanned trip to a lesser known canyon. Away from the lines and well worn trails of the national parks we visited, we were able to explore at our own pace. My nephew enjoyed the freedom to discover “hidey holes” in the … Continue reading
More Than a Number: Back to School Question Cards
Originally posted on Bless Each One:
Our students are measured in countless ways throughout the school year. Doctors measure height and weight. Academic skills are tested. Sticker charts and stop lights measure behavior. We count pages read and homework assignments completed. We keep track of our sports scores and music practice time afterschool. Measuring tools…
Deeply Rooted
This is a longer version of the devotional I wrote for Northbrook United Methodist Church. Today, Brian and I celebrate 21 years of growing roots together. Happy Anniversary, Love! After several rentals, Brian and I bought our first house with the intention of it being our only home. A new build, we invested much time … Continue reading
How do you pray for your child?
This piece, Do You Pray for Your Child? How to Start, has taken me longer to write than any other blog post I have written. It wasn’t until I wrote about the moment I first realized how the life of my child was inextricably connected with so many other children of the world that the … Continue reading
Sabbath on my mind…
I confess, I let my spring schedule get out of hand. I spent less time with family, less time with God, and less time by myself. I was a grouchy mess. This summer I’ve been intentional about reclaiming Sabbath time. Here’s what I shared about my experience on our church Faith at Home blog: Summer, … Continue reading
Poetry Creates the World Anew
“A poem is words turned upside down and suddenly! the world is new.” From This Is a Poem that Heals Fish At our youth gathering on Palm Sunday, I was wondering how to talk with youth about the resurrection as something multi-layered. I often think we are able to say the words, “Christ is Risen!” … Continue reading
This isn’t how it ends
“Let the story be the story,” is a wise way to approach reading the Bible with children and youth. The stories of Holy Week are no exception. This Lent, during children’s time in worship, we have shared stories of Holy Week sequentially, each week building on the last. One by one we have blown out … Continue reading
Easter Weclome To Do List
There are three parts to welcoming guest with children to Easter services: Invite, Include, and Inspire. Here’s what I’m working on this week: Invite- Both personal and group invitations are an important part of Easter preparation. Personally invite families to services. This year we will be “Egging” families by hiding plastic eggs in their yards along with a … Continue reading
