At the start of each February, I tend to think a little bit about love. I think about how to better love my husband, of course, but I also try to be intentional about showing love to my family, my friends, and my neighbors. Love is at the very heart of the Christian faith (Matthew 22:37-40). In showing love to those around us, we model … [Read more...] about Intentional Acts of Kindness Calendar for February
Being Salt & Light
14 Alternatives to “How Are You?”
When I encounter friends or acquaintances, it’s typical for me to greet them with a perfunctory “How are you?” They generally respond with cursory answers (e.g., fine, okay, good). Despite the fact that we exchange a few words, these conversations aren’t particularly personal or meaningful. The routine way in which I ask how they are doing … [Read more...] about 14 Alternatives to “How Are You?”
Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
As my family has grown in number, it has become challenging to practice hospitality. It is especially tricky when we want to welcome a large family into our home for a meal. Where will everyone sit? Can we afford to feed everyone? Do I even have enough bowls for everyone to use? Thankfully, with a little advanced planning, I’ve been … [Read more...] about Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
Dare to Prepare: Why You Really Should Say Something If You See Something
“If you see something, say something” is a common safety motto across the U.S. The phrase was developed on September 12, 2001 by advertising executive Allen Kay (source). A few months later, when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in NYC needed a safety slogan, he passed it on to them. Since that time, law enforcement agencies and … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Why You Really Should Say Something If You See Something
15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
I know so many individuals who are hurting right now. The reasons vary (miscarriage of a baby, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.), but all of these folks are feeling pain and need both comfort and hope. Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words when I interact with someone who is hurting. I don’t know what I could possibly say that would … [Read more...] about 15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
A number of celebrities have committed suicide in the last several months. This has turned the spotlight to the topic of mental illness. While I wish the suicides hadn’t happened, it is a good thing that people are thinking about and talking about mental illness. Why is this? Mental illnesses carry a stigma that most physical conditions … [Read more...] about How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
There’s something about seeing a pregnant woman that seems to loosen tongues. I’m not sure why it is, but people seem to throw off all restraint and say whatever is on their minds. This obviously isn’t beneficial to expectant mothers. Thankfully, each of us can exercise restraint and choose to say uplifting things instead of things like … [Read more...] about 10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
Seeing People, Not Problems
My church had a speaker in a few weeks ago who addressed the topic of diversity. When my husband and I heard that this was going to be the topic of discussion, we began trying to guess what he would say. To be honest, we weren’t all that excited to hear him speak. Because we are a mixed-race family, candid discussions on race and … [Read more...] about Seeing People, Not Problems
