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Praying about the flow of time: Our Lady of Sorrows

Lynne Baab • Tuesday September 10 2024

I have been thinking a lot about sadness. My family moved 12 times in my first 15 years, and my mom was sad about the moves and affirmed my sadness as valid. Other than that, sadness was always viewed as a failure of thankfulness. I was supposed to be thankful that I wasn’t poor like my mom was in her childhood and teen years. Grateful that I had nice clothes like she didn’t have. Thankful that we could go on nice vacations like she never got to do. Grateful that I didn’t have to do farm work many hours a day...

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Praying about the flow of time: Piano month and square dancing month!

Lynne Baab • Tuesday September 3 2024

When I was six, I begged and pleaded for piano lessons. I have no idea where that desire came from. At seven, my Mom agreed I could start lessons, and I continued for many years. In the 70s and 80s, I accompanied hymns and praise songs at church and conferences, but gradually, my piano playing became a private joy. I still play hymns and praise songs, and they help me pray. I can totally get on board with September being National Piano Month. I’m trying to play the piano more often in September to celebrate this cool holiday I just learned...

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Praying about the flow of time: Labor Day

Lynne Baab • Tuesday August 27 2024

Just over 30 years ago, I served as a pastoral intern at a Presbyterian church. For the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, the pastor wanted to get away with his family so he asked me to preach. (For my friends in other countries, Labor Day in the United States is a national holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September. This year, it is September 2.)

As I pondered the sermon, I kept getting a mental picture of a big mural of individuals doing joyful work, including industry, farming, homemaking, parenting, Christian ministry, and many forms of serving and caregiving. All the...

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Praying about the flow of time: Ordinary witnesses

Lynne Baab • Tuesday August 20 2024

As I discussed last week, evangelism and discipleship are two of the themes of Ordinary Time, the current season of the church year. I’m on board with discipleship, and I enjoy thinking and writing about how to grow closer to Jesus. But even after 50 years of walking with Jesus, the word “evangelism” arouses feelings of guilt and pressure. If you’re like me, keep reading.

Thirty years ago, a friend served on a jury. When she told me about her experience, I had a light bulb moment about my call to be a Christian witness.

My friend said the judge gave the witnesses...

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