Add Pray To Your Day!
Holiday Prayer
A Jew Writes a Christmas Letter
A Jew Writes a Christmas Letter Holiday Update 2010 Dear Friends and Family, Well, we made it through another year and here are some of the highlights. David thought he had another attack of gout, this time in his ankle, but when it didn’t go away after taking the Allopurinol, he finally went to see a podiatrist who...
How Silently
How Silently, How Silently "What's your favorite Christmas song?" When I am asked this question, I usually over-answer. I break it down into categories. How can I help it? How do you compare "Merry Christmas, Baby" to "
What Matters: Reflections of Hanukkah
As the Hanukkah season comes to a close, we take a fun look back the childhood memories of Fran Ely who grew up in a Jewish home. Her warm and witty personality makes for a lighthearted look at the traditions of Hanukkah, from its meaning to the food and games she enjoyed as a child.
Christmas Babies
Christmas Babies Shortly after I was born, my mother wrote the following words: "Dearest Lori: When I look at you, it's like looking into a mirror, only the reflection is pure innocence untainted by the worldliness and all the evils of the world, flesh and devil. How I pray you may always stay this way, spiritually innocent in the sight of God. This is my one...
Women's History Month
Happy Women's History Month! Thank you to all those across the globe that have fought and struggled for the rights of women, especially those who continue the battle still today. Women's History Month did not always exist and it is a blessing that we have an entire calendar month to celebrate our strength and the uniqueness of being...
Hannukah Stories That Say Merry Christmas
Hannukah Stories That Say Merry Christmas I am unsentimental to a fault. I brag about not wanting gifts and I rarely give them. I just don’t have the warm, fuzzy memories of opening presents and feeling delighted, or giving the perfect present that makes someone squeal. I remember my disappointment when I got a brand-new blue Columbia bike f...
Every Single Day
Every Single Day A few...
That Time of the Year
That Time of the Year Hassled time, hurried time,crafted of jammed schedules,marathon cooking sessions,and shopping trips from hell.Why do I make this seasonharder than it must be?All You ask of me is to live and give thanks:I save all that for one lone day,and pursue busy-ness all the rest.Stop me. Remind me of my...
Perfectly Imperfect
Perfectly Imperfect You who see me at my worstmake me be my best.Struggling with the stress of the season,remind me:happiness has seldom depended on a spotless home,an endless buffet or love given from holiday packages.I know I can't be flawlessI can only be me.Please, I need your reassurance that I am perfectwith all my...
Open Book: Christmas Special
Pray Maker Lori Strawn and her friend Alice Shelton discuss spiritual themes and questions from literature and poetry, then top it off with a prayer from the Prayables collection. Join us in our journey to find God between the pages of our favorite books. This week, Lori and Alice will discuss all kinds of Christmas quotes from their favorite books, poetry and more!
Spread the Light this Advent Season
Spread the Light this Advent Season I'm writing this on Monday. Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. For anyone who is unfamiliar with Advent, it is the Christian celebration in preparation for the Advent of the King, the coming of Christ on Christmas day. Traditionally, it is a time of penitence, preparing yourself to be worthy of such a gift. It is also a...
Vlog: Holiday Gifts
Holiday Gifts
Hanukkah
Hanukkah and Other Memories In my time working at Temple Beth Israel, I enjoyed three years of High Holy Days, Confirmations, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Hanukkahs. Even though Hanukkah is not a High Holy Day, it's a special time, and it was one of my favorite seasons there. The Temple gift shop was heavily promoted this time of the year.
My Girls
My Girls As my mother and I sliced cheese and summer sausage at her kitchen counter, my dad lit a fire in the fireplace and asked me, “What time are your girls coming over?” My girls. I felt a stream of giddiness shoot from my gut to my heart—we lived miles apart and our lives had taken very different paths, and yet they were still my girls, my crew, my posse.
Epiphany
Epiphany: How Little ThingsMake a Big Difference Just the other day, I had an epiphany – ironic since Epiphany is coming up on January 6th. Epiphany celebrates when the Magi visited the Christ Child and recognized him as Holy. In the more common sense, an epiphany is a realization. Mine concerned how quickly little things add up.
Keeping Perspective
Keeping Perspective As always, my to-do list is far too long with groceries to buy, the house to clean, and yard work to do. Please help me keep
