Since moving into our current house, my husband and I have been intentional about getting to know our neighbors. We feel that our efforts have plateaued recently. We’ve learned the names of all of the folks who live in the houses around us and we know a little about them, but where do we go from here? One of my goals for this year is to … [Read more...] about 7 Resources to Help You Get to Know Your Neighbors
Being Salt & Light
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
Dos and Don’ts of Donating After Disasters
Here in the Houston metro area and the surrounding region, we’re reeling from the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. The needs are so numerous that they’re virtually impossible to catalogue. Aftermaths like this are faced each year in various locations around the world after earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and other … [Read more...] about Dos and Don’ts of Donating After Disasters
How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Heart
Last week we looked at some ways to have hospitality-ready homes. I mentioned several practical strategies, but one strategy—preparing to welcome guests with genuine enthusiasm—is not practical. Instead, it relates to the state of our hearts. In trying to prepare my heart for hospitality, I’ve found it useful to consider some things … [Read more...] about How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Heart
How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Home
This last summer, when I was 36 weeks pregnant, our AC stopped working. It was June and we live in southeast Texas, so you can imagine how hot it was in our house! I’ll never forget how two gracious friends invited us to stay with them until technicians were able to fix our AC. They had no warning, but these friends welcomed us into their … [Read more...] about How to Have a Hospitality-Ready Home
4 Ways to Remember Names
I have such a hard time remembering names. I’ll sometimes know a person for weeks and have asked his or her name several times and still not remember! Though this seems like an inconsequential quirk, it’s something I’ve been working to change because I believe it really means something to a person when you remember his or her name. When … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Remember Names
Printable Candy Heart Encouragement Notes
As I noted in my last post, husbands benefit greatly from words of encouragement. It is great to speak these to our husbands, but it’s also nice to put them in notes that we can stick in their lunchboxes, tape to their steering wheels, or leave on their pillows. Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to … [Read more...] about Printable Candy Heart Encouragement Notes
7 Things Christians Can Do To Promote Racial Unity
The Bible is clear that all mankind is made in the image of God and that He shows no partiality towards people of any race (Genesis 1:27, Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:9-11). Despite this and years of hard work by individuals promoting unity and equality, there is still a lot of racial discord in our nation. As we pause today to celebrate the … [Read more...] about 7 Things Christians Can Do To Promote Racial Unity
