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
Growing Spiritually
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?
When Virtuous Flowers Become Sinful Weeds
As my husband and I have been tidying our yard this spring, we’ve done some research on weeds. Do you know the difference between flowers and weeds? Weeds are defined as plants out of place or plants growing where they are not desired. According to this definition, even beautiful, well-loved flowers constitute weeds when they grow in locations … [Read more...] about When Virtuous Flowers Become Sinful Weeds
Battling Laziness
Do you ever struggle to get things done because you just don’t want to work on them? I’ve recently been struggling with this in a few areas of my life. There’s the stack of assorted documents on the corner of my desk that I need to go through. There’s the basket of pants and shirts that need mended. What is it for you? Maybe the overstuffed, … [Read more...] about Battling Laziness
Easter Reflections
I’m rarely at a loss for words. However, today—a day situated between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday—I find myself with very little to say. Instead, I’m drawn to Scripture as I reflect on the events commemorated on these days. I’ve been reading the words of Isaiah regarding the Suffering Servant—words embodied by Christ centuries after … [Read more...] about Easter Reflections
A Paradigm on Debt
I hear a lot about debt these days. Often the context is the national debt or the recent sequestration. The magnitude of these topics provides a momentary distraction from the debt my husband and I face. Since finishing college we’ve both taken steps toward debt-free living, which is an ideal we hold. We’ve diligently avoided credit card debt, … [Read more...] about A Paradigm on Debt
Spring Cleaning the Heart
While the origins of the term are debated, “spring cleaning” is generally used to describe episodes of intense and thorough cleaning, traditionally completed as the bright warmth of spring illuminates and generates life out of quiescent winter. Just as dust gathers on drapes and grime accumulates on windows, sin can collect in our hearts … [Read more...] about Spring Cleaning the Heart
Memorizing Scripture (Part 2)
Last week, in light of my goal of memorizing at least one Bible verse or passage each month during 2013, I described some reasons why scripture memorization is beneficial. Today, I’ll discuss some approaches to memorizing scripture. No approach is necessarily the “best.” Instead, the most efficient and effective approach for each of us depends … [Read more...] about Memorizing Scripture (Part 2)
