We’ll start with a family tradition: an advent calendar. Advent calendars have been around for a long time (up to 200 years), and in their simplest form are just a way of physically counting down the days between December 1st and December 25th. The goal is anticipation and celebration. In the old times, families might
Back to the holidays Read More »
Confession: I’m not so good at members’ meetings. They seem to be a two-hour plunge into human folly. I don’t like the tedious agendas, set by our poor wonderful hard-working pastors. I don’t like the controversy, created by our strong truth-loving parishioners. I don’t like the chaos, produced by our lively kids weary of too
After these messages… Read More »
Festivity/ merrymaking Family Theology—God in flesh Childhood memories, and creating them for your own children Gifts to give and receive What Christmas does to society—happiness and goodwill Coziness—hot drinks, fires, atmosphere, aroma Tradition—décor, food Anticipation Music Confession: The comments on this blog are at least as worth reading as the blog itself. That’s why I
Why my family likes Christmas Read More »
Confession: You see the problem is, I think I am Ebenezer Scrooge. I hate Christmas. “??” you say. “I don’t think I caught what you just said.” I hate Christmas!! I cannot describe the panic of entering any shop in town by the middle of November and encountering cheap red velvet, artificial evergreen, garish tinsel,
Confession: Sometimes enough is enough. Even of a really good thing. I had to step out of the loud, happy family gathering and go for a little walk. I love my Coblentz people. But we are (self included) a strange herd. We’ve had two days of congenial concourse: turkey and trimmings and talk, games and
Confession: Sometimes I wonder if lunch exchanges are a mistake. Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, my son’s school exchanges lunches within the classroom. This year, my preschooler also swapped with a friend. Talk about excitement running high! The Kentucky Derby doesn’t hold a candle. The most beautiful part is watching each childish participant forgetting
Glory and golden raisins Read More »
Confession: I have way more cookbooks than I need. What can I say? I have gotten rid of many, and still have 15 of them. There are those I use frequently, the old standbys–and there are those I hardly look at. Several from dear friends. Multiple church cookbooks, special for regional flavor. Some with beautiful
Tis the season to be cooking… Read More »
In September I posted a letter I wrote asking to be excused from jury duty for reasons of conscience. Some of you pushed so gently back on me, and I would like to explain my position further, listening more to you if you have more to say. Please hear this with the love I feel.
Soldiers and civilians Read More »
Confession: At the ripe old age of thirty, I feel as much a child as ever. It seems to be taking me an awfully long time to grow up. Your words were such a sweet surprise yesterday—thank you for honoring me beyond what I deserve. I listened and smiled and celebrated. And slept in so
Birthday reflections Read More »
Confession: This is not written by Shari. Today is a special day… for many reasons, I’m sure. Today marks Shari’s 30th birthday. Many of you have been reading this blog for some time. Today give Shari something special. Give her the gift of words. No more than three words. How do you experience Shari through