No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. It is only July, but I am already thinking of Christmas. As I explained in last year’s introduction to Christmas in July, I am not attempting to minimize the celebrations that occur between now and Christmas, nor am I promoting “Christmas creep” (the phenomenon of retailers exploiting the … [Read more...] about Christmas in July 2014
Taking Interest in the Things That Interest Your Husband
My husband is into a lot of things that just don’t hold my interest—cars, yard projects, sci-fi movies, soccer, etc. Though it might be easiest to encourage him to pursue these on his own or to ignore them and try to get him into things that interest me, I’ve been making an effort to learn about his interests and engage in activities related … [Read more...] about Taking Interest in the Things That Interest Your Husband
19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Zero-technology road trip games used to be the only entertainment during long family road trips. In many families, these games have taken a backseat to onboard DVD players and handheld electronic devices like tablets and portable video game players. Classic road trip games offer some benefits over these new technologies. The games … [Read more...] about 19 Zero-Technology Road Trip Games
Praying for Our Government Leaders
When we look beyond the picnics, parades, and fireworks that characterize our Independence Day celebrations, we remember that the holiday commemorates our nation’s birth. This commemoration serves as a reminder to me to pray for our government leaders. This is a wise thing to do because the God we serve is all-powerful and nothing … [Read more...] about Praying for Our Government Leaders
Growing to Love My Mismatched Furniture
My husband and I are experiencing some challenges as we rearrange to make room for the baby we will welcome this fall. Though it is sufficient, our townhome will never be described as spacious. When its small size is coupled with our motley assortment of furniture, it becomes challenging to find room for our possessions. When we first … [Read more...] about Growing to Love My Mismatched Furniture
Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Every now and then my husband asks me to pick up some vanilla wafer cookies from the grocery store. I’m always hesitant to purchase a product I can make myself, but I’ve never thought I could recreate the texture and flavor of vanilla wafer cookies at home. Despite my doubts, I gave it a try this past weekend. The result was surprisingly … [Read more...] about Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies
Simplify Vacation Preparation with a Packing List
Vacations are supposed to provide an opportunity to relax and be refreshed. Unfortunately, they’re often somewhat stressful. For me, the stress can begin when it’s time to pack. How many shirts will I need? Will I need a bathing suit or sunscreen? I don’t want to forget my toothbrush or any other critical toiletry items. Years ago my … [Read more...] about Simplify Vacation Preparation with a Packing List
Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Mothers have long tried to motivate their children to pick up their toys and make their beds by telling them that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” We know that this adage isn’t found in the Bible, so it’s not true…or is it? Can outward displays, including the cleanliness of our homes, tell us something about the Godliness of our … [Read more...] about Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
