Cicadas are all the “buzz” these days. You can hardly turn on the news or pick up a newspaper, magazine, or check out social media without being reminded that the cicadas are coming! The invasion will soon be upon us. At least, some of us. In central and eastern North Carolina, we usually hear the … Continued
When my Utah grandson visited Raleigh a couple of years ago, he sat quietly in the back seat of the car looking all around as we drove away from the airport. We had gone a few miles down the road when, with amazement in his voice, he called out to me, ”Oma, it’s so green here. … Continued
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