I’ve written one or two Christmas in July posts each year since I began blogging. For the most part, these posts address how to plan for Christmas early so the Christmas season isn’t busy and chaotic (see all of the posts here). This year we’re in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. Though we don’t know for certain what things will look like … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
current events
High-Touch Surfaces: When and How to Clean
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when soap and cleaning supplies weren’t available because consumers had made panic purchases of everything stores had on their shelves, I heard some folks joke that before the pandemic people must not have been washing their hands or cleaning their homes on a regular basis. Of course, most … [Read more...] about High-Touch Surfaces: When and How to Clean
5 Questions Christians Should Ask Themselves About Racism
I know I have some readers who saw the title of this post and turned away. They are tired of hearing about race and racism, so they’re not going to read this. Some of you are proceeding with caution. A few of you may be proceeding with enthusiasm. Given all that I’ve seen and heard in recent weeks, I’m guessing that only a small number of you … [Read more...] about 5 Questions Christians Should Ask Themselves About Racism
14 Fun Ways for Kids to Interact with Loved Ones Over Video Calls
We’ve used video calls to keep my kids in contact with their grandparents for years. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we’ve been using it more frequently and we’ve been using it to connect with additional family members and friends. In my experience, it is easier for little kids to engage with loved ones using video calls … [Read more...] about 14 Fun Ways for Kids to Interact with Loved Ones Over Video Calls
Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
My husband and I have reflected several times over the last few weeks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a magnifying glass over numerous issues we have in our society. The pandemic hasn’t caused these issues, but it certainly has highlighted them. Among these issues is the way Americans perceive and treat our elderly. COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Why Do Americans Place So Little Value on Older Adults?
How to Love Your Neighbors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Life looks a lot different today than it normally does, but being under lockdown because of a pandemic doesn’t exempt us from the tenets of our faith, including that of loving our neighbors. We’re supposed to be “social distancing,” which means we can’t be in close proximity to our neighbors. Given this, how exactly can we do things to … [Read more...] about How to Love Your Neighbors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
I can’t remember a single Easter in my life that didn’t include attending church. For many of us, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Easter will include a number of “firsts” in regards to how we celebrate. Thankfully, even for folks under the most stringent stay-at-home orders, there are ways to celebrate. Here are 8 ways to make … [Read more...] about 8 Ways to Celebrate Easter During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Key Things to Understand When Facing a Pandemic
When you turn on the news today, chances are the first thing you will hear is about the coronavirus pandemic. As a former public health professional, I’m fascinated by what’s happening. However, as a mom, family member, and friend, I’m a bit on edge. As many of you know, I take time each September (which is National Preparedness Month) … [Read more...] about Key Things to Understand When Facing a Pandemic
