Renée Antrosio
– August 13, 2019
Campfire sunset and s’mores, late nite board games, rustic dorm rooms. An “all fellowship” retreat. The togetherness was precious, knowing that we could not “all” be there. Holding our brothers and sisters in our hearts as with us on the journey. These are the words of the covenant the Lord commanded Moses to make with the Israelites
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Renée Antrosio
– August 6, 2019
The initial fervor subsided. You have farther to go than you thought. And the going has gotten tougher. You realize that you’re not even half-way, and you’re in trouble. Panicking? Perhaps you’re in a leadership position. So many people depend on you. Moses felt that weight. First the exodus from Egypt. The mountaintop experiences were
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Renée Antrosio
– July 30, 2019
I forgot that coming down is harder than climbing up. The views were incredible. We hiked in dappled shade up dry creek beds and discovered huckleberries by sunny streams. No cell service. Just face-to-face conversations. I watched the path carefully, trying to keep my footing on the rocks. My back tired, my muscles sore. It
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Renée Antrosio
– July 23, 2019
Worship is an integral component of our relationship with God. Longtime NCF member and musician, Laurie Kaufmann reflects on this aspect of her faith journey. May her words bless you with the creativity of the Lord’s gifts to us. -Renée Singing and playing music has always been one of the most natural and accessible ways to
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Renée Antrosio
– July 17, 2019
Downtown Champaign was hopping last night! We were out late with friends who were back in town for a wedding. Rain threatened, but didn’t dissuade folks from filling the streetside tables. No occasion, just a sultry summer Monday evening. Vibrant and lively. An easy night to be proud of our town. When a stranger approached
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Renée Antrosio
– July 9, 2019
I have been traveling this summer more than I expected. Orlando. Toronto. Niagara Falls. Evanston. Denver. Still to come- Fresno, Yosemite, Seattle, British Columbia. It is… fun. A privilege. But also disconcerting. I am a person of routine. I have been fortunate enough to build a life where I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually fed
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Renée Antrosio
– July 2, 2019
Our sister and leadership team member, Carolyn Vance, wrote this poem about love and service. I hope it resonates with you as it has with me. Blessings, –Renée THE CALL TO IMAGINE. A lamp is not to be hidden under a jar or basket, it says. When I live by “should” and “ought” and “must” my
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Renée Antrosio
– June 25, 2019
When I was growing up in Montana, there was one family with whom we were especially close. So many memories together- eating sprouts, playing Parcheesi, doing church, and walking to the bus stop. (It was obviously uphill both ways, with snow blowing in our faces.) A few years before I left for prep school, their
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Renée Antrosio
– June 18, 2019
Identity is important. The feeling of belonging, balanced with a sense of self within the group. I observe the tendency for individuals to feel like outsiders. That everyone else is in, part of some special clique, but they are out. Information that the cool kids know, but they don’t. The belief that everyone else feels secure
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Renée Antrosio
– June 11, 2019
The grittiness between my fingers. The light weight of it cupped in the palm of my hand. But I’m not a beach person; I don’t fantasize about the sand. It is salt that I love. Liberally douse the pasta water. Give a generous pinch to transform vegetables. Don’t forget desserts! Sprinkle a few flakes on caramel or chocolate. I perk
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