Silence with Melinda Wenner Bradley

In this wonder-filled episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by author, spiritual director, and educator Lacy Finn Borgo for a rich conversation about spiritual conversations with children. As we enter the mystery and anticipation of the Christmas season, Lacy invites us to slow down and listen more deeply to the wisdom, questions, and insights children bring to conversations about God, faith, and the sacred. Drawing from her work accompanying people on their spiritual journeys, Lacy shares how meaningful conversations with children often begin not with having the right answers, but with cultivating curiosity, presence, and openness. Together, we explore how parents, caregivers, and educators can create space for children to wonder aloud, ask big questions, and engage with the mysteries that are at the heart of the spiritual life. Throughout our conversation, Lacy reminds us that children are not simply learning about faith; they are active participants in discovering and experiencing it. Their questions, observations, and unique perspectives can offer profound insights for adults as well. As Christmas approaches, we reflect on how embracing wonder can help us encounter familiar stories in fresh and meaningful ways. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or ministry leader, this episode offers encouragement to listen deeply, wonder freely, and embrace the sacred conversations already unfolding in the lives of the children around you. Join us for this thoughtful discussion as we explore the gift of wonder, the wisdom of children, and the beauty of spiritual conversations during the Christmas season and beyond. To learn more about Lacy and her work, visit her website.

In this peaceful and inspiring episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we welcome Godly Play Trainer Jill Gidlund for a conversation about creating sacred spaces within the home. In the midst of busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the everyday demands of family life, Jill invites us to slow down and consider how our homes can become places of connection, reflection, and presence. Together, we explore the beauty and simplicity of creating home altars—intentional spaces that serve as reminders of what is meaningful, grounding, and sacred in our lives. Jill shares practical ideas for designing these spaces with children and families, emphasizing that sacred spaces do not need to be elaborate to be impactful. Rather, they can be created with ordinary objects, treasured keepsakes, natural elements, and symbols that invite wonder and reflection. Throughout our conversation, Jill offers gentle encouragement to be present to the moments unfolding around us and to cultivate rhythms that help us notice beauty, gratitude, and connection in our daily lives. Her wisdom reminds us that creating sacred space is less about perfection and more about making room for intention, attentiveness, and meaningful encounters. Whether you're looking for ways to deepen family rituals, create moments of stillness, or simply bring greater awareness into your everyday routines, this episode offers practical inspiration and heartfelt encouragement. Join us for this gift of a conversation as we explore how sacred spaces can nurture connection, wonder, and presence within our homes.