It often seems that two unproductive days follow every productive day I have. This is partially due to having an infant (interruptions are sometimes the only thing that happens consistently). However, I’ve noticed that there are also some other factors that regularly impact my productivity. These factors may seem innocuous, but they … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons You’re Struggling to Get Things Done Around the House
organized living
Choosing What is Better: Finding Time to Spend With the Lord as a Busy Mom
Jesus, while in the home of Mary and Martha, commended Mary for listening at His feet and gently chided Martha for being distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:38-42). In years past it was easy for me to set aside time to read my Bible and pray each day, but now that I face the demands of marriage and motherhood … [Read more...] about Choosing What is Better: Finding Time to Spend With the Lord as a Busy Mom
Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Not long after I got married I realized that the work of a homemaker is never complete. There is no 9-to-5 work schedule. There are no days off for the weekends or holidays. There aren’t even meal breaks. Instead, the sink fills with dishes every day—especially on weekends and holidays. The clothes hamper refills with dirty clothes as … [Read more...] about Handling the Endless Work of Homemaking
Marriage Check-In Questions
As changes occur in your life, there is often a decrease in the amount of time and energy you have to invest in your marriage. My husband and I are seeing this firsthand as we adjust to parenthood. We’ve decided to be intentional about remaining connected during this busy season of our life. While on our annual goal planning retreat, we … [Read more...] about Marriage Check-In Questions
Making Lessons Stick
The last two years I've written year-end posts about the lessons I’ve learned in the preceding 12 months. I could do this again because I’ve learned a number of lessons this past year, but I’m suffering from recency effect—I’m having trouble remembering all but the most recent lessons (this is no doubt due to the demands of caring for my … [Read more...] about Making Lessons Stick
Gift Ideas for Teens
My husband and I have a couple of teenagers on our Christmas gift list. The more I try to brainstorm gifts for them, the more I realize how little I remember about being a teenager! After thinking on it for some time, I’ve come up with a number of fun and/or beneficial gifts for the teens in our lives. Perhaps they’ll be useful for … [Read more...] about Gift Ideas for Teens
Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
With Thanksgiving over, many of us are searching for the perfect gifts to exchange with loved ones. If the increase in views of my Christmas in July: Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas post is any indication, then many of you are also looking for gift exchange ideas. That post is pretty brief, but I’ve identified several additional ideas … [Read more...] about Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Dare to Prepare: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
As we’ve discussed in previous installments of Dare to Prepare, every family needs to assemble a basic disaster preparedness kit and create a family emergency plan. If your family is like mine and has a member with special needs, then it is important that you consider some additional topics. “Special needs” is an umbrella term that … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs













