Faith, Family, and Forging a Difference
I don’t typically think about my mortality on a daily basis. However, throughout this past year, my husband and I have been reminded of the fragility and brevity of life on numerous occasions. Early in the year, we had a young cousin nearly die in a car accident. In the fall, I experienced two rare and serious complications while having … [Read more...] about Keep Short Lists
I know many individuals who plan to begin this year with a detox. Whether it’s using juices, essential oils, soups, shakes, or other special foods and supplements, they hope to rid themselves of toxins and/or get back to healthy eating after binging over the holidays. Though I’m not currently interested in a detox of this kind, I’ve become … [Read more...] about Start the New Year with a Spiritual Detox
I often find myself unsure of what to write when I sit to draft the posts I will publish before Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. After all, the Bible already says the most important things about these holidays! I don’t feel like I have any particularly meaningful insights this Christmas, so I will share with you some words from … [Read more...] about Printable Christmas Story Word Clouds
My 2-year-old and 4-year-old are really into crafts right now. They ask to draw, paint, make masks, create collages, or do something else creative every single day. I’ve found a number of cool Christmas crafts for them that yield secular symbols of Christmas (trees, wreaths, bells, etc.). I don’t have a problem with these, but I want to make … [Read more...] about 12 Crafts to Help Kids Understand the Christmas Story
A few months ago, when I was nearing the end of my third pregnancy, a friend from church asked if I needed help with anything. I didn’t give any thought to her question before I responded that we were doing fine and didn’t need any help. I thought about her question later that day, though, and realized that I actually did need help. … [Read more...] about Why Do We Have Such a Hard Time Accepting Help?
Though I really try to be grateful throughout the year, I benefit from the heightened focus we place on gratitude during the weeks preceding Thanksgiving. I find it easy to be grateful during most Novembers, but there are years when it is exceedingly difficult because of the events that have taken place that year. What should we do … [Read more...] about 4 Things to Remember When It’s Hard to Give Thanks
My girls and I walked a lot this past August and September. I was trying to stay upright and active as my third child’s due date approached, so we went on a walk every day that we could. My almost 4-year-old could walk at a brisk pace quite easily, but my 2-year-old struggled. Until the end of the summer, she had been riding in a stroller for … [Read more...] about You Walk More Quickly When You Face Forward
I’m continuously amazed at the products and services that pet owners are willing to buy for their animal friends. There are toys, clothes, photo sessions, organic foods, birthday parties, massages, pet funerals/cemetery burials, daycare, etc. I’m also amazed at the lengths folks will go to in order to provide medical care for their pets. I … [Read more...] about Do We Take Our Love for Pets Too Far?
