As the New Year approaches each winter, my husband and I set aside a weekend to focus on setting goals for the upcoming year. This is one of the most beneficial activities we complete together. Let’s consider why it's beneficial to set goals in general and why it’s especially beneficial to set them together. I’ll also share a copy of … [Read more...] about Setting Goals as a Couple
Reflecting on Life
The Masks We Wear
Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, you likely see Halloween paraphernalia, including masks, in stores during the fall months. Children who are in search of treats aren’t the only ones who wear masks. As we attempt to be “good” Christian women we often wear them, too. Why we wear masks We wear masks when we don’t want our true … [Read more...] about The Masks We Wear
It’s the Little Things About Fall
Fall 2013 officially begins this weekend! It’s the little things about fall that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Apples. Though apples are available year-round, they take center stage during fall. I'll soon have caramel apples, apple cider, apple crisp, baked apples, apple pie—they’re all delicious! Changing leaves. I … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Fall
Use the Special Things
I tried to wear my favorite pair of Capri pants last week. Unfortunately, “tried” is as far as I got—I was unable to zip them up. (Apparently I’ve gained a few pounds since last summer!) I was stunned. No, it wasn’t that shocking that I’d gained some weight. What was shocking to me was how infrequently I’d worn the pants back when I could. I … [Read more...] about Use the Special Things
Modern Lessons from Wartime Rationing
From 1941 to 1945, while the U.S. was involved in World War II, Americans experienced shortages of raw materials and consumer goods. To avert a potential economic crisis, the U.S. government instituted a rationing system. The government distributed impressive propaganda materials to garner compliance with the rationing and to bolster … [Read more...] about Modern Lessons from Wartime Rationing
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
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
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?