Complicated feelings have been part of Memorial Day since its inception. Being a church nerd who loves ritual, I searched for the origin story of Memorial Day recently. Within seconds, (Thank you, interwebs!) I found a fascinating article about how David Blight, a...
I don’t remember much from sixth grade, but I have vivid memories of my teacher’s after-lunch reading ritual. The ritual was simple: We’d read our way through a book, a chapter at a time each day after lunch and recess. I’m terrible at remembering details, but somehow...
Nicole is excited to have filmmaker and educator Lindy Boustedt takeover her blog this week! It was early February 2020 and I was waiting to see a neurologist for the very first time. Migraines were happening at an ever-increasing rate – sometimes three a week – and...
I have a very good friend who I call when I’m having a lot of feelings. They tell me that they treasure these rambling voicemail messages that usually start sometime like, “I’m having two or three feelings at one time, and I’m not quite sure what to do …” So the fact...
Losing all the activities and communities I love in one fell swoop was too much. First, we moved the YoWo (Yoga + Worship) class I teach online. The same day my yoga studio closed for operation. A few days later, the YMCA closed. Churches closed for public...
I sincerely want to wish all those who mother, who nurture young people into greater being a happy and wonderful day. I am deeply grateful for all those who have (and do) nurture me -- my biological mother and grandmothers as well as the scores of others who have...
This is part of my Listening in Lent series in which I reflect on my experience of practicing listening during this holy season. It started with my hip. That may seem like a weird thing to listen to. Other than the first-morning pops and groans, what sound does your...
Giving Up Grief for Lent: A Lenten Blog Series that explores the things the Mainline church needs to grieve in order to embrace a new Easter reality. See my worship resources page for more prayers, liturgy and discussion starters … Surrounded by snow covered hills and...
Giving Up Grief for Lent: A Lenten Blog Series that explores the things the Mainline church needs to grieve in order to embrace a new Easter reality … I don’t think there are many life lessons that can’t be derived from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” On the day...
Embracing loss in Lent can help you -- and the church -- move forward.