Advice from a Cost-Cutter Pro

Since 1980 I have been: a budding free-lance writer, a stay-at-home mom, a blooming-but-not-fully-bloomed free-lance writer, a part-time employee, and a self-employed wedding celebrant, in that order. All of...

The Joys of Wedding Celebrancy

In my three years working as a wedding celebrant I have discovered what a profound privilege it is to be the person closest to the bride and groom as they repeat their vows, exchange rings, and share their...

Thanksgiving Every Day by Emily VanLaeys

On Thanksgiving Day we are reminded that we have many blessings for which to be grateful – just in case we aren’t naturally grateful every other day of the year! Some people, however, have started to...

The Family Table Remembers

When my husband, Mark, and I bought our first house, my parents gave us the old maple table from their kitchen. The legs were battered, and the lace pattern of their vinyl tablecloth was permanently etched in...

Ceremonies for Life

Have you been to a ceremony performed by a life-cycle celebrant? If not, you may have the opportunity in the near future. Celebrancy is a new  field which is gaining in popularity during these times when...

The Multifaceted Path

I have come to realize that there are as many ways to understand the Universe as there are snowflakes in a winter storm, and just as many ways to connect with it. Some of us have an understanding that we...

Burning the Bridge to Hell

Well-meaning Christians have tried to scare me into accepting their exclusive brand of faith by assuring me that an eternity in hell awaits me if I don’t agree with their theology. There is one part of their doctrine I agree with: that Jesus is...

Bridges of Hope

A dear friend of mine is in deep despair because she sees nothing but evil in the world. I have known this woman for many years. She is a warm-hearted, creative, compassionate, and beautiful person. It pains...

Multi-faith Peace Seder

Imagining a New World

All things begin in the imagination. “You’ve got to have a dream to have a dream come true” go the lyrics of one old song from the musical “South Pacific.” The only way to create a new and better...