Our days are comprised of ordinary tasks: cooking meals, doing laundry, washing dishes, etc. Last month my husband had several days off of work and we had a family member visit, so I had several atypical days during which I didn’t complete a lot of these ordinary tasks. Now that the excitement has died down, I’m really struggling to muster … [Read more...] about Mustering Enthusiasm for Ordinary Tasks
Christmas in July: Gift Giving Guidelines
Welcome to the third installment of Christmas in July 2013. If you missed the first two posts in this series, including the explanation of the purpose of Christmas in July, you can see them here and here. Have you ever received an awful gift? Maybe a tube of anti-aging cream or a parenting book? How about a meat sampler (though it’s … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Gift Giving Guidelines
Resources for Christians on Race Relations
This past weekend the media was abuzz with conversations about race relations. Many of these conversations began months ago, but were reinvigorated this last weekend when the verdict was rendered in the much-publicized trial of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. While the role of race in this tragedy is … [Read more...] about Resources for Christians on Race Relations
The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths have bourgeoned in popularity in recent years. I’ve heard them described in a number of ways: amazing, awful, soft, rough, environmentally friendly, bad for the environment, etc. With descriptors that are this conflicting, it’s hard to determine if these cloths are something you should be using. While I’ve had several … [Read more...] about The Lowdown on Microfiber Cloths
Christmas in July: ‘Tis the Season for Serving Others
Welcome to the second installment of Christmas in July 2013. If you missed the initial installment, which included an explanation of the purpose of Christmas in July, you can see it here. As Christmas approaches and we start contemplating Christ’s birth, our hearts often become increasingly sensitive to the needs of others. … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: ‘Tis the Season for Serving Others
Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Managing the Mayhem of Healthy Eating Recommendations
I remember when the toughest decision I faced while grocery shopping was whether to purchase a name brand product or its generic equivalent. That was before I started learning about nutrition. Now when I shop, I’m faced with an abundance of questions: Are the pesticides used on fruits and vegetables harmful to environmental and human … [Read more...] about Navigating the Nutrition Maze: Managing the Mayhem of Healthy Eating Recommendations
Awesome Things About In-Laws
In-laws are frequently the object of stereotypes and jokes that portray them in a negative light. The image of in-laws, especially mother-in-laws, as nosey, disapproving, and overbearing is so pervasive that it’s nearly impossible to find accounts of positive in-law relationships. I’m blessed to have very good relationships with my … [Read more...] about Awesome Things About In-Laws
Christmas in July: Why Plan for Christmas Early?
Though it’s only July, I am indeed thinking about Christmas. This isn’t an attempt to contribute to “Christmas creep” (the phenomenon of retailers exploiting the commercialized status of Christmas by moving up the start of the shopping season); it’s an attempt to avoid a chaotic Christmas season so my family and I can maintain focus on the … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Why Plan for Christmas Early?
