A few weeks ago my husband and I had access to cable television because we were staying in a hotel for a couple of days. Though we have a TV in our living room, we don’t have cable or satellite for it. We typically enjoy having temporary access to cable. My husband will watch a couple games and other sports-related shows. Together we’ll … [Read more...] about Why I’m Glad We Don’t Have Cable or Satellite TV
current events
Dare to Prepare: Remaining Vigilant
September is National Preparedness Month. As we did last year, we’re going to take advantage of the national emphasis on disaster preparedness to look at a couple of important topics. Public health experts recommend that all households create an emergency plan and assemble a basic disaster supply kit. Though these sound like good ideas … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Remaining Vigilant
Going Without Makeup: Normal or Newsworthy?
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were somewhat speechless at an article we read on the news: Would You Go One Year Without Makeup? In short, the article is an account of a 20-year-old university student who is going a year without wearing makeup. She has undertaken this “experiment” to help women become more confident and feel … [Read more...] about Going Without Makeup: Normal or Newsworthy?
Praying for Our Government Leaders
When we look beyond the picnics, parades, and fireworks that characterize our Independence Day celebrations, we remember that the holiday commemorates our nation’s birth. This commemoration serves as a reminder to me to pray for our government leaders. This is a wise thing to do because the God we serve is all-powerful and nothing … [Read more...] about Praying for Our Government Leaders
Defining Simplicity
After writing about materialism earlier this week, I’ve been thinking about money and possessions. I’ve also been considering these things because my husband and I are reworking our budget in preparation for our baby that is due in October. When I consider money and possessions, my thoughts often turn to simplicity. Simple living has … [Read more...] about Defining Simplicity
Tips on Tipping
While I was traveling recently I realized that I’m confused about the finer aspects of tipping. In the U.S., it’s considered proper etiquette to tip a number of individuals, including wait staff, bellhops, and taxi drivers. Why do we tip these individuals and not others? We tip pizza delivery drivers, but not the guy who comes to install … [Read more...] about Tips on Tipping
Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
Like many of you, I have a hodgepodge of reusable grocery sacks that I keep on hand to carry my groceries. Though eco-minded shoppers rave about the benefits of these bags, some recent reports have indicated that they may not be as “green” as they appear. The not-so-green side of reusable grocery bags The resources required to … [Read more...] about Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
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)