“Hey Mom, it’s a new world record…I lost my lunchbox on the first day of school!”This declaration from my newly minted 7th grader should have made me angry, or at least frustrated. Instead, I found myself laughing with relief and genuine glee; the pressure was off already.
The Miraculous Dinnertime Question Jar
Several years ago, the Holy Spirit sent me, via the internet of course, a simple activity to ease dinner table tension by building relationship through storytelling. A mason jar, minimally decorated and containing slips of paper in three colors.
Youth in the Wilderness: A Lenten Reflection
As we approach Lent, I wonder how we can use this season to help the teenagers in our care, at home and at church, keep the door open for faith.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Advent is my favorite season. The waiting, the candles, the music, the smells of cookies and gingerbread baking, the early darkness; I revel in all of it. As a child with infinite imagination, every year I embraced the anticipation of the Christ child with all my heart. And yes, Santa and gifts were fine with me too. But it is the expectation of wonder that thrills my heart. These days, as a parent, a Christian educator, and a reluctant adult, it’s all a little more complicated.
Embracing an Imperfect Observation of Advent
There is so much I hoped to do during this Advent, for my own kids, for the children and families in my ministry, and yes, for myself. And as always, come Christmas morning, some of it will have to be put away with vague hopes and promises of next year
Friendship Bracelets and Forming Faith with Youth
My left wrist currently sports a grand assortment of colorful friendship bracelets; a sure sign that I spent the summer with the people and doing […]
A Language Practice for Pentecost
In the Gospel for this Pentecost Sunday, one line jumps out at me in particular as a parent. Jesus says to the disciples, I did […]
Gabriel’s call, Mary’s “yes” – and my response to my son’s doubt.
I should’ve been prepared for my own child to tell me he was experiencing doubt. But I wasn’t.
This Lent, I’m practicing breath prayer with my teens. You can too.
I encourage my boys to pray, but I’m not sure I’ve done a good job of showing them how. That’s something I will change this Lent.
Why the Conversion of St Paul Gives Us Hope for Our Most Passionate and Energetic Children
In Saul I recognize the passionate energy of my own boys and many other children I’ve worked with over the years.