Advocacy is as integral to discipleship as prayer and worship.

Weaving a Just Future for Children is a fascinating book by Diane C. Olson and Laura Dean F. Friedrich. Written from the perspective of the United Methodist Church, it has something to say to all of us who work with children and families. I know so many children and family workers who are true advocates, but do no see that as part of their role in the church.

This guide uses weaving images to discuss child advocacy from Biblical/Contemporary Stories, Practices /Tools and Discipleship/Vocation. I’m sure this has been brought out somewhere before, but it is the first time I have read this unique combination of the parts of being in service to God by advocacy.

Here’s some questions from each section. I’d love to know what others think.
1. Do you see these characteristics as part of the job description of people working with children in the church? Catalytic Connection, Persistence and Speaking Truth to Power, Initiative and Assertiveness, Courage and Strength

2. What do you think of the SWOT Analyses on page 85? SWOT stand for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. These are forces outside of the church that affect advocacy.

3. Do you consider advocacy for children as a vocation?

Even if you have not read the book. Find a question to comment about and then go buy the book!

Blogging is like journaling into a black hole. I love to write. Not so sure about blogging, yet. Perhaps it is the absolutely no interaction between writer and reader. The topics that I blog about are visual so maybe that’s the problem.

So we are looking through a new lens. Once a month I will do a video that visually says what I need to say. Once a week I’ll write as usual. Several times a year we’ll try a book study together. Maybe the issue isn’t the blogging. Maybe the issue is the frame around the blogging.

As you enter into a new season in the life of the church and the life of nature, look at this picture and think that sometimes when we change the frame, we change the scenery. And when we change we can see farther into new horizons.

Blessings,
The Faith Gardener

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I’d greet it in a garden. by Ruth Stout an American author of gardening books

This is a blow up of the spring detail on the Seasons of Faith labyrinth. I have painted several recently and really love placing these in homes and with those who work with small groups.

The thing about this section called spring is that it started out just as apple leaves coming out in spring. Then one day I looked outside and saw the apple blossoms coming out and decided to add a hint of pink. Just a hint of pink changed the entire section.

A hint of faith change change an entire family gathering or an entire small group meeting. Check out the Seasons of Faith labyrinth. How could it change your faith?

Here’s a new website.
It is just being developed and I think you might find it interesting to watch how faith formation is explored through different “specialists”.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

This is a shamrock. Can you find any leaf with four petals? Think about St. Patrick; the guy who brought Christianity to Ireland. I wonder if he ever imagined the conflict with Northern Ireland.
Blessings on your day.
Christy

Resources have long been considered something published. Paper, books, art, music and even websites and blogs are resources. I like to focus on God resources. Resources that are here because of a loving and gracious Creator who takes moments in time and turns them into places for growth.

Think of the human resources God places in our paths. Hands that offer help, stability, love and care. Little hands and big hands that come together for no reason other than love.

As I go through the day, I look for human resources that God places in my life. Try it yourself. Take a look at the day and identify where you see God. I might be in the coming together of two different hands or in the smile or frown of a face. God is with us. Amen.

There is an older book that I think was written just before its time. I think we need to be reconnected to it.

Season’s of a Family’s Life

written by Wendy M. Wright, tells the story of families struggling to be contemplative in a world of chaos. Wendy writes well to both parents and those who work in the world of faith formation. In the present time of economic and cultural distress, Wendy’s book becomes relevant again.

Curl up with a good book and if you read it once-read it again. Thanks Wendy for leading us forward as we think of being family and being contemplative.

Seldom do I recommend a resource I have not read. I think it is because I’ve had four copies pre-ordered for so long. For anyone that works, lives or rests in the spiritual world, this will be an important book. I believe the release date was yesterday. Here’s what I know.

The formation of faith in this culture will happen differently that in past times. The transition will be easier to understand with the work that Faith Associates has done both in the area of research and in the area of writing. The book is a help in designing the church for the future, but it needs to be read by more than just those who work in the church. It needs to be read by those who recognize that change is happening and don’t know what to do next. We ALL need to think ahead.

Here’s the link. www.lifelongfaith.com Buy the book. Give the book for a gift and we’ll read together.

For three months I’ve kept my mouth shut. Not an easy job for one who loves to talk and write. Spark Family is a resource by Augsburg Fortress. I was blessed with the job of writing the premier issue. You won’t find it in stores or online until late January. But you need to get a copy and give a subscription to a family with kids three through ten. This magazine is all about holy and all about families.

Spark Family has many parts. It has photographs of real families in real situations. It also has pictures from the Spark Story Bible that illustrate stories in the Old Testament and the New Testament. There are activities for readers but also for non- readers. There are interesting activities to connect the story to daily life. There are prayer activities that jump right out of the publication into the life of a family.

Spark Family is about daily life and faith. Spark Family happens in the home where families live. Check out the discussion.
http://www.facebook.com/sparksundayschool