Last fall, as Thanksgiving neared, I was reading to my children numerous books on the topic of giving thanks. I was pleasantly surprised when we opened one of these books and saw that it featured a mixed-race family. Up until that point, I had seen very few children’s books that feature families like mine (a black parent and a white … [Read more...] about 18 Children’s Books that Feature Multiracial Families
Hamburger Gravy
I’m always trying to come up with ideas for easy-to-prepare meals. This is one that I came across a few months ago. I’ve made it a handful of times since then because it is simple, yet flavorful and filling. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 1 lb. ground beef 1 small onion, minced 6-8 oz. mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves … [Read more...] about Hamburger Gravy
Ways to Save Money this Winter
Though winter technically happens every year, it doesn’t always feel like we have winter here on the Texas Gulf Coast. However, this year we’ve had a number of cold days and it’s even snowed! We have different needs in cold weather than we have in warm weather. Because we’re always pinching pennies in my household, I’ve been considering … [Read more...] about Ways to Save Money this Winter
Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
All around me I see fellow moms who are struggling. I see stay-at-home moms who wonder if they would be contributing more to society if they worked and working moms who feel guilty because they spend so much time away from their kids. I see moms who are worried that their choices regarding discipline or schooling will ruin their children. I … [Read more...] about Take Heart, Mama: 5 Truths that Will Transform Your Mothering
Marriage Goals for the New Year
A few weeks ago, as I started planning goals for 2018, my marriage was at the forefront of my mind. This is because so many other goals, including those related to finances, parenting, and serving others, impact and are impacted by my marriage. Moreover, I’m a firm believer that strong marriages don’t just happen—they take deliberateness and … [Read more...] about Marriage Goals for the New Year
14 Reading Plans to Help You Dig Into the Bible
If we’re going to get to know God better and grow in our faith, then we need to be reading the Bible. In my opinion, we should make reading the Bible a priority each day, not just on days when we have extra time or on days leading up to holidays like Christmas and Easter. The Bible doesn’t provide specific instructions regarding our … [Read more...] about 14 Reading Plans to Help You Dig Into the Bible
Waiting at Christmas
Have you ever noticed that Christmas is all about waiting? I know things like presents, family, festivities, and the birth of Jesus generally come to mind when we think of Christmas. However, waiting is a much more accurate theme. We wait for Christmas in many little ways. Children wait all year to open the presents under the tree. … [Read more...] about Waiting at Christmas
Celebrating Five Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!
Last weekend marked five years since I began blogging here at Of The Hearth. Five years! It seems like just yesterday that I stumbled through the process of creating this website. It wasn’t just yesterday, though. Since starting the site, I have shared 606 blog posts! Today’s post is going to be a little walk down memory lane. The … [Read more...] about Celebrating Five Years of Blogging at Of The Hearth!