https://network.crcna.org/ The Network en Tue, 07 May 2024 16:07:57 +0000 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 13:58:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/5-ways-families-can-explore-waiting-and-hope-advent-season In my first Advent season working in children’s ministry, I brought new meaning to the word busy. Not wanting to miss a single memory with my kids, who were 1 and 3, I said yes to everything, desperate to treasure the years when my kids were little. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/5-ways-families-can-explore-waiting-and-hope-advent-season Mon, 21 Nov 2022 13:58:14 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/3-things-i-learned-weaving-gratitude-sabbath-rest About this time last year I realized I was burnt out and not experiencing the rest I needed. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/3-things-i-learned-weaving-gratitude-sabbath-rest Thu, 07 Oct 2021 12:53:07 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/starting-small-creating-consistent-faith-practices-one-baby Over the years, I tried several times to get back into running, but until recently, was unable to restart what used to be a favorite practice. In the past, I’ve tried to pick up where I left off—trying to put in a five-mile run when I hadn’t run at all in the past year. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/starting-small-creating-consistent-faith-practices-one-baby Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:33:44 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/creative-simple-ways-make-and-use-gods-big-pentecost-story One of my favorite things about our DWELL at Home devotionals is all the fun, creative ways you can use the story symbols. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/creative-simple-ways-make-and-use-gods-big-pentecost-story Mon, 05 Apr 2021 13:00:00 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/seeking-justice-inch-inch-practical-ways-honor-image-god In day to day life, I experience what I call “extreme empathy,” meaning that at times I feel the pain of others very deeply—almost as if it’s my own. Because of this extreme empathy, often when I look at the world around me, I am overwhelmed by the pain and sorrow that is seemingly everywhere. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/seeking-justice-inch-inch-practical-ways-honor-image-god Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:58:58 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-practice-gratitude-transformed-my-familys-weekly A little over a month ago, I realized that I was not feeling refreshed or experiencing rest during my weekly sabbaths. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-practice-gratitude-transformed-my-familys-weekly Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:03:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/garden-city-looking-forward-hope Throughout most of my adult life, summer has meant getting my hands dirty in some form of a garden. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/garden-city-looking-forward-hope Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:04:25 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/simple-way-encourage-family-faith-formation-free-dwell-home In processing life during this season with those around me, something I’m hearing again and again is that parents are burnt out. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/simple-way-encourage-family-faith-formation-free-dwell-home Wed, 20 May 2020 16:49:30 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/freedom-lament-journeying-together-through-pandemic-pain “Everything happens for a reason.” “God’s got great things in store for you.” “God has a plan for your life.” These well-meant phrases were the bane of my existence when my husband endured an extended period of unemployment several years ago. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/freedom-lament-journeying-together-through-pandemic-pain Fri, 01 May 2020 13:47:28 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/simple-fun-ways-make-and-use-gods-big-easter-story One of my favorite things about God’s Big Easter Story: A Holy Week Devotional for Families is all the fun, imaginative ways families can make the beautiful symbols that go with each da Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/simple-fun-ways-make-and-use-gods-big-easter-story Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:57:37 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/setting-free-image-god-reflections-apce-2020 In a crowded, dimly lit ballroom, I sit and stare into a stranger's eyes without saying a word. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/setting-free-image-god-reflections-apce-2020 Wed, 04 Mar 2020 18:17:33 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/help-kids-count-down-easter-simple-paper-chain The most confusing season of the church calendar for my kids has always been Lent. The first year that they were old enough to engage this season, I remember them constantly asking, “Is it Easter now?” And we were still only a week in! Last year, I realized the problem: Lent is long.  Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/help-kids-count-down-easter-simple-paper-chain Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:31:11 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/equip-families-sharing-these-fabulous-and-free-dwell One of the great blessings of the Advent season for my family is that it’s always provided a structure that allows us to succeed at daily family devotions. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/equip-families-sharing-these-fabulous-and-free-dwell Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:38:56 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/thrive-advent-resources-round As Advent approaches, these great posts will help you prepare your church and home for the coming season. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/thrive-advent-resources-round Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:17:35 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-home-faith-formation-tips-can-transform-your-everyday It’s been a running joke between my kids and me that when I ask them about their school day, they respond, “I ate a snack and came home,” with a sly grin. They think this is hysterical. I do not. Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/how-home-faith-formation-tips-can-transform-your-everyday Wed, 02 Oct 2019 15:49:23 +0000 https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/five-tips-finding-quality-sunday-school-teachers-heart I was leisurely enjoying the summer weather, contemplating going to the pool and planning out our upcoming camping trip, when it happened—the list of required school supplies arrived. School supplies?! Already?! But summer had just begun! Jill Benson https://network.crcna.org/topic/spiritual-formation/faith-nurture/five-tips-finding-quality-sunday-school-teachers-heart Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:28:59 +0000