Traditionally, the term “Advent” has referred to the first season of the Christian church year. Advent is a period of prayer, reflection, and fasting that begins four Sundays before Christmas, preparing followers to celebrate Christ’s birth and building expectation for Christ’s final coming. Even for Christians who don’t use the church … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christ-Focused Advent Traditions
Gifts for the Newlyweds Who Don’t Need Much
Today’s post is from AnneMarie, a guest contributor from Sacrifice of Love. As summer begins each year, my refrigerator typically begins to showcase at least one or two wedding invitations. Each wedding brings a lot of excitement, fun, and anticipation…and gift-giving. I like giving and receiving gifts, but I will be the first person to … [Read more...] about Gifts for the Newlyweds Who Don’t Need Much
12 Unsung Posts on Of The Hearth
As a blogger, I’m often surprised at which of my posts are popular and which aren’t. I’ll write some that I think are ho-hum, but you’ll comment on them and share them all over social media. On the other hand, I’ll write some that I think are really interesting and beneficial, but only one or two of you will comment on them and you won’t share … [Read more...] about 12 Unsung Posts on Of The Hearth
Fun Hamburger Cookies
A friend of mine who loves hamburgers recently had a birthday. We planned to celebrate with a few snacks. While brainstorming what treats to prepare, I remembered that years ago I saw some little hamburger cookies in one of my cookbooks. I was able to find this recipe online and prepare these delightful hamburger cookies to contribute to the … [Read more...] about Fun Hamburger Cookies
Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
Have you ever noticed that craft stores often begin putting out Christmas stuff during the summer months? In this setting, this isn’t necessarily an example of “Christmas creep” or an attempt to boost early Christmas sales. It serves a practical function. If you’re going to complete crafts in time for Christmas, then you often have to begin … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Crafts for Craft-Challenged Folks
What to Include in a Care Package for a Loved One with a Chronic Disease
Living with a chronic disease means facing many challenges. These challenges go beyond the physical consequences of the disease (which are significant enough) and include financial hardships, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. My husband and I are quite familiar with these challenges because I suffer from an autoimmune disease. One of … [Read more...] about What to Include in a Care Package for a Loved One with a Chronic Disease
Another Blessing Has Arrived!
Though I still have posts publishing regularly, Of The Hearth’s social media pages have been pretty quiet this past week because I’ve been a little busy with this precious one: We welcomed our second daughter, Nitara Irene, on June 24th. Nitara means “deeply rooted” and Irene means “peace.” She weighed 8 lbs 7 oz and was 19 in … [Read more...] about Another Blessing Has Arrived!
Riveting Reads: May and June 2016
I am going to take a break again today from my customary posts to share with you some inspiring, insightful, and thought-provoking posts that I have read from other bloggers during the last two months. I hope you appreciate these as much as I have. Riveting reads from May and June 2016 Jamie at Medium Sized Family proposes 5 important … [Read more...] about Riveting Reads: May and June 2016
