Mess Makes Meaning

A sometimes difficult subject, discussing the harsh realities of violence in our world, Joy and Raenelle talk with Hannah Rose Martin, one of the founders of RAWtools and the co-author of Sparking Peace. Learn more about this incredible organization and the beautiful movement of transformation, lifting the importance of language, honesty, and hope.

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. 

Being a parent with children in todays very active and demanding world of athletics can be overwhelming. Jonathan Carone, creator of the "Healthy Sports Parents" is making sense out of this time of life. Come have a listen and soak in this reminder that we are not alone in the messy yet meaningful aspects of parenting today. Healthy Sports Parents

Holly Taylor Coolman gifts us with insights in this theologically rich conversation on parenting now and her book Parenting: The Complex and Beautiful Vocation of Raising Children.

Rev. Molly Baskette and child psychologist Ellen O’Donnnell, the co-authors of Bless This Mess, A Modern Guide to Faith and Parenting in a Chaotic WorldFor a relatable, at many times humorous, and helpful guide this episode takes pieces of the book, Bless This Mess, and addresses some of the parenting concerns at the forefront of our minds. Enjoy! 

Incredible creators of the Book of Belonging, author Mariko Clark and illustrator Rachel Eleanor. "The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every reader seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text and rich illustrations present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity, diversity, and historical representation. Through narratives, mindful practices, and guided wonder moments, children and grown-ups alike will learn who God is and be reminded over and over that God tells each of us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Because when it comes to the love of God, everyone belongs."

RAGE PRAYERS originally came out of an off-handed tiktok - inviting people to reject toxic positivity in faith. Christianity is full of practices focused on positivity. Rage prayer is anything but that. Our relationship with God is not hindered but deepened when we bring our whole selves: gratitude and sorrow, joy and rage, and everything in between.Dive into a fun and very real episode with Joy, Raenelle, and the Reverend Elizabeth Riley!Learn more about Rage Prayers HERE

Dr. Michael Chan talks to us about the importance of walking alongside Youth as they navigate their faith journey during a time of life that can be challenging. How do we honor their stories? Dr. Chan gives beautiful insights into this discussion on letting your light shine. Dr. Chan joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joined Luther Seminary after completing his Ph.D. at Emory University and a year of research and teaching at the University of Helsinki. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary (M.A. in biblical theology) and Pacific Lutheran University (B.A. in elementary education). Dr. Chan provides leadership and support for the Office of Inclusion Diversity, Equity, and Opportunity; the Campus Ministry team; the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning; and the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work.

In this episode we hear from Lacy Finn Borgo, who dives into her insights on spiritual conversations with children. What better time to discuss as we enter into the mystery of Christmas. Click HERE to learn more about Lacy and her work. 

Godly Play Trainer, Jill Gidlund, talks to us about sacred spaces within the home. Details on how to make home altars and a reminder to be present. Enjoy this gift of an episode!

*Warning: This episode can be triggering. Grief. This topic can be taboo with kids, but that doesn't mean it isn't real. Join us as we get emotional talking with our expert guest Jessica Field and find out what we as the parents/caregivers who treasure our children can do when it comes to grief.Guest: Jessica Field MPS, is a Spiritual Wellness Coach for individuals and groups. She builds off of her diverse experience in trauma, mental health, social services, and spiritual care to walk with others through grief, forgiveness, purpose, and joy. To learn more about Jessica and the workshops she offers, click here.

Join the Godly Play Foundation staff as they talk about the ups and downs of leaving summer, greeting fall, and implementing family rhythms to have their kids feel as supported as they can be during this change of season. Stay tuned for the blessing at the end of each episode because that is especially for you, the parents/caregivers listening. You are enough. You are loved. For Wondering prompts to do with your family at the table, bedtime, or in the car, text "WONDER" to (833)359-7488I wonder what family rhythm your family likes best

