I know that it is the season of Advent, but Christmas is on my heart and mind. It’s hard to avoid, since, in the words of fictional rock-n-roll legend Billy Mack, “Christmas is all around.” Christmas is on tv, in stores, in our email boxes, and of course, we’re inundated with holiday musical classics.
Our Thank You Pumpkin
Starting on November 1, we take turns writing one thing we are each thankful for in a black Sharpie marker on our pumpkin. This designated pumpkin sits in the center of our dinner table throughout the month of November. It always brings joy and quite a bit of laughter to hear what our boys are thinking about or to see what they quietly and sneakily write on the pumpkin.
Advent in a Box
Advent in a Box is a resource created by the Christian educators at Family Ministry Tools to help churches equip families to have faith conversations at home. The goal is to send home interactive, fun, and biblically sound activities that engage families and help them grow in their faith. Advent in a Box is a pizza box filled with all-age devotions and activities to help families celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas.
You’ve Got This
“You’ve got this, Mama.” I find myself saying this to total strangers who are struggling with their kids. I say it to fellow parents, grandparents, […]
Feeling fear? Just say no. Have courage instead.
Feeling more fear than courage? Miriam reflects on loss, depression, and accepting God’s repeated invitation to be not afraid.
Responding to Hate by Being Together
“What do you remember about last night?” “Just being cold and wet.” I was talking with my nine-year-old daughter while we walked to school about […]
What happens when a godparent dies before the child is grown?
As a family gathers around the baptismal font, the words asked of the godparents are some of the most poignant queries. “Will you be responsible […]
Celebrating the Feast of Saint James of Jerusalem, Brother of our Lord
“Oh, you’re So-and-So’s sister!” There are, perhaps, no more daunting and deflating words that any sibling can hear. They are an immediate sign that the person […]
God Doesn’t Make Mistakes
Her comments caught me off guard to say this least, one evening as she was getting ready for bed. “Why am I like this? I […]
My God, protect me from gloomy saints
In anticipation of leaving our children for a period of four days with their stalwart grandparents, my husband and I prepared all the things: favorite […]