I’m the sort of person who really likes predictability and routine. Subsequently, I’m often not a fan of new things. When I have a daily routine that works, I don’t like for it to be interrupted. When I have a pair of walking shoes that I really like, I loathe when they get so worn out that I have to replace them. Sometimes I really … [Read more...] about He Makes All Things New
spiritual growth
God is With You
I’ve been meditating recently on God’s omnipresence—that He is present in all places at all times. I take great comfort in this because sometimes I feel overwhelmed and underappreciated in my role as a stay-at-home mom. It feels good to know that God sees the hard work I do. God sees when I’m changing the third poopy diaper of the day. … [Read more...] about God is With You
Tired Soles and a Peace-Filled Soul
Have you ever read any pieces by Martin Luther King, Jr.? If not, then I encourage you to find time to do so. Though he is famous for his public speaking, he was also a fantastic writer. I was a freshman in college when I read his Letter from Birmingham Jail. There is a particular quote from that piece that has stuck with me all these … [Read more...] about Tired Soles and a Peace-Filled Soul
Learning to Sip My Coffee More Slowly
Since my daughter was born a little over a year ago, I’ve been gulping down my morning coffee instead of enjoying it a sip at a time. I fell into this habit because I wanted to drink a cup of coffee but had little time to do so because I needed my hands free to care for my baby. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that I haven’t slowed down … [Read more...] about Learning to Sip My Coffee More Slowly
The True Light
It is still dark outside when I get up in the morning. In the weeks preceding Christmas, I like to turn on our Christmas tree lights when I rise so I can watch their bright, colorful glow dispel the darkness. These beautiful lights remind me of the incomparable brightness of our True Light. Without physical light, we’d stumble around … [Read more...] about The True Light
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
14 Gratitude Activities for the Whole Family
Though I do try to be grateful throughout the year, I really appreciate the general air of gratitude that pervades the month of November. I want to take advantage of this to boost my family’s focus on thankfulness. One easy way to do this is to engage in gratitude activities. These take many forms, so there’s bound to be one or more … [Read more...] about 14 Gratitude Activities for the Whole Family
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?