Introducing Amy O'Brien

Amy O'Brien (M.A., Wheaton College in Christian Formation and Ministry) has spent the last fifteen years working with children and families to better understand how children grow in faith and how we can journey with them. Her work with children who have special needs or are shaped by trauma has taught her how much our bodies, and our stories influence our spiritual journey. Amy is wife to Brandon, mama to two beautiful children, and recently became a New Yorker. Laughing with her people, reading, writing, and cooking are her favorites and you can find her blogging at (Simply)Laugh. 

What have you enjoyed about working on the Advent project?

I am admittedly a Christmas-time and advent enthusiast, so working on anything for this time is such a treat. However, just like everyone else, I've struggled to navigate between the sacred and the stressful of this season and have longed to slow down a little bit more. This project has basically given me the excuse to create a simple and meaningful tradition for our family and the bonus of sharing it with everyone else. Plus, working on anything with Debbie is an especial treat.   

What would you share with parents about getting the most out of this season from your experience with your kids and other kids you have worked with in churches?

Slow down and savor. I think, as parents, we try to cram so much into our holiday that, even with the best of intentions, we squeeze Jesus right out. At dinner, after we light our advent candle, we have asked our children where they've seen light and where they've seen Jesus. It's been an incredible opportunity to focus in on the sacred and to turn away from all that other stuff that threatens to crowd it out. And I think that's my biggest encouragement for other families, try to find ways to simplify and to slow.    

What excites you about the children’s curriculum and the parenting products we have planned?

As a children's minister, curriculum writer, and parent I have struggled to find those resources which not only impart information, but that treat children as full people with hearts and minds, and souls. It's so easy for us to simply give our children information or moral truths. It's harder to take that next step that considers how their spirits are being formed and shaped. Both of these projects are firmly grounded in the bible, and they are also firmly committed to introducing practices that prepare our children and families for a life of spiritual growth. This isn't being done in many places, and I love being a part of doing it here. 

Help us launch the development of At Home with God

Resources designed to help families engage in soul-enriching conversations and
activities that help young people discover what it means to do life WITH God