On this episode we talk with Melinda Wenner Bradley (she/her) about the importance of silence. Melinda is a licensed Godly Play Trainer and the Director of Communications and Training for Faith & Play Stories. Since 2005, she has been sharing Godly Play and Faith & Play stories in children's programs, intergenerational worship, school classrooms, teacher workshops, and international travel in the ministry among Quakers. Her teaching ministry weaves together interests in children’s spiritual lives, program development, and support for families and teachers in faith communities and schools. Melinda advocates shifting religious formation away from scholastic models and toward experiential, belonging-focused ways of being with children and inviting them into spiritual community with all ages. The Godly Play method and stories, and for Friends the Faith & Play stories, are vital resources for making that change and nurturing growth in faith communities. Melinda holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College, MA in Education from the University of Michigan, and MA in Ministry and Leadership from Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is a co-author and editor of Faith & Play: Quaker Stories for Friends Trained in the Godly Play Method (FGC Press). In 2014, Melinda co-founded the Quaker Religious Education Collaborative, a grassroots, international network of religious education practitioners supporting life-long spiritual formation. She is the parent of three young adults who were raised on Godly Play and Faith & Play stories and are her most beloved circle.

Rev. Dr. Lakisha R. Lockhart is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, former Zumba instructor, Womanist and coolest auntie around. She believes in the power of play, movement, aesthetics, and creative arts in life and in theology, using the body as a locus for theological reflection. She is a consultant, executive secretary for the Religious Education Association, and in her professorial role as Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary she is not only a teacher, but a facilitator, rope jumper, game-player, advocate and catalyst for critical consciousness and engagement in educating in faith and actually living into that faith through various spiritual and artistic practices. 

5 Love Languages of Children expert Dr. Jennifer Thomas dives deep into the possible love languages of children and how we can apply this knowledge as the parents and caregivers. 

As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, we're thrilled to have Dr. Jessica Young Brown join us on the podcast! 🌟 We're talking about important topics like mental health in the church and religious-related trauma. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation!Dr. Jessica is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her passion lies in making mental health accessible and equitable, especially for marginalized communities. With expertise in areas like racism's impact on mental health and the intersection of faith and mental well-being, Dr. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.

Kayla Craig is the insta-famous creator of Liturgies for Parents and the author of Every Season Sacred. Kayla has such a beautiful way of speaking to the heart of parents who have a love of faith and their children and want to connect the two. 

During this episode, Daniel Wolpert talks through Christianity in an Age of Science and the road blocks Christians can some times go up against around this topic.  Dan is the Executive Director and co-founder of MICAH, the Minnesota Institute for Contemplation and Healing, he is a spouse, partner, ally, activist, and dad. Dan has been a student of the spiritual life since age 21 and has taught in the fields of psychology and spiritual formation in numerous settings. In addition to his retreat and teaching work, Dan provides counseling and spiritual direction services at MICAH. He is also the author of many books, two of which we will go into today: Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices, The Collapse of the Three Story Universe: Christianity in an Age of Science. 

Godly Play Foundation brings us an heart-opening interview full of aha moments with the incredible Pastor Meredith Miller, author of "Woven: Nurturing a Faith your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From." Meredith offers us a different way of looking at strengthening our relationship and our children's relationships with God.  Find more of Meredith's resources on here website: https://meredithannemiller.com/ 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now is the time  of fresh starts, but also, how do we honor where we are?  We were honored to speak with our guest Ellie Roscher.  Ellie is the author of Remarkable Rose, The Embodied Path, 12 Tiny Things, Play Like a Girl and How Coffee Saved My Life. Her writing also appears in the Baltimore Review, Eunoia Review, Mothering Spirit, Inscape Magazine, and elsewhere. Ellie teaches yoga and writing in Minneapolis. She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MA in Theology from Luther Seminary. 

In our first episode we dive into the busy holiday season and how the Reverend Cynthia Williams Insko offers tips and tricks for being present with our children in the mess of it all.  From practical tips to AHA moments, Joy and Raenelle truly soaked up this information and can't wait to implement these ideas in our own households. 

Welcome to Mess Makes Meaning with Joy and Raenelle. Brought to you by the Godly Play Foundation, we are here as fellow parents who understand we all want to nurture our children's spirituality, but life is messy and some times finding the meaning in that mess is hard. We will talk with guests each episode who have insight into ways we can care for our children while caring for ourselves as we make meaning together through narrative, wonder, rhythm and play.