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Grow Christians

A community of disciples practicing faith at home.

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When the Pencils are Dull

September 19, 2019 By Tina Clark 1 Comment

“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.

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Filed Under: Discipleship, Parenting Tagged With: back to school, faith formation, formation, school, teenagers

The Miraculous Dinnertime Question Jar

June 7, 2019 By Tina Clark 7 Comments

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.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: children, craft, Mealtimes, printables, teenagers

Youth in the Wilderness: A Lenten Reflection

March 8, 2019 By Tina Clark 1 Comment

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.

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Filed Under: Lent Tagged With: doubt, God, Lent, questions, teenagers, youth

The 12 Days of Christmas

December 25, 2018 By Tina Clark 4 Comments

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.

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year Tagged With: 12 days, Christmas, gifts, Holiday season

Embracing an Imperfect Observation of Advent

December 8, 2018 By Tina Clark 1 Comment

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

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year Tagged With: Advent, imperfection, St. Nicholas, teenagers, teens at church

Friendship Bracelets and Forming Faith with Youth

September 4, 2018 By Tina Clark Leave a Comment

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 […]

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: faith formation, mission trip, teenagers

A Language Practice for Pentecost

May 20, 2018 By Tina Clark Leave a Comment

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 […]

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year, Parenting, Uncategorized Tagged With: children, Faith, Family, youth

Gabriel’s call, Mary’s “yes” – and my response to my son’s doubt.

April 9, 2018 By Tina Clark 2 Comments

I should’ve been prepared for my own child to tell me he was experiencing doubt. But I wasn’t.

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year Tagged With: Annunciation, Faith, parenting

This Lent, I’m practicing breath prayer with my teens. You can too.

February 13, 2018 By Tina Clark 2 Comments

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.

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Filed Under: Discipleship Tagged With: discipline, Family, Jesus, Lent, Prayer, teenagers, teens, tweens

Why the Conversion of St Paul Gives Us Hope for Our Most Passionate and Energetic Children

January 25, 2018 By Tina Clark Leave a Comment

In Saul I recognize the passionate energy of my own boys and many other children I’ve worked with over the years.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: Bible, Children in church, conversion, Conversion of St. Paul, discipleship, Faith, Family

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