I first met Grandpa Elmer when I was 19. After a summer apart from each other, my then boyfriend, Doug, invited me to join him for Perry Pioneer Days - a local festival that included a parade that he and his Grandpa always walked in.
As clowns.
...
The Yaconelli name is a familiar one to those in youth ministry. Mike Yaconelli was one of the founders of Youth Specialties and a legend in the youth ministry world. His son, Mark, is also a recognized figure in the youth ministry world.
One of...
What the book's about: Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution. by Brene Brown is about what it takes to get back up after you fall.
Why I read this book: I read Rising Strong for a discussion with my...
What the book's about: Saying Is Believing is a research-based book about the necessity of testimony in adolescent spiritual development. It's also a practical guide for how to invite teens to practice giving testimonies in our ministries. ...
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
As I've seen news coverage leading up to this day, I've been reminded that the Holocaust isn't the only holocaust that's happened in our world.
Even though the world said, “Never Again” after the Holocaust,...
I typically love winter.
I love the holidays and our annual winter ski vacation.
This year, however, winter has drug for me... And since I live in the Chicago area, I know it's far from over.
Being pregnant, I can no longer ski....
The last time I taught about divorce in my youth ministry, the kids from divorced families left in tears.
I didn't set out to make them cry. In fact, I intentionally remember trying to set up our conversation so as not to isolate these vulnerable...
What the book's about: Speak by Nish Weiseth is about embracing, telling, and using your story to change the world.
Why I read this book: I'm a big fan of Deeper Story, the online storytelling community founded by Nish Weiseth....
What the book's about: Walking on Water is about the intersection of faith and art. It's not a "how-to" manual, but instead, a series of beautiful reflections about encountering God through art and about the divine inspiring art.
Why...
On my youth ministry's recent mission trip to Milwaukee through Youth Works Missions, we spent an evening with Life Changers International – a ministry to former gang members in inner city Milwaukee.
During our time with Life Changers, a panel of...