"God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us" with Rev. Lizzie

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, hosts Joy and Raenelle welcome back Meredith Miller, a pastor and author, to discuss her new book 'Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture '. The conversation explores the importance of nurturing children's spirituality through presence, storytelling, and curiosity. Meredith emphasizes the shift from being an expert to a guide in faith formation, encouraging parents to engage with their children's questions and doubts in the form of curiosity, not perfection. The discussion also highlights the significance of God-centered storytelling and how it can help children navigate difficult biblical narratives. Ultimately, the episode offers practical insights for parents to foster a deeper connection with their children's spiritual journeys.Check out Meredith's newest book TODAY! Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love with Scripture 

Joy and Raenelle have a wonderful conversation with Rev. Dr. Aizaiah Yong and Rev. Nereyda (Neddy) Yong about their book, "Sacred Parenthood: Spiritual Practices for the HIGHS and LOWS of Parenting". Find the book HERE"Authors and life partners Aizaiah G. Yong and Nereyda Yong contend that social healing and world peace start at home. As the parents of four young children in an interracial and intercultural family, they offer stories and spiritual practices for the inner and communal lives of parents in a beautifully diverse world. Sacred Parenthood invites readers into creative spiritual expression in everyday family life. We can find new ways to hold the vulnerable lives around us with a bit more tenderness. As we do so, we can experience anew the gift and sacredness of parenting."

Welcome, Reverend Lizzie, to Mess Makes Meaning as she discusses parents and caregivers' journey of deconstructing/reconstructing while caring for our children's spirituality.  Reverend Lizzie McManus-Dail, author of "God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us," is the vicar of Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. She has been using her social media platforms to unravel toxic theology and reveal the abiding love of a joyful God. Rev. Lizzie lives with her husband, Rev. Jonathan, and their two beloved daughters, who are often found on Rev. Lizzie’s hip or underfoot while she preaches. 

Just in time for the chaos of the season! What is self-regulation, and how do we model that for our children? Join Joy and Raenelle as they interview Kathleen Crevasse on this concept and learn how to offer yourself some compassion in the process. 

Joy Studer interviews Rachel Ramsden, an advocate of Risky Play from the Play Outside Lab in Vancouver, BC. Find out how, as the parents/caregivers and educators living and working with children, we can support their "Risky Play" for their benefit. What do we say instead of "be careful!"Child in Nature Alliance

Rev. Harrison Litzell brings his gifts and insights into this episode, focusing on parenting styles, Gentle Parenting, Permissive Parenting, and Authoritarian Parenting, and we have a FREE webinar for any and all to join on October 28th, 1 p.m. EST. Click HERE to register yourself or friends in your community for this special event!

Diving into an interview with our "man behind the scenes" in creating the Family Liturgy, meet Aaron Niequist. Aaron is a musically talented artist whose creativity knows no bounds. Click HERE to become a free member of Everyday Godly Play and get the morning "Breathe in" and evening "Breathe out" liturgies! 

This episode is a sneak peek into the Family Liturgy created by the Everyday Godly Play Project. More information will be coming soon. Enjoy!

Karen-Marie Yust talks to us about "Passive Technology" and the band-aid to boredom it can be. We are incredibly grateful for the ideas and concepts she shares, as well as the thought process that perhaps Passive Technology isn't a bad thing sometimes.