I’m far from an expert on the subject, but I think the key word is nurture: creativity is there within our children; it’s not something we need to inculcate but simply something that must be tended, guarded, and allowed to flourish. I have a new piece at iBelieve on the subject. Here’s a taste. Click through to read it all! Nurturing Creativity in Children Rachel Marie Stone Many people think of creativity as a trait one either has or doesn’t... Read more
My dad illustrates a monthly column in a local magazine. A recent column dealt with the topic of food, arguing that food is not a foe, a message I heartily agree with (of course.) When my dad sent me the picture, I couldn’t help but notice its resemblance to high-school age me, attitude and all: So I wrote to my dad: “Hey–is this high-school me?” He said: “I didn’t set out to draw you, but in drawing for this particular... Read more
My lovely and brilliant friend LaVonne Neff is leading a conversation about food at her church, St. Barnabus Episcopal in Glen Ellyn, IL, for the next two weeks. (It started last week.) To go along with that series, she’s been blogging about food every weekday since last Monday, and she’ll be continuing through Friday, October 4th. I highly recommend checking out her blog. Here’s one entry that I love: “If you are under the impression that the Bible recommends a... Read more
I definitely don’t like watching videos of myself. I like it less than listening to recordings of myself. Especially when I make faces like these ones: Oy. Those faces. Only my mother could love them. However, I loved having the chance to have a conversation with Kelly Givens at iBelieve. And if you want, you can peek in at those conversations. (Especially you, Mom.) Looking at Food From a Biblical Perspective Why Is It Important for People to Eat Together?... Read more
Then you should read this book. My grandmother had been languishing in her dingy apartment, drinking herself to death, for decades. Despite what was obvious to the rest of us, my grandmother persisted in the delusion that she knew better than any of us, and rebuffed all our attempts at intervention. When some people from Alcoholics Anonymous came to talk to her, she listened politely and later dismissed the encounter with, “the poor dears are so sincere,” as the ice... Read more
The winter of 2010 was my fourth consecutive winter living overseas. After three years in Scotland, we were in north-central Germany, where the weather had been particularly cold and snowy, and where most of my outings seemed to involve either the university hospital emergency room or the pediatrician’s office. When my in-laws sent me a Kindle for Christmas—so that I might have access to Englische Bucher—I was eager for some very, very light reading: reading that would allow me to... Read more
Jonathan Merritt, to whom I had the pleasure of serving some snax as he and a whole group of notable evangelicals drove through Malawi, has an interview with me on his Religion News Service blog. Here are some of the questions Jonathan asked me: When many of us shop for food or dine out, we’re navigating a complicated balance of finding food that’s affordable, nutritious, flavorful, and more recently, food that’s been produced justly. With all that trouble, why bother?... Read more
Until 2003, Father Robert Farrar Capon served as an assisting priest at the Episcopal church fewer than 300 yards up the street where I grew up. I can remember learning to ride my bicycle in shaky circles in the parking lot of the historic (circa 1830) Baptist church that my father pastored, next to the parsonage where we lived. When I was ready to brave the sidewalk, I pedaled confidently until, passing Holy Trinity Episcopal, I’d invariably begin to totter.... Read more
“Where are you from?” I had asked. “Montana,” he said. “Really? Who’s from Montana? I’m not even sure where that is!” I gurgled, laughing, my East Coast-centric bravado a sorry cover-up for my pervasive sense of my own awkwardness and inferiority. (Arrogance without confidence, perhaps.) This guy could probably herd cattle and harvest wheat, for goodness’ sake, whereas I could still barely decipher a subway map or ask for the nearest bathroom without losing my nerve. Despite that inelegant beginning... Read more
I’ve always wanted to learn pottery. As a child I had no fewer than two very crappy toy potter’s wheels that did nothing but frustrate me. I don’t think my high school had a pottery class. My college certainly did not. And after that, well, I never seemed to have the time, money, or opportunity–all at the same time!–to learn pottery. So when we found out about a lovely lodge on Lake Malawi where you can stay, swim, eat,... Read more
Rachel Marie Stone
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