If you’re anything like me and many people I know, you absentmindedly respond to questions about your day with words such as “fine” or “okay.” If you really take time to reflect on your day instead of automatically responding with one of these neutral words, what factors determine if your day is good or bad? I realized recently that I … [Read more...] about What Determines if Your Day Is Good or Bad?
Reflecting on Life
It’s no joke…laughter is good for you!
I love it when my husband and I get to laughing about something. It just feels so good! If you’ve laughed—really laughed—recently, then you know the positive, happy feeling I’m talking about. It turns out that laughter has many incredible benefits beyond the temporary feeling of elation that it provides. Check out these benefits of … [Read more...] about It’s no joke…laughter is good for you!
7 Reasons You’re Struggling to Get Things Done Around the House
It often seems that two unproductive days follow every productive day I have. This is partially due to having an infant (interruptions are sometimes the only thing that happens consistently). However, I’ve noticed that there are also some other factors that regularly impact my productivity. These factors may seem innocuous, but they … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons You’re Struggling to Get Things Done Around the House
Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Not long after I got married I realized that the work of a homemaker is never complete. There is no 9-to-5 work schedule. There are no days off for the weekends or holidays. There aren’t even meal breaks. Instead, the sink fills with dishes every day—especially on weekends and holidays. The clothes hamper refills with dirty clothes as … [Read more...] about Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Making Lessons Stick
The last two years I've written year-end posts about the lessons I’ve learned in the preceding 12 months. I could do this again because I’ve learned a number of lessons this past year, but I’m suffering from recency effect—I’m having trouble remembering all but the most recent lessons (this is no doubt due to the demands of caring for my … [Read more...] about Making Lessons Stick
The Miraculous in the Mundane
To the casual observer, the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth seemed pretty unremarkable—a man traveling with his betrothed, a full inn, and a babe lying in a manger. While I’m sure it was not routine for babies to be born in the stable of the inn every day, there was no impressive caravan or pageantry to accompany Jesus as He arrived. These … [Read more...] about The Miraculous in the Mundane
A Giveaway to Celebrate 2 Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!
On December 9th, 2012, I published my first post on OF THE HEARTH. Two years and 260 posts later, I’m celebrating the wonderful things that have happened here! One way I’m celebrating is by giving YOU an opportunity to win an amazon.com gift card (see below for details). We’ve explored some interesting topics and engaged in some … [Read more...] about A Giveaway to Celebrate 2 Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!
Be Grateful Throughout the Year
When I saw this meme on Facebook last November I was struck by its accuracy: I initially felt a little self-righteous as I read it. After all, I don’t complain on Facebook. In taking a good, honest look at myself, though, I see that my complaining occurs in person or via phone. What about you? Do you give thanks around the … [Read more...] about Be Grateful Throughout the Year
