Do you currently have a tree in your yard or neighborhood producing scores of lovely white blossoms along with the unmistakable fragrance of rotting fish? I am guessing you are the “lucky” owner of a Bradford pear tree. Loved by landscapers for many years, this invasive tree has become fairly common in North Carolina. Introduced … Continued
“All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluyah!” “All Creatures of Our God and King” is an English Christian hymn by William Henry Draper, based on a poem by St. Francis of Assisi A few years ago, during a sunny and quiet teacher workday early in June, several instructors were … Continued
You can’t save the world all by yourself. Baptists have learned to work with other churches to combine our resources and minister to our communities and to others around the world more effectively. The same strategy must be applied to the sacred work of taking care of creation. As we approach the end of Earth … Continued
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1 Outdoor activities: Plan a scavenger hunt to do on your own or with friends and family. Take a hike/walk in a local park, stay close to home in your yard, or explore your neighborhood. Give each person a list of objects … Continued
Want to get involved in gardening, but have very little time and space for planting? Herbs like mint, lemon balm, basil, thyme, and vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce, can all thrive in large flower pots on your porch, patio, or steps. Grape vines will climb your deck railing in a sunny corner. Figs are small, … Continued
The origins of the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” are debated, but many believe that the author of the original text from which the hymn is derived was Burgundian abbot and doctor Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153). His long poem, Salve mundi salutare (“Hail, Savior of the World”), consists of seven cantos (subsections), each one … Continued
“Via Dolorosa” is translated from the Latin as “The Way of Suffering” and refers to the path that Jesus took from where and when he was sentenced to death, making his way through the streets of Jerusalem to the crucifixion site on Golgotha outside the city. On Good Friday, Christians around the world remember the … Continued
Maundy Thursday is the day in Holy Week, leading up to the Christian celebration of Easter, when we stop to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ’s love and remember his command to “Love one another as I have loved you.” We commemorate the Passover feast that Jesus celebrated with his disciples in the Upper Room, … Continued
“Chrissy, give me your phone. Leave your watch on the table and your laptop on your desk. You are going upstairs. I don’t care what you do, take a nap, read a book, doesn’t matter to me… but you need to take a break.” These are perhaps the most firm and most loving words Justin … Continued
At the beginning of Lent, I shared with you that I was going to craft my way through Lent as a form of self-care. For me, crafting is about far more than the actual act of making something with my hands. It is a way for me to clear my mind of the clutter and … Continued