My daughter and I go for a walk through our neighborhood almost every day. There are many things I love about our neighborhood, including the way many of our neighbors show their pride in our country and their support of our troops by flying the U.S. flag. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that many of my neighbors fly their flags in manners that … [Read more...] about Flag Code Primer for U.S. Households
current events
How to Have Respectful Conversations About Politics
The current political scene in the U.S. is unlike any I’ve seen before. Candidates and issues are garnering unprecedented amounts of attention. Regardless of if you are liberal or conservative, it’s likely you will find yourself discussing some political issue with family members or friends in the coming months. Here are some great … [Read more...] about How to Have Respectful Conversations About Politics
Book Review: 25 Questions You’re Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy
I hesitated for a brief moment when I was contacted about reviewing a complimentary copy of 25 Questions You’re Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy by Dr. Juli Slattery. After all, sex isn’t a common topic here on Of The Hearth. It is a very important topic, though, especially in our sex-saturated modern culture. We desperately need a … [Read more...] about Book Review: 25 Questions You’re Afraid to Ask About Love, Sex, and Intimacy
When You Have So Much to Do That You Don’t Know Where to Begin
I’ve been distracted by house hunting and other move-related tasks like getting a new driver’s license, registering my car, and finding a new pediatrician for my little one. Subsequently, I’ve fallen behind on housekeeping tasks and feel somewhat overwhelmed. In fact, it seems like I’m paralyzed by the sheer number of items on my to-do … [Read more...] about When You Have So Much to Do That You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Digital Bible or Printed Bible? Does it Matter Which You Use?
A couple of years ago I sat in church feeling a little unsettled at the number of congregants I saw around me using their phones. Were these individuals really sending text messages or checking social media during the sermon? It took me a few weeks to realize that they were actually using their phones to view digital copies of the … [Read more...] about Digital Bible or Printed Bible? Does it Matter Which You Use?
Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
My daughter, Amaris, will turn 1 year old in less than a month. What a bittersweet milestone! Though it may be trendy to celebrate a child’s birthday with an elaborate party that includes a bounce house, mobile petting zoo, food trucks, and party favors, we’re choosing a much simpler approach. We’ll go on an outing as a family and enjoy … [Read more...] about Choosing to Have Simple Kids’ Birthday Celebrations
Finding Peace with the Reality That You Can’t Do It All
A couple of weeks ago my husband started a new job. Instead of seeing him off on his first day with a kiss and an encouraging word, I was asleep in bed. I felt awful when I woke up and realized I had slept through his departure! My 9-month-old daughter was going through a rough phase where she was waking about every two hours. Having … [Read more...] about Finding Peace with the Reality That You Can’t Do It All
Ways to Conserve Water Outside the Home
Last week we looked at dozens of ways we can conserve water in the home. Water conservation outside the home is just as important. In fact, given how much water is used in yards, it may be even more important! Water use outside the home is so critical because urban lawn watering is the single largest demand on the majority of municipal … [Read more...] about Ways to Conserve Water Outside the Home
