It’s no secret that I enjoy Christmas music. In fact, I enjoy it so much that sometimes I’ll listen to it in the middle of the summer. I haven’t done that yet this year, but when I was listening to it last winter I noticed that there are a number of Christmas songs that aren’t all that Christmassy. What I mean by this is that the lyrics aren’t … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
Reflecting on Life
Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
We get so carried away with red, white, and blue desserts, parades, picnics, and fireworks that it’s easy to forget that the 4th of July isn’t just a day for relaxing. It’s Independence Day—a day for celebrating our nation’s history, namely our independence from the British Empire. When I look at the political section of the news these … [Read more...] about Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
6 Things that Foster Creativity
Last week we discussed how creativity benefits all of us, regardless of the particular roles we fill. We also examined 6 mental blocks and habits that stifle creativity. Today we are going to consider 6 strategies that can help us foster creativity when we’re feeling stuck. Hopefully these strategies will help us come up with new ideas … [Read more...] about 6 Things that Foster Creativity
Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I reached a new milestone in our lives as parents: We purchased a minivan. Many couples shudder at the thought of driving a minivan. In fact, just a couple of days before we purchased our van, I saw this bumper sticker on a minivan parked in the grocery store parking lot. I’ll concede that they … [Read more...] about Why Minivans are Really Cool Vehicles
6 Things that Stifle Creativity
We tend to associate creativity with certain people or roles. For example, artists and musicians need creativity for their work. However, we don’t often consider how creativity benefits the rest of us. I’m a stay-at-home mom, yet creativity is incredibly beneficial in my work. When I’m creative, I’m better able to plan menus, better … [Read more...] about 6 Things that Stifle Creativity
Why I Don’t Care if I Have a Gender Balanced Family
My husband and I have two wonderful girls. We’re expecting a third child. We don’t yet know if this baby is a girl or boy, but since we first started sharing about the pregnancy, we’ve been hearing questions and comments like these: “Trying for a boy, huh?” “Maybe you’ll finally get a boy.” “You must really want a boy.” “Surely … [Read more...] about Why I Don’t Care if I Have a Gender Balanced Family
5 Ways Timers Can Help You be Productive
I often feel like I’m short on time—there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get everything done! However, when I stand back and look at the things I need to accomplish and the time I have available, I can see clearly that most days my problem is not having too much to do, but not using the time I have effectively. Over … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Timers Can Help You be Productive
How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
Many of us use a variety of terms and phrases each day without giving thought to their origins. It can come as quite a shock to learn that some of these are rooted in racism! Consider the term “gyp” or “gypped,” for instance. I heard this term on occasion when I was growing up. It is widely used as a way to say “cheated.” I used it … [Read more...] about How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
