Susan Badeau

In our large family, we celebrate all the birthdays in a given month on one day. Every birthday honoree gets to select their favorite food as part of the menu - so you can imagine we have some eclectic feasts for these birthday celebrations. 2 weeks ago, as we celebrated the June birthdays, I asked what my 2-year-old granddaughter Zara would like for her part of the menu.

This LITTLE Light of mine . . .. (Part I)

This morning while walking through my neighborhood, a teeny tiny flower caught my eye. It was a bold and vibrant shade of fuchsia*, but so small I nearly missed it. Soon, I was specifically seeking the smallest nuggets of beauty nearly hidden amidst the blades of grass and bigger, more dramati...

What do a yoke, a 4-wheeled suitcase and a can of WD-40 have to do with providing rest for parents of children who have experienced trauma?

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

The burdens are often heavy and rest is o...

Every year, we give each of our (now-adult) children and our grandchildren an Easter basket.  In addition to a few pieces of candy, fruit and snacks, we also give them each a small gift with a symbolic meaning related to Easter.

One year, it was socks and foot care items, another special soaps and body wash.  One year all the gifts had a...

“Couldn’t you keep watch with me even one hour?” (Mark 14:37)

I had in my mind to write an Easter devotional blog today, but the words just wouldn’t come.

Then I realized, I can’t write about the celebration of Easter until I get past the hump of Thursday’s betrayal.

Today.

Maundy Thursday.

The day of the Last Supper and the famous betrayal.

Part II of the Devotional reflection which started yesterday. Inspired by Colossians 3:12-17

This is the time when many are making New Year’s resolutions. Really – we need to look no further than Colossians . . . . so let me re-write this passage with a bit of a twist – as a set of resolutions –

In 2013, Dear Lord, with your help and filled with your spirit, because I am YOUR child – chosen by you and dear to you . ....

This is a devotional reflection, inspired by Colossians 3: 12-17, beginning with a focus on verse 16

The two words that most strike me in this passage, particularly at this time of year are the words “richly” and “gratitude”

I looked up synonyms for “richly” and here are a few that are listed – “sumptuously,” “lavishly,” “generously,” “luxuriantly,...

Stand Up and Speak Up – part II

Last week, I wrote about how Esther’s recognition of “her people’s” suffering moved her to refuse to be silent – to step up and speak up on their behalf. I urged us all to do the same, and promised to come back this week to discuss the question of “Who are “our people”?”

So, let’s reflect on this question – who are “our people” – the ...

I have been reading Esther recently, and she has taught me a lot about both prayer and advocacy.

Esther was an orphan. After her parents died, she was adopted and raised by her uncle Mordecai. She was in “kinship care”. As a young woman, Esther was selected by the King to be his new Queen. Reading her story I am pretty sure can she was both reluctant and scared to accept this assignment. She was a young Jewish girl – an orphan at that, being thrust in...