Grandparents play an invaluable role in the lives of their grandkids. However, parents and grandchildren rarely take the time to honor and encourage the grandparents in their lives. Though we should do this throughout the year, we have a specific reminder to do so every September on Grandparents Day (this holiday is held annually on the first … [Read more...] about 12 Bible Verses to Encourage Grandparents
serving others
15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
I know so many individuals who are hurting right now. The reasons vary (miscarriage of a baby, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.), but all of these folks are feeling pain and need both comfort and hope. Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words when I interact with someone who is hurting. I don’t know what I could possibly say that would … [Read more...] about 15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
A number of celebrities have committed suicide in the last several months. This has turned the spotlight to the topic of mental illness. While I wish the suicides hadn’t happened, it is a good thing that people are thinking about and talking about mental illness. Why is this? Mental illnesses carry a stigma that most physical conditions … [Read more...] about How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
There’s something about seeing a pregnant woman that seems to loosen tongues. I’m not sure why it is, but people seem to throw off all restraint and say whatever is on their minds. This obviously isn’t beneficial to expectant mothers. Thankfully, each of us can exercise restraint and choose to say uplifting things instead of things like … [Read more...] about 10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
Seeing People, Not Problems
My church had a speaker in a few weeks ago who addressed the topic of diversity. When my husband and I heard that this was going to be the topic of discussion, we began trying to guess what he would say. To be honest, we weren’t all that excited to hear him speak. Because we are a mixed-race family, candid discussions on race and … [Read more...] about Seeing People, Not Problems
7 Resources to Help You Get to Know Your Neighbors
Since moving into our current house, my husband and I have been intentional about getting to know our neighbors. We feel that our efforts have plateaued recently. We’ve learned the names of all of the folks who live in the houses around us and we know a little about them, but where do we go from here? One of my goals for this year is to … [Read more...] about 7 Resources to Help You Get to Know Your Neighbors
How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
Many of us use a variety of terms and phrases each day without giving thought to their origins. It can come as quite a shock to learn that some of these are rooted in racism! Consider the term “gyp” or “gypped,” for instance. I heard this term on occasion when I was growing up. It is widely used as a way to say “cheated.” I used it … [Read more...] about How We Should Respond to Phrases with Racist Connotations
25 Ways to Make Your Husband Smile Today
We all know how good it feels to smile and how having something about which to smile can brighten our days. Unfortunately, my family has had a lot weighing on our hearts and minds lately, so we haven’t been smiling as much as we usually do. I want to bring cheer to my husband, so I’ve come up with some ideas for bringing a smile to his … [Read more...] about 25 Ways to Make Your Husband Smile Today
