When I have guests over, I typically try to make things nice. I do my best to get the house in tip-top shape, I cook my best meals, I use formal serving dishes, and I smile and act cheerfully (even if I’m having a rough day). I’m beginning to realize that this nice façade may not be beneficial when practicing hospitality. Instead, my … [Read more...] about Keeping It Real While Practicing Hospitality
Being Salt & Light
Praying for Our Government Leaders
When we look beyond the picnics, parades, and fireworks that characterize our Independence Day celebrations, we remember that the holiday commemorates our nation’s birth. This commemoration serves as a reminder to me to pray for our government leaders. This is a wise thing to do because the God we serve is all-powerful and nothing … [Read more...] about Praying for Our Government Leaders
Welcoming New Neighbors
A “For Rent” sign recently went up in the window of a nearby house. This means we’ll likely have new neighbors moving in soon. I’ve noted previously that Americans have experienced a decline in their sense of connectedness with their neighbors. If we are to carry out the Biblical command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), then we … [Read more...] about Welcoming New Neighbors
Why Not to Complain About Husbands Like They Are All the Same
I’ve long observed the tendency of married women to commiserate with one another by sitting around and complaining about their husbands as though the men all have the same weaknesses and flaws. Whether this is done in a public venue like Facebook or a private venue like a quiet conversation in the hallway at church, I’ve come to believe … [Read more...] about Why Not to Complain About Husbands Like They Are All the Same
Writing Supportive Messages in Sympathy Cards
Have you ever been at a loss for words when trying to write a supportive message in a sympathy card? Perhaps you’ve wondered if it’s even beneficial to send one? Cards can be a significant source of encouragement and support when you’re grieving. There’s no one message that is suitable for every grieving individual, but here are some … [Read more...] about Writing Supportive Messages in Sympathy Cards
Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
Though I tend to think of hospitality as “women’s work,” I realized a few weeks ago that in my household it is actually my husband who tends to realize when it’s been a while since we’ve had guests over. I’ve also noticed that in the Bible, men played prominent roles in hospitality (e.g., Genesis 18:1-7, Ruth 2:14, Romans 16:23). After … [Read more...] about Supporting Our Husbands as They Practice Hospitality
Creating a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
Since writing several months ago about home decorating considerations for Christian women, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my home. If the comments left on that post are any indication, it also struck a chord with many of you. The way in which a home is decorated contributes to its overall aura—the quality or feeling it emits. … [Read more...] about Creating a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
Do We Really Bear One Another’s Burdens?
I’ve been thinking about the concept of bearing one another’s burdens since I cited this as a benefit of putting down the masks we wear. It’s a somewhat cliché phrase that we throw around in Christian circles, but is it something we put into practice? What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens? When I think of burdens I tend to … [Read more...] about Do We Really Bear One Another’s Burdens?
