Restoration Journal
News, Updates, and Resources
Advent begins December 1st, when we get ready to enter the mystery of Christmas. How do you prepare to enter such a wonderful mystery, and how do you help your children do the same? There is no right or wrong way to do Advent, but the practice of slowing down and waiting for our Savior helps us make room in our hearts to wonder at His love. As Ashley Wallace says, “Advent in the home puts the world in its proper place.”
We are about to embark on another liturgical year together with the season of Advent. It is fitting that we enter into the year in darkness, mystery, and anticipation. It is the sacred vocation of the church to stand in the midst of a dark world, heralding a great mystery, eagerly anticipating the return of our king.
My soul magnifies the Lord,” Mary rejoices after being blessed by her cousin Elizabeth, who received the Holy Spirit as the two women met each other in the house of Zechariah. All of Israel had been waiting for so long for the Messiah to come and set this people free from their captivity, a promise he made to their forefathers, and now the moment was here! Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb for the joy of it all. Mary was about to give birth to that long-awaited Messiah, Jesus.
Dear Restoration Parents,
Know that I am praying for you in the aftermath of the devastating event at Annunciation yesterday. If you, like me, would benefit from practical resources on talking with your child about violence, please see the compilation of links below.
Video (6 mins): How to talk to your kids after a school shooting
Sissy Goff, M. Ed., Lpc-MHSP Sissy is located in Nashville and she made this video after the tragedy at the Covenant School.
Her main points are: Stay Calm // Be the Source // Let them lead // Give them space to feel // It's okay to feel with them, not to process with them //
My family benefited from the practical ideas for children going to school—you can hear them at 3:42.
From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (PDF): Talking with Children When Scary Things Happen
Spiritual First Aid & Humanitarian Disaster Ins. (PDF): Helping Children Cope With Traumatic Events
Pray in Color: Ways to Pray in Color
For when words escape you, you feel antsy, your mind wanders and your body complains.
I am available, along with other pastors at Restoration, to sit with you or pray if that is something you desire. Click here to see our office hours.
“Jesus said if I am weak
I should come to Him
No one else can be my strength
I should come to Him
For the Lord is good and faithful
He will keep us day and night
We can always run to Jesus
Jesus strong and kind
Jesus said if I am lost
He will come to me
And He showed me on that cross
He will come to me”
In Jesus,
Emily
