My husband and I are incredibly blessed to be expecting the little girl who currently resides in my womb, but will emerge any day now. I never want to lose sight of how grateful we are for her. To be honest, though, I’m pretty uncomfortable right now. My feet and ankles are swollen. My back and hips ache. I’m not sleeping well at night. … [Read more...] about Encouraging Scriptures for Pregnancy
spiritual growth
Getting Rest
This last Saturday my husband and I helped friends move into a new apartment. My husband did a lot of heavy lifting in warm temperatures and I did what I could given I’m in the third trimester of pregnancy. By the time we headed home, we were beat. Fatigue like this is normal. It’s part of our human nature to be tired after we’ve … [Read more...] about Getting Rest
Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Mothers have long tried to motivate their children to pick up their toys and make their beds by telling them that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” We know that this adage isn’t found in the Bible, so it’s not true…or is it? Can outward displays, including the cleanliness of our homes, tell us something about the Godliness of our … [Read more...] about Is Cleanliness Next to Godliness?
Book Review: Freedom of Simplicity
In Freedom of Simplicity, Richard J. Foster explores the surprisingly complex topic of simplicity. I’m excited to share about this book because it has had a significant impact on my life. I read it for the first time when I was in college and I’ve read through it at least a couple of times since then. Though many books have helped shape my … [Read more...] about Book Review: Freedom of Simplicity
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
Resisting Materialism
Having a baby is one experience that will open your eyes to how pervasive materialism is in our culture. My husband and I need things for the baby and I need new clothes to accommodate my growing belly. However, as we shop, I sometimes begin confusing my genuine needs with wants. Materialism is a way of thinking that emphasizes material … [Read more...] about Resisting Materialism
Why Proverbs 31 is Insufficient for Christian Women
I felt some frustration when I first studied the verses in Proverbs 31. Of course, I was a college student at the time. I wasn’t married and the idea of selecting wool and flax (verse 13) or making linen garments (verse 24) seemed completely irrelevant to me. As I’ve studied and matured over the years, I’ve developed a greater … [Read more...] about Why Proverbs 31 is Insufficient for Christian Women
The Line Between Restfulness and Laziness
The one symptom of pregnancy that has been most surprising to me is fatigue. Some afternoons I can barely function unless I first take a nap. Because of my fatigue, I’ve been accomplishing less around the house. Laundry has piled up, I’m preparing easy meals instead of those I planned on our menu, and I’ve been cutting my workouts … [Read more...] about The Line Between Restfulness and Laziness
