God Will Provide
Posted on January 26, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Jenny Dendinger
For years, when my kids outgrew their clothes, I packed them up to store in the attic. What started out as a sensible practice while in the season of having babies, slowly turned into a bad habit. The more I packed and saved, the more it fed my fears of God not providing for us in the future.
I’m not saying that saving my eldest son’s clothes for his younger brothers was wrong. My boys are all two years apart. That was just common sense! In that case, saving was prudent. Read More
Baby Giggles
Posted on January 23, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Sarah McDonald
There are a lot of things to love about having a new baby. There are snuggles and cuddles and smiles and coos, but one thing stands out to me: baby giggles. Read More
What are the hard times preparing you for?
Posted on January 19, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Kristy Solis
A new year is upon us. In the new year, I keep hearing others say, “last year was hard, so hoping for a better year.” Even my young daughters have expressed this sentiment.
It is a great time to reflect on Scripture, which reminds all of us that God commands us to do hard things. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. Read More
Family Gatherings
Posted on January 10, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Ty Salvant
As we begin the new year, reflect on how your family gathered last year. Was it engaging and fulfilling or frustrating and disappointing? Do you all eat at the same table? Do you meet at the same house? Is it family only or are friends invited? Does your family follow the same routine? Do you leave feeling loved, seen, and appreciated, or do you leave feeling frustrated, invisible, and triggered? Are you going out of obligation or because you enjoy it? Read More
Mediating Magic into Awe
Posted on January 8, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Phillip Garside
Parents of a young child feel the joy of active magical thinking over the holidays. This type of thinking is one reason children have a more direct relationship with God than adults, to whom God or even God’s very existence can become hidden. As a child matures, magical thinking confronts the hard structures that the adult world has fabricated. We tend to train it out of children.
I am here to assure the reader that the magic does not have to end with the season or even with childhood. Read More
The Gift of Time
Posted on January 6, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Charla Misse
When my husband and son ask me what I want for a present, beignets and a bike ride are always at the top of my list. I don’t really want things from them; what I really want is to spend time with them.
When my son was 3, he and I gave my father a homemade coupon for a trip to Brocato’s. My son enjoyed the sweet treats, of course, but was most interested in sitting on Grandpa’s lap behind the wheel and “driving” his (parked) car just outside the parlor. Read More
Litany to our Mother
Posted on January 5, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Charlotte Phillips
Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of the Divine, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of us all, pray for us.
Mother of Hope, pray for us.
Mother of Joy, pray for us.
Mother of Light, pray for us.
Mother of Love, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of the sick, pray for healing.
Mary, Mother of the brokenhearted, pray for healing.
Mary, Mother of the lonely, pray for healing.
Mary, Mother of all who suffer, pray for healing.
Mary, full of grace, pray for us.
Mary, full of wisdom, pray for us.
Mary, full of love, pray for us.
Mary, full of faith, pray for us.
Mary, who dries our tears, console us.
Mary, who calms our fears, console us.
Mary, who understands our overwhelm, console us.
Mary, who loves us through the hard moments, console us.
Mother of strength, pray for us.
Mother of boldness, pray for us.
Mother of courage, pray for us.
Mother of peace, pray for us.
Amen.
Present with Me in 2023
Posted on January 4, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Stacy LaMorte
The Lord is always calling on us to be present with him, asking us to recognize his dwelling in each one of us and in others.
When we make time to be fully present with our spouses, children, family members and friends, we are actually making time to be present with him. The key is being fully present. Read More
God is with you all the time
Posted on December 29, 2022 Leave a Comment
By Vivian Marino
Throughout life, we are thrown random curveballs of trials and tribulations. I have asked myself countless times, does God notice? Does he care to help us?
To answer this question, I turned to Scripture, and that is where I can see he truly does in a loving and merciful way. Read More
“A voice cries out in the wilderness, prepare a way for the Lord!”
Posted on December 27, 2022 Leave a Comment
By Gina Sternfels
We sang this song in church last weekend and that verse has been in my head since then, and it has been a gift. Yes, a song in preparation for Christmas, but also it is an excellent line in the song to keep me focused on what matters most right now in December, amidst the distractions of the day. Read More
Thoughts and Prayers
Posted on January 17, 2023 Leave a Comment
By Kim Roberts
Families sat paralyzed in fear watching a regular Monday night football game, not believing what was unfolding right in front of their very eyes in real time, as a young man lay motionless on the field after a routine tackle. We saw the fear, pain and disbelief in all of the players faces. Read More