We have a bottom-freezer fridge in our kitchen. At the top of the freezer there is a shallow drawer, and at the bottom is a large bin. The space between the two is minimal. Because the freezer was a bit full (or pretty disorganized so it seemed full), I managed to accidentally push an ice pack over the back edge of the bin, leaving it stuck at … [Read more...] about Step Back and Look from Another Angle
handling differences
A Gentle Response
Have you ever noticed how kids often mirror their parents? In addition to sharing genetic similarities to their biological parents, kids reflect the behaviors, language, gestures, and interests of their parents. I see this all the time with my kids! A recent example is the way in which my oldest child addressed my middle child when they … [Read more...] about A Gentle Response
Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
When I clean our bathrooms, I clean the fixtures in particular ways. When I fold laundry, I fold the clothes in particular ways. When I get my kids ready for bed, we complete the bedtime tasks in a particular order. It will likely come as no surprise that, when he helps around the house, my husband doesn’t use the same approaches that I … [Read more...] about Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
Getting Along When You and Your Spouse Have Different Political Views
I don’t recall having a lot of conversations about politics back when my husband and I were dating. I’m sure we had some, but we definitely discussed things like faith, family, and our hopes for the future more frequently and in greater depth. We’ve certainly had conversations about political issues from time to time since we got … [Read more...] about Getting Along When You and Your Spouse Have Different Political Views
Getting Along with Your Spouse When You’re Together 24/7
Most of us aren’t with our spouses all of the time. Usually one or both spouses are at work and participating in activities outside of the home for a portion of each day. However, there are times, such as during vacations, during retirement, or during lockdowns for a pandemic, when spouses end up spending all of their time … [Read more...] about Getting Along with Your Spouse When You’re Together 24/7
7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
In Ecclesiastes, a short book in the Old Testament, a wise teacher states that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The longer I live, the more I see this statement validated. For example, four years ago I shared tips for having respectful conversations about politics because the political scene was volatile, with candidates … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
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
How to Have Respectful Discussions About Differences
When someone shares an opinion, it’s not uncommon for individuals who hold differing opinions to view the sharing as a personal attack. I think sometimes this is because people are too sensitive; they need to realize that not everything is personal. However, many individuals may assume it’s a personal attack because they’ve experienced attacks … [Read more...] about How to Have Respectful Discussions About Differences
