Crafting Peace with Children

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I am not crafty. When normal women set out glue guns, fabric, and paint, I see magic wands, mithril, and pixie dust. The mere thought of "craft time" with my children makes my palms sweat.

Pope Francis, however, inspired me to overcome my fears. This is the Pope's universal prayer intention for January 2015: "Peace: That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace." In honor of this prayer intention, I stepped out of my comfort zone. I adapted, published, AND EXECUTED the following Apostleship of Prayer "Sea Bottle" craft activity with my daughter Rose.

A little whisper popped into my head just as Rose and I were delighting in our teamwork. Here I was, spending time with my daughter, relishing the moment, and joining our prayers to the Pope's universal intention for peace. And then, BAM! My heart grew restless; my mind became distracted. With one little whisper, peace vanished.

Instructions for the craft and further reflection at Praying with Grace!

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