About this blog: Discussing religion, spirituality and values. About the writers: Amy Umble is the religion reporter for The Free Lance-Star. Janet Marshall is the religion editor for The Free Lance-Star.
When your soul feels restless, pray for peace
BY HEATHER ABLONDI As I stood in my kitchen last Friday morning surveying my house, I wrestled with my emotions. I had had a sense of peace and calm throughout …more
January 12th, 2013
Resist the temptation to judge others
BY HEATHER ABLONDI Tonight, as I watch 53 contestants grace a stage in Las Vegas to compete to become Miss America 2013, I will be reminded of my own time competing …more
January 12th, 2013
Religious freedom events include speakers, parade
BY EMILY MONTGOMERY Fredericksburg’s annual Religious Freedom Day events will be held this Sunday, Jan. 13. The events, organized by the Knights of Columbus Rappahannock Assembly, honor Thomas Jefferson and the …more
January 5th, 2013
Don’t let hobbies bump God off center stage
BY HEATHER ABLONDI If you asked my family to describe me, they would most certainly include the word “obsessive” in their characterization. If something new sparks my interest or I …more
January 5th, 2013
Resolve to be ‘spiritually awake’ in 2013
BY LINDLEY ESTES Faith-based new year’s resolutions can go beyond promising to go to church more often. Here are some suggestions from local church leaders about making and keeping spiritual …more
December 29th, 2012
To make resolutions stick, invite God into the process
BY HEATHER ABLONDI Another Christmas has come and gone and it is time to look forward to the new year ahead. One of my favorite things to do during the week between …more
December 29th, 2012
Faith made headlines in 2012
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE Faith played a major role in this year’s biggest news stories. Here are 10 ways (in no particular order) that religion shaped our world in 2012: …more
December 17th, 2012
Local Latter-Day Saints provide hurricane relief
Members of the Fredericksburg Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have spent several recent weekends helping victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. …more
December 8th, 2012
Keep the season’s Grinches at bay
BY HEATHER ABLONDI As a child, one of my favorite things about this time of year was watching the Christmas television specials. I could always count on “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” …more
December 8th, 2012
Local residents celebrate Hanukkah with meals, food drive
BY LINDLEY ESTES For years, Samantha Levine has gone to her grandmother’s house to celebrate Hanukkah with her family. But this year, she’ll be celebrating with other Jewish 20- and …more
