Look at this crumpled piece of paper. It’s money. Well, actually, it is money, but it isn’t paper. U.S. currency is made of cloth that is 3/4 cotton and 1/4 linen. That’s why it doesn’t fall apart when you accidentally leave it in your pocket and wash it in the washing machine. Do you know…
Author: jaroldandmarcia
Music isn’t always pretty.
Music often causes a physical reaction. When you listen to music you might tap your toes, sway back and forth, experience goose bumps, or even cry. Your heart may beat faster, your breathing may slow down, you might pick up your step, or you may feel calm. At a high school or college football game,…
Let’s think about thinking.
My mind is racing. My brain is full. It’s that time of pre-Vacation Bible School frenzy that Children’s and Family Ministers experience every summer. So this morning I decided to write about something completely unrelated to VBS and hope the fog lifts or at least clears enough so I can see my way to the…
“Flat Jesus” and Look for God
For the past few summers our church has handed out laminated paper cut-outs of “Flat Jesus” and encouraged people to take one wherever they went. It was a simple, tangible way for us to remember that God was with us on vacation, at the beach, on a mission trip, at the zoo, or anywhere! Church…
Those adorable, demanding fledglings and the empty nest
There was a loud, unrelenting, incessant sound of birds chirping outside my kitchen window one morning a couple of weeks ago. I delight in watching and hearing backyard birds as they gather at the bird feeders, but this chirping was more persistent than the usual, quotidian bird sounds. Ever since I learned the word quotidian,…
Wind, Fire, and Earth — Pentecost
It’s a mysterious day of celebration. It is confusing and yet comforting. It brings power and peace. It is Pentecost. When is Pentecost, and why does the date change every year? Pentecost is not just assigned on a random date to fill a low Sunday or to keep worshipers on their toes. There’s a real…
Fun and (nearly) free: Spring garden party
Spring is a great time to host a fancy garden party for little children. Invite friends with written invitations, and get ready for a fancy outdoor tea party. Dress up. Used teen party dresses are easy to find at thrift stores and can be transformed into long elegant dresses for little girls with no more…
Fun and (nearly) free: Summer bike wash
Want something cool to do with children when the temperature rises? Kiddie pools and lawn sprinklers are great, but you can turn water play into a fun event with a bike wash. Invite children to bring their bikes, trikes, wagons, or any washable toys to your driveway and give them a good cleaning! It’s fun…
My relationship with cake
Cake and I go way back. My mom made a cute elephant cake for my first birthday, using instructions from this 1959 edition book of Animal Cut-up Cakes. It was a nifty little book that showed what type of baking pans to use and how to cut the cakes into pieces and arrange them into…
Are you a rusty old pitcher?
This is a very basic message that could be tweaked for a children’s sermon about how everyone has a purpose. It could be a group devotional, personal reflection, or any time you need a reminder that you are beautiful and valuable. When you are open and available to be filled with God’s love, God can…
Ms. Marcia's Mom-ologues 