We’ve already looked at how the sounds in a home impact its aura (read about this here and here). Today let’s consider the influence of scents. While the scents in a home do not by themselves make its aura, they certainly do impact it. Many of us would be frustrated, agitated, and less productive if surrounded by unpleasant odors. You … [Read more...] about The Scents in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura
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
Cauliflower Crust for Quiche
The first time I heard "cauliflower" and "crust" in the same sentence I cringed. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, so it tends to have a pungent aroma and somewhat bitter flavor. However, it’s also rich in nutrients. After seeing several recipes for cauliflower pizza crusts, I decided to try to make one for quiche. (I just can’t bring … [Read more...] about Cauliflower Crust for Quiche
Date Ideas for Every Season and Every Budget
While working on a Valentine’s Day gift for my husband (A Year of Preplanned Dates), I was reminded of how challenging it can be to come up with unique date ideas. Fortunately, a little brainstorming and a quick internet search yielded numerous ideas that span far beyond the stereotypical dinner and a movie. In fact, I quickly … [Read more...] about Date Ideas for Every Season and Every Budget
The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)
Televisions, DVD players, and stereos are fixtures in the vast majority of American homes. In fact, their presence and use are so commonplace that it is easy to overlook their impact on the environments in our homes. Last week we examined how communication can influence the aura—the overall quality or environment—in a home. Today let’s … [Read more...] about The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 2)
A Year of Preplanned Dates Gift Idea
When my husband and I were in premarital counseling, our facilitators placed a lot of emphasis on continuing to date once we were married. We thought it sounded like a nice idea, but didn’t understand why they emphasized it so much. Fast forward to now and hindsight shows us why. Life is busy and full of demands that draw our attention … [Read more...] about A Year of Preplanned Dates Gift Idea
Easy Mexican Lasagna
I really enjoy spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes. However, there are days when I really need to prepare dinner quickly and with ease. This is one of the recipes I turn to on those days. Ingredients 1 lb. ground meat (I use ground turkey) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic ¼ cup taco … [Read more...] about Easy Mexican Lasagna
The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 1)
The sounds in a home contribute significantly to its aura—the overall quality it emits. As I discussed two weeks ago, I’m seeking to create a home that has a God-honoring aura. Voices are one of the predominant sounds in most homes. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say about communication. If we follow the principles set forth in … [Read more...] about The Sounds in a Home with a God-Honoring Aura (Part 1)